Match Preview

On Saturday, The Royals face Paget Rangers at The Central Ground, in a charity pre-season friendly, raising funds for The Andy Biddle Sports Foundation.

The foundation was formed in the remembrance of Town legend Andy Biddle, who sadly passed away in 2018. The great supporter of youth sport made 496 appearances for the club, being the second all-time appearance holder for the club, as well as playing for Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club.

We play local side Paget Rangers, who also play at The Central Ground, in a ground sharing agreement. Paget finished 10th in the Midlands Football League Division 1 last season, accumulating 49 points across the season.

First Team Manager, Matt Seeley, joined Paget Rangers in June, re-joining the club following a successful stint as a player at the club. Initially formed in 1938, the club established themselves as a leading side within Midlands non-league football throughout the 20th century, before financially collapsing in 2002. The club was reformed in 2011, and the club were promoted twice in four seasons to gain their current status as a Midlands Football League D1 side.

Manager Neil Tooth stated that “Tomorrow gives us a chance to have a look at the lads who came on against Cheltenham from the start. We have some decisions to make on a few players and I think that it’s only fair that they get to start a game, rather than coming on and having to get used to the tempo.

I want to get my squad down to 18 as soon as possible and I’m not one for messing players about, so the sooner we can make our decision, the better it will be for everyone. Paget have a new manager and they have some new lads too who will be looking to impress. It’s been fantastic having them back at Coles Lane, as the people who run it are top, top people and the relationship between both clubs is growing. We had a great game against them last season, that finished 7-7, so let’s hope for more goals tomorrow.”

Kick Off is at 3:00, and although there is no formal admission fee, all donations received will be contributed to The Andy Biddle Sports Foundation. Let’s hope for an enjoyable game against our local rivals, whilst also remembering Andy.

Come on you Royals!

BY JACK BLENKIRON