Champions! The Rebirth of Nuneaton Town Football Club: Mark Lacrouts and Russell Dodd

📅 Episode Summary:
This episode features two key figures behind one of English football’s most inspiring turnarounds: Mark Lacrouts and Russell Dodd of Nuneaton Town Football Club. Following the club’s liquidation and collapse in early 2024, a determined group of fans and community leaders rebuilt the club from the ground up—literally.

With no players, no ground, and just a vision, the new Nuneaton Town FC was born. And within months, against all odds, they were crowned champions of the Midland Football League Division 1 at Step 6!  This is a story of resilience, community spirit, and the heart of non-league football.

🗣️ In This Episode:

• How Mark and Russell got into football and their personal connections to Nuneaton
• The financial and logistical collapse of the original club
• What it took to start a new club from scratch (CIC model, volunteer efforts, player recruitment)
• The unique dynamic of joint management between Russell Dodd and Darren Acton
• Achieving success on the pitch faster than anyone imagined
• Building a community-first culture: players, fans, and families all pulling together
• Transparency, budgeting, and sustainable growth strategies
• The ultimate goal: returning home to Nuneaton and building a new stadium
• The long-term vision for youth, women's teams, and local engagement
• Why non-league football is so vital and vibrant

🏟️ Upcoming Highlights:

• Final home game: trophy presentation and club celebration Saturday 19th April 2025
• Cup final at Walsall’s stadium on Wednesday 30th April 2025
• Aiming for a record-breaking crowd of over 1,000 fans

💬 Quotes:

"I'm a custodian. I'm only here for a short period of time—but if we can set the foundations of a strong club, that's what really matters." - Mark

"We are one club—players, fans, volunteers, the board. No egos, just a shared love of football and this town." - Russell

"Starting a football club from scratch is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do—but also one of the most rewarding." - Mark

"We didn’t just want talented players. We wanted the right people—the ones who would stay after the match, chat with fans, and wear the badge with pride." - Russell

🧭 Useful Links:
🌐 Club Website: https://www.nuneatontownfc.co.uk/
📅 Fixtures & Tickets: Check the website for the final home game and cup final details
📸 Follow the club on social media to stay up to date with the journey;

  https://www.facebook.com/NuneatonTFC/

https://www.instagram.com/nuneatontfc

👥 Get Involved:
Whether you’re local or just passing through, everyone is welcome at Nuneaton Town FC. Grab a burger, meet the players, and be part of something special.

Intro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee'  Bob Wells © 2020

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