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Coordinates: 51°23′57.851″N 0°24′44.122″W / 51.39940306°N 0.41225611°W / 51.39940306; -0.41225611
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| clubname = Walton & Hersham
| clubname = Walton & Hersham
| image = WaltonHersham.png
| image = WaltonHersham.png
| upright =
| upright = 0.6
| alt = Club crest
| alt = Club crest
| fullname = Walton & Hersham Football Club
| fullname = Walton & Hersham Football Club
| founded = 1945
| founded = {{start date and age|1945}}
| nickname = The Swans<br />The Sham<br />The Waltz
| nickname = The Swans<br />The Sham<br />The Waltz
| ground = Elmbridge Sports Hub<br />[[Walton-on-Thames]], [[Surrey]]
| ground = Elmbridge Sports Hub<br />[[Walton-on-Thames]], [[Surrey]]
| capacity = 2,500
| capacity = 2,097 (318 seated)
| chairman = Jack Newton
| chairman = Sartej Tucker
| manager = Scott Harris
| manager = Vacant
| league = {{English football updater|Walton&H}}
| league = {{English football updater|Walton&H}}
| season = {{English football updater|Walton&H2}}
| season = {{English football updater|Walton&H2}}
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}}
}}


'''Walton & Hersham Football Club''' is a semi-professional [[Association football|football]] club based in [[Walton-on-Thames]], [[Surrey]]. Founded in 1945 following the amalgamation of Walton FC and Hersham FC, they currently play in the {{English football updater|Walton&H}}. The club is affiliated to the [[Surrey County Football Association]].
'''Walton & Hersham Football Club''' is a semi-professional [[Association football|football]] club based in [[Walton-on-Thames]], [[Surrey]]. Founded in 1945 following the amalgamation of Walton FC and Hersham FC, they currently play in the Southern League South Division. The club is affiliated to the [[Surrey County Football Association]].


The club joined the [[Corinthian League (football)|Corinthian League]] upon formation, and after a difficult first season won three consecutive league titles. In 1950, the club moved to the [[Athenian League]], and were later placed in the Premier Division upon expansion in 1963. Walton & Hersham were named league champions for a fourth time during the [[1968–69 in English football|1968–69 season]], and shortly after joined the [[Isthmian League]]. The club's most successful period soon followed, which saw them reach the [[FA Cup]] Second Round and win the [[FA Amateur Cup]] at [[Wembley Stadium]], although the departure of manager [[Allen Batsford]] and several players to [[Wimbledon F.C.|Wimbledon]] saw the club quickly relegated to the Isthmian League Division Two.
The club joined the [[Corinthian League (football)|Corinthian League]] upon formation, and after a difficult first season won three consecutive league titles. In 1950, the club moved to the [[Athenian League]], and were later placed in the Premier Division upon expansion in 1963. Walton & Hersham were named league champions for a fourth time during the [[1968–69 in English football|1968–69 season]], and shortly after joined the [[Isthmian League]]. The club's most successful period soon followed, which saw them reach the [[FA Cup]] Second Round and win the [[FA Amateur Cup]] at [[Wembley Stadium]], although the departure of manager [[Allen Batsford]] and several players to [[Wimbledon F.C.|Wimbledon]] saw the club quickly relegated to the Isthmian League Division Two.
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===1963–1994===
===1963–1994===
The Athenian League expanded in 1963 and Walton & Hersham were placed in the Premier Division. A period of mid-table football followed until the 1967 appointment of [[Allen Batsford]] as manager heralded a new era of success. In 1968–69 he won the Athenian League, followed by two successive visits to the FA Cup First Round in 1969–70 and 1970–71. The Surrey Senior Cup was won again in 1970–71.
The Athenian League expanded in 1963 and Walton & Hersham were placed in the Premier Division. A period of mid-table football followed until the 1967 appointment of [[Allen Batsford]] as manager heralded a new era of success. In 1968–69 he won the Athenian League, followed by two successive visits to the FA Cup first round in 1969–70 and 1970–71. The Surrey Senior Cup was won again in 1970–71.


