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Bewdley Town have a lot to be excited about for the coming season, plans have been passed to upgrade the Ribbesford meadows ground so that it can now erect floodlights and a 100 seater stand. This is good news for the club as it means that they can continue with their status of playing in the West Midlands Premier Division.

The club had so much to celebrate this year, but, the one sad bit of news came to many at the presentation night was that Sunday First team manager legend Ian Smith announced his retirement from running the team, Ian will be sadly missed and will be very difficult to replace. Ian has been an unsung hero at the club and in his final year took the team to 3 finals and finished a respectable place in the league...thanks Ian

Farewell Thanks to a Legend

BEWDLEY Town have managed to keep all of last season's successful West Midlands League Premier Division squad together - and added an exciting new face.

Boss Craig Payton has persuaded his players to remain at Ribbesford Meadows despite interest in a couple of their big-hitters.

Bewdley have fended off the advances of Stourport Swifts for Chris Hough and Lewis Pountney, who was also being courted by Bromsgrove Rovers.

And Payton has even managed to strengthen his squad - the surprise package in last season's Premier Division - by snapping up Robbie Jew.

The former Bromyard sweeper-cum-central midfielder was the West Midlands League player-of-the-season three years ago.

But he has been out of action for a while because of a knee injury.

"We've done well to keep all of the lads together even though we've had a few clubs sniffing around," said Payton.

"The secret to our success has been building this team over the last 10 years and lads that started with us when they were 16 are now reaping the rewards.

"We've managed to sign Robbie Jew and he should be a useful addition."

Bewdley open their friendly programme by entertaining Oldbury United at the refurbished Ribbesford Meadows on Tuesday night , kick-off 7pm.

Stourport Swifts are the visitors on Tuesday, August 1, while the club are also trying to finalise home friendlies with Cradley and Telford and an away trip to Pershore.

Club officials are also waiting to hear from the Football Association to confirm if their application to play in the FA Vase has been successful.

Their West Midlands League Premier Division campaign kicks off on Saturday, August 19 but the fixtures have yet to be released

Football: Bewdley revamp taking shape

BEWDLEY Town fans will be able to get their first real glimpse at the fruits of the club's labours when Ribbesford Meadows hosts a friendly with Stourport Swifts on Tuesday at 7pm.

New floodlights have been installed at the ground and the new 150-seat stand is beginning to take shape.

Bewdley are waiting for materials from Denmark so that they can construct the new changing room and shower block, while a barrier will be erected around the perimetre of the pitch soon.

Meanwhile, boss Craig Payton has made a new signing as injuries begin to disrupt his pre-season preparations.

Centre half Shaun Wright has signed from Stourbridge with Steve Holt (knee), Gary Middleton (knee) and Keith Elliott nursing problems.

Bewdley lost 4-0 to Gornal in a friendly on Tuesday