Bringing you the latest and breaking news throughout the season
Cup News
FA Cup: Lye Town will enter the competition in the Preliminary Round. We will face the winners of the 'Extra Preliminary Round' tie between Rugby Borough & Darlaston away from home on Saturday 17th August
FA Trophy: Lye Town will enter the competition in the Preliminary Round and will play Anstey Nomads at the Sports Ground on Saturday 24th August. The winners of this tie will host Shepshed Dynamo in the First Qualifying Round on Saturday 7th September
FA Youth Cup: Lye Town Youth enter the competition at the Extra Preliminary Round stage. They will host Studley in the week commencing Monday 12th August. The winners of this tie will be at home against either AFC Telford United or Stourbridge in the week commencing Monday 2nd September
Come on you Flyers!
New Multi-Year Sponsorship Partnership
Lye Town FC is delighted to announce a multi-year sponsorship partnership with merchant services provider Switch My Business. This collaboration will see Switch My Business providecard machines and payment services to the club and feature their logo on the First Team home and away kits.
Lye Town FC Chairman Brian Blakemore expressed his enthusiasm about the new partnership: "This is a significant milestone for the club and is the largest sponsorship deal in our history. It is a crucial part of our business plan to put the club in a sustainable position so it can continue to develop both on and off the pitch. I am delighted to have Switch My Business on board and look forward to working with them in the years ahead".
Switch My Business's Group spokesperson, Tyrese Garvie, also shared his excitement: "We believe that this partnership will assist Lye Town FC greatly in their pursuit of reaching their biggest achievements and goals. At the same time, it provides an excellent opportunity to promote our services to a broader local audience. We are proud to be a major partner of the club and are very excited for the future that this partnership holds."
TakePayments, a major backer of the sponsorship also commented about the new partnership, with Rona Warne, Head of Marketing, saying: "We're really excited about our partnership with Switch My Business, and sponsoring Lye Town FC for the next season. We are passionate about supporting local businesses and making it easy to take card payments. Our tPOS point of sale solution offers the latest technology for the club. We understand how important local venues like this are for the community, so we are really happy to be involved!"
Brian Blakemore
Chairman, Lye Town FC
www.lyetownfc.net
Switch My Business:
TakePayments:
www.switchmybusiness.co.uk
www.takpayments.com
James Didlock
General Manager: Lye Town FC
First Team Manager Craig Nicholls has given us an update as pre-season training due to start shortly
We've had a busy off season as you can see with all the signings but it's been exciting time off the pitch, moulding a group of players and staff that recognise the philosophy and culture we are creating. Brian, James, Robbo and Neil have been fantastic since we came in and are on hand at any point which is the kind of relationship you need at any football club.
When we took over it was only a matter of time that players from last season drifted off to other clubs and in all honesty that has given us a blank canvas and a clean slate to put things in place on and off the pitch. I think our recruitment has been excellent with a blend of experience and youth but also players who have played at a higher level that bring a level of professionalism that will help all that we do. With that in mind Jamie Ashmore and Andrew Parsons will be captain and vice captain for the upcoming season. Knowing these two as I do from previous clubs they will expect high standards at all points.
Finally I look forward to meeting The Flyers faithful through pre season and if there is one thing I can say this group of lads will give everything for Lye Town FC. That is non negotiable! We hope to excite and entertain everyone who comes through the door.
Up The Flyers!
Craig
Lye Town are delighted to announce two further signings...
Taylor Homer
Taylor is a player that came through the academy system at Halesowen Town FC under first team manager Craig Nicholls. He then broke into the first team when Craig took over the helm at Halesowen.
'Taylor is a top talent with an eye for goal after scoring 24 last season for OJM and helping them get promoted. I couldn't miss out on getting him to Lye. He will bring another attacking option to what we already have'.
Welcome Taylor.
Rio Donaldson
Welcome Rio!
Two More Brought In
The first is striker Kam Smith.