Walton & Hersham were elected to the [[Isthmian League]] in 1971, and the [[1972–73 Isthmian League|1972–73]] season proved statistically their greatest ever. They won the Surrey Senior Cup, finished as runners-up in the league, reached the FA Cup Second Round for the first time and, most prestigiously, won the FA Amateur Cup, defeating [[Slough Town F.C.|Slough Town]] at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]]. They set a unique record by winning the competition without conceding a goal. Players including [[Dave Bassett]], Willie Smith and Roger Connell became regulars in the [[England national amateur football team|England amateur international team]]. As FA Amateur Cup Winners they were invited to compete in the 1973 Final of The Coppa Ottorino Barassi (The Barassi Cup). They played Jesolo the Italian Amamtuer Cup Winners. The Swans won both legs 4–0 at home and 2-0 Away to lift the trophy. In 1973–74, the club reached the FA Cup Second Round again, having beaten [[Brian Clough]]'s [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]] at [[Goldstone Ground]] 4–0. Following the defeat, Clough almost got into a fight with comedian [[Eric Sykes]], who was associated with Walton & Hersham at the time and was laughing about the result to a friend during a phone call.
Walton & Hersham were elected to the [[Isthmian League]] in 1971, and the [[1972–73 Isthmian League|1972–73]] season proved statistically their greatest ever. They won the Surrey Senior Cup, finished as runners-up in the league, reached the FA Cup second round for the first time and, most prestigiously, won the FA Amateur Cup, defeating [[Slough Town F.C.|Slough Town]] at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]]. They set a unique record by winning the competition without conceding a goal. Players including [[Dave Bassett]], Willie Smith and Roger Connell became regulars in the [[England national amateur football team|England amateur international team]]. As FA Amateur Cup Winners they were invited to compete in the 1973 Final of The Coppa Ottorino Barassi (The Barassi Cup). They played Jesolo the Italian Amamtuer Cup Winners. The Swans won both legs 4–0 at home and 2-0 Away to lift the trophy. In 1973–74, the club reached the FA Cup second round again, having beaten [[Brian Clough]]'s [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]] at [[Goldstone Ground]] 4–0. Following the defeat, Clough almost got into a fight with comedian [[Eric Sykes]], who was associated with Walton & Hersham at the time and was laughing about the result to a friend during a phone call.


In 1974, Batsford left to manage [[Wimbledon F.C.|Wimbledon]] and took several players with him. Walton & Hersham were relegated in 1975 and, although they reached the FA Cup First Round again in the 1975–76 season, they went close to extinction in the late 1970s. They inspired the name of [[punk rock|punk]] band [[Sham 69]] (who formed in 1976), as they derived it from a piece of graffiti which read 'Walton & Hersham 69'. Despite briefly having [[Sir Stanley Matthews]] as president, the club endured a lean period throughout the 1980s.
In 1974, Batsford left to manage [[Wimbledon F.C.|Wimbledon]] and took several players with him. Walton & Hersham were relegated in 1975 and, although they reached the FA Cup first round again in the 1975–76 season, they went close to extinction in the late 1970s. They inspired the name of [[punk rock|punk]] band [[Sham 69]] (who formed in 1976), as they derived it from a piece of graffiti which read 'Walton & Hersham 69'. Despite briefly having [[Sir Stanley Matthews]] as president, the club endured a lean period throughout the 1980s.


===1994–2018===
===1994–2018===
Walton & Hersham were promoted to the Isthmian top flight in 1994, and reached the FA Cup First Round again that season, although relegation followed in 1996. They were promoted the following year, but relegation followed again in 2000.<ref name="fchd">{{cite web|url=http://www.fchd.info/WALTONHE.HTM|title=Walton & Hersham|work=fchd.info|publisher=Football Club History Database|access-date=2009-07-17}}</ref> After a spell in the [[Isthmian League]] First Division, they appointed long-serving player [[Alan Dowson]] as manager and he led them to a successful 2004–05 season, with promotion secured as runners-up.
Walton & Hersham were promoted to the Isthmian top flight in 1994, and reached the FA Cup first round again that season, although relegation followed in 1996. They were promoted the following year, but relegation followed again in 2000.<ref name="fchd">{{cite web|url=https://www.fchd.info/WALTONHE.HTM|title=Walton & Hersham|work=fchd.info|publisher=Football Club History Database|access-date=2009-07-17}}</ref> After a spell in the [[Isthmian League]] First Division, they appointed long-serving player [[Alan Dowson]] as manager and he led them to a successful 2004–05 season, with promotion secured as runners-up.


