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Walton & Hersham F.C.

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Walton & Hersham
File:Waltonandhershamfc.jpg
Full nameWalton and Hersham F.C.
Nickname(s)The Swans
Founded1895
GroundThe Sports Ground, Stompond Lane,
Walton-on-Thames, Surrey
Capacity300
ChairmanAlan Smith
ManagerBobby Paterson
LeagueIsthmian League Premier Division
2005-06Isthmian League Premier Division, 9th

Walton & Hersham F.C. are an English football club who are currently spending the 2006-7 season in the Isthmian League Premier Division. Nicknamed the Swans they play at Stompond Lane, Walton-on-Thames. The club play in an all-red kit.

History

Walton F.C. was formed in 1895[1], and in 1945, following World War II, amalgamated with Hersham F.C. to form Walton & Hersham F.C.. The club joined the Corinthian League, winning it first in the 1946-7 season and then again the following two seasons. They were elected to the Athenian League in 1950 and finished runners-up in their first season.

A period of mid-table football followed until the 1967 appointment of Allen Batsford as manager heralded a new era of success. The Athenian League title was secured in 1969, followed by two runners-up spots and two successive visits to the FA Cup First Round. The club were finally elected to the Isthmian League in 1971 and they secured a third place finish in their first season. Further success followed in 1973 when the club won the penultimate FA Amateur Cup final, defeating Slough Town F.C. at Wembley Stadium. The club set a unique record by winning the competition without conceding a goal. With players including Dave Bassett becoming regulars in the England Amateur International team, the Swans became recognized as one of the strongest non-league teams in the country. A 4-0 FA Cup First Round replay over Brian Clough's Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. underlined the power of the side at the time. The glory days ended however in 1975 when Batsford left to manage Wimbledon F.C. and took most of the best players with him. Despite briefly having Stanley Matthews as President, the club endured a lean period throughout the 1980s and dropped out of the top level of the Isthmian League.

They returned to the Isthmian top flight in 1994, although relegation followed in 1996. They were promoted again the following year, although relegation followed in 2000. After a spell in the First Division the club appointed long-serving player Alan Dowson as manager and he led them to a successful 2004-5 season, with promotion secured as runners-up.

After the resignation of Alan Dowson in October 06 former Gillingham first team coach Bobby Paterson took over after a long search for a new manager. An assistant manager was appointed a few weeks later, Les Cleevely-the former Carshalton Athletic player where he made over 500 apperances for them.

Amongst their other claims to fame the club had Eric Sykes as a director for a spell whilst a piece of graffiti about the club inspired the name of punk band Sham 69.

Achievements


Notes

  1. ^ Walton & Hersham Official Website, history page
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