Former Premier League Player Ruel Fox Strives to Rescue His Beloved Childhood Club

Ruel Fox, former professional footballer for Norwich City and Newcastle United, has turned his attention to his beloved Whitton United in Ipswich, where he now serves as the club chairman. Fox, who has been involved with Whitton since he was a child, admits that life in the Thurlow Nunn First Division North league is challenging. He believes that the current generation of players lack the same commitment and love for the game that he had. The club, struggling to keep a regular team together due to higher wages offered by other clubs, is at risk of folding, according to Fox. Despite his glamorous playing past, Fox finds it difficult to attract volunteers to help run the club, which operates on a budget of around £30,000 per season. Whitton's financial position is precarious, and Fox is no longer willing to finance the team with his own money. However, grants and funding from the Ipswich Borough Council may provide some much-needed assistance. Whitton manager Tony Lanni also faces challenges, as he balances his full-time job as a landscape gardener with his duties at the club. Despite the difficulties, both Fox and Lanni remain hopeful for the future of Whitton.