Boldmere St Michaels F.C. (History)

The 2007-2008 season by Mike Talbot.

 Please note that this is not in the book.

As the club approached the start of the season, Mykel Beckley, Jimmy Quiggin and Neil Watkins transferred to local rivals Sutton Coldfield Town. Tim Gould moved to `Blue Square North side `Solihull Moors` a new club for the season resulting from a merger of Moor Green and Solihull Borough. Stuart How signed for Causeway United. Rob Clarke joined Rob Mallaband at Walsall Wood and continued play in goal for the Midland Combination side. Eric Bowen joined Tipton Town. Talented youth team player Richard Dunleavy joined Burton Albion on a two year scholarship. Drenis Bala, Guy Jones, Mick Talbot, Coaches Ross Thorpe and Paul Casey joined Hednesford Town’s youth team. Ross also became the Webmaster for the Romulus website.  Mick Talbot took a `sabbatical` to write Boldmere`s St Michaels 125 year history, watch Birmingham City in the Premiership and help out Boldmere with injuries when he could.

Boldmere`s Manager Mick Bayley believed the time was right for `new kids on the block` to make their mark. Speaking about the bigger clubs cherry-picking some of his key players he commented, “I don’t have a problem with that as they’ve all gone to a higher level. I feel the time is right to test themselves. In fact I think all of them can play at an even higher level. The nice thing is that they have all been back to watch us in pre-season games. The door will always remain open for all of them at Boldmere should they want to return.”

Bayley signed Ray Shelton from Hednesford Town. Ricky Baker and Jason Holmes arrived from Wolverhampton side Goodrich. Holmes returned to the `Mikes` having scored 34 goals the previous season. Jake Morgan joined from Wyrley Rangers where he scored 20 times. The experienced Aaron Skelding joined from Shifnal Town. He had played for Willenhall, Chasetown and Rushall. Another recruit Mike Smethhurst relocated from Liverpool to work for the B`ham County F.A.  Max Bissell joined from Stourport Swifts.

Steve Johnson recruited as goalkeeping coach from Rushall Olympic after playing 900 games for Oldbury United, replaced Rob Clarke. Tobias Salmon also joined from Rushall Olympic. Off the field the club recruited Andy Van–Hagan as Webmaster and Commercial Manager. Dave Tolley became Press Officer but was unable to take up the position straight away for health reasons. Andy Webb joined from Causeway United as `Physio` but he too was unable to fulfil his duties due to work commitments in his new employment. The position was difficult to fill the rest of the season.

Preseason started on 28^th June in monsoon conditions. The summer was a wash out as extreme weather, the worst for 60 years, which lashed the country. Doncaster, Hull, Gloucester and Tewkesbury were the worst affected.  Boldmere`s game against Long Eaton Utd and Walsall Wood was postponed because of constant heavy rain. Boldmere finally played a pre-season game and beat a strong yet youthful Walsall team containing a number of first year professionals. The Boldmere scorers were Josh McKenzie, Ricky Baker and former youth team captain, Steve Poole, who made his first team debut.  This was followed by a 2-0 away win in the pre-season schedule at Bolehall Swifts with the goals from Josh McKenzie and Nathan Gough.  On 7^th August, Boldmere lost 3-1 at home to Halesowen Town. Ricky Baker scoring the opening goal for Boldmere after only two minutes from a free kick.

Consistency is the key. That was the view of General Manager John Morris as Boldmere prepared for the visit of Westfields in the opening game of the new MFA season. The long associate of the club said, “If you look at the MFA last season you see that the bottom five clubs took more points off us than the top five.” John added, “If we can start being more consistent in the games against those teams who are in the lower middle and bottom half of the table, then I think we can be up there at the end of the season.”

Boldmere lost their opening game of the MFA season 2-0 at home to Westfields. A few days later they secured their first league point in a 1-1 draw at newly promoted Stapenhill when Jason Holmes scored the `Mikes` first goal of the season. It came just before the break to equalise after the new boys had scored on 11 minutes.

In their F.A. Cup game at Ledbury Town on the 18^th August, the `Mikes` secured a 6-2 win with a hat-trick from Josh McKenzie. Jason Holmes scored twice and team captain Dave Davies completed the rout. That set up an away tie at Rushall Olympic, a game Boldmere subsequently lost 3-0 and so ended their interest in the famous competition.

In the next league game Jason Holmes goal on 62 minutes secured a 1-0 win over Causeway United. Against the run of play a through ball from Josh McKenzie was curled inside the far post from 18 yards out by Jason.

