WYRE Forest FC celebrated 30-years of unprecedented success as the old boys took on the latest generation.

The club’s old guard demonstrated they had lost none of their hunger for victory as they emerged triumphant 3-2 at Areley Kings Sports Ground.

Celebrations for one of the district’s most successful football teams went on long into the night at the King and Castle pub.

Since starting out as Wyre Forest Construction in the 1983-84 season, before dropping the sponsors’ name in 1988-89, the club have a record that would make departing Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson blush, winning 49 trophies and coming runners-up on 16 occasions.

This season has been no different as Forest, based at Springfield Sports Ground, won the Kidderminster and District League Saturday Premier for the fifth time in eight seasons.

They also defeated Netherton 4-1 to lift the Kidderminster Hospital Cup on Tuesday night, thanks to goals for Danny Mason (2), Tom Wassell and Graham Rowe.

Manager Joe Wassell has been at the helm from the start and believes the desire to win comes from years of tradition.

“We started winning trophies from the very beginning, which created a tradition,” Joe said.

“We were just a bunch of lads when it all started but when the old guard stepped down they put pressure on the newer generations to keep that success going.

“Because of our success the club have been able to attract the best players in the town.

“We’ve had some fantastic players during our time, there’s almost too many to mention.

“It’s been a fantastic 30 years, I’ve had young lads come through and develop, which has been great to watch.”

After 15 seasons in the Kidderminster League, they joined the Midland Combination in 1997, winning promotion from Division Three, before taking the Division Two title in 1999-00 as well as securing the Worcestershire FA Junior Cup.

After a brief spell in the West Midlands League, during which they secured the League Cup, they returned to the Kidderminster League with a youthful new team and have never looked back.

For the third time in their history they won four trophies in the 2008-09 campaign, clinching the title and the League Senior, Kidderminster Harriers Cup and Hospital Cups.

That was a repeat of the 1987-88 and 1988-89 seasons, when Forest had to invest in a bigger cabinet to display the eight trophies they won during a prolific period.

The club is a family affair, with Jack Wassell chairman and Jamie Wassell treasurer, while Sam Willey became secretary after popular stalwart Dave Salters passed away several years ago.

“I never thought we’d be able to replace Dave when he passed on but the younger generation have stepped up,” added Joe.

“It means the future of the club is in safe hands.”