Management

President – Kevin Threlfall

I was introduced to F.C.C in 1949 in a pram when I was about 8 months old.
From the age of about 6, I can remember running around the ground 20 times for an old sixpence reward. Over the following 7 years I must have covered 100’s of miles.
My father Jack was captain of the 1st Team for 6 years and I spent most of the summer months weekends watching him play cricket.

I then went away to boarding school and pretty much lost contact with the club.
Upon my father’s death in 1991, I was approached by the then Chairman Ron Smith and asked if I would take over the Presidency.

I have been President now for over 25 years and am proud to have overseen our move to The Jack Threlfall Memorial Ground and the development of a wonderful pavilion and clubhouse which was opened by Sir Ian Botham in May 2013.

The cricketing side continues to flourish under our Director of Cricket Chris Guest and we were recently promoted to Division Two of the Birmingham & District Premier Cricket League.

We place a massive emphasis on youth and development of cricket for the Oxley ward of Wolverhampton.

Chairman – Peter Jones

From my formative years playing village cricket in rural Shropshire to tackling the challenge of redeveloping FCC, the game remains a passion.  I trained as a specialist P.E. teacher, starting my career at Northicote School, joined Fordhouses CC from Market Drayton in 1972 and was privileged to play in Don Barnes’ all conquering team – probably the most successful unit ever to represent the Club.

Since then I have played and skippered all our adult teams, coached and co-ordinated junior/youth sections both at Club and County level (including my own kids!)  In recent years securing a bright future for our beloved Cricket Club becoming the main objective.  This has now been achieved thanks to the inspirational drive of Kevin, supported by a committed Management Committee and members.

As Chairman, for the past twelve years, it gives me great satisfaction to say Fordhouses now has real purpose, aspiration (Premier League status new facility), long term tenure, provides excellent coaching / opportunities for youngsters and is most importantly sustainable.

Director of Cricket – Chris Guest

It’s fair to say Maroon is in my blood. After a few hours of being born my dad was wetting my head at the old Taunton Avenue site and not long after I was at the club myself! Growing up at Fordhouses Cricket Club was the best childhood I could possibly have asked for, surrounded by people who would look out for you through thick and thin and making lifelong friends. I have so many fond memories of Taunton Avenue with my Mom doing teas, all my birthday parties held at the club, the children’s Christmas parties and fireworks nights were all part of growing up for me.

I will always remember when I left Fordhouses in 2001 the then captain saying “I can’t believe it, if I cut you in half you would bleed Fordhouses!” It was at that point in my life the toughest decision I had to make but I’m grateful the opportunity to return materialized.

I came home in 2012 as the Director of Cricket and this has given me the opportunity to give youngsters the chance of the upbringing I had, albeit at a different site. Nothing fills me with more pride than watching our young cricketers come to watch the senior teams on a Saturday with the hope they will one day play in the 1st team for Fordhouses Cricket Club. All the senior players look out for the youngsters and it takes me back to my time growing up at the club. Fordhouses Cricket Club is the epitome of a family friendly environment, personally to me and my family it is full of history and happiness.

On the field itself we have been fortunate over the last few years to have success at both junior and senior level at the club and that is down to the volunteers and parents we have who are willing to support the club. As long as this carries on Fordhouses Cricket Club will not only be the best club in the area, but in my mind the country! I am immensley proud to be captain of Fordhouses and I look forward to continuing the success we are achieving and pushing us onto better things at both junior and senior level.

Vice Chairman – Mike Mandzuk

I’m a one club man and been a member of FCC for over 33 years, playing my first game on my 18th Birthday.

During those 33 years I’ve been First XI Vice-Captain, Second XI Captain, Secretary, Treasurer and Junior Coach. I am currently Vice-Chairman and act as FCC representative to the Birmingham League and Staffs Clubs League. FCC is a large part of mine and my families life, meeting my wife Nikki here in 1984 (she was First XI scorer at the time!) and both my son and daughter have played cricket for the club. Over the years I’ve seen many changes and had many challenges but more importantly have met many wonderful people, who have helped shape my life.

My playing days are now coming to an end, however my enthusiasm for the club remains and I’m passionate about helping lead the club forward and provide a place of enjoyment for generations to come.

Hon Treasurer and Secretary – Helen Williams

As a youngster I spent many enjoyable summer weekends at Guys Cricket Club. In 2001 when my son, aged 8, said he would like to play cricket, I was very pleased and investigated local opportunities.  My ‘membership’ of FCC began that year, along with my son’s. 

During these 16 years I/we have been part of a growing Club, I became assistant secretary in 2006, followed by taking on the full secretarial role in 2009, working with some great personalities.  Times can be challenging, but there is never a dull moment!

Along the way lasting memories have been created and treasured friendships made, and I am certainly pleased and proud to say FCC is a big part of mine and my family’s life.

General Manager – Colin Thompson

My involvement with Fordhouses cricket club started through my son Russell, who has played for every team at the club from the juniors through to the first team.

For the past 13 years, I have been the Chairman of Wolves & Bilston Athletics Club taking early retirement to pursue an ambition of putting the club back on the athletics map again.

I started working for the club as a relief manager in 2012 and am delighted to have accepted the role as General Manager in 2017. During that time, I have watched the club grow from strength to strength.

I have also been involved with Junior football for the biggest part of my life and know how much organised sport can give to people, and I want to be part of that here at FCC Sports and Social Club.