Meeting called over troubled club

A public meeting is set to be called to recruit a new chairman and form a committee to help turn around the fortunes of Willenhall Town Football Club.

The last chairman, Les Burrowes, quit earlier this month and remaining committee members say it is important to get someone to lead the club into the future.

A preliminary meeting was due to take place tonight between existing committee members before a date is set for a public meeting.

Committee member Willenhall South councillor Sean Coughlan said: "We do need to elect a new chairman and form a committee so we can begin to build the club up again. I have offered my support to the club for whatever they want me to do."

It was revealed yesterday how sponsor Aspray 24 haulage firm has committed to supporting the team next season and will pay new pitch hire charges to allow the team to remain at its Noose Lane ground where it has been based since 1975.

It was feared the charges could force the club out of its home of 35 years.

The Lockmen went into administration last summer as they owed landowners Marston's Brewery around £60,000.

Its Noose Lane ground was put up for sale and a consortium linked to another team, Sporting Khalsa, has bought it.

Willenhall Town FC officials had been told they need to find at least £5,500 a year in pitch rent to stay which Aspray 24, also based in Noose Lane, has now said it will pay for.

The news of the support from Aspray 24 came as a welcome relief to the club, which went into administration last year and is facing relegation from the Unibond League, to the West Midlands Alliance.

Councillor Coughlan said: "The pitch hire will cost around £5,500 a year which is an extra cost to us and something we have to find ourselves.

"Aspray has said this will be covered within its sponsorship deal which means we will be playing football at Noose Lane again next season.

"Everyone wants Willenhall FC to remain where it is."

It was announced last month the new owners were to introduce the new charges for Willenhall to stay at the ground.

Aspray managing director Stuart Laight said: "We have agreed to continue supporting the team to hopefully keep them going at Noose Lane."