REDDITCH Borough’s off-field operations received a triple boost this week after filling three senior positions within their growing structure.
Long-serving coach Lee Birch has been appointed development officer, Martyn Bassett is the new welfare officer and Donna Amphlett steps up to the role of commercial secretary.
The trio will work closely with the directors as Borough builds for their future at the Mettis Sports & Social Club (MSS) complex in Batchley.
“These appointments are quite easy to make when the club has such dedicated and willing volunteers,” said board member Julian Workman.
“Lee, Martyn and Donna seem to spend every spare hour at the club and are the type of people who always come forward with new ideas and ways to help push everything in the right direction.
“Lee assists me with the first team and Donna is always there along with her family supporting her brother Billy Garvey, so they have a connection to every aspect of the club from top to bottom with them being parents of some of our younger players too.
“When you have three people so immersed in what we’re doing, it is a blessing and we’re delighted to place them in positions their hard work warrants.”
The club also bagged a new main sponsor, joining up with Redditch’s largest employer Mettis Aerospace.
The company logo will be emblazoned across the first team kits and that of one of the U11s sides as part of Mettis’ commitment to the town.
“Mettis has been a talking point for many of us involved with the running of the club since we moved into the MSS,” Workman added.
“What really strikes us is how much importance they place on the community they work out of. Redditch and its people really matter and that was why they chose to get involved with us.”
On the pitch, it has been a week of mixed emotions for first team manager Workman. Mat Fearon has signed up for a fourth campaign but last season’s top scorer Liam Fullerton seems set to play for Studley.
“We’re delighted to have Mat back on board,” said Workman. “His progress has been pleasing to watch during his time with us, despite injuries playing their part last season.
“Losing Liam is a blow, of course, but again we see a player step up to another level. We wish him well while remaining determined to retain as many of our players as possible to continue our own journey.”
Fearon scored and Garvey bagged six as Borough kicked off their pre-season schedule with a 9-3 win at Cannock United on Saturday.
“After a bit of upheaval, a few people felt we might struggle, so to have such a good pattern about our play and carry a threat from minute one was great,” said Workman.
“There is plenty of work to do but Saturday was a very good base for us to build from.”
Borough were set to travel to Wednesbury Athletic last night (Thursday) before heading to Inkberrow on Saturday, August 5 and hosting Drakes Broughton on Wednesday, August 9.
The Midland Football League Division Two campaign kicks off with a home match against Pelsall Villa on Saturday, August 12. It was scheduled to be an away match but has been switched after a fire at Pelsall’s ground.
