Football club raiders hunted; TAMWORTH: Shock turns to anger over armed robbery after club's hour of glory.

Byline: By Justine Halifax

CAPTURED on film is the terrifying moment three hooded raiders armed with shotguns and a machete burst into Tamworth Football Club and ruined the club's hour of glory.

Shock has now turned to anger for staff at the club 17 days after robbers threatened them with sawn-off shotguns and the blade.

"The tears have subsided and the shock has turned to anger that anybody could do that to someone else," said Lambs general manager Russell Moore.

The violent trio burst into the team's social club and stole a "substantial" amount of cash from the tills and safe, hours after their Third Round FA Cup clash with Norwich City.

During the raid one of six members of staff had his hands bound, another a machete held against his throat while other staff were threatened with two sawn-off shotguns.

As the hunt for the culprits continues Mr Moore admitted there were a "few nerves" over the weekend but other clubs are rallying around in support.

He said: "The initial shock of what has happened has subsided. It was a traumatic week to say the least. But everybody has now come to terms with what went on.

"The shock has turned to anger. When someone points a gun at your face that's a little more than violent. There were a few nerves on Friday and Saturday but we are trying to get back on an even keel."

Mr Moore added: "We have had a lot of very nice messages of support from other clubs and the football community in general, including from our opponents on the day, Norwich City.

"I would appeal to anyone who thinks they know something to pick up the phone and let someone know because next time, if these people are not caught, it could be their relative that has a gun pointed in their face.

"If they carry guns they don't just carry them for show, there's always the threat that they could use them."

Detectives investigating the midnight robbery on January 6 have been trawling through CCTV footage from the club.

The driver of a Seat Leon seen speeding into the club's car park around the time of the robbery has come forward as a witness and been eliminated from enquiries.

Anyone with information can telephone police on 08453 302010.

CAPTION(S):

TERRIFYING... the raid on Tamworth Football Club during which staff were threatened.' ARMED... the gang steals cash.