Bilston Town FC: 'Fan ownership puts a ring of steel around us'
Behind an orange fence off the Black Country route sits one of Wolverhampton's oldest football clubs. Non-league Bilston Town may have been formed in 1894, but vice chairman Jay Morgan wants it fit for the future. He hopes a move to a fan-owned model will help it thrive, putting a "ring of steel" around the club to secure its future. "We've shareholders across the UK but from all over the world who have chipped in a tenner or various amounts," he explained. "It means we are offering the club back to the community."
When the news was first reported in December, bosses said it would become the first club in the West Midlands with such an ownership model.
Connect clubs to communities
In practice, it means a democratic board with fans given voting rights over how things are run. AFC Wimbledon and FC United of Manchester are among those who have adopted similar structures. Proponents believe it can help connect clubs to the wider community and make them more sustainable.
Like many in the lower tiers, Bilston Town has a history of ups and downs with financial struggles along the way. The one constant though, according to Mr Morgan, is the "tremendous support" of fans. Bilston have recently expanded their women and youth sides and hope more followers of top-flight Wolverhampton Wanderers will adopt them as their second team. "We want the community to come down to Bilston knowing it is value for money and they are watching a good game of football in a safe and secure environment," the 49-year-old added. "There's nothing better than coming down and supporting your local football team."
Mr Morgan also hopes the club will benefit from increased investment in the town of Bilston, including £20m for improvement works to its market.He said visitors could always enjoy a "very warm welcome" and he would be delighted if 10% of those who went to the market also came down to a match. "We are a traditional Black Country town," he added. "I don't think you will ever change it, but why would you want to change it?"
Kim Griffiths recently became a fan of Bilston Town and has since followed the club home and away with trips to Leicester and Coventry. The 63-year-old has lived in the area all her life and is also a passionate supporter of the Wolves women's team. But she said it was difficult to beat the value and family atmosphere of the non-league club. "You might not get the result you want every week, but you have a good time," she said. "Bilston is a good place to be. There's lots of things to be proud of about Bilston."
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