Scott Adey-Linforth | Stourbridge

Stourbridge turned their 2025/26 season around dramatically, after the appointment of Scott Adey-Linforth in December following the difficult period under now assistant boss, Darryl Knights.

The Glassboys were 20th and seven points from safety just before Adey-Linforth was appointed, following a hammering at the hands of Kettering Town, and a shock home defeat after being two up against AFC Sudbury. The arrival of the Aston Villa first team performance analyst shot Stourbridge up the table, and to a convincing safety.

The 31 year old won 34 points in the 21 league games he took charge of the club, which was over double the amount they acrued in the first 21 of the campaign. The incredible rise to new fortunes led them to securing the seventh most points in all 22 Southern Premier Central clubs last 21 games. To put it into context, the six sides who won more than Stour all finished in the top six.

Scott's side have already acted quickly this summer, brining in Dan Jarvis from Barwell & Josh Quaynor from Leamington. Key winger Jai Verma who scored five league goals last term, first choice keeper Charlie Price, goalscoring midfielder Tom Edge and promising young home grown central man Jack Fletcher have all been retained, alongside Toumani Sidibe, Nathan Hayward, Dom Lewis & Harvey Portman.

Going back to the topic of last season, I spoke with the Glassboys boss last month after the end of the campaign, to get his thoughts on their amazing form since his appointment, the biggest change that was needed, what he fixed first, and the specific turning point of the 21 games he oversaw.

"I've been buzzing with the team. I said to a few, I went into my first meeting with them before the Harborough game last December, and then the training the day before the game, and reiterated to them that there were still 60 points up for grabs. We went into every game with a fearless approach after that, and to win.

"There wasnt much that changed in particular. The belief was always there. I think when i first came in, I thought that was going to be the biggest issue, but the lads always seemed positive. The most important aspect was to change was the structure and to bring clarity. It was evident at the time that scoring wasnt the issue, it was keeping them out.

"We wanted to be harder to beat, have a stronger foundation to build upon and give our attackers a platform to win. When I managed against Stour for Bromsgrove, it was evident that they could score, but everything at the back wasnt quite right. Darryl did a brilliant job the game before i arrived against Royston to get the win and improve the squads belief.

"Ash Carter came in and improved the defence massively. We developed a real edge and confidence to our side. The solid structure in the last months complimented that. The reaction to the poor first half of the season form was amazing, and I can credit everyone on and off the pitch for their efforts to bring this side to safety."

So let's look a bit deeper at what was the biggest reason behind the Glassboys safety. For a start, there goals improved, even if they didnt need to as Scott stated. Stourbridge scored three more first half and second half goals in their last 21 games of the campaign under SAL, than in the first 21 under Knights.

Aside from that, their ability to score first in games also took a huge leap forwards. Adey-Linforth's side scored the first goals in 11 of their first 21 league games, compared to the 14 they scored in first for the last 21. It's clear to see that the side from Amblecote are in safe hands under the management of Scott Adey-Linforth, assistant Darryl Knights and all the coaching staff.