WE HAVE MOVED!

Hednesford Town taken over by duo

Two business owners have taken over Southern League club Hednesford Town.

Residential & Commercial Engineering owner Graham Jones and owner of Lionheart Security Services Hayden Dando have teamed up to acquire the Staffordshire outfit.

Club Secretary Terry McMahon was also announced as the new Director of Football with a Commercial Director and two Events Managers, who will be announced at a future date, set to come in.

At a meeting on Saturday, the new owners announced proposals to “build a ‘mini Wembley'” as well as a scheme to “complement” the existing club.

In addition, approximately 70,000 square-feet of office space which would include a gym, a restaurant, a convenience store and TV gantries.

Hednesford Town Football Club could look very different in the future

The owners said this would “assist to enable a full sustainable future for Hednesford Town Football Club.”

In a joint statement, Mr Jones and Mr Dando said: “HTFC is a sleeping giant, and it’s time to wake it up.

“We wish to embrace the historic past of the club, whilst bringing a modern and sustainable future.”

A spokesperson for the club said: “It is proposed that a future meeting will be scheduled once the Coronavirus is settling down, with a open meeting for all fans to further discuss the future of the club.”

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Northern Premier League to suspend all games

The Northern Premier League says it is to “reluctantly” suspend all fixtures until further notice.

In a statement, the league said:

Yeah “The Northern Premier League has today decided, reluctantly, to suspend all fixtures until further notice in light of the escalating Covid-18 outbreak.

The League would like to congratulate the players, officials, volunteers and fans of clubs able to stage games at the weekend and notes the excellent attendances at those fixtures.

Whilst the primary responsibility of the League is to the financial sustainability of its member clubs, the number of clubs reporting players or officials in self-isolation has now reached a point at which continuing to play games would severely undermine the integrity of the competition.

In consultation with the partners Eliteform, all NPL Football Academy fixtures have also been suspended until further notice.

The NPL is well aware that clubs and fans need clarity around whether the 2019/20 season is to be suspended temporarily or permanently, and the full implications of either eventuality. The NPL will be working with the other Alliance Leagues and the Football Association, to assess the various options and to agree a way forward.

As soon as we are able to, we will share that information with member clubs and their supporters.”

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Hockey round-up – March 16

Staffordshire’s hockey clubs saw lots of exciting action as leagues race to finish the campaign prior to the lockdown on public events amid coronavirus on Monday.

MENS

In the Conference North, Lichfield slipped to 8th following a disappointing 3-2 home loss to Preston.

In the Midlands Hockey League Premier Division, Leek lost to Barton 2-1 with North Stafford falling to 9th after suffering a 4-7 defeat to Hampton-in-Arden in Division 1.

Division 2 saw Burton won 4-2 over Streetly as Stone triumphed 6-4 against Telford & Wrekin.

Cannock, despite going down 4-3 away at Basford Tigers seconds – only their second loss of the campaign, were crowned champions of the West Midlands Premier Division

Stafford beat Division 1 leaders Bromsgrove to go level on points with their opponents at the summit of the table with two games to go.

The leagues are in a race against time to finish the season before anticipated sporting event bans amid coronavirus

Meanwhile, Tamworth lost their 16th game of the season, losing 6-1 to Bourneville seconds.

WOMEN

In the Midlands Premier Division, Lichfield fell to a 4-0 defeat to Loughborough Students seconds.

Leek claimed the Division 1 title despite losing 3-2 to Leicester City seconds after second-placed Oulton and West Warwick drew their match.

Meanwhile, Burton beat telford & Wrekin 4-1 away from home.

Finally, Division 2 Tamworth defeated Cannock seconds 4-0 as Repton were too much for Stone to handle as they cruised to a 4-1 victory over the Staffordshire club.

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Rugby round-up – March 16

Amidst worries over public gatherings due to coronavirus fears, there were still some rugby matches involving Staffordshire sides that took place.

In Midlands West 1, Stoke narrowly fell to a 19-22 home defeat to Sutton Coldfield to remain 8th while in Linley were handed a home walk-over win in their scheduled tie against Cleobury Mortimer, meaning they within a point of their league rivals in Midlands West 3.

In Midlands West 4, Cannock remain bottom by ten points following a 27-10 away defeat to Barton-Under-Needwood.

In the same division, Rugeley won 12-10 against Yardley & District to move up to 5th, leapfrogging Trentham, who lost 18-14 away at Market Drayton.

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Change at the helm at Stapenhill

Midland Football League Division 1 outfit Stapenhill enter the new week with a new manager in the hot seat after their previous boss left for “personal reasons”.

Kieran Webster stepped down from his role on Sunday after 13 games in charge, winning three times and drawing five as The Swans sit 10th.

