On-loan Blackwood has double ambition at Tamworth

Mar 28 2009 by Colin Stoner, Birmingham Mail

MICHAEL Blackwood has set his goal to help Tamworth win promotion back to non-League’s top tier – then secure his future at the club for next season.

The front-runner has helped the Lambs to back-to-back wins since joining from Mansfield and they have moved level on points with leaders Gateshead in Blue Square North with two games in hand.

The former Kidderminster Harriers, Telford United and Worcester City winger admits his loan move came out of the blue but says it was a simple decision to join the Lambs as he is out of contract in the summer.

“Everything happened so suddenly,” said the 29-year-old Birmingham-based player. “I wasn’t playing at Mansfield, so I spoke to the manager and we felt it would be best for me to go out on loan. When Tamworth came in, I didn’t hesitate.

“I will be trying my utmost to help Tamworth win the title and it’s also the chance to put myself in a situation where they might like to keep me for next season. It depends on whether we go up. Tamworth would be my first choice but the first goal is get the club back in the Premier.”

Former Aston Villa trainee Blackwood says being part of a title-chasing team will be a new experience.

“I’ve never really been involved with a promotion side before,” he said. “I was top of the league with Worcester City for a spell but I left.