After the resignation of [[Alan Dowson]] in October 2006, former [[Gillingham F.C.|Gillingham]] first-team coach Bobby Paterson took over after a long search for a new manager. Walton & Hersham were relegated that season and Paterson's contract was terminated. The assistant manager Les Cleevely - the former [[Carshalton Athletic F.C.|Carshalton Athletic]] player/assistant manager for whom he made over 500 appearances - took over.
After the resignation of [[Alan Dowson]] in October 2006, former [[Gillingham F.C.|Gillingham]] first-team coach Bobby Paterson took over after a long search for a new manager. Walton & Hersham were relegated that season and Paterson's contract was terminated. The assistant manager Les Cleevely - the former [[Carshalton Athletic F.C.|Carshalton Athletic]] player/assistant manager for whom he made over 500 appearances - took over.
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At the end of the 2015–16 season Walton & Hersham were relegated to the [[Combined Counties Football League]] Premier Division. The club appointed Simon Haughney as first team manager on 22 June 2016, with former Guyana international [[Howard Newton]] as assistant manager.
At the end of the 2015–16 season Walton & Hersham were relegated to the [[Combined Counties Football League]] Premier Division. The club appointed Simon Haughney as first team manager on 22 June 2016, with former Guyana international [[Howard Newton]] as assistant manager.
===2019-===
===2019– Present===
In June 2019 - after a season ending in relegation to the Combined Counties League One - the club was taken over by a consortium of seven young people;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.waltonandhershamfc.org.uk/2019/06/03/club-structure/ |title=Club Structure {{!}} Walton & Hersham Football Club |website=www.waltonandhershamfc.org.uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708130002/http://www.waltonandhershamfc.org.uk/2019/06/03/club-structure/ |archive-date=2019-07-08}}</ref> Thomas Bradbury, Reme Edetanlen, Jack Newton, Sartej Tucker, Ben Madelin, Calogero Scannella and Stephan Karidis. They got off to a winning start in the league with a 3–0 victory over Eversley & California FC.
In June 2019 - after a season ending in relegation to the Combined Counties League One - the club was taken over by a consortium of seven young people;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.waltonandhershamfc.org.uk/2019/06/03/club-structure/ |title=Club Structure {{!}} Walton & Hersham Football Club |website=www.waltonandhershamfc.org.uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708130002/http://www.waltonandhershamfc.org.uk/2019/06/03/club-structure/ |archive-date=2019-07-08}}</ref> Thomas Bradbury, Reme Edetanlen, Jack Newton, Sartej Tucker, Ben Madelin, Calogero Scannella and Stephan Karidis. They got off to a winning start in the league with a 3–0 victory over Eversley & California FC.


Media coverage has been a prominent strategy for the new ownership, with national & international coverage documenting the club's direction as the unverified "youngest owners in world football". The new directors also featured in a 90min documentary that recorded their experiences, filmed during their first season in charge.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1233360267117023232|user=90min_Football|title=ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ'ꜱ ʏᴏᴜɴɢᴇꜱᴛ ꜰᴏᴏᴛʙᴀʟʟ ᴄʟᴜʙ ᴏᴡɴᴇʀꜱ Seven school friends took over the reigns at @waltonhershamfc with the o…<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=28 February 2020}}</ref>
Media coverage has been a prominent strategy for the new ownership, with national & international coverage documenting the club's direction as the unverified "youngest owners in world football". The new directors also featured in a [[90min]] documentary that recorded their experiences, filmed during their first season in charge.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1233360267117023232|user=90min_Football|title=ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ'ꜱ ʏᴏᴜɴɢᴇꜱᴛ ꜰᴏᴏᴛʙᴀʟʟ ᴄʟᴜʙ ᴏᴡɴᴇʀꜱ Seven school friends took over the reins at @waltonhershamfc with the o…<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=28 February 2020}}</ref>


On April 14, 2020, Manager George Busumbru stepped down, citing 'personal reasons'.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1249988499899584512|user=BusumbruG|title=To @waltonhershamfc supporters ❤<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=14 April 2020}}</ref> Scott Harris, former player & former assistant coach at Walton Casuals, replaced George.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://waltonhershamfc.com/scotty-signs/ |title = New First Team Manager {{!}} Walton & Hersham Football Club}}</ref>
On 14 April 2020, Manager George Busumbru stepped down, citing 'personal reasons'.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1249988499899584512|user=BusumbruG|title=To @waltonhershamfc supporters ❤<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=14 April 2020}}</ref> Scott Harris, former player & former assistant coach at Walton Casuals, replaced George.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://waltonhershamfc.com/scotty-signs/ |title = New First Team Manager {{!}} Walton & Hersham Football Club}}</ref>


In 2021 the club were promoted to the Premier Division South based on their results in the abandoned [[2019–20 Combined Counties Football League|2019–20]] and [[2020–21 Combined Counties Football League|2020–21 seasons]]. After six years away from the Isthmian League, a 1–0 victory over [[Raynes Park Vale F.C.|Raynes Park Vale]] on 9 April 2022 secured at least a second placed spot and back-to-back promotions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://waltonhershamfc.com/swans-1-raynes-park-vale-0/|title=Swans 1 Raynes Park Vale 0|website=waltonhershamfc.com|date=9 April 2022|accessdate=14 April 2022}}</ref> The club returned to Step 4 for the first time since relegation in 15/16.
In 2021 the club were promoted to the Premier Division South based on their results in the abandoned [[2019–20 Combined Counties Football League|2019–20]] and [[2020–21 Combined Counties Football League|2020–21 seasons]]. After six years away from the Isthmian League, a 1–0 victory over [[Raynes Park Vale F.C.|Raynes Park Vale]] on 9 April 2022 secured at least a second placed spot and back-to-back promotions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://waltonhershamfc.com/swans-1-raynes-park-vale-0/|title=Swans 1 Raynes Park Vale 0|website=waltonhershamfc.com|date=9 April 2022|accessdate=14 April 2022}}</ref> The club returned to Step 4 for the first time since relegation in 15/16.