Three goals away from home scored by Max Bissell, Tobias Salmon and youth team player Joe Davies usually wins matches however slack marking at Rocester meant that they fell to a 4-3 defeat. They had Josh McKenzie sent off who later received a three match ban. What overshadowed the game was the racial abuse given by some Rocester supporters. An angry Mick Bayley demanded disciplinary action after Josh McKenzie and Assistant Manager Trevor Burroughs were targeted. Bayley said, “These so-called supporters also hurled abuse at Trevor’s wife and children. That is just not on.”

Birmingham County F.A. official Mike Fellows was at the game and claimed, “These people spoilt it for everyone. The referee has reported the incident and I have written to both the Midland Alliance League Secretary and the Staffordshire F.A. backing up the Referee’s report. I also understand a number of people at the game were proposing to write letter of complaints as well. I have visited Rocester on a number of occasions in the past and always found the place very enjoyable.” 

A 0-0 home draw on the August Bank Holiday against Alvechurch meant more points dropped. With other results in the league going against them the team dropped to 18^th in the MFA table by the end of the first week of September.

More encouraging was Boldmere`s youth team. They started their F.A. Youth Cup campaign with an impressive 2-0 win at Solihull Moors in the Preliminary Round. However in the next round they lost 1-0 at home to Eccleshall so there was no repeat of the excellent cup run from the previous season.

An eleven day break, early in the season, was not ideal but a Boldmere team full of teenagers seemed rejuvenated going into a 2-0 lead at the much fancied Stratford Town. After only 16 minutes the goals came from Tom Stevenson and Josh McKenzie with a penalty. However Stratford went 3-2 up on 58 minutes. Boldmere were relieved that substitute Jason Holmes scored the equaliser on 73 minutes, his 4^th league goal in 6 games.

At Church Road, Boldmere slumped to a 2-0 loss against Shifnal Town and were now firmly in the relegation zone. Their predicament was not helped by injuries to experienced players Dave Davies, Neil Finan and Rob Simcox. Close season signing’s Aaron Skelding (knee ligaments) and Mike Smethhurst (broken toe) was injured playing for the Reserves.  Mick Bayley said to the local sports Press, “It was not a deliberate policy to try and play as many of the kids as possible-it is a situation that has been forced upon us.”

Boldmere lost 5-3 at Hednesford Town in the Birmingham Senior Cup. Half the Boldmere team had got lost on the 14 mile trip along the Chester Road to Brownhills. Somehow they managed to drive onto the M6 and were travelling around Wolverhampton when the Boldmere officials finally tracked them down. With the Referee threatening to postpone the game at 8.15pm, the remaining Boldmere players finally arrived and the game kicked off at 8.10pm.

 By 8.14pm Hednesford had opened the scoring. After 29 minutes Hednesford was 3-0 up but Boldmere did not let their heads drop. Boldmere’s endeavour was finally rewarded in the 40th minute when Kirk Smith scored after being put through by Jason Holmes. Peter Gould rocked `The Pitmen` with a 25-yard shot which stayed low and gave Guy Jones (an ex-Boldmere youth team keeper) little chance to save it as it sailed into the net. After the break Hednesford scored again to make it 4-2. n 65 minutes Boldmere`s Kirk Smith scored a penalty to make it 4-3. Jason Holmes could have equalised for Boldmere but missed the cross from Ricky Baker. Hednesford then scored a 5<sup>th</sup> goal to win what was an entertaining cup-tie in front of an attendance of 116. Boldmere`s team was: Cobb, Gould, Brown, Stevenson, Parker, Swann, Smith, Poole (Hooper 81), Holmes (Davies 80), Gough (Hooper 81) and Baker. Unused sub: Johnson.

Boldmere then had an early exit from the F.A. Vase losing 2-0 at Glapwell, a Chesterfield based team. They conceded both goals in the first 30 minutes of the game. In contrast Boldmere Reserves were top of the Midland Combination Reserves Division after their first six games.

In late September, a 55^th minute goal from Josh McKenzie was enough to beat 6^th placed Loughborough Dynamo. That was only Boldmere`s second win of the season but it lifted Boldmere out of the relegation zone. Ahead of the game against Loughborough Mick Bayley had an injury nightmare. There were fourteen players injured. He said, “We had an entire team of players watching from the sidelines. It is an unreal situation we find ourselves in at the moment. After the F.A. vase exit at Glapwell, Peter Gould, Ray Skelton and Jack Brown were added to the injury list. Keepers Dan Cobb and Paul Fellows were also ruled out. Bayley responded by signing Ryan Price. Bayley said, “I knew him when he was playing at Rushall Olympic. Ryan has a great deal of experience and his presence made a massive difference, especially when talking to the youngsters.” Bayley also snapped up Adam Wood from Atherstone Town.

