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{{short description|Association football club in Church Gresley, England}}
{{short description|Association football club in Church Gresley, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{More citations needed|date=August 2022}}{{Infobox football club
{{Multiple issues|
{{tone|date=July 2020}}
{{More citations needed|date=July 2020}}
}}

{{Infobox football club
|clubname = Gresley Rovers
|clubname = Gresley Rovers
|image =
|image = Gresley_Rovers_logo.png
|image_size = 180px
|caption =
|fullname = Gresley Rovers Football Club
|fullname = Gresley Rovers Football Club
|nickname = The Moatmen
|nickname = The Moatmen
Line 15: Line 10:
|ground = Moat Ground, [[Church Gresley]]
|ground = Moat Ground, [[Church Gresley]]
|capacity = 2,400
|capacity = 2,400
|chairman =
|chairman = Gary Norton
|manager = Carl Abbott
|manager = James Jepson
|league = {{English football updater|Gresley}}
|league = {{English football updater|Gresley}}
|season = {{English football updater|Gresley2}}
|season = {{English football updater|Gresley2}}
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}}
}}


'''Gresley Rovers Football Club''' is an English [[association football|football]] club from [[Church Gresley]], near [[Swadlincote, Derbyshire]]. Gresley play in the {{English football updater|Gresley}}, playing their home games at the Moat Ground. They were known as Gresley Rovers until 2009, when they were reformed under the name of '''Gresley F.C.''' In July 2020 the club readopted their original name, Gresley Rovers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Burley |first1=Alfie |last2=Crawford |first2=Colston |title=It's Rovers return as Gresley bring back old name for new season |url=https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/its-rovers-return-gresley-bring-4280947 |access-date=4 November 2020 |agency=DerbyshireLive |date=1 July 2020}}</ref>
'''Gresley Rovers Football Club''' is an English [[association football|football]] club from [[Church Gresley]], [[South Derbyshire]]. Gresley is a member of the {{English football updater|Gresley}} and plays home games at the Moat Ground. They were known as Gresley Rovers until 2009, when they were reformed under the name of '''Gresley F.C.''' In July 2020 the club readopted their original name, Gresley Rovers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Burley |first1=Alfie |last2=Crawford |first2=Colston |title=It's Rovers return as Gresley bring back old name for new season |url=https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/its-rovers-return-gresley-bring-4280947 |access-date=4 November 2020 |agency=DerbyshireLive |date=1 July 2020 |archive-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006211846/https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/its-rovers-return-gresley-bring-4280947 |url-status=live }}</ref>


==History==
==History==


===Early years===
===Early years===
Gresley Rovers were formed in 1882 in a small mining village of Church Gresley, near Swadlincote, Derbyshire.<ref name=Matchday>''Sporting Khalsa v Gresley Rovers matchday programme.'' Sporting Khalsa F.C. 2024. p. 5.</ref> The club's first ground was at Mushroom Lane in [[Albert Village]].
Gresley Rovers was formed in 1882 in a small mining village of Church Gresley, near Swadlincote, Derbyshire. The club's first ground was at Mushroom Lane in [[Albert Village]] — located near Church Gresley. Gresley played only [[Exhibition game|friendlies]] and cup games before joining the Burton Junior League for the 1892–93 season, winning their first title in 1894–95. Rovers acquired a new home, the Church Street Ground, in time for the 1895–96 season. Despite the ground's lack of facilities (the teams changed at the nearby Boot Hotel) the club was accepted into the [[Midland League]] for the 1903–04 season where they struggled for three seasons, to the local league in 1905. At the end of the 1907–08 season the Church Street Ground was acquired for building, so the club moved across the road onto the newly acquired Moat Ground, where Gresley continues to play.


Gresley played only [[Exhibition game|friendlies]] and cup games before joining the Burton Junior League for the 1892–93 season, winning their first title in 1894–95. Rovers acquired a new home, the Church Street Ground, in time for the 1895–96 season. Despite the ground's lack of facilities - with teams even having to change at the nearby Boot Hotel{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} - the club was accepted into the [[Midland League]] for the 1903–04 season. At the end of the 1907–08 season, the Church Street Ground was acquired for building, so the club moved across the road into the current home, Moat Ground.<ref name=Matchday />
===Moving up===
Gresley got promoted twice to join the Central Alliance and then moved up again as they joined the powerful [[Birmingham Combination]] in 1925. However, despite reaching the First Round Proper of the [[FA Cup]] in 1930–31, they experienced financial difficulties which forced them to leave the Birmingham Combination and join the more local Central Alliance in 1933.