In 2023, after finishing 2nd in the Isthmian South Central Division, the club secured a third successive promotion following a 3-1 win in the division play-off finals against Hanworth Villa,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.isthmian.co.uk/swans-soar-75893 |title = Swans Soar! {{!}} Isthmian Football League}}</ref> which returns the club to Step 3, a key goal for the owners. The season saw other records with striker Eddie Simon scoring an English record of four hat-tricks in successive games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1751112/Non-league-Eddie-Simon-Erling-Haaland|title='Haaland who?' - Non-league striker writes history with fourth hat-trick in a row|website=express.co.uk|date=26 March 2023|accessdate=30 April 2023}}</ref>

In April 2024, following three promotions in three seasons, Harris was sacked with the club sitting five points off of the play-offs with three matches remaining, with a number of key players also departing the club in support of Harris.<ref> {{cite web|url=https://waltonhershamfc.com/club-statement-scott-harris/|title=Club Statement: Scott Harris|website=waltonhershamfc.com|date=8 April 2024|accessdate=9 April 2024}}</ref>


==Stadium==
==Stadium==
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===Current squad===
===Current squad===
{{updated|16 August 2022}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Profiles |url=http://www.waltonandhershamfc.org.uk/first-team/playersmanagement/ |publisher=Walton & Hersham FC |access-date=30 July 2017}}</ref>
{{updated|12 April 2024}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Profiles |url=http://www.waltonandhershamfc.org.uk/first-team/playersmanagement/ |publisher=Walton & Hersham FC |access-date=30 July 2017 |archive-date=21 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221034507/http://www.waltonandhershamfc.org.uk/first-team/playersmanagement/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
{{fs start}}
{{fs start}}
{{fs player | pos=GK | nat=ENG | name=Liam Allen | other= }}
{{fs player | no=1 | | pos=GK | nat=ENG | name=Liam Allen | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=GK | nat=ENG | name=Harvey Sellers | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=GK | nat=ENG | name=Harvey Sellers | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=DF | nat=ENG | name=Jude Molloy | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=DF | nat=ENG | name=Jude Molloy | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=DF | nat=ENG | name=Dominic Ogun | other= }}
{{fs player | no=3 | | pos=DF | nat=ENG | name=Dominic Ogun | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=DF | nat=USA | name=Nick Burgess | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=DF | nat=USA | name=Nick Burgess | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=DF | nat=ENG | name=Joe Pratley-Jones | other= }}
{{fs player | no=17 | | pos=DF | nat=ENG | name=Joe Pratley-Jones | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=DF | nat=ENG | name=Joe Hicks | other=[[Captain (association football)|captain]] }}
{{fs player | no=5 | | pos=DF | nat=ENG | name=Mitchal Gough | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=MF | nat=ENG | name=Reece Brewster | other= }}
{{fs player | no=3 | | pos=DF | nat=ENG | name=Darryl Siaw | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=MF | nat=ALB| name=Arsen Ujkaj | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=MF | nat=ENG | name=Reece Brewster | other= }}
{{fs mid}}
{{fs mid}}
{{fs player | pos=MF | nat=ENG | name=Maliq Morris | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=MF | nat=ENG | name=Maliq Morris | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=MF | nat=ENG | name=Harry Mills | other= }}
{{fs player | no=10 | | pos=MF | nat=ENG | name=John Gilbert | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=MF | nat=ENG | name=John Gilbert | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=MF | nat=ENG | name=Will Kouadio | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=MF | nat=ENG | name=Will Kouadio | other= }}
{{fs player | no=12 | | pos=MF | nat=ENG | name=Taurean Roberts | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=MF | nat=ENG | name=Taurean Roberts | other= }}
{{fs player | no=8 | | pos=MF | nat=ENG | name=Alex Kelly | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=MF | nat=ENG | name=Alex Kelly | other= }}
{{fs player | no=7 | | pos=MF | nat=TUR | name=Teo Kurtaran | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=FW | nat=ENG | name=Eddie Simon | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=FW | nat=ENG | name=Max Blackmore | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=FW | nat=ENG | name=Max Blackmore | other= }}
{{fs player | no=11 | | pos=FW | nat=ENG | name=Jordan Adeyemi | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=FW | nat=ENG | name=Jordan Adeyemi | other= }}
{{fs player | no=16 | | pos=FW | nat=ENG | name=Ollie Twum | other= }}
{{fs player | pos=FW | nat=ENG | name=Ollie Twum | other= }}
{{fs player | no=14 | | pos=FW | nat=ENG | name=Palace Francis | other= }}
{{fs end}}
{{fs end}}


