Steve Bull leads the search for gems

Wolves legend Steve Bull has declared his aim to unearth the Midlands' hidden gems at the launch of the Total Football Show at Lilleshall.

The club-record goalscorer appeared alongside Birmingham striker Kevin Phillips and one-time Wolves hotshot Ade Akinbiyi as ambassadors for the three-day event, which runs from July 8 to July 10 at Lilleshall.

Bully, aged 46, will be on hand to pass on tips at the show, which aims to bring the football industry together from grass roots to the top through a range of initiatives including a tournament, coaching, seminars, a skills area and products demonstrations.

He said: "My role is to encourage kids and families to come here, because there could be some potential stars in the Midlands who aren't going to get a chance to play football through not being looked at.

"There will be scouts, managers and coaches coming here to have a look on July 8.

"We've got exhibitions, seminars, trials, drills and a tournament as well ranging from youngsters through to older players – you could be a girl, boy or adult, it's open to all ages for everyone."

Both Bull and Phillips, 37, started their careers in non-league football before eventually becoming England internationals.

Bull said: "I think it's brilliant because I never had this sort of opportunity.

"I can't believe nothing like this has happened sooner because someone like myself or Kevin Phillips, with us both coming from non-league, could have been spotted sooner if there was something like this when we were younger.

"I definitely think it's a worthwhile project, because there's a lot of homegrown talent out there which goes amiss and things like this can discover them.

"Players fall by the wayside, even in non-league, but this gives opportunity for people to have a look at them and maybe offer them a second chance.

"If this one is successful, this will be a massive event every year at different places."

Wales manager Gary Speed is the latest addition to the Total Football Show.

Tickets, priced £12 for adults, £6 for concessions and £32 for a family ticket, are available from www.totalfootballshow.com.