Latest news with #AFCWimbledon
BBC News
a day ago
- Sport
- BBC News
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 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." Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Newport agree terms with New Zealand keeper Tzanev
Nik Tzanev moved from his native New Zealand to England at the age of nine and came through the academy ranks at Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Brentford. [Getty Images] Newport County have agreed a deal to sign New Zealand goalkeeper Nik Tzanev. The 28-year-old will join the League Two club following his release from League One Northampton Town. The Exiles were on the hunt for a new keeper following Antigua and Barbuda international Nick Townsend's decision to snub a new contract at Rodney Parade to join non-league Eastleigh. Advertisement Tzanev, who has two caps for the All Whites, will link up with David Hughes' team at the end of the month having been part of the New Zealand squad for recent games against Ukraine and Ivory Coast in Canada. Newport have also confirmed that defender James Clarke has signed a new one-year contract with the club. The 35-year-old joined the Exiles in 2021 from Walsall and extends his stay at Rodney Parade into a fifth season. A graduate of Brentford's youth system, Tzanev made his breakthrough with AFC Wimbledon, playing 126 times before signing a one-year deal with League One Northampton last summer. Advertisement He featured 23 times before the end of his contract at Sixfields and will now head to south Wales, although the length of his agreement has not yet been disclosed. At 6ft 5in, Newport will hope the experienced stopper will solve issues at set-pieces with the side having been targeted at corners last season. County finished 22nd under previous head coach Nelson Jardim, with former Manchester United academy coach Hughes named as new boss last month. Townsend had been offered new terms to extend his seven-year stay at the club, but his move to Eastleigh was confirmed last week. As well as Townsend, Newport have also lost experienced midfielder Aaron Wildig who opted to end his professional playing career. Advertisement A new deal has been offered to utility man Shane McLoughlin while County have also announced the signing of Wales midfielder Matt Smith.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Newport agree terms with New Zealand keeper Tzanev
Newport County have agreed a deal to sign New Zealand goalkeeper Nik 28-year-old will join the League Two club following his release from League One Northampton Exiles were on the hunt for a new keeper following Antigua and Barbuda international Nick Townsend's decision to snub a new contract, external at Rodney Parade to join non-league who has two caps for the All Whites, will link up with David Hughes' team at the end of the month having been part of the New Zealand squad for recent games against Ukraine and Ivory Coast in Canada. A graduate of Brentford's youth system, Tzanev made his breakthrough with AFC Wimbledon, playing 126 times before signing a one-year deal with League One Northampton last featured 23 times before the end of his contract at Sixfields and will now head to south Wales, although the length of his agreement has not yet been 6ft 5in, Newport will hope the experienced stopper will solve issues at set-pieces with the side having been targeted at corners last finished 22nd under previous head coach Nelson Jardim, with former Manchester United academy coach Hughes named as new boss last had been offered new terms to extend his seven-year stay at the club, but his move to Eastleigh was confirmed last well as Townsend, Newport have also lost experienced midfielder Aaron Wildig who opted to end his professional playing deals were offered to centre-back James Clarke and utility man Shane McLoughlin while County have also announced the signing of Wales midfielder Matt Smith.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tickets to go on sale for two Watford pre-season friendlies
Watford fans can buy tickets for the two friendlies from tomorrow (Image: PA) Tickets for two of Watford's pre-season friendlies will go on sale at noon tomorrow (Wednesday). The Hornets will face AFC Wimbledon at Wealdstone's Grosvenor Vale on Saturday, July 12, before heading Brisbane Road on Saturday, July 26 to take on Leyton Orient. Both games will kick off at 3pm. Advertisement Watford fans can buy tickets for the two friendlies from tomorrow (Image: PA) Tickets for the fixture against the Dons will cost £10 for adults in advance (£15 matchday); £5 for adults in advance (£10 matchday); £5 for 19-21-year-olds in advance (£10 matchday); £5 for 18 and under in advance (£10 matchday). Online sales will end at 11.59pm on Friday, July 11, with matchday tickets only available in person at Grosvenor Vale. Tickets for the Leyton Orient friendly will cost £10 for adults; £5 for 65 and over; £5 for Under-18s. Subject to availability, ticket sales will end at 4pm on Friday, July 24. Advertisement Fans can get their tickets from over the phone on 01923 223023 and in-person at the Supporter Services & Ticketing Office at Vicarage Road. Summertime hours are currently in operation at the ticketing office, which is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only from 10am until 4pm. Regular opening hours will restart from Monday, July 21. Visit the club website for full ticket information for the two friendlies.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Wycombe sign Northern Ireland's Boyd-Munce
Wycombe Wanderers have signed midfielder Caolan Boyd-Munce following his departure from Scottish Premiership side St 25-year-old Northern Ireland international made 35 appearances for the Buddies last season, including three Europa Conference League games, and scored six becomes League One side Wycombe's third signing in four days after AFC Wimbledon forward James Tilley and Motherwell defender Dan previously played under Chairboys head coach Michael Dodds at Birmingham City, where Boyd-Munce began his career before moving on to Middlesbrough."Caolan was a fantastic young talent at Birmingham and I'm really excited to work with him again and develop his game further now that he's picked up great experience in senior football in the last few years," said Dodds."He's a really energetic player and suits the way we want to play."No details of Boyd-Munce's contract at Adams Park have been disclosed by the finished fifth in League One last term after contesting the automatic promotion places with Birmingham City and Wrexham for much of the season, but were beaten 1-0 on aggregate by Charlton Athletic in the play-off semi-finals.
