Rallying cry to help save Pelsall Villa Football Club

Officials have launched a rallying cry for people to come forward and help save a historic football club which faces closure within a few weeks.

Pelsall Villa is on the brink of closure after the day-to-day running and costs was left to just a handful of dedicated volunteers.

However former player Mark Bentley who is currently taking on the role of chairman says he cannot continue in the post because of other commitments.

And now he is urging anyone interested in taking over the club to come forward.

His son and first team manager Andrew Bentley said: "We can carry on and put the teams in the league again but if no-one comes forward in the next few weeks then we haven't got a football club." Mark Bentley said he would continue act as chairman for the time being but wanted a successor to be found for the club meeting in a month's time.

The club currently play in the Midland Football Combination league but records show that football was played in Pelsall as long ago as 1898. The two world wars meant football took a back seat for a few years, but the club reformed in 1961, which heralded the start of Pelsall Villa as it is known today. The club attracted one of its biggest attendances in 1991 when Aston Villa stars turned out for a match celebrating floodlights being installed at the ground.

The club also needs volunteers to gather at its Bush Ground in Walsall Road at 9.30am on Saturday to help carry out basic maintenance to get the ground ready for the new season.Tasks such as cutting the grass and cleaning the stands need to be done so teams can start pre-season training.

David Pittaway, who is involved in running nearby Norton Albion, vowed to get friends and teammates involved in the campaign and said he could help manage some of the teams.

Walsall FC's all-time record appearance holder Jimmy Walker has agreed to appear as a guest speaker at a fundraising event, expected to take place at the end of July.

And while Mr Mason said that would bring in much-needed cash, he said it was crucial that new person comes in to organise the club and 'shake things up'.

He added: "I'm not willing to run the club any more. It's been 10 years and I've had some fantastic times but I can't do it any more. There are too many jobs and not enough people.I believe there could be a big future for this club but if no-one comes forward then that could be it."

The stand was recently revamped using grants but the club has fallen into disarray as former players Mr Bentley and Mr Mason struggle to take on all the roles themselves.There has also been a dispute over use of the dressing rooms, which are leased from Pelsall Cricket Club. To get involved call Mark Bentley on 07595457353.