Express & Star

Final whistle for old club?

The future of one of the Black Country's oldest football clubs was in doubt today following an apparent player walk-out. The future of one of the Black Country's oldest football clubs was in doubt today following an apparent player walk-out. Bilston Town failed to play the last two games of the season because of a lack of players. Fans of the club, which was formed in 1894, now fear for its future. The club, in Queen Street, has suffered a season of turmoil and it is believed that most of the first team squad quit with two games to go after chairman Roger Williams stopped attending matches. West Midlands Regional League secretary Neil Juggins said: "I had an email containing just two lines saying that due to insufficient players Bilston Town were not going to fulfil their last two fixtures." Read the full story in the Express & Star.

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Bilston Town failed to play the last two games of the season because of a lack of players. Fans of the club, which was formed in 1894, now fear for its future.

The club, in Queen Street, has suffered a season of turmoil and it is believed that most of the first team squad quit with two games to go after chairman Roger Williams stopped attending matches.

West Midlands Regional League secretary Neil Juggins said: "I had an email containing just two lines saying that due to insufficient players Bilston Town were not going to fulfil their last two fixtures.

"We have been unable to get in contact with anyone at Bilston Town .

"We will wait until a league management committee meeting next week when we will consider financial penalties."

Chairman Mr Williams took over as joint caretaker manager in December along with captain Mark Williams following the resignations of management duo Darryl Smith and Ray Dudley.

It is believed Mr Williams, who was unavailable for comment, stopped attending matches and the players eventually lost patience.

The club continued playing without him for six matches, but with two games to go the players held a meeting at which many decided to leave the club.

Lord Bilston said the club had a vital role in the town and it would be a sad loss if it were to disappear.

He said: "In recent years the club has fallen into decline. It's been difficult to get the number of supporters through the turnstiles to make it profitable."

Ward councillor Bert Turner said: "We don't want it to close and hopefully someone can take over."

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