===Coaching staff===
===Coaching staff===
:''As of 16th August 2022.''<ref>{{cite web |title=Officials |url=http://www.waltonandhershamfc.org.uk/club/officials/ |work=waltonandhershamfc.org.uk |publisher=Walton & Hersham Football Club |access-date=2011-08-18}}</ref>
:''As of 12 April 2024.''<ref>{{cite web |title=Officials |url=http://www.waltonandhershamfc.org.uk/club/officials/ |work=waltonandhershamfc.org.uk |publisher=Walton & Hersham Football Club |access-date=2011-08-18}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|-
|-
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|-
|-
| Manager
| Manager
| {{flagicon|England}} Scott Harris
| {{flagicon|England}} Vacant
|-
|-
|Head Coach
|First Team Coach / Assistant Manager
|{{flagicon|England}} Billy Rowley
|{{flagicon|England}} Billy Rowley
|-
|-
| First Team Coach
| First Team Coach
|{{flagicon|England}} James Pearson
|{{flagicon|England}} Darren Simpson
|-
|-
| Physiotherapist
| Physiotherapist
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***'''Winners:''' [[1968–69 in English football|1968–69]]
***'''Winners:''' [[1968–69 in English football|1968–69]]
***'''Runners-up (3):''' [[1950–51 in English football|1950–51]], [[1969–70 in English football|1969–70]], [[1970–71 in English football|1970–71]]
***'''Runners-up (3):''' [[1950–51 in English football|1950–51]], [[1969–70 in English football|1969–70]], [[1970–71 in English football|1970–71]]
**'''[[Corinthian League]]'''
**'''[[Corinthian League (football) | Corinthian League]]'''
***'''Winners (3):''' [[1946–47 in English football|1946–47]], [[1947–48 in English football|1947–48]], [[1948–49 in English football|1948–49]]
***'''Winners (3):''' [[1946–47 in English football|1946–47]], [[1947–48 in English football|1947–48]], [[1948–49 in English football|1948–49]]
***'''Runners-up:''' [[1949–50 in English football|1949–50]]
***'''Runners-up:''' [[1949–50 in English football|1949–50]]
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****'''Runners-up:''' [[2004–05 Isthmian League|2004–05]]
****'''Runners-up:''' [[2004–05 Isthmian League|2004–05]]
****'''Third place (2):''' [[1993–94 Isthmian League|1993–94]], [[1996–97 Isthmian League|1996–97]]
****'''Third place (2):''' [[1993–94 Isthmian League|1993–94]], [[1996–97 Isthmian League|1996–97]]
***'''South Central Division'''
****'''Runners-up:''' [[2022–23 Isthmian League|2022–23]]
**'''[[Combined Counties Football League]]'''
**'''[[Combined Counties Football League]]'''
***'''Premier Division South'''
***'''Premier Division South'''
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* First [[FA Vase]] match: [[Frimley Green F.C.|Frimley Green]] 0–3 Walton & Hersham, Second Qualifying Round, 24 September 2016
* First [[FA Vase]] match: [[Frimley Green F.C.|Frimley Green]] 0–3 Walton & Hersham, Second Qualifying Round, 24 September 2016
* First [[Combined Counties Football League|Combined Counties Premier Challenge Cup]] match: Walton & Hersham 5–1 [[Eversley & California F.C.|Eversley & California]], Second Round, 1 November 2016
* First [[Combined Counties Football League|Combined Counties Premier Challenge Cup]] match: Walton & Hersham 5–1 [[Eversley & California F.C.|Eversley & California]], Second Round, 1 November 2016
* Record attendance: 10,000 (v [[Crook Town A.F.C.|Crook Town]], [[FA Amateur Cup]] Fourth Round, 1955)
* Record attendance: 10,000 (v [[Crook Town A.F.C.|Crook Town]], [[FA Amateur Cup]] Fourth round, 1955)