Bayley added another youngster to his side when drafting in 18-year-old Lyndon Weller to fill the vacancy at right back. Bayley felt his age when he spotted Lyndon’s father in the crowd. Bayley said, “I used to play in the same team with Lyndon’s Dad at Chasetown. I went up to him and asked what he was doing at Boldmere? I never realised Lyndon was his son. That made me feel old.”

In late September, Boldmere won 2-0 against Oadby Town at Church Road with the goals from Nathan Gough on 16 minutes and Josh McKenzie who scored two minutes before half time. The win lifted the team eight places up the table to a healthier 11^th position after nine league games. Mick Bayley changed the team bringing in three new faces. He included Dave Wapple from Rushall Olympic, Atherstone`s Adam Wood and experienced Tim Jackson from Womborne. These additional options meant the team should now start climbing the table. Bayley said, ”We’ve made a sluggish start, but I have had to rely on youngsters owing to the amount of injuries we’ve sustained and it got to the point where some of them needed a rest.”

Bayley also reported jokingly that his Assistant Manager Trevor Burroughs had proved `unbearable` during this week after netting the winner for Boldmere `Old Boys` in their 3-2 success over Aston Villa All Stars. Bayley said smiling, “I am told it is only the second defeat Villa has suffered in four years. The only problem is that the story of Trevor’s goal had now expanded to a 40-yard volley by the end of one of our training nights!!”

Westfields beat Boldmere 1-0 in the first weekend of October. The `Mikes` were reduced to nine men when Josh McKenzie and then Kirk Smith received red cards.  The goal came from a penalty in the 70^th minute which ensured that the Herefordshire side got maximum points and the league double over Boldmere. Mick Bayley, who was incensed after McKenzie was sent off, was also ordered from the dug-out along with his goalkeeping coach Steve Johnson.

Bayley remained unrepentant saying, “Sometimes it is hard to bite your tongue. We are not allowed to appeal against red cards, that is the stupid thing about it. All I wanted to do was talk to the referee but he just kept waving me away. It only takes a moment to talk and that would have defused the situation. If referees would take the trouble to explain some of their decisions, then we would not have half of these problems. I am not saying that you would agree with the referee’s decision but at least you know why he has given it instead of being treated like a 10-year-old. These situations really knock the heart out of you. I do not think I have ever been as low as I was that Saturday night.” 

Meanwhile Boldmere Reserves won 6-1 at Church against Friar Lane and Epworth. Boldmere`s youth team won 2-1 at Banbury United in the League Cup.

In the Walsall Senior Cup, current holders Boldmere travelled to Gornal Athletic and won 3-0. The goals came from Tim Jackson scoring in the first minute of the match. Jason Holmes made it 2-0 on 17 minutes. Jackson’s second and his team`s third came on 49 minutes. The result was marred by an injury to Adam Wood who broke his foot in two places and as a result had his foot in plaster. Boldmere were drawn at home to Lye Town in the next round of the competition to be played in early December.

Back in the MFA League, Boldmere secured a 2-0 win at Shifnal with goals from Josh McKenzie on 11 minutes and Kirk Smith on 55 minutes. Ironically both players had been sent off at Westfields and redeemed themselves to give the perfect tonic to finish off a good weekend, Boldmere`s Reserves won 4-2 against Barwell Reserves at Church Road in the Challenge Trophy.

In late October Boldmere`s chance to progress up the league was halted when Atherstone Town won 1-0 with their winning goal coming three minutes from time at Church Road.  `Mick Bayley needs his team to be more ruthless` was the headline in the `Sports Argus`.  Bayley said, “We are too nice! Teams must love playing against us at the moment. Maybe we been a bit naive and not streetwise enough, now it is time to get nasty and show more bite.” He added, “Maybe I should find out where the local martial arts club is and take the players down there to train or start them on a kickboxing course. At the moment we are far too timid.” He bemoaned Boldmere`s lack of cutting edge against Atherstone. He insisted, “We did not take our chances. It was as simple as that. They had one chance and Roy Dunkley scored, that was all he needed. If he had been playing on our side he would have scored five.”   

The Reserves showed the way with a 5-0 victory over Rushall Olympic.

The `Mikes Magazine` match day programme vs Atherstone reported on the death of John `Tubby` Howe. John was a supporter of Boldmere St. Michaels for over 55 years. The club received an email from Chris Allen- his son in law-which read that John had passed away on 2^nd October 2007 at the age of 93 years. He had regularly attended Boldmere matches except for the last five years because of ill health.  At 86 years old, John had broken his wrist after trying to shield his head against a wayward shot. He was probably the oldest person on record with a football related injury. On Friday 12^th October 2007 the funeral cortege travelled down Chester Road and into Church Road past the `Trevor Brown Memorial Ground` onto the Sutton Coldfield Crematorium. John wanted his ashes to be placed behind the goal and the Directors at Boldmere agreed for this short personal ceremony to be carried out. A picture of John was published in the match day programme as a tribute and thanks for his loyal support. Condolences had been sent to his family.   