Kam spent three years at Stourbridge breaking in to the first team at the start of 2023/24 campaign before going on loan to Wolverhampton Casuals for experience. Very explosive forward with an eye for goal.
Welcome to The Flyers Kam.
'Matt is a product of the Aston Villa Academy who is now looking to gain experience playing men's football. Technically a superb footballer who can pick a pass and has an eye for goal. He can play in a number or positions and can also play for our Under 18's due to his age. It's great to have Matt on board and hopefully help with his development' - Craig Nicholls, Manager.
Welcome to Lye Town Matt.
Under 15's Presented League Trophy
Played: 21 | Won: 20 | Drew: 1 | Lost: 0 | For: 63 | Against: 10 | Points 61
#uptheflyers
New Signing | Lewis Wright
Lewis has played much of his career playing at Step 3 turning out for Redditch United, Tamworth, Alvechurch, Halesowen Town & Bromsgrove Sporting.
Craig Nicholls said 'Lewis is a tremendous signing for us. He is adaptable, can play a number of positions and brings valuable experience to the group. It will be great to work with 'Wrighty' again as his work ethic is second to none'.
Welcome to The Flyers Lewis
#uptheflyers
Alfie Steward Signs for The Flyers!
Alfie comes in from local neighbours Stourbridge where he became a firm favourite with fans with his performances and goals for The Glassboys
Manager Craig Nicholls said 'Alfie is a fantastic young player who broke through in to the first team at Stourbridge last year and showed he was more than capable of playing at the level. He has all the tools and I'm so pleased he is coming to work with us at Lye.
Welcome to The Flyers Alfie!
Welcome Tyler Marco Donaldson
Tyler started his career at Coventry City before getting game time at local clubs Coventry United and Coventry Sphinx. Has also played for Gresley Rovers and also enjoyed time at Step 3 side St Ives Town.
First Team Manager Craig Nicholls said 'Tyler is a solid, versatile and no nonsense defender who first and foremost wants to defend. He's an excellent athlete who will really strengthen our back line'.
Welcome to The Flyers Tyler.
Two More Join The Flyers
Dan was recently at Stourbridge before moving on to Kidderminster Harriers U23's. Has gained men's first team experience with Tividale & Bewdley Town before finishing last season with Stourbridge Standard.
First Team Manager Craig Nicholls said 'Danny is yet another exciting young talent. For his age he has experienced a good level of non league football and I expect him to show this'.
Welcome to The Flyers Danny
We would also like to welcome Dan Tozer to Lye!
Dan joins us from Welsh League Step 3 side Undy AFC
Manager Craig Nicholls said ' Dan has been playing in the league of Wales and after relocating to the Midlands was really keen to come to a club and settle. I was really keen to get Dan on board as everyone I have spoken to about him speaks really highly of him. Another exciting prospect.
Welcome to The Flyers Dan
Welcome Back Sam Hall & New Signing Ethan Green
'I'm really pleased to get Sam to re-sign. He understands the club and brings experience and quality to the group. the initial conversation we had when I came to Lye I knew I wanted him to stay' - Craig Nicholls, First Team Manager.
Welcome back Sam
Lye Town FC are pleased to announce the signing of talented young CB/CM player Ethan Green.
'Ethan is an exciting young talent who I've worked with over the last two years at Halesowen Towns Academy. Calm and composed he plays with a maturity beyond his years. I'm really looking forward to seeing Ethan develop and grow as a player' - Craig Nicholls, First Team Manager.
Welcome to The Flyers Ethan
Welcome Jamie Ashmore & Kieran Francis
Manager Craig Nicholls said 'I've worked with Jamie both at Redditch & Halesowen and he was always a player that asked questions and wanted to learn. He brings valuable experience and more importantly quality on the pitch. He will be another player who will support the younger lads within the group'.
Welcome back 'Ash'!
