Dale urges fans: 'Let's make the Lamb into a real fortress'

LAMBS assistant manager Dale Belford believes the club is ready to push forward in the Conference this season.

And he has urged supporters to buy into Tamworth's plans and help make The Lamb into a 'fortress' next season.

Tamworth are hoping fans will take advantage of their Early Bird season ticket offer, which is running until the end of this week.

And Belford, who won the FA Vase with the Lambs in 1989, said: "Tamworth FC has been a massive part of my life and I would like to think I have a good relationship with the supporters.

"The fans at this club are so passionate and I really believe that they can make a big difference next season.

"I know that teams in this league have, in the past, seen visiting the Lamb as a difficult experience.

"The passionate support we can generate at this club can make it an intimidating place to come.

"And that's what we want to recreate this season. We want the Lamb to become a fortress next year and I believe the fans can really help us do that."

The Lambs' squad list for the new season so far only includes Richard Tait, Scott Barrow, JP Marna, Kyle Patterson and youngster Scott Meer.

Defender Duane Courtney is also still at the club but is on the transfer list.

Belford, though, insists that player recruitment is at an advanced stage with several players, with the Lambs linked with a move for former skipper Tom Marshall this week.

"We are not going to name our targets at this moment in time," said Belford.

"We are keeping our cards close to our chest because we want to go under the radar a little bit.

"But, since the season ended, Marcus (Law) and I have been working relentlessly, speaking to players.

"The lads we are targeting are the right kind of players for this club. We believe they will fit in with Tamworth as a club.

"We want hard working and honest lads who will give their all for the cause.

"I think when the fans see the players that we are bringing into the club they will be happy with what we are doing."

Belford believes that the club can make progress next season after three years in the Conference.

But he added: "I am not going to start making bold statements about what we are going to do.

"At the end of the day, just keeping Tamworth at this level in as an achievement in itself.

"I think the fact that we have been in this division with the likes of Luton Town, York and Cambridge for three years is testament to the board, the staff, and the fans.

"We'll be looking to build on that next season and the aim will be to finish as high as we possibly can."

The Lambs have also confirmed they will run a reserve team next season in the Midland Combination next season, under the watchful eye of academy coaches Steve Hinks and Steve Scattergood.

And Belford said: "It is important that, as a club, we look to develop players.

"Clubs like Tamworth need a natural progression path and this will allow the Academy lads, at 16, to have a goal of playing for the reserves and then hopefully the first team.

"The reserves playing on a Saturday will also give fans the chance to see the talent coming through.

"We have some good young lads here. Striker Jake Healey, for example, was watched by West Brom last season.

"The talent is there and that can only be good for our long term future."

Tamworth's Early Bird offer has been extended until Friday, June 22.

Adult main stand tickets are £260 (£290 after June 22) with concessions £160 (£190 after June 22).

Adult terrace tickets are £220 (£250 after June 22), concessions £120 (£150 after June 22).

Turn to page 57 for further details.