Chairman heralds start of a new era for the two-time CHAMPIONS
CHAIRMAN of Tamworth FC Bob Andrews has heralded the start of a “new era” for the club and its local community after promotion to the National League as champions - with the castle set to be lit red in honour of their achievements.
Speaking to us on Monday, less than 48 hours after winning the National League North and now being one step away from the Football League, Bob was still on cloud nine.
Forty years ago, Bob was part of a consortium of local businessmen who rescued the club and led them to where they are today.
He exclusively told us: “It feels fantastic. It has got to be right up there with nearly everything that we have done.
“Cup games are one offs and you can win some and do well but to be consistent for two years on the run in different leagues is up there. I don’t think we have done anywhere near two promotions in two years before. It has been hard enough to do one.
“It’s an experience I would never have believed would have happened after we only won the league below on goal difference the season before.
“We hit the season running playing a big team on the first game (Scunthorpe) and losing and then gathering everything together, sticking together and Andy Peaks has put a really good team together. It is still sinking in but it is a reality. We have done an unbelievable job.
“To get near enough 3,000 into the ground was fantastic. They have travelled with us as well and given good support. They have been very positive.
“It is hard to gauge what it means. Tamworth is a progressive town getting bigger and bigger and hopefully we can pick more support up from the new people that come into the town and that will help us stay at this level.
“The one thing good about Tamworth is it is expanding and we just want to try and pick up more fans and also there is a lot of industry around the town too. A little bit of help from here, there and everywhere and it will make a hell of a lot of difference. We need the sort of numbers that are coming now to stay where we are.
“Expectations at the start of the season were just to stabilise ourselves. If we could have finished 14th, 15th, 16th,
“I hope those looking for high-quality and good value football experience for the whole family will consider taking a trip to the Lamb.”
something like that, we would have been happy.
“At Christmas time you put results together, our defence was fantastic, absolutely unreal and think to yourself something could happen.
“The passion of the team, the manager, everybody around, the backroom lads, they really gelled together and wanted to do it for each other and to just keep going.”
As for what he expects in the summer and next season, he admitted: “Every close season is busy! It is busy throughout. You are just as busy until the league starts again. There is a lot to organise. It is not easy.
“We are all looking forward to next season, a new era for Tamworth Football Club. Of course survival is the main thing. For us it is nearly as good as winning. It is all about perspective.”
For Bob, it is not just success on the pitch which is indicating how well Tamworth are doing.
He explained: “It is an all round club, it is not just the first team. Before we had the 3G pitch it was only a one team club really. Now it is a lot of teams, something like 30 altogether.
“We have got a good academy set up with about 400 odd boys and girls up to the age of 16 that are working within the club and 72 full time students on a two year scholarship which all helps to put a basis to the club because all those people have got families which are hopefully supporting the club in some way or another.
“Scott Rickards has done a fantastic job and there’s a lot more people I could go through. Scott is the backbone.”
Tributes to the team’s efforts poured in this week.
Tamworth MP Sarah Edwards said: “I know the whole town will join me in congratulating the players, coaching team and staff for another wonderful season. We’re so proud of you and enjoy the much deserved celebrations!
“Every Member of Parliament likes to lay claim to having the greatest sporting teams within their constituency. However, I think we can confidently point to the extraordinary achievements of our town’s football team.
“This remarkable back to back promotion season for Andy Peaks’ team is even more incredible when you consider it comes straight after winning the Southern League Premier Division just a year ago.
“These are exciting times for ‘The Lambs’ and who are we to stop dreaming after back to back title glories? Moreover, I know the team’s success is inspiring boys and girls across Tamworth to play football and emulate their local heroes.
“Just a few weeks ago we celebrated non-league day, an opportunity during the international break for fans to enjoy the nonleague experience at affordable prices. At a time when some members of the Premier League appear steadfast in the obstruction for a farrier financial deal for the football pyramid, it’s never been more important for us to support our local sides.
“Depending on the final fixtures, Tamworth supporters could be set for some exciting away days. A trip to Boundary Park to visit former Premier League side Oldham Athletic and former Football League regulars Southend United and Hartlepool United. I hope those looking for high-quality and good value football experience for the whole family consider taking a trip to the Lamb.”
Council leader Thomas Jay said: “I wanted to congratulate our town’s football team for their fantastic achievement. We will be lighting the castle up red in honour of their fantastic achievement.”