Dribbling skills on show

Halesowen pride themselves on looking after young fans and now they've taken their efforts to new levels with the recruitment of toddler George Russell.

To celebrate his first birthday on Saturday the young supporter will be guest of honour and club mascot for the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South side's FA Cup clash at home to Dudley Town.

In a tongue-in-cheek interview on tbe club's official website ahead of the club's Preliminary Round clash at the Grove, Halesowen's youngest fan reveals his current favourite player as captain Neil Barnfield while his all-time Yeltz number one is Kevin 'there is no comparison' Harrison, the club's famous striker from the 1990s.

"Clearly George is already showing Yeltz wisdom beyond his tender age and we're looking forward to seeing his dribbling skills at the match," said a spokesman who also revealed that tales of the Yeltz's proud history are even helping his parents at bedtime!

Apparently his favourite bedtime story comes from his dad Ian, a lifelong Yeltz supporter, who likes to emotionally recall the match at The Grove in 1990 when Yeltz legend Paul Joinson made his return playing for Worcester City in front of a crowd of 2,500 fans.

George is said to nod off contently and his proud father reckons his boy dreams about one day emulating Joinson's achievements in a Yeltz shirt. His other favourite tale is hearing about his Great Grandad's favourite player Ronnie Dugmore who once scored seven goals in a 10-0 away!

Members of the Russell family have a long association with the Yeltz. Baby George's Grandad John is the club's Vice-Chairman.