Kieran has recently been at Lichfield City who just missed out on promotion to Step 4 last season, other previous clubs include OJM Black Country, Wolverhampton Casuals & Wolverhampton Sporting.
Welcome to the Flyers Kieran.
Two New Additions
Manager Craig Nicholls said 'Ewan is another excellent young prospect who can thrive at this level at a club who wants to see youngsters flourish. Ewan brings energy and pace to burn and will be a real threat going forward. Another who can play a number of positions'.
Elliot is a local lad who has previously at Bromsgrove Sporting, Stourbridge and Coleshill Town.
Manager Craig Nicholls had this to say 'I've known Elliot for some time now and he has all the attributes to become a top player at this level. Has the flexibility to play in a number of positions which is always a benefit to the team. Knows where the goal is and has a fantastic work rate'.
Welcome to The Flyers Ewan and Elliot
#uptheflyers
Andy Parsons signs for The Flyers
Andy spent last season at neighbours Sporting Khalsa and has an impressive CV having played for Halesowen Town, Alvechurch, Redditch United and Chasetown.
First Team Manager Craig Nicholls said 'Parso brings a wealth of experience at this level and above. He has been successful wherever he has been due to his constant drive for high standards from himself and the team. He will be an integral part of the group particularly supporting the younger lads with there development'.
#uptheflyers
Cain Smith Retained
Cain was an integral part of the team last season during our first season at Step 4. The management team and club committee are delighted that Cain will remain with us.
First Team Manager Craig Nicholls said 'Really pleased to keep Cain at the club. He fits the model that we are trying to put together here. Young, hungry full of energy and desire. Cain will be an integral part of the growth of the club this season'.
#uptheflyers
Welcome Matt Hill
Experienced goalkeeper Matt Hill is our first Summer signing.
Matt's previous clubs include Solihull Moors, Leamington, Rugby Town & Hinckley AFC achieving two promotions in previous two years at Rugby & Hinckley breaking the clubs all-time clean sheet record along the way!
Matt comes with a wealth of experience and a fantastic work ethic. He has a great relationship with our new goalkeeping coach Matt Ballard which is good and his all round game fits exactly with what we want from our goalkeeper.
A warm welcome to The Flyers Matt.
Mixed Emotions
A 11am kick off saw Lye Town Youth U16's take on Solihull U16''s in the Birmingham County Minor Challenge Cup at the Birmingham County FA Excellence Arena. It was a tight affair with the game ending 0-0 at 90 minutes. The Flyers unfortunately losing out in the dreaded penalty shoot out. It's been a magnificent season however with the team being crowned Division One Champions, an unbelievable achievement considering all but one of the squad is actually 'Under 15's' and have been playing the age group above!
The second Cup Final of the day saw Lye Ladies take on Coventry Sphinx Ladies in the League Cup Final at Evesham United Football Club.
Once again it was another tight game with the score finishing 2-2 at 90 minutes. Once again the dreaded penalties were set to decide the honours, thankfully the Flyers Ladies held there nerve and took home the trophy.
The Ladies are still in with a shout of winning the league title with one game to play later in the month verses Worcester City Women.
First Team Management Announcement
Lye Town Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Craig Nicholls as First Team Manager. Richard Ball as assistant Manager and Paul O'Brien as First Team Coach.
We very much look forward to working with them as we prepare for our second season at Step 4.
Further members of the management team will be announced shortly.
Please join us in welcoming Craig, Richard & Paul to the Flyers Family.
(Left) Richard Ball, (Middle) Craig Nicholls, (Right) Paul O'Brien
The words of Craig Nicholls...
Richard Ball
'Bally' I've known for many years and he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of non league football and also the area and how much football means to people. He has a lot of contacts and will bring a determination and will to win to the group.
Paul O Brien
I've worked with Paul for a number of years and his attention to detail and knowledge of the game will be invaluable. Training will be of a very high standard through him and myself and the players will be tested mentally and physically at all points.