Gresley were promoted twice and joined the [[Central Alliance]]{{Year needed|date=August 2022}}, before entering the [[Birmingham Combination]] in 1925.
A couple of seasons later they moved to the [[Leicestershire Senior League]] and enjoyed success in the immediate post-war years as they won the title in 1946–47 and 1947–48 seasons and were runners-up in 1948–49. At the start of the 1950s the club made the decision to merge with the Central Alliance. However, their stay was brief and they joined the Birmingham & District League in 1954–55. They then rejoined the Central Alliance in 1959–60 and stayed in that League until 1974–75, during which time the League changed its title to the East Midlands Regional League.


Despite reaching the [[FA Cup]] First Round Proper in 1930–31, financial difficulties forced Gresley to exit the Birmingham Combination and return to the more local Central Alliance in 1933.
===Glory years===
Gresley dominated that League and in the fourteen seasons from 1961 to 1975 the lowest they finished was in fifth place as they won the title on four occasions, finished runners-up on four occasions, ended in third place on three occasions, fourth on two occasions and fifth only once. At the start of the 1975–76, they moved to the [[West Midlands (Regional) League]], which was a much stronger League, and in the early years they always ended in the lower regions of the table. However, after much hard work off the field, runners-up spot was achieved in 1985–86 and the following six seasons saw Gresley finish 4th, 4th, 2nd, 3rd, 1st and 1st. During that period they also won the [[Derbyshire Senior Cup]] on four successive occasions. Season 1990–91 was a particularly good one for Gresley.


Rovers then moved to the [[Leicestershire Senior League]] and succeeded in the immediate post-war years; winning the league twice (1946–47, 1947–48) and finishing runners-up once (1948–49).
===FA Vase finalists===
In addition to the league title and the Derbyshire Senior Cup win they also reached the final of the [[FA Vase]] and so had the honour of playing at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley]]. Their opponents were Guiseley and some national newspapers reported it as 'the most exciting Wembley Cup Final ever'. When one looks at the goals' sequence one can see how the game earned that accolade: After 31 minutes the score was [[Guiseley F.C.|Guiseley]] 3–0 Gresley, but Gresley came back and grabbed a very dramatic equaliser in injury time at the end of the ninety minutes. Then in extra time Gresley went 4–3 in front but this time Guiseley scored a very dramatic equaliser as they levelled things in injury time at the end of the second half of extra time.


===West Midlands League; six league titles, four Derbyshire Senior Cups, and a FA Vase final ===
The replay at [[Bramall Lane]] saw Gresley lose by 3–1. However, despite that tremendous season their application to join the Southern League was not successful but they battled on to win the league again the following season. This time their application to the [[Southern Football League|Southern League]] was successful and they were placed in the Midland Division for the 1992–93 season.
Following brief stints in a number of divisions, Gresley rejoined the Central Alliance (later renamed East Midlands Regional League) at the start of the 1959-60 campaign. There they would embark on a period of major success winning the title on four occasions. In fourteen seasons from 1961 to 1975, the lowest Gresley finished was fifth (4x 1st, 4x 2nd, 3x 3rd, 2x 4th, 1x 5th).


From 1975 to 1976, the club moved to the [[West Midlands (Regional) League]]. The Moatmen initially struggled in a stronger{{Editorializing|date=August 2022}}{{Specify|date=August 2022}} league than before but a runner-up spot in 1985–86 began a run of 4th, 4th, 2nd, 3rd, 1st, 1st in six consecutive seasons. The team also claimed the [[Derbyshire Senior Cup]] on four successive occasions in the same period.
===Disappointment and success===
In 1990–91, Gresley earned the right to compete at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley]] in the [[FA Vase]] final. Opponents, [[Guiseley F.C.|Guiseley]], lead 3–0 after 31 minutes but Gresley fought back to strike an injury-time equaliser. The Rovers then went 4-3 ahead in extra time before Guiseley scored an injury-time equaliser of their own to take it to a replay. Some national newspapers reported it as 'the most exciting Wembley Cup Final ever'{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}}. The replay at [[Bramall Lane]] saw Gresley lose 3–1 and denied a treble-winning season.
That 1992–93 season had some disappointment for Gresley as they lost in the semi-final of the FA Vase and so narrowly missed another trip to [[Wembley]], but in the League they confounded everyone by finishing as runners-up and so gained promotion to the Premier Division at the first attempt. The 1993–94 season saw them consolidate in 14th position but medals did come to the club as they again won the [[Derbyshire]] Senior Cup and reached the Final of the Southern League Cup. An improved League position of 8th was achieved in 1994–95 and that season saw them reaching the First Round Proper of the [[FA Cup]] for only the second time ever before losing away to [[Crewe]].