=== Results ===
=== Results ===
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* Record win:
* Record win:
** 11–0 v Epsom Town, [[FA Cup]] First Qualifying Round, 22 September 1945
** 11–0 v Epsom Town, [[FA Cup]] First Qualifying Round, 22 September 1945
** 11–0 v [[Redhill F.C.|Redhill]], [[FA Amateur Cup]] Fourth Qualifying Round, 10 November 1945
** 11–0 v [[Redhill F.C.|Redhill]], [[FA Amateur Cup]] Fourth qualifying round, 10 November 1945
** 11–0 v [[Guildford City F.C.|Guildford]], [[FA Cup]] Preliminary Round, 21 September 1946
** 11–0 v [[Guildford City F.C.|Guildford]], [[FA Cup]] Preliminary Round, 21 September 1946
* Record defeat:
* Record defeat:
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** 0–7 v [[Chelmsford City F.C.|Chelmsford City]], Isthmian League Premier Division, 17 February 2007
** 0–7 v [[Chelmsford City F.C.|Chelmsford City]], Isthmian League Premier Division, 17 February 2007
** 1–8 v [[Dagenham F.C.|Dagenham]], Isthmian League Division One, 21 December 1974
** 1–8 v [[Dagenham F.C.|Dagenham]], Isthmian League Division One, 21 December 1974
** 1–8 v [[Kingstonian F.C.|Kingstonian]], Surrey Senior Cup First Round, 1 January 1990
** 1–8 v [[Kingstonian F.C.|Kingstonian]], Surrey Senior Cup first round, 1 January 1990
** 2–9 v [[Enfield F.C.|Enfield]], Athenian League, 13 February 1960
** 2–9 v [[Enfield F.C.|Enfield]], Athenian League, 13 February 1960
** 2–9 v [[Bromley F.C.|Bromley]], [[FA Cup]] Fourth Qualifying Round, 6 November 1976
** 2–9 v [[Bromley F.C.|Bromley]], [[FA Cup]] Fourth qualifying round, 6 November 1976
* Highest scoring game:
* Highest scoring game:
** 9–3 v [[Camberley Town F.C.|Camberley Town]], FA Amateur Cup, 26 October 1946
** 9–3 v [[Camberley Town F.C.|Camberley Town]], FA Amateur Cup, 26 October 1946
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* {{flagicon|England}} [[Alan Dowson]]
* {{flagicon|England}} [[Alan Dowson]]
* {{flagicon}} [[Andy Driscoll]]
* {{flagicon}} [[Andy Driscoll]]
* {{flagicon|England}} [[Billy Edwards (footballer)|Billy Edwards]]
* {{flagicon|England}} [[Billy Edwards (footballer, born 1952)|Billy Edwards]]
* {{flagicon|England}} [[Nathan Ellington]]
* {{flagicon|England}} [[Nathan Ellington]]
* {{flagicon|Wales}} [[Sander smets (footballer)|Sander smets]]
* {{flagicon|Wales}} [[Sander smets (footballer)|Sander smets]]
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://waltonhershamfc.com/ Official website]
*{{oweb|http://waltonhershamfc.com/}}


{{Isthmian League}}
{{Southern League}}
{{Elmbridge}}
{{Elmbridge}}
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Revision as of 19:10, 28 April 2024

Walton & Hersham
Club crest
Full nameWalton & Hersham Football Club
Nickname(s)The Swans
The Sham
The Waltz
Founded1945; 79 years ago (1945)
GroundElmbridge Sports Hub
Walton-on-Thames, Surrey
Capacity2,097 (318 seated)
ChairmanSartej Tucker
ManagerVacant
LeagueSouthern League Premier Division South
2023–24Southern League Premier Division South, 7th of 22
Websitehttp://waltonhershamfc.com/

Walton & Hersham Football Club is a semi-professional football club based in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. Founded in 1945 following the amalgamation of Walton FC and Hersham FC, they currently play in the Southern League South Division. The club is affiliated to the Surrey County Football Association.

The club joined the Corinthian League upon formation, and after a difficult first season won three consecutive league titles. In 1950, the club moved to the Athenian League, and were later placed in the Premier Division upon expansion in 1963. Walton & Hersham were named league champions for a fourth time during the 1968–69 season, and shortly after joined the Isthmian League. The club's most successful period soon followed, which saw them reach the FA Cup Second Round and win the FA Amateur Cup at Wembley Stadium, although the departure of manager Allen Batsford and several players to Wimbledon saw the club quickly relegated to the Isthmian League Division Two.

After coming close to extinction in the late 1970s, former Ballon d'Or winner Sir Stanley Matthews was briefly named as president and the club later managed to find consistency throughout the 1980s. The Swans regularly earned promotion and suffered relegation between the Isthmian League divisions throughout the next decades, and named Millwall chairman Theo Paphitis as a board member for several years. Following the 2015–16 season, the club suffered relegation to the Combined Counties Premier Division and began to struggle once again.

In August 2017, Walton & Hersham left Stompond Lane and moved into the Elmbridge Sports Hub – a £20 million sports complex development shared with local rivals Walton Casuals. After three seasons in the ninth tier of English football, the club suffered further relegation to the Combined Counties Division One and long-term owner Alan Smith stepped down from his position. In July 2019, the club was taken over by a group of students, who claim to be the youngest owners in world football.[1][2]

Walton & Hersham are the inspiration behind the name of punk band Sham 69, which was derived from a piece of graffiti reading 'Walton & Hersham 69'.

History

Further information: List of Walton & Hersham F.C. seasons

1945–1963

Discussions of the amalgamation of local rivals Walton FC and Hersham FC took place as early as 1912, but the idea was rejected by membership vote. A second vote took place 11 years later, but with a tied decision the club remained separate, and the idea was once again rejected in 1933. However, when Hersham FC no longer had a home ground in 1945, the two clubs met again and came to an agreement to join the newly founded Corinthian League as one club.

Despite a poor first season, Walton & Hersham won the league three consecutive times from 1946 to 1949. They also won the Surrey Senior Cup for the first time during the 1947–48 season with a 2–1 win against Kingstonian at Crystal Palace. In 1950, the club were elected to the Athenian League and finished runners up in their debut season while also winning their second Surrey Senior Cup.

