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 2010/11 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 two seasons ago 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, 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 saw them finish second in the First Division.

Last season a combination of finances drying up, some poor luck and long term injuries saw Rovers finish bottom of the Premier Division.

The playing side is currently managed by Peter Betts (appointed 20th November 2008), who is assisted by Tony Marshall.

HAVERHILL ROVERS F.C. - PLAYERS' PEN PICTURES

Marc Abbott : 24 year old midfielder signed from Newmarket Town two seasons ago. "Abbo" has also been at Cambridge City. Excellent all rounder with good movement and feet.

Paul Abbott : 27 year old defender signed two seasons ago from Newmarket Town, along with his brother Marc, after being there for five seasons. "Abbo" is an excellent reader of the game with good awareness. First team captain.

Shaun Banham : 25 year old striker who has an excellent eye for goal with a good shot on him. Goal poaching specialist.

Jamie Challis : 26 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.

Harry Halls : 22 year old right winger and product of the youth team. Good speed and some great skinning ability. The perfect player to bring on if you're looking for someone to set up a couple of goals for you before the final whistle.

Louis Harper : 24 year old midfielder signed from Wivenhoe Town in December 2008. Dead ball specialist who scored on his debut with a free kick at Wroxham. A playmaker with good distribution of the ball.

Sam Holmes : 21 year old defender/midfielder signed from Hundon last season. Son of Rovers legend Brian. Solid and uncompromising in the tackle and with his work rate on the pitch.

Marcus Hunt : 29 year old centre back/central midfielder who has had a trial at Cambridge United. Left for AFC Sudbury last season after 9 years here but returned in late December 2008. A fan favourite who reads the game brilliantly and is a true leader. Club captain.

Paul Hunt : 26 year old utility player playing well at left back this year. An excellent all round play who isn't afraid to get forward.

Stuart Kingham : 31 year old defender/midfielder signed from Saffron Walden Town last season. A solid player who is already showing why he should be in the team. Heads the ball well, positions himself well and isn't afraid to get "stuck in".

Matt Morrison : 25 year old goalkeeper who has been involved with the club on and off since he was a teenager. "Morro" has come into his own this season with excellent all round ability between the posts.

Lee Salmons : 23 year old winger/striker signed this season. Scored goals aplenty for Mildenhall Town not too long ago. A work horse who positions himself well.

Danny Shipton : 24 year old left back/midfielder signed this season from Braintree Town. Has also played for Halstead Town, Mildenhall Town and AFC Sudbury. A commanding player with excellent distribution, positioning and a sound head on his shoulders.

Stuart Wardley : 36 year old utility player signed this season who has played 95 professional games for QPR as well as at Rushden, Torquay United, Leyton Orient, Cambridge United, Saffron Walden Town and Bishops Stortford. Has good height and strength to cause the opposition trouble.

Martin Westcott : 32 year old striker re-signed from Ely City in October 2008. Previous clubs include Royston Town and Chatteris Town. Excellent at holding the ball up and laying it off to a team mate. Has deceptive pace and real determination.

Scott Wilby : 22 year old winger signed from Newmarket Town this season. A tricky player with plenty of skill and a good cross and set piece on him.

Peter Betts (manager) : Was appointed to the post mid November 2008. Joined the club as reserve team manager several years ago and had great success, the culmination being when the team were treble winners with the Eastern Counties Reserve Teams League South Division title, Eastern Counties Reserve Teams Cup and Suffolk Senior Cup in 2007/08. Betts went over to the USA to work with New York Red Bulls for five months before returning to the country and being offered the first team manager's job. Despite his years he has a lot of experience and knows what to do no matter what the situation.