The history of Haverhill Rovers and current pen pictures

HAVERHILL ROVERS F.C. - A HISTORY

Haverhill Rovers were founded in 1886, but their beginnings are shrouded in some mystery.

The club first started playing at Hamlet Croft in 1913; previously they played at Seven Acres, an area bordered on two sides by the old railway line and Wratting Road.

They spent the 1908/09 season in the East Anglian League. Other clubs in that league at that time included Clacton Town and Halstead Town.

At the start of the 1924/25 season Rovers joined the Essex & Suffolk Border League but, after finishing bottom at the end of the 1927/28 season, elected to leave that league. Eight years later, in the 1935/36 season, Rovers rejoined the Border League. In 1946/47, Rovers were runners up behind Colchester Casuals; however, the following year Rovers won not only the championship but also the Knock Out Cup, beating Brightlingsea United 1-0 in the final.

In 1950/51 Rovers were runners up behind Stowmarket Town. In 1962/63 they won the league for the second time, retaining the title the following year, when they also won the Knock Out Cup again to record their second "double".

In 1964 Rovers joined the Eastern Counties League, finishing a creditable sixth in their first season and also winning the League Cup, defeating Stowmarket Town. The following year, Rovers again reached the final of the cup, but lost out to Lowestoft Town. Rovers finished in the bottom three every year from 1970 until 1967. In 1978, under the guidance of former player Roger Staples, Rovers were champions for the first and, so far, only time, pipping Great Yarmouth Town by one point. A crowd of 1,300, a record at the time, packed in to Hamlet Croft to see the last game, the decider, against Chatteris Town. Unfortunately this proved to be a one off, as the following season saw them finish in the lower half of the table.

After this the club made steady progress : 7th in 1989, 14th in 1990 and an excellent 4th in 1991, the first full season under manager Martin Murray. A glut of injuries at the start of 1991/92 meant a final placing of eighth. In 1988 Rovers reached the final of the League Cup for the fourth time, losing to Braintree Town.

In national competitions Rovers have never reached the first round of the F.A. Cup, but reached the 6th Round (Quarter Finals) of the F.A. Vase in 1986/87, losing 3-1 at home to Warrington Town. The attendance on that day was 1,578, which broke the previous record attendance.

The club has never won the Suffolk Premier Cup, losing in the final twice, in 1965/66 2-1 to Bury Town and in 1990/91 3-2 to Stowmarket Town. They have lifted the Cambridge Invitation Cup three times.
Rovers won the East Anglian Cup in 1990/91, beating Eynesbury Rovers 2-1 at Eynesbury in the final.

Season 1995/96 saw Rovers relegated for the first time in their long history, but this disappointment was sweetened by winning the Suffolk Senior Cup for the first time (at Portman Road) at the end of the 1996/97 season. They were also defeated finalists in the Jewson League Cup, losing 2-0 at Harwich & Parkeston.

1997 saw Rovers win the Suffolk Senior Cup after they defeated Ipswich Wanderers 4-1 at Portman Road. They are also the only team to have lifted the First Division Knock Out Trophy three times (2-1 after extra time against Needham Market in 2001, 2-0 against Kirkley in 2004 and 3-1 against Saffron Walden Town in 2007).

Rovers' time at Hamlet Croft will soon be coming to an end as plans are at an advanced stage for a new Community Football Club complex near Samuel Ward Upper School and Technology College to encompass the many teams at several levels that are now a part of the club.

The new stadium is due to be completed in time for the 2009/10 season if plans are successful with a new stand/clubhouse built next to the enclosed pitch area.

An excellent run in the F.A. Cup last season for Rovers included their best result in the past few years when, in the Second Round Qualifying in front of 504 spectators, they defeated Eastbourne Borough 1-0 on 30th September.

Eastbourne were in the Conference South at the time, a huge four divisions above Rovers, but a goal by striker Paul Shaw three minutes into added time at the end of the game was enough to see them through and invoke a roar that was heard all around the town.

This was then followed two rounds later with Aldershot Town, who were in the Conference, coming to the Croft in the F.A. Cup Fourth Qualifying Round.