Walton & Hersham reached the FA Amateur Cup semi-finals in both the 1951–52 and 1952–53 seasons, and during this period gained a substantial following. The club reached the FA Cup First Round for the first time in 1957–58, losing 6–1 to Southampton in front of 6,000 people. They won the Surrey Senior Cup for a third time in 1960–61, and retained the trophy the following year.

1963–1994

The Athenian League expanded in 1963 and Walton & Hersham were placed in the Premier Division. A period of mid-table football followed until the 1967 appointment of Allen Batsford as manager heralded a new era of success. In 1968–69 he won the Athenian League, followed by two successive visits to the FA Cup first round in 1969–70 and 1970–71. The Surrey Senior Cup was won again in 1970–71.

Walton & Hersham were elected to the Isthmian League in 1971, and the 1972–73 season proved statistically their greatest ever. They won the Surrey Senior Cup, finished as runners-up in the league, reached the FA Cup second round for the first time and, most prestigiously, won the FA Amateur Cup, defeating Slough Town at Wembley Stadium. They set a unique record by winning the competition without conceding a goal. Players including Dave Bassett, Willie Smith and Roger Connell became regulars in the England amateur international team. As FA Amateur Cup Winners they were invited to compete in the 1973 Final of The Coppa Ottorino Barassi (The Barassi Cup). They played Jesolo the Italian Amamtuer Cup Winners. The Swans won both legs 4–0 at home and 2-0 Away to lift the trophy. In 1973–74, the club reached the FA Cup second round again, having beaten Brian Clough's Brighton & Hove Albion at Goldstone Ground 4–0. Following the defeat, Clough almost got into a fight with comedian Eric Sykes, who was associated with Walton & Hersham at the time and was laughing about the result to a friend during a phone call.

In 1974, Batsford left to manage Wimbledon and took several players with him. Walton & Hersham were relegated in 1975 and, although they reached the FA Cup first round again in the 1975–76 season, they went close to extinction in the late 1970s. They inspired the name of punk band Sham 69 (who formed in 1976), as they derived it from a piece of graffiti which read 'Walton & Hersham 69'. Despite briefly having Sir Stanley Matthews as president, the club endured a lean period throughout the 1980s.

1994–2018

Walton & Hersham were promoted to the Isthmian top flight in 1994, and reached the FA Cup first round again that season, although relegation followed in 1996. They were promoted the following year, but relegation followed again in 2000.[3] After a spell in the Isthmian League First Division, they appointed long-serving player Alan Dowson as manager and he led them to a successful 2004–05 season, with promotion secured as runners-up.

After the resignation of Alan Dowson in October 2006, former Gillingham first-team coach Bobby Paterson took over after a long search for a new manager. Walton & Hersham were relegated that season and Paterson's contract was terminated. The assistant manager Les Cleevely - the former Carshalton Athletic player/assistant manager for whom he made over 500 appearances - took over.

Former Millwall chairman Theo Paphitis became a member of Walton & Hersham's board of directors, and after a mid-table finish to the 2007–08 season, Les Cleevely became the academy coach while Jimmy Bolton took over as manager. In March 2009, Jimmy Bolton was replaced for the rest of the season by Matt Elverson as caretaker manager. During the 2009 off-season, John Crumplin was appointed manager, although his reign only lasted until September 2010. Chuck Martini was appointed soon after.

At the end of the 2015–16 season Walton & Hersham were relegated to the Combined Counties Football League Premier Division. The club appointed Simon Haughney as first team manager on 22 June 2016, with former Guyana international Howard Newton as assistant manager.

2019– Present

In June 2019 - after a season ending in relegation to the Combined Counties League One - the club was taken over by a consortium of seven young people;[4] Thomas Bradbury, Reme Edetanlen, Jack Newton, Sartej Tucker, Ben Madelin, Calogero Scannella and Stephan Karidis. They got off to a winning start in the league with a 3–0 victory over Eversley & California FC.

Media coverage has been a prominent strategy for the new ownership, with national & international coverage documenting the club's direction as the unverified "youngest owners in world football". The new directors also featured in a 90min documentary that recorded their experiences, filmed during their first season in charge.[5]

On 14 April 2020, Manager George Busumbru stepped down, citing 'personal reasons'.[6] Scott Harris, former player & former assistant coach at Walton Casuals, replaced George.[7]

In 2021 the club were promoted to the Premier Division South based on their results in the abandoned 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons. After six years away from the Isthmian League, a 1–0 victory over Raynes Park Vale on 9 April 2022 secured at least a second placed spot and back-to-back promotions.[8] The club returned to Step 4 for the first time since relegation in 15/16.

