Exploring the WMRL with Club Details and Useful information

BILSTON TOWN F.C. QUEEN STREET STADIUM , BILSTON

2nd XI - GREAT BARR CLUB, RAY HALL LANE, off NEWTON ROAD

Bustleholme were originally founded in 1975 by Dave Martin, Ray Coley and Richard Shiner to provide competitive football for their sons and friends in the local community. More than 28 years later, they are still heavily involved in the club which now has more than 25 teams ranging from under 8’s to open age plus four girls teams and a ladies team. A Mini Soccer Academy for boys and girls between ages of 5 and 12 years was introduced, five years ago.

The Senior team Bustleholme FC was set up in 1993, being the idea of Geoff Fellows ( Aston Villa and Shrewsbury Town). Geoff realised the potential of the club and applied for a place in the Staffs County League. Former player Steve Glover was appointed manager and in their first season they finished 5th and also collected the League and Charity Cup.

Their second season was more successful with the League Championship, League Cup, and also the Penkridge Charity Cup being won, as well as finishing runners - up in the League Shield, and the Cooper Shield.

In 1996/97 the club were elected to the First Division of the WMRL, and their first season, caught everyone by surprise, officials included, as their first attempt at this level resulted in the club finishing Runners-up in both the League and League cup. When offered promotion into the Premier Division they couldn’t refuse!

Since joining the top flight, Bustleholme have firmly established themselves as a Premier Division side. Their best season was back in 1998/99, when 10th position was achieved.

1999/2000 saw them develop their first Open - Age Ladies team. Compromising mainly of teenage girls and a couple of more” experienced” players, these Ladies more than just up held the Bustleholme honour. They finished 3rd in the West Midlands Womens League, and then travelled to Barcelona, where they took on the cream of European Ladies football - and won!

|  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this