Sutton Coldfield Town Football Club

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Sutton Coldfield Town Football Club - A Brief History

In the summer of 1964 Mr. A. Myers, a former treasurer with the club, became chairman and so started the remarkable transformation which led to Sutton leaving the West Midlands League and joining the Worcestershire Combination (now Midland Combination).
Bill Bowen said at the time "We now have a full committee and they have plenty of fresh ideas. I think they can make a success of the job".
Although Fred Haycock again departed as manager there was a new enthusiasm for the club's policy, which included, "Concrete plans for a strong members and social club, a highly organised coaching scheme for players and a genuine desire for players officials and supporters to be proud of Sutton Coldfield Town Football Club".
And so for the start of the 1965-66 season Sutton was geared to a truly amateur policy with teams in the first and second divisions of the Worcs. Combination and a third team in the Birmingham A.F.A.
Maurice Flint became chairman and Stan Sims was elected joint secretary with Bill Bowen, while Reg Broadfield, a former goalkeeper with Paget Rangers and successful manager of Erdington team Fort Rangers, was appointed manager.
Prior to the opening campaign the club had wiped off a heavy financial debt, the dressing rooms and club room had been decorated and the ground was in tip-top condition. It was a dream start, too, for the Town when they won their first match in the Combination league, beating Wolves "A" 3-2 and the team include skipper David Gadd and youngsters Mick Gilmore, Brian Kenning and David Cahill all of whom became household names in Midlands non-league football.
During the 1966-67 season when they won the Sutton Coldfield Charity Cup, Sutton had a goal scoring ace in Graham Smallburn, who scored 25 goals and in 17 games before breaking a leg.
On the admin side the club was gaining in strength and in March 1968 plans were announced for the development of the Coles Lane ground into a sports centre, incorporating Sutton Coldfield Rifles Club and Oakmere Table Tennis Club.
Mr. Norman Cox, a local builder, who had become Sutton Town's enthusiastic president master-minded the news and exciting project and his efforts were rewarded on October 31, 1972, when he officially opened the present club room which includes a function room, lounge, and two bars.
The rapid growth in membership enabled the club to become more professional on the field of play and Sutton Town was geared to make a name for themselves on the Midlands soccer scene.
In 1969-70 Sutton won the Midland Combined Challenge Cup, beating Moor Green 2-0 in the final and in the following seasons they made a name for themselves in long runs in the F.A. Amateur Cup, with games against then such famous teams as Bishop Auckland and Skelmersdale.
The hard working Reg Broadfield became general manager, with Reg Brassington taking over as first team manager. It was in this period that 16 year-old Paul Cooper played for Sutton in goal but within a few weeks he joined Birmingham City and then Ipswich Town.
Taking Cooper's place at Coles Lane was Peter Latchford. He too, was quickly snapped up by WBA, who later played for Glasgow Celtic.
Alan Hampton transferred his affection from Boldmere St. Michaels to Coles Lane, where he took charge of the 1st team and while the club was always challenging for honour the phrase "Always the bridesmaid" was often quoted at Sutton and at the start of the 1977-78 season the club appointed Rhys Davies as their new manager.
Success on the field started to come the club's way in 1978, with the league championship and a third successive title in the Walsall Senior Cup. The Tony Alden Cup played between the league champions and cup winners was also secured.

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