Clapham Rovers - Going back to the start

[alexcharliemann]

Clapham Rovers

At the end of the 2011/12 season, Hampton & Richmond from South-West London were relegated from the Blue Square South into the Ryman Premier. With attendances dropping below 400, and in a borough that prides itself on being the home to Rugby Union, the future didn't exactly look great for the outfit. However, a local businessman in neighbouring Clapham expressed an interest in moving the team back to Clapham, home of the country's busiest train station, and reviving Clapham Rovers.

Formed in 1869, they were part of the first ever FA Cup, and scored the competition's first ever goal when Jarvis Kenrick booted one past local rivals Upton Park. In 1880 they even won the FA Cup, beating the mighty Oxford University to claim a piece of history. As a hybrid football-rugby club though, rugby won out and the football club dissolved in 1911, with barely anyone noticing.

With a BSS team going into administration and being booted out the league, Hampton & Richmond have become Clapham Rovers and reclaim their place in the Blue Square South. They don't have their own stadium yet, and are ground sharing with Tooting & Mitcham at Imperials Field, 2 stops away from Clapham on the Northern Line. Let the fun begin!