===Southern League ===
[[Paul Futcher]] was appointed manager with [[Garry Birtles]], the former England International, his assistant on 2 November 1995. Rovers improved their League position yet again in 1995–96 as they ended the season in 5th place and had the bonus of winning the [[Derbyshire Senior Cup]] yet again.
Successful application placed Gresley in the [[Southern Football League|Southern League]] Midland Division for the 1992–93 season, achieving promotion to its Premier Division at the first time of asking as well as reaching the FA Vase semi-final.


Life in the Premier Division began as Derbyshire Senior Cup winners and Southern League Cup finalists in 1993–94, an [[FA Cup]] First Round Proper appearance against [[Crewe]] and the appointments of [[Paul Futcher]] (and ex-England international [[Garry Birtles]] as assistant) in 1994–95, [[Derbyshire Senior Cup|a Derbyshire Senior Cup]] win yet again in 1995–96.
The season 1996–97 was the best in the club's long history because in addition to retaining the Derbyshire Senior Cup they also won the Southern League Premier Division championship. Rovers were unbeaten in their first seventeen league games (won 10 drawn 7) and were league leaders for 31 weeks.


The title was finally won with a 3–1 home victory against [[Gloucester City A.F.C.|Gloucester City]] at the Moat Ground on 26 April 1997. Gresley Rovers became the first [[Derbyshire]] side and first village side to win this prestigious trophy but ground grading meant that they were unable to gain promotion to the [[Football Conference]]. The game was also notable for serious crowd disorder between the two sets of fans after Gresley's opening goal which led to the game being delayed for 25 minutes as fighting spilled onto the pitch. Derby County were willing to lend Gresley their recently vacated [[Baseball Ground]] until the required standards could be met but this was rejected by the footballing authorities.
1996–97 records the current highest ever league position achieved by Gresley as Southern League Premier Division champions. Rovers were unbeaten in their first seventeen league games (won 10 drawn 7) and were league leaders for 31 weeks. The title was finally won with a 3–1 home victory against [[Gloucester City A.F.C.|Gloucester City]] on 26 April 1997. Gresley Rovers became the first [[Derbyshire]] side and first village side to win this prestigious trophy but ground grading meant that they were unable to gain promotion to the [[Football Conference]]. The game was also notable for serious crowd disorder between the two sets of fans after Gresley's opening goal led to the game being suspended for 25 minutes as fighting spilled onto the pitch. Derby County were willing to lend Gresley their recently vacated [[Baseball Ground]] until the required standards could be met but this was rejected by the footballing authorities. This disappointment of not being promoted to the Football Conference saw many Gresley players leave the club{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}}. Manager, Paul Futcher, also left and replacement Garry Birtles (former Assistant Manager) could only achieve a bottom half finish in 1997–98.


Relegation struck in 1998-99 during a season that saw Gresley collapse from a top six position in December.[[File:Elvis gresley.jpg|thumb|right|Elvis Gresley, the club's mascot]]
Paul Futcher the Manager during that campaign left during the close season and his Assistant Manager Garry Birtles stepped up into the Manager's position. The disappointment of not being promoted to the Football Conference saw many of Gresley's players leave the club. The 1997–98 season saw Gresley finish in the bottom half of the Southern League Premier Division.
The season started well with 13 points and third place in September. Gresley went close to causing an FA Cup 1st-round upset against Walsall in November and victories over [[King's Lynn F.C.|King's Lynn]] and [[Hastings Town F.C.|Hastings Town]] got December off to a fine start. Rovers still sat in sixth by New Year but six successive defeats in January saw them slump to 17th place. In February two successive draws and three defeats led to the dismissal of Manager Garry Birtles, and [[Stuart Ford (footballer)|Stuart Ford]] taking temporary charge. Ford ended the rout of fourteen games without a win against [[Atherstone Town F.C.|Atherstone United]] (2–1) before [[Brian Kenning]] was appointed permanent manager in March 1999. The opening game of April produced a comfortable 3–0 victory over [[Cambridge City F.C.|Cambridge City]] but then followed by three defeats against Nuneaton Borough, [[Crawley Town F.C.|Crawley Town]] and [[Rothwell Town F.C.|Rothwell Town]]. Vital games at [[Dorchester Town F.C.|Dorchester Town]] and [[Salisbury City F.C.|Salisbury City]] yielded only one point. The defeat on the final day against [[Bath City F.C.|Bath City]] pushed Gresley into the Midlands Division just two years after being crowned Premier Division by 11 points. The last time Gresley had been relegated was in the 1958–59 season (from the Birmingham League Division One to Division Two.)

