Stalwart answers the call of duty

Instead of enjoying a well earned break after retiring from his official role as secretary at the end of season 2016-17, the proud Royals director, pictured, is looking forward to life as the EVO-STIK League Premier club's new president.

Appointed on Monday as the successor to Bernard Bent, pictured below, the popular administrator led the tributes to his predecessor and the club's first president following his sad passing at the age of 85 in May.

Worship, who's also the president of the Sutton Coldfield Referee's Association, first joined the Royals back in 1964 before going on to become a director and vice president. Along the way, the retired former railways manager has filled almost every post going at Coles Lane from groundsmen to voice of the Royals as matchday announcer.

In a statement announcing his appointment, the new Royals president told fans: "I consider it a great honour to be offered this position and accept with pleasure."

A Royals spokesman said: "Sutton Coldfield Town FC are delighted to announce that Bill Worship has accepted our invitation to become the new president of the club. Following the sad passing of former president Bernard Bent the board of directors have decided to show appreciation for Bill's fifty odd years of service to the club by offering him this honorary role."

Images courtesy of Sutton Coldfield Town

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