In 2023, after finishing 2nd in the Isthmian South Central Division, the club secured a third successive promotion following a 3-1 win in the division play-off finals against Hanworth Villa,[9] which returns the club to Step 3, a key goal for the owners. The season saw other records with striker Eddie Simon scoring an English record of four hat-tricks in successive games.[10]

In April 2024, following three promotions in three seasons, Harris was sacked with the club sitting five points off of the play-offs with three matches remaining, with a number of key players also departing the club in support of Harris.[11]

Stadium

Walton & Hersham play their home games at the Elmbridge Sports Hub, Waterside Drive, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 2JP.

The club moved into the stadium for the 2017–18 season following a two-year, £20 million redevelopment on the site of the former Waterside Stadium. The stadium was shared with Walton Casuals until they folded, as well as the local athletics club with an eight-lane Olympic standard athletics track located behind the main stand and clubhouse of the football stadium.

The club have spent much of their history at Stompond Lane, where they began playing upon formation in 1945. The Swans notably hosted Southampton in a 6–1 defeat in the 1957–58 FA Cup First Round and earned a 0–0 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion in the 1973–74 FA Cup edition. In 2017, the stadium was demolished to make way for new housing developments as the club moved across town.

Players and staff

Current squad

As of 12 April 2024[12]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK England ENG Liam Allen
— GK England ENG Harvey Sellers
— DF England ENG Jude Molloy
3 DF England ENG Dominic Ogun
— DF United States USA Nick Burgess
17 DF England ENG Joe Pratley-Jones
5 DF England ENG Mitchal Gough
3 DF England ENG Darryl Siaw
— MF England ENG Reece Brewster
No. Pos. Nation Player
— MF England ENG Maliq Morris
10 MF England ENG John Gilbert
— MF England ENG Will Kouadio
12 MF England ENG Taurean Roberts
8 MF England ENG Alex Kelly
7 MF Turkey TUR Teo Kurtaran
— FW England ENG Max Blackmore
11 FW England ENG Jordan Adeyemi
16 FW England ENG Ollie Twum
14 FW England ENG Palace Francis

Coaching staff

As of 12 April 2024.[13]
Position Name
Manager England Vacant
Head Coach England Billy Rowley
First Team Coach England Darren Simpson
Physiotherapist England Tiffany Weedon

Achievements

Records

Matches

Results

  • Record win:
  • Record defeat:
    • 0–7 v Farnborough Town, Isthmian League Division One, 18 September 1984
    • 0–7 v Kingstonian, Isthmian League Premier Division, 14 March 1998
    • 0–7 v Chelmsford City, Isthmian League Premier Division, 17 February 2007
    • 1–8 v Dagenham, Isthmian League Division One, 21 December 1974
    • 1–8 v Kingstonian, Surrey Senior Cup first round, 1 January 1990
    • 2–9 v Enfield, Athenian League, 13 February 1960
    • 2–9 v Bromley, FA Cup Fourth qualifying round, 6 November 1976
  • Highest scoring game:

Competitions

Former players

  1. Players that have played/managed in the football league or any foreign equivalent to this level (i.e. fully professional league).
  2. Players with full international caps.

See also

References

  1. ^ Jenkinson, Orlando (23 August 2019). "Interview: Seven 19-year-old friends become the new owners of Walton and Hersham FC". Surrey Comet. Retrieved 25 August 2019.
  2. ^ Sidle, Ryan (22 August 2019). "Seven 19-Year-Olds Become The Youngest Football Club Owners". Sport Bible. Retrieved 25 August 2019.
  3. ^ "Walton & Hersham". fchd.info. Football Club History Database. Retrieved 17 July 2009.
  4. ^ "Club Structure | Walton & Hersham Football Club". www.waltonandhershamfc.org.uk. Archived from the original on 8 July 2019.
  5. ^ @90min_Football (28 February 2020). "ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ'ꜱ ʏᴏᴜɴɢᴇꜱᴛ ꜰᴏᴏᴛʙᴀʟʟ ᴄʟᴜʙ ᴏᴡɴᴇʀꜱ Seven school friends took over the reins at @waltonhershamfc with the o…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  6. ^ @BusumbruG (14 April 2020). "To @waltonhershamfc supporters ❤" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  7. ^ "New First Team Manager | Walton & Hersham Football Club".
  8. ^ "Swans 1 Raynes Park Vale 0". waltonhershamfc.com. 9 April 2022. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  9. ^ "Swans Soar! | Isthmian Football League".
  10. ^ "'Haaland who?' - Non-league striker writes history with fourth hat-trick in a row". express.co.uk. 26 March 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  11. ^ "Club Statement: Scott Harris". waltonhershamfc.com. 8 April 2024. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  12. ^ "Profiles". Walton & Hersham FC. Archived from the original on 21 December 2017. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  13. ^ "Officials". waltonandhershamfc.org.uk. Walton & Hersham Football Club. Retrieved 18 August 2011.

51°23′57.851″N 0°24′44.122″W / 51.39940306°N 0.41225611°W / 51.39940306; -0.41225611

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