Managerial duo Mick Wood and Scott Taylor return to Edge Hill to take up the vacancy after helping Stapenhill survive the drop last campaign.

A spokesperson for Stapenhill FC said: “Kieran Webster has stepped down as Stapenhill manager for personal reasons.

Scott Taylor (pictured) and Mick Wood pick up the reigns at Stapenhill

“After 13 games in charge over a 4 month spell in what has been a difficult period, disrupted by the weather.

“We would like to thank Kieran for his efforts. And wish him all the best for the future.

“Mick Wood and Scott Taylor return to Stapenhill FC to fill the vacant management position.

“With 12 games of the season left (Covid-19 permitting), the managerial duo who did a fantastic job keeping us up last season have stepped in!”

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Non-league football round-up – March 14

Photo credit: David Birt

In one of the most oddest and complexing weekends of the football season in modern times, 11 Staffordshire clubs were in action on Saturday with many getting above-average attendances due to the postponements of professional fixtures due to coronavirus.

Chasetown lost their first game in five, falling to a 2-0 home defeat to Worksop Town in front of 348 spectators in the Northern Premier League South East Division.

Leek Town stay top of the pile following a competent 2-0 away victory at struggling Lincoln United, Rob Stevenson striking first blood after just three minutes before Time Grice’s effort on 38 minutes put the visitors in the driving seat for the rest of the clash.

Kidsgrove Athletic played out a goalless draw with Frickley Athletic while Newcastle Town were humbled 4-0 by promotion-chasing Belper Town.

Non-league clubs saw bumper attendances following coronavirus postponements

Brocton were defeated for the first time in five matches, going down 2-1 to Nuneaton Griff in Midlands Football League Division 1.

Meanwhile Stapenhill drew 1-1 on the road at Chelmsley Town with Uttoxeter Town increased their promotion hopes storming to a 4-0 away victory away at Paget Rangers.

Bolehall Swifts fell to a 3-0 defeat to Fairfield Villa in MFL Division 2.

In the North West Counties Football League, Hanley Town stay bottom of the Premier Division after succumbing to a 3-1 home defeat by Squires Gate while Abbey Hulton United shipped five goals, replying just once, in their game with Cheadle Heath Nomads in the South Division.

Finally, in the same league, Stone Old Alleynians stay in the promotion places following a 2-1 win at home to Wyethenshaw Amateurs.

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Port Vale captain signs one-year deal

Port Vale has announced that its first team skipper has signed a new one-year deal with the club.

Leon Legge, who has been at the club since 2018, will now stay at Vale Park until the summer of 2021.

The 34-year-old defender has played every minute of the 2019/20 campaign so far as the Valiants site 8th in League Two, just a point outside of the play-offs.

In a statement Port Vale said: “Not only has Legge been an inspirational voice amongst the squad, but his standout performances on the pitch this season have justified his managers’ faith in his ability.

The centre-half has not missed a single minute of the 2019/20 season for Port Vale

“Outside of football, the skipper has been very open about his struggles with epilepsy and has dedicated a blog called ‘Epilepsy Baller’ in which Leon recalls different stories and experiences, which could go a long way to helping a fellow epilepsy sufferer understand the condition better.

“The blog has shown that Legge is not only a leader on the pitch, but also an inspiration off the pitch, and his openness about his condition is something to be admired.

“Legge’s well-roundedness not only as a player but as a human being means that his one-year contract extension is met with delight around the club.”

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Midland Football League fixtures to go ahead this weekend

The Midland Football League says that all of its matches will go ahead this weekend.

In a statement the league said:

“Further to the communication of yesterday regarding the Coronavirus
crisis, and following the Premier League and EFL deciding to pause the
season until April 9th the MFL have taken advice from the FA who
informed us today that it is each League’s decision as to what
approach it wishes to take, so each league at Steps 5 & 6 will do what
it believes best for its member clubs.

“Accordingly, and in common with the National League and Northern
Premier League, the MFL’s board has decided that all matches will go
ahead this weekend, with future fixtures being reviewed on Monday 16th
March.

“Our primary concern, as always, is to protect the financial stability
of our clubs. This means playing as many games as we can, so long as
clubs wish to do so.“

Heath Hayes, Brocton, Stapenhill, Uttoxeter Town and Bolehall Swifts all have games scheduled for tomorrow.

The statement continues:

“This is not contrary to the League’s and clubs’
duty of care considerations to players, officials or supporters but,
in a season where clubs have been severely impacted by weather-related
postponements, the MFL board believes that pausing the season right
now would prove disastrous for many clubs.

“The situation is changing daily, so our approach to Covid-19 must be flexible, recognising the very genuine concerns around the health of players, officials and
supporters.

