Youth deal secures Steelmen's future

Bilston Town FC's future is safe after it struck up a partnership with a youth league, the club announced today.

A new under-21s team has been formed, free passes will be given out for home games to all of Bilston Youth League's 2,000 under-eights to 14s players, and bosses are pledging to make the social club a hub for local people.

Graham Hodson, Bilston Youth League chairman, has been appointed chairman of the West Midlands League Division One club and league management committee members have joined the club's board.

Carl Simmons has been appointed manager of the first team and a new under-21s team. Club cashflow will be looked after by the board.

Spokesman Graham Pallot said today: "As a board, we're responsible for running the football club and raising the income and we've got a lot of ideas about how it's going to work.

"This is a massive opportunity for both the youth league and the club.

"As far as I'm aware this is a unique situation where a complete league and a club such as Bilston Town have combined their resources."

The club, nicknamed the Steelmen, dates back to 1894, but has been hit by financial problems. Its Queen Street stadium was hit by vandalism more than 120 times in five years.

Plans for a 70-bedroom £12 million hotel at the ground are due to be decided on by Wolverhampton City Council in coming months, with developers hoping to start work before Christmas for opening next year.

Mr Pallot said a fan had donated a bus for away games. The club will enter an under-21s team in the Bilston Youth League next season, with a long-term plan to create a Bilston Town Juniors club.

Local cup finals will also be held at the ground to help generate income, starting with an under-12s floodlit knockout cup starting in September. Application forms are available from secretary Jayne Haydon on 07957 268563, or by email at jayne@bilstontownfc.net

The club, which is launching a new website, is also looking for sponsors.