In late October, Boldmere picked up a useful point with a 2-2 draw at Biddulph Victoria even though they went 2-0 down after 56 minutes. David Waple scored on 70 minutes and scored the equaliser on 90 minutes. Mick Bayley bemoaned the team`s lack of cutting edge in attack following the match. Bayley revealed, “We had 29 corners and 11 free kicks in their third of the field and yet we could not win.”

Meanwhile Boldmere Reserves topped the Midland Combination Reserve Division with a 5-2 win over Friar Lane and Epworth and then followed up with a midweek 3-2 win, after extra time, against Chelmesley Wood Town in the Smedley Crook Charity Cup.

Dave Parsons, son of Alan Director, travelled to Australia to play cricket and by all accounts the fast bowler was enjoying life down under as well as the `Red Cross` parcel of English Chocolate that was sent to him.

In early November 2007, Ricky Baker scored twice as Boldmere beat Coalville Town 3-1 at Church Road. The other goal came from Nathan Gough. `Goughie` scored again a week later at Racing Club Warwick but Boldmere had to make do with a 1-1 draw against the basement side.

The Youth team progressed in the League cup with a 2-0 win over Loughborough Dynamo.

The Reserves lost 2-1 at Barwell in the second leg of the Challenge trophy. However over the two games they won 4-2 on aggregate. Captain Neil Hanlon can feel unlucky being sent off (the first time in his playing career) He received an automatic 35 day ban as a result of the red card and had every right to feel aggrieved.

Youth team Secretary: Mark Jackson has acquired a reputation for being a `Karaoke King` having sung at the end of season awards. He also progressed through the first round of auditions at the 2007 `X-factor`. Voice problems rather than Simon Cowell's 'NO' brought his dreams to an end. Since the youth team lads heard about this, it has become a pre-game and post-match tradition for Mark to perform a song for the lads. Having sung for them `Unchained Melody` and `Mustang Sally` he's become a lucky mascot. Since his pre-match performances Boldmere`s youth have embarked on a unbeaten run. The team asked Mark compose a Boldmere St Michaels youth team rap. It had its first airing at Rugby Town. The words of the rap are:

The Boldmere Boyz are here today,
So come to Church Road to see them play,
There's Mark and Andy in control,
They'll set Boldmere on a roll,
Seanie B between the sticks stopping the oppositions tricks,
Liam, Mattie Lewis and Luke H at the back proving such a tough nut to crack,
Scott, Andre G and Andrew K go through the midfield without delay,
Then there's Curtis and Dec up front getting the goals, with Luke Bradley fulfilling their roles,
Cavan B, Matt Clarke and Nathan Conway showing the opposition how the Mikes play,
From Ellesmere to Banbury we've been thrilling all the crowds we've seen,
Be it Blue and Amber or Black and White the young `Mikes` are always up for the fight,
So there you have it the Boldmere Youth and that my friends is the truth,
I'm Markie J the Secretary and your Boldmere MC helping the team to victory.

Jason Holmes caused concerns when he collapsed in the dressing room after training at Church Road. A paramedic was summoned and thankfully after a short check over at Good Hope Hospital he was released and advised to rest. It would appear that he was suffering with severe dehydration. Trevor Burrows while grateful that the striker had no lasting illness later joked, “It was diagnosed as `lack of `fininishingitis` the doctor stated that the disease is only found in Boldmere St. Michaels forwards!!”     

Boldmere Reserves won 3-0 at Quorn Reserves. Boldmere fielded former Coventry City professional John Williams who made his debut. Even though he is 39 years old, he ran the Quorn defence ragged, capping off some delightful link up play with a stunning goal.

In the Staffs FA Youth Cup Boldmere`s Youth won 6-0 vs. Newcastle Town.

General Manager John Morris reflected on the season so far. He said, “A lot of people are saying that we are not doing as well this season as we did last year which reflects in the first team results. However you have to take into account that there are seven players who are missing from last year’s first team. Not only have players moved to play in the Southern league but Dave Davies, Neil Finan and team Captain Rob Simcox are missing due to long term injury. Looking at it from a positive point of view I feel that we are stronger as a club and we have true potential. Steve Johnson as the goalkeeping coach has joined and is very professional in all he does. The Reserves and Youth team are doing very well. We have added an under 16`s team which I have recently watched. Obviously we cannot compete financially with others in the league. We do not pay vast amounts of money to our players but I think we can still compete in this league. It only takes a few good wins and we could be up high in the league. Mick Bayley and Trevor Burroughs are still learning and have a lot of strengths as individuals.”