Although Rovers lost 4-0 on the day an amazing 1,730 people packed into the ground to become the biggest gate ever as the team's best F.A. Cup run to date ended at the final hurdle before the First Round Proper.

The jubilation of the cup run resurfaced at the end of the season when, on the last day of the season, Rovers secured promotion back to the Premier Division after a ten year absence with a nail biting 3-2 win over March Town United that sawe them finish second in the First Division.

The playing side is currently managed by first team captain Marcus Hunt (appointed 12th March 2008).

HAVERHILL ROVERS F.C. - PLAYERS' PEN PICTURES

Marc Abbott : 22 year old midfielder signed from Newmarket Town last season. "Abbo" has also been at Cambridge City. Excellent all rounder with good movement and feet.

Paul Abbott : 25 year old defender signed last season from Newmarket Town after being there for five seasons. "Abbo" is an excellent reader of the game with good awareness.

Jamie Challis : 23 year old central midfielder. "Jay" made his debut for Ipswich Town at the age of 16 and has also played for Newmarket Town and Bury Town academy. A keen eye and some neat skills on and off the ball.

Louie Farrington : 27 year old full back who can also play in central defence and midfield. Signed from Ipswich Wanderers at the start of this season. Lists Ipswich Town, Baldock Town and Mildenhall Town amongst his former clubs. Helped Histon to successive promotions and has played in the old Conference South.

Cody Frazier : 19 year old midfielder signed from Mildenhall Town two seasons ago. While he's not the tallest around he has a lot of fighting spirit and never gives up on a ball.

Sam Green : 25 year old attacking midfielder/striker. A dead ball specialist who gets "stuck in" and distributes the ball well. Came back from a loan spell at Long Melford last season looking like a rejuvenated player. Re-signed from Newmarket Town in March 2008.

Lee Hallas : 26 year old utility player. Previously played first team football for Charlton Athletic and Fulham. Strong player with good positioning and passing ability.

Neil Hammond : 26 years old and former captain of Haverhill Academy, "Hammer" has had trials with Cambridge United and Colchester United. This is his second spell at the club after rejoining from Newmarket Town four seasons ago. Always aware of what's going on and is uncompromising in his approach.

Joe Harvey : 24 year old aggressive holding midfielder signed from CRC last season. Has previously been at Tottenham Hotspur, Northampton Town and Long Melford as a junior. Played at Bury Town before joining CRC. Really came into his own in 2006/07.

Marcus Hunt (player/manager) : 27 year old centre back/central midfielder who has had a trial at Cambridge United. In his ninth year at Haverhill. A fan favourite who shows maturity and stylish play way past his age. Club captain and current first team manager. Manager's Player last season.

Paul Jenkin : 27 year old striker who re-signed for the club this season for his third spell. "Jenko" is a proven goal scorer with a lot of ability on the ball as well. Top goal scorer in the First Division in 2003/04 and at Rovers between 2001/02 and 2003/04.

Ryan Kent : another product of the youth system. 21 year old striker or attacking midfielder who has some wicked pace. Great player to bring on that can terrorise defenders. Is a goal scoring machine for the reserves.

Paul Shaw : 31 year old striker with plenty of goals and experience with top clubs under his belt. Signed from Newmarket Town last season. Missed most of it with a back injury which sidelined him for more than 12 months. Has scored a hatful of goals for the reserves on his way back to full fitness this year.

Jamie Smith : 31 year old goalkeeper. Has played for many local teams and has some good reflexes. Does well when called upon and good in one-on-one situations.

Paul Stokes : 26 year old striker who rejoined the club this season after playing for Wickhambrook last season. Has also played for Newmarket Town and Bury Town. Has strength in abundance and can hold the ball up well.

Gareth Thomas : 23 year old ex Hornchurch defender signed this season. Knows just when to put his foot in, is an excellent talker and organises the rest of the back line well.

Jamie Thurlbourne : 20 year old left back signed from Newmarket Town in November. Previously at Cambridge City and Ely City, where he played 42 games and scored 3 goals in 2006/07. A good crosser who also defends well when called upon. Confident on the ball.