116-year-old Pelsall football club at risk of closure

The 116-year-old club could be forced to shut down unless volunteers come forward to help run it and funding is found.

The club used to pull in hundreds of supporters for home games at their Bush ground in Walsall Road.

But attendances have fallen to less than 10 for some matches this season- as bosses said they cannot continue unless they get help.

Former player Mark Bentley, aged 47, who now runs the club with chairman Shaun Mason, said: "We are at our wits' end and without help from local people we are struggling to carry on.

"Everyone always asks how the club is going and what's happening - it means a lot to people and is part of the area's history.

"But we need people to get behind us now if we are going to keep going."

He said help was needed with maintaining the ground and pitch, along with the administration of the club and funding for running costs.

Mr Bentley, who is a self-employed roofer, says he has struggled to balance his day job and running the club - and has not even had time to complete an application for an FA grant.

He added: "It has really taken its toll recently and it's getting worse. It's just too much for the two of us. Shaun has been secretary, treasurer and chairman which is too much."

Chairman Mr Mason added: "We are in dire straits at the moment.

"We are going to see if we can get a plan together which will help us."

Records show that football was played in Pelsall as long ago as 1898.

The two World Wars meant football took a backseat for a few years, but the club reformed in 1961, which heralded the start of Pelsall Villa as it is known today.

Today's news comes after a disastrous campaign both on and off the pitch.

Villa finished rock bottom of the Midland Combination Premier last season, conceding 93 goals in the process.

In October they were rocked by scandal and slapped with a fine when it emerged they had fielded suspended skipper Ashley Bellingham under a false name.

Their Bush Ground is named after the nearby Old Bush pub, which players would use as a changing room before matches.

The ground has a stand behind the goal which was previously used at Molineux. The club had the stand from Telford-based club GKN Sankey, who had in turn had it from Wolves.

In 1991, the ground was fitted with floodlights and the team played a friendly against Aston Villa to launch the new facility.

Ward councillor Marco Longhi today said he would 'try to find a way' to keep the club in business.

He added: "The club has been there for a long time and is very important for Pelsall. It is a real asset for the area and we need to do what we can to help."