Shropshire Star

Ludlow to get its football team back

Senior football will return to Ludlow next season and new boss Luke Hicks is aiming for a successful debut campaign.

Published

A new club, Ludlow FC, will compete in the West Midlands Regional League Division Two – the 12th tier of the football pyramid – as Hicks hopes to instil a local spirit.

AFC Ludlow ceased to exist last summer after former boss Dave Cooper was unable to drum up a squad due to lack of interest.

But the new set-up are hoping to rally enthusiasm within the Ludlow Football Stadium, where the club will play their home games.

Hicks, 28, is Ludlow born and bred and used to play under Cooper for AFC.

The centre-back – who will also register as a player for next season should the need arise – featured for Shawbury United last term and has also played for Welshpool, as well as a number of years in the old Midland Alliance.

He revealed that the formation had been ‘in the pipeline’ between a group of former Ludlow players since Christmas.

The new boss is itching to sample his first experience in management and anticipates a competitive bow in a league that will feature Shropshire rivals AFC Broseley and Allscott.

Telford Juniors won the Division Two title last season.

He said: “I’d be very disappointed if we didn’t finish in the top five of the division with the squad we’ve put together.

“I’m not saying we’re going to win every game but we want to be up there. I only want to spend a couple of years in this division.”

On a debut in management, he added: “I was a bit of a loud and vocal character as a player so it made sense that the lads asked me!

“I’ve always wanted to go into management and I’m proud to manage my home team.

“I used to play on the edge and picked up a fair few yellow cards so I’ll have to calm down – but I don’t want to lose that edge.”

Chris Waldron, former Ludlow Town Colts boss, will join from County League side Brown Clee as Hicks’ No.2, while ex-Wales schoolboy international midfielder Jamie Hammonds has also been signed and will help lead training.

While the new club have also formed their board, with the position of chairman going to lead sponsor Kevin Bursnell, of Shrewsbury-based DM Recruitment.

Stuart Danks is club treasurer, while Kate Woodhouse has been appointed secretary, with more local individuals placed on the committee.

“DM Recruitment approached us and said they wanted to sponsor a senior men’s team,” added Hicks.

“I drummed up the interest, a lot of the lads (from the former team) had stayed local – the furthest one of our 18 players will come from three miles away.

“Our other sponsors are the Charlton Arms Hotel and the Church Inn in Ludlow, so thanks to Cedric Bosi for that.”

Hicks hopes that the south Shropshire town will rally in support of the new club. Ironically, Shawbury will also be playing their games in Ludlow next season.

“We’ve put out sponsorship leaflets and the feedback’s been good, it’s gone down well,” Hicks said.

“Before there were players from Shrewsbury and Telford but we just want to give local lads a chance. There is some talent here and it’s about time we got some atmosphere back down there.”

Ludlow begin pre-season training in the second week of June and have friendlies lined-up against Rock Rovers and Knighton Town.

For information on sponsorship, pre-season friendlies or getting involved, contact Hicks on 07581078865.