“The League has consistently urged clubs to follow government advice,
which is that football matches should go ahead as planned for now.
Having carefully weighed up all options, and mindful that we are
between a rock and a hard place on this issue, all MFL matches will
therefore go ahead as planned this weekend unless a club is directly
affected by players, referees or volunteers who are self-isolating or
have serious concerns.

“Please refer to the FA’s guidance notes, issued earlier this week. If
an infection occurs, or is suspected within a team group, government
advice should be followed and the individuals with whom the victim is
in direct contact should be advised to self-isolate.

In these cases, details should be provided to the League soonest and affected games
will be postponed. No club may simply call a game off; that is a
decision for the League alone, however all requests will be dealt with
sympathetically.

“We have requested urgent advice from the FA with regard to the impact
of any short or medium term implications for payments to any contract
players. As soon as we receive this guidance, it will be issued to all
clubs.

“In closing, the League acknowledges this is not a decision that will
meet with universal approval. Although our current stance may have to
be reviewed as events escalate, it will be business as usual for as
long as possible.“

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Midlands Grand National scheduled to go ahead

The biggest racing event in the Midlands racing calendar will go ahead despite coronavirus concerns.

The Midlands Grand National sees thousands of spectators flock to Uttoxeter Racecourse every year and is set to take place again tomorrow (March 14).

A number of sports have postponed their professional leagues, games and competitions temporarily amid the global coronavirus pandemic including rugby Six Nations and the Premier League.

However, tomorrow’s scheduled meeting is set to commence as usual, with extra cleanliness measures, with Uttoxeter Racecourse releasing the following statement:

“Uttoxeter Racecourse is closely monitoring the situation with regard Covid-19 (coronavirus), and the potential impact on any upcoming fixtures or events.

“The government do not advise us to cancel any events at this stage and therefore The Midlands Grand National will go ahead on 14th March as planned.

The Midlands Grand National attracts thousands of spectators each year

“We are taking a number of steps, including increasing the cleaning provisions on site and providing public information regarding the latest advice from health experts.

“Visitors to our site have plenty of opportunities to follow the official health guidance, which includes regularly washing their hands and maintaining high levels of personal hygiene.

“Extra banks of hand sanitisers will be available and we are stepping up the cleaning rotas across the site. We will also be prominently displaying the relevant advice from the Government and NHS.”

The Midlands Grand National first ran in 1969 and currently over a distance of four miles and two furlongs and 24 fences are jumped throughout. No horse has ever won the title twice.

Christmas in April in the favourite for the 2020 title at 9/2.

Gates open at 10.50am with the first race at 1.50pm and the Midlands Grand National race itself at 3.35pm.

A total pot of over £283,000 of prize money is on offer across the race card.

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The Northern Premier League fixtures WILL go ahead tomorrow

The Northern Premier League says its fixtures will go ahead this weekend despite fears over coronavirus.

The Premier League, the English Football League, the Isthmian League and the Southern League have all postponed their games for at least the next two weeks.

In a statement today, the Northern Premier League said:

“The NPL board has decided that all games will go ahead this weekend.

“Further to our communication of yesterday regarding the Coronavirus crisis, and following the Premier League and EFL deciding to pause the season until April 9th , the NPL has today been in discussion with the National, Southern and Isthmian Leagues to try and agree a common approach, but this did not prove possible.

“The FA has today stated that it is each League’s decision as to what approach it wishes to take, so each league at Steps 3 & 4 will do what it believes best for its member clubs.

“Accordingly, and in common with the National League, the NPL’s board has decided that all matches will go ahead this weekend, with future fixtures being reviewed on Monday 16th March.

“Our primary concern, as always, is to protect the financial stability of our 62 clubs. This means playing as many games as we can, so long as clubs wish to do so. This is not contrary to the League’s and clubs’ duty of care considerations to players, officials or supporters but, in a season where clubs have been severely impacted by weather-related postponements, the NPL board believes that pausing the season right now would prove disastrous for many clubs.

The situation is changing daily, so our approach to Covid-19 must be flexible, recognising the very genuine concerns around the health of players, officials and supporters.

The NPL has consistently urged clubs to follow government advice, which is that football matches should go ahead as planned for now. Having carefully weighed up all options, and mindful that we are between a rock and a hard place on this issue, all NPL matches will therefore go ahead as planned this weekend unless a club is directly affected by players, referees or volunteers who are self-isolating or have serious concerns.

Clubs have been issued with further guidance and instruction.

“The NPL acknowledges this is not a decision that will meet with universal approval. Although our current stance may have to be reviewed as events escalate, it will be business as usual for as long as possible.”

Staffordshire clubs Stafford Rangers (Premier Division), Leek Town, Chasetown, Kidsgrove Athletic and Newcastle Town (South East Division) are all set to play tomorrow.

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