Assistant Manager Trevor Burroughs and his wife Sara were proud parents when they saw their son Jacob carry a flag as one of the mascots leading out the England and Croatia teams at the New Wembley Stadium on Wednesday 21^st November. Although England failed to qualify for the 2008 European Championships it was still a proud night for the Burroughs family.

On 24^th November although ex-Mikes player Kevin Charley equalised for Barwell,   Boldmere debutant John Williams scored with a penalty. Nathan Gough`s goal secured a welcomed win.

The Reserves won 5-0 against Rugby Town, their 7^th win in eleven games, to go four points clear at the top of the Reserves Division. The goals came from Kevin Buxton, Joe Davies, Tom Clews (2) and Kieran Robinson.

Boldmere U16’s returned to winning ways with a 6-0 victory over Racing Club Warwick. That win put the kids back to top spot and gave them a one point advantage over Tamworth.    

On Tuesday 27^th November 2007, Boldmere St Michaels recorded their best ever league result in their long history when they trounced Cradley Town 11-0. The scoring occurred after 9 minutes and finishing on 89 minutes.  The goals came through David Waple (3), Ricky Baker (2), Dan Parker, Nathan Gough (3) and John Williams with two goals. With nine goals scored before half time Mick Bayley said, “It could have easily been double that. All due credit to Cradley because they never gave up. It is difficult to know what to say to them after a result like this.” Cradley Town announced a week later that former Boldmere player Marcus McDonald was appointed as their Manager.

Recent Boldmere signing John Williams first played for Cradley Town before embarking on a successful professional career. He moved to Swansea City and from there he made a big-money move to Coventry City. His nickname was the `Flying Postman` a reference to a former job while playing non-league football. Mick Bayley speaking about his latest signing from Willenhall said, “John has proved a big signing for us. He has already made a massive difference and uses his vast experience to talk to the players as we had four 18 year olds who played against Cradley.”

Bayley added, “After losing so many players in the summer to bigger clubs we have had to rebuild the team. It has taken a little while but now I feel that we are moving in the right direction. We started November in 15^th position but now have climbed to 6^th in the table. After three wins and a draw, Boldmere won the November `Moldwel Products` Team of the Month award.

Wearing their new kit sponsored by `Adecco` the `Mikes` picked up another three points with a `gritty` performance against Oldbury United. The winning goal came from Ricky Baker on 49 minutes after his speculative shot deceived the Oldbury keeper and found the back of the net.

In the quarter final stage of the Walsall Senior Cup, the holders Boldmere went a goal behind on 18 minutes to a penalty against Lye Town. However a double strike from Josh McKenzie on 25 minutes and Nathan Gough on 29 minutes won the game.  The `Mikes` progressed to the semi-finals to play Wednesfield. John Williams and Tom Stevenson were sidelined for the game against Lye Town with injuries prompting Mick Bayley to comment, “We have only got a small squad so when you lose a couple players it can be a bit tight. As a result we’ve been having the same starting eleven for the past six games.” Bayley admitted that he had to rush back Adam Wood who had just recovered from a broken foot and Josh McKenzie who completed a four match ban.”

In the second Round of the League Cup, after going a goal behind on 22 minutes, Boldmere gained a 2-1 win at Racing Club Warwick with the goals coming from Josh McKenzie and Tom Stevenson. Adam Lane signed from Cradley Town, made his debut in goal. Defender Gary Barton also made his full debut for `The Mikes`. Mick Bayley commented, “The pitch looked more like a ploughed field and players were struggling to keep their feet on the ground. That said it was a good physical test and the players had to show plenty of character.”

 That win was followed by a 2-0 win over Coventry Sphinx with the goals scored by Gary Barton after 3 minutes and Andre Calder before half time. Boldmere had to thank keeper Ryan Price for two fingertip saves in the first half and a penalty save after the break.

The Reserves won 6-1 at Barwell and remained top of the Midland Combination Reserve Division.

Some matches were postponed in the Midlands either because of frozen or waterlogged pitches however the Boldmere players kept up their training despite the weather.

Dave Holvey, Vice Chairman at the club and a Birmingham City fan must have had mixed feelings about what he was going to do with the item he won after buying a ticket for the Boldmere Christmas raffle. It was an autographed Aston Villa shirt and in their away colours.

