What a difference 12 months makes for Stourbridge.
This time last year, issues with their home ground put the very existence of the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central in jeopardy.
It’s been a hard slog since then, but thanks to the hard work and determination of a committed group of people behind-the-scenes, things are now looking much brighter off the pitch with funding and planning granted on the necessary ground works and terms on a new lease on the verge of being finalised with the local council.
Meanwhile, bringing the sunshine on the pitch, Scott Adey-Linforth has worked wonders since being appointed into the hot-seat in December.
Already this month he has overseen three successive local derby away wins as they followed up their 2-1 triumph at Alvechurch with a commanding 3-0 victory at bitter rivals, Halesowen Town, before a dramatic late winner gave them a 2-1 success at Adey-Linforth’s former club, Bromsgrove Sporting, at the weekend.
The results have finally dragged them out of the bottom four.
“We’ve faced three local derbies, all away from home and all tricky in their own right, presenting different challenges to us,” Adey-Linforth told us. “So, to come away with maximum points from them, whilst also being able to use our full squad, shows not only the strength in depth we now have here, but also how far we have come in such a short space of time.
“Whilst we know that there is still plenty of football to be played, and there are likely to be many twists and turns along the way, we’re in a good place right now with plenty of belief and confidence.
“The positive off the pitch news has only added to the buzz that there is around the place now. I know that there have been some tough times, but we can look towards a much brighter future for this fantastic football club.”
This Saturday sees them return to home action with the visit of Stratford Town.
IMAGE: Anthony Dunn
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