===Relegation===
[[File:Elvis gresley.jpg|thumb|right|Elvis Gresley, the club's mascot]]
The 1998–99 season will go down in the history of Gresley Rovers as one of the worst. At the end of 1998 they were in the top six. By the end of April they were relegated. The season started well and 13 points from their September games saw them in third place just four points adrift of the leaders [[Nuneaton Borough F.C.|Nuneaton Borough]]. In November Gresley Rovers were drawn to meet [[Walsall F.C.|Walsall]] at the [[Bescot Stadium]] in the first round of the FA Cup. Gresley went close to causing an upset but were denied at least a replay by a goal 11 minutes from the end. Victories over [[King's Lynn F.C.|King's Lynn]] and [[Hastings Town F.C.|Hastings Town]] got December off to a fine start; however, three defeats saw them drop to 6th place. After a disastrous run of 6 successive defeats in January saw them slump to 17th place just 5 points above the relegation places. In February two successive draws and three defeats proved to be Garry Birtles downfall and he and his assistant, [[Paul Fitzpatrick]] were dismissed. [[Stuart Ford (footballer)|Stuart Ford]] took charge temporarily and saw the team beat [[Atherstone Town F.C.|Atherstone United]] 2–1 that ended a run of 14 games without a win. In March 1999 [[Brian Kenning]] was appointed manager. The opening game of April produced a comfortable 3–0 victory over [[Cambridge City F.C.|Cambridge City]]. But three defeats followed against Nuneaton Borough, [[Crawley Town F.C.|Crawley Town]] and [[Rothwell Town F.C.|Rothwell Town]]. Vital game at [[Dorchester Town F.C.|Dorchester Town]] and [[Salisbury City F.C.|Salisbury City]] yielded only one point. The defeat on the final day against [[Bath City F.C.|Bath City]] pushed Gresley into the Midlands Division just two years after winning the Southern League Premier Division Championship by 11 points. The last time Gresley were relegated was in the 1958–59 season when they went down from the Birmingham League Division one to Division two.


===Reformation===
===Reformation===
After financial difficulties, Gresley Rovers liquidated at the end of the 2008–09 season, forming a new football club, Gresley F.C. In the 2009–10 season, they were placed in the [[East Midlands Counties Football League|East Midlands Counties League]]. After finishing their first season in second place they went one better by winning it in 2010–11. The following season they also won the Midland Football Alliance earning a place at Step 4 of the pyramid.
After financial difficulties, Gresley Rovers liquidated at the end of the 2008–09 season, forming a new football club, Gresley F.C. In the 2009–10 season, they were placed in the [[East Midlands Counties Football League|East Midlands Counties League]]. After finishing their first season in second place they went one better by winning it in 2010–11. The following season they also won the Midland Football Alliance earning a place at Step 4 of the pyramid.


In the 2013–14 season Gresley finished 9th in the [[Northern Premier League Division One South]]. In the following season Gresley F.C. achieved their biggest ever league win 10–0 at home to [[Brigg Town F.C.|Brigg Town]] on 13 September 2014. However, a week later manager Martin Rowe resigned due to personal reasons. After a successful Caretaker Manager reign, Wayne Thornhill took charge with hopes to reach the play-offs by the end of the season. The 2014–15 season also saw Gresley go on their best Derbyshire Senior Cup run since reformation, finishing runners up and knocking out holders [[Ilkeston F.C.|Ilkeston]]. The Moatmen reached the play-off semi finals in 2014-15 but lost narrowly away to [[Leek Town F.C.|Leek Town]].
In the 2013–14 season, Gresley finished 9th in the [[Northern Premier League Division One South]]. In the following season, Gresley F.C. achieved their biggest ever league win, 10–0 at home to [[Brigg Town F.C.|Brigg Town]] on 13 September 2014. However, a week later manager Martin Rowe resigned for personal reasons. After a successful Caretaker Manager reign, Wayne Thornhill took charge with hopes to reach the play-offs by the end of the season. The 2014–15 season also saw Gresley go on their best Derbyshire Senior Cup run since reformation, finishing runners up and knocking out holders [[Ilkeston F.C.|Ilkeston]]. The Moatmen reached the play-off semi-finals in 2014-15 but lost narrowly away to [[Leek Town F.C.|Leek Town]].


In pre-season the Moatmen lost key players Mitch Hanson and Kieran O'Connell to long-term injuries and a number of influential players left the club including Eric Graves. After a tough start to the 2015-16