In the Boxing Day fixture, Boldmere drew 3-3 at Studley. Preparations for the game were not ideal after some freak injuries. Experienced John Williams had managed to damage his thigh muscle while getting into his car for the trip to Studley. A huge lump appeared on the thigh by the time he arrived at the ground. Kirk Smith needed a two hour operation after severing a tendon requiring 16 stitches in his hand. The accident occurred with a kitchen knife while preparing food at home. Dan Parker was absent having injured his ankle ligaments. Keeper Ryan Price was not available due to work commitments.

Not surprisingly Boldmere were 3-0 down at half time.  Ricky Baker scored what looked to be a consolation goal on 71 minutes but then Andre Calder reduced the deficient on 89 minutes and Nathan Gough scored the equaliser on 90 minutes.  That unlikely point moved the `Mikes` up to 5^th in the League table.

Players from Boldmere`s under 16`s team: James Walker, Tom Oberfield, Chris Ward, Josh Kellerman and Darren Davidson were all called up to represent the Birmingham County FA Under 16`s Representative side. By Christmas the team were top of their Division.

Boldmere finished 2007 in fine form with a 4-1 home win over Rocester. The goals came from a header by Tom Stevenson, Dave Waple scored twice and cheeky back heel by Ricky Baker. The match showed the return of James Sylvester who was back at Boldmere on the subs bench after a break from studies at University. The win put Boldmere up to 4^th place in the table and extended their unbeaten run to eleven games. Commenting in a match day programme Mick Bayley wrote, `We have quite a young side and they are beginning to come to terms with what we are asking. For many of them it is a big step up from lower league, Reserves and youth football. The experience of Ryan Price and John Williams has been a massive plus. We have a settled side and this has been proven by being able to have the same squad of sixteen players for those games. On top of that we have a great team spirit in the dressing room. `

Boldmere started 2008, their 125^th year as a football club with a second successive `Moldwel Team of the Month` Award. They were unbeaten for the whole of December 2007. Chairman Keith Fielding present the award to Manager Mick Bayley watched by Trevor Burroughs for an image for the match day programme. While the award was gratefully received Bayley was quick to point out “While it is pleasing we’ve done nothing yet. We have tough fixtures in January so by the end of that month I’ll know exactly where we will be in the league”

On 2^nd January Boldmere drew 2-2 at Tipton Town. Nathan Gough opened the scoring after 36 minutes; However Tipton went 2-1 up spurred on by Eric Bowen a former Walsall and Boldmere player. A Kirk Smith penalty on 75 minutes secured the point.

Boldmere lost their unbeaten run with a 2-0 reversal at Coalville Town. They were then comprehensively beaten 5-0 at home to Market Drayton Town. “We have been found out” was the post match comment by Assistant Manager Trevor Burroughs. Despite having one of the best defensive records in the league Boldmere could not cope with the league pacemakers. In difficult weather conditions at Church Road it was not for the faint hearted. A cold swirling wind, gave way to heavy rain, sleet and snow. Yet the visitors adapted better and were dominant for the whole of the game.  By the end of the match the pitch was saturated and became difficult for both sides to play on. The heavy defeat had left Mick Bayley baffled by the manner in which his team surrendered their 18-match unbeaten run, He said, “It looked like as though we had not won for 18 matches-we were that bad.”  He later called a two hour meeting with the players to clear the air. He added, “I respected what they players had to say and I wanted them to get involved. I do not want these defeats to take the gloss off our season so far. We are still in two cup competitions and are in the top six in the league”

Bayley responded by snapping up former Sutton Coldfield Town youngster Chris Hughes from Southern League side Malvern Town. He also brought in a vastly experienced defender on loan. Former Walsall, Paget Rangers and Rushall Olympic central defender Richard Brown joined the `Mikes` the following week although registration form problems meant that he could not make his debut.

A week’s rain fell over the Midlands in a few days in the middle of January postponing several MFA games due to waterlogged pitches. When the `Mikes` were back in action, after an 11 day enforced break, they lost 4-1 at Causeway United. Former Boldmere players Stuart Howe and Mark Smith notched three of the four goals between them to sink Boldmere. Boldmere were 3-0 down after only 10 minutes. David Waple headed home a consolation goal on 70 minutes for the `Mikes`.

On 24^th January 2008, Pat Fellows, who was the first Chairman of the Midland Football Alliance in 1994-1995 passed away. Condolences were posted on the MFA website.

Boldmere finally got back to winning ways at Church Road with a 2-0 win over Biddulph Victoria. Before the game a minute silence was impeccably observed in memory of the late Pat Fellows. The Boldmere goals came from Ricky Baker before half time and were enough to secure the three points. Rob Simcox made a welcome return to first team action after work commitments has limited his appearances for the `Mikes`.

