Head Groundsman and probably the nicest man you will ever meet Gil Preece is not at all happy and he is not sleeping well. Why ? I hear you ask - well his "baby" tractor is not well and has not responded to treatment.

Like most non league volunteer groundsman, Gil treats his grounds machinery like most of us treat our loved ones. Unfortunately despite his love and care over many years and several visits to the tractor doctors , his "baby" tractor has broken down and has not responded to recent treatment. Gil has been by his tractor's side throughout, but it is not responding to his voice. He can be heard regularly saying " come on baby please start" and " we have been so good together please don't leave me now". But his pleas have been to no avail.

He has tried everything and the tractor doctors have given a heart breaking prognosis. So far they have failed to resuscitate it and believe the end is near.

Consequently, Darlaston supporters John Williams, Peter Davies and Bill Hindley have started an appeal to see if they can make Gil a little happier either by a last successful visit to a world leading tractor doctor or to find him a second hand replacement.

The tractor is a Kubota GR 2120 diesel model.

So if you know a world leading tractor doctor who can give a definitive final prognosis then please contact 07976 752698. Or if you can donate to the appeal please do so in line with the poster details.

Appeal Bank Account Sort Code 23.05.80 Account No 50485838 quoting Tractor as your reference.

Alternatively, if you know anyone who has a second hand similar model that they will donate to the club or have one for sale then please call 07976752698.

Please make an old man happy again !!