In the next game Boldmere were just five minutes from securing an excellent win at MFA League leaders Atherstone Town. David Waple stunned the home crowd of 171 with a goal on 17 minutes. Boldmere could have scored another before half time except for a fine save by the `Adders` keeper. The `Mikes` had to share the points when Atherstone equalised on 85 minutes.

A 2-1 win over basement side Racing Club Warwick put the `Mikes` into 5^th position. Mick Bayley commented, “Dan Parker’s goal before the half time break saved the team an almighty telling off at half time as they were not playing well at all.”  John William’s side footed home the second goal a few minutes in the second half. Racing Club got a goal back on 70 minutes but Boldmere held firm to secure the points.

A few days later Boldmere St Michaels beat Friar Lane & Epworth 4-2 at Church Road., the Mikes were 3-0 up by the 68^th minute with goals from John Williams and Dave Waple scoring twice. Friar Lane pulled two goals back but Boldmere got the fourth in the 90^th minute from a 25-yard shot by Kirk Smith.

Manager Mick Bayley pointed to the presence of goalkeeper Ryan Price, Defender Dan Parker, midfielder Rob Simcox and striker John Williams for the recent revival. Bayley said, “We coming good again at the right time.” With Jack Brown, Nathan Gough and Chris Hughes waiting to get back into the side he added, “Suddenly I have 17-18 players who I can pick from. After a bad January we still have a chance of winning something in three different competitions.”

In the game against Loughborough Dynamo, Boldmere gave another disappointing performance losing 2-1. John Williams penalty was saved and although the keeper Kris Nurse scored an own goal, the `Mikes` conceded a late penalty themselves.  

Meanwhile the Reserves won 3-0 at home to Rushall Olympic with Nathan Joshi scoring a hat-trick.

Midfielder Stuart Grosvenor underwent an operation to repair a cruciate knee injury and hoped to be fit again for the start of the 2008-2009 season. Chris Packer returned to training at Church Road after an 18-month absence also from a cruciate injury.

In the Quarter Finals of the League Cup Boldmere lost 5-2 at Coventry Sphinx. Coventry opened the scoring after just 9 minutes and Boldmere levelled on the half hour through Kirk Smith and then four minutes into the second half they went into a 2-1 lead through Dan Parker but Coventry hit back with goals in the 55^th, 56^th, 70^th and 87^th minutes to secure their place in the semi-finals. In the match Dave Waple sustained a fracture in the fibula from an innocuous tackle. A subsequent X-ray confirmed the injury and he misses the rest of the season. 

On the first weekend of March, Boldmere despatched lowly Stapenhill with a 4-0 scoreline at Church Road. Chris Hughes opened the scoring on 18 minutes with a powerful volley. That is how it remained until a Kirk Smith retaken penalty and a double from Nathan Gough put the result beyond doubt. 

Boldmere moved back up to 5^th in the table with a 3-1 win over Studley, their 15^th league win of the season. Studley`s Pete Saunders opened for Studley with a 29th minute strike. He then turn villain when he put through his own net in the 36th minute. Kirk Smith put Boldmere ahead on the hour from the penalty spot and four minutes from time Nathan Joshi got a third.

At 3^rd place Market Drayton Boldmere gained a valuable point in a 0-0 draw but Mick Bailey admitted to the `Sports Argus` that the club missed Mykel Beckley and Jimmy Quiggin since they moved to Sutton Town. The lack of a goalscorer came back to haunt them when they lost 2-0 at home to Stratford Town.

On Tuesday 18^th March Boldmere won 1-0 at West Midlands League high- flyers Wednesfield in the semi-final of the Walsall Senior Cup to progress to the final again for the third successive year. The evening was not plain sailing after problems of where to have a warm up. The area designated to them was too small. The only goal came from Tom Stevenson from a coached set piece corner.

The win took their toil on the `Mikes` in their subsequent league match against Coventry Sphinx. A much changed side with Ryan Price injured, Kirk Smith ill and Nathan Gough unavailable. Coventry scored twice before half time and secured a 2-0 win despite Boldmere having a bit more possession in the second half.  Mick Bayley commented, “We were awful. It is getting to the point where I’m left wondering what Boldmere side is going to turn up.”

In the Easter Monday game Boldmere beat Tipton Town 4-0 at Church Road in front of a disappointing crowd of only 68. The win did put them back up to 5^th in the table. The goals came from Max Bissell, Tom Stevenson, Ricky Baker and Nathan Joshi. The win belied the fact that the team was down to the bare bones and 40-something Assistant Manager Trevor Burroughs was one of the substitutes. Trevor was miffed that Mick Bayley did not give him the chance to play some of the game. Bayley said, “The victory over Tipton was excellent because they had been in good form of late.”

Hard work and a desire not to give up paid dividends with the 1-0 win at Oadby Town. Ricky Baker bundling the ball over the goal line from a John Williams cross with three minutes to earn three valuable points.

Boldmere secured a point at Friar Lane & Epworth in a 1-1 draw. The game was described by a supporter as a poor one with strange referring decisions where at least two Friar Lane players should have been red carded. Kirk Smith scored for the `Mikes` from the penalty spot.

Boldmere`s Reserves lost 3-1 at Mickleover Sports only their fourth game of the season and they dropped 4 points behind Chasetown in the Reserves Division.

In the last home game of the season Boldmere had to be content with a 1-1 draw against Barwell. The visitors took the lead on 21 minutes when former Boldmere striker Kevin Charley, 18 yards out, cleverly put in a deft pass through the legs of Parker which found Vijinder Sidhu. Sidhu rounded the advancing goalkeeper Ryan Price to tap the ball home. Boldmere got back on level terms in the second half after Ricky Baker's deep corner was headed back across goal along the six yard line. Christopher Sterling headed goalwards where under pressure from Rob Simcox, Barwell`s Dale Jones shouldered the ball into his own goal. An exciting finish was ensured after the visitors were reduced to ten men following Mbembe Conte's foul on Stevenson.

The `Mikes` are well placed for a top four final in the Midland Football Alliance this season. Bayley said, “I take my hat off to them. At the start of the season we looked likely to finish in the bottom four. People should not forget that we lost seven players in the summer and suffered budget cuts as well. It meant we had to throw a number of youngsters in the fray. So to finish in the top four would be excellent.    Assistant Manager Trevor Burroughs and I might have been over critical at times.  The players have done us proud and if we can keep them together then future will be very promising.  A number of youngsters have stepped up to the plate that had been thrown into the deep end. Steve Poole is one such player. We envisaged him coming into the team during the season and taking his place on the bench. Instead he has started 34 games. It would have been more if he had not got himself suspended for some games. Other players like Ricky Baker have come in from Goodrich while Adam Swain stepped up from the Reserves and became an ever present in the side.”

A 4-0 win at Alvechurch maintained Boldmere`s ambition to finish 4^th in the table with goals from Kirk Smith who netted a brace of goals. Alvechurch’s Scott Richards put through his own net after a shot from John Williams and Nathan Gough finished off the scoring latching onto a deflected shot. Right from the kick off Boldmere showed their intentions with an instant attack. but it was 13 minutes before the first goal arrived when Gough whose pass released Smith who fired a low shot into the far botton corner of the goal. On 76 minutes Ryan Price saved a penalty from Jamie McWilliams to keep the clean sheet. Boldmere were awarded a penalty after Max Bissell was brought down. Smith send the keeper the wrong way to make it 4-0

Manager Mick Bayley speaking to the `Sports Argus`  said he would consider his future with the club after being told he faces another budget cut for next season. He said, "I will sit down and decide whether I want to continue with Boldmere. We already have had to rebuild the side three times in the two-and-a half years since I have been in charge. It really does start to get a bit disheartening. I have a great bunch of lads at Boldmere and I would like to keep them. Yet there’s already been four or five clubs `sniffing` around and it becomes very difficult to keep players when you know they’re getting better offers elsewhere.  Like my Assistant Trevor Burroughs, I am ambitious, I want to win things and I want to progress. In the last two seasons we finished 10^th and then 7^th. This season we are on target to finish 4^th or 5^th. The prospect of losing players again is hard to take. We had to rebuild the side this season. To start off with we were down near the bottom. Don’t get me wrong I absolutely love it at Boldmere. It’s a great club run by real football people."

Mick Bayley added,” Sometimes you have to go behind the scenes to see how hard they work. I am also grateful to the club because they gave me the first chance of management. But you do get a little bit disillusioned when looking at teams below us and seeing what money they have at their disposal. It gets frustrating knowing that your own hands are tied."

In the penultimate league game of the season the `Mikes` won 1-0 at Cradley Town to rise to 4^th in the MFA League chalking up their 19^th league win. The winning goal came from a Ricky Baker free kick. The tricky windy conditions had a great effect on the quality of play and all the  chances created did not alarm either keeper. On 72 minutes that all changed with a tackle on Max Bissell on the left. Baker`s free kick sailed over the head of the Cradley keeper into the far top corner of the goal.

Sources for the resume taken from:

The 2007-2008 Boldmere St. Michaels Programme.

Boldmere St Michaels Newsletter (thanks to Andy Van Hagen)

The `Sports Argus`

A mid season interview with John Morris (General Manager)

The `Sutton Coldfield News`

The `Sutton Coldfield Observer` 

The`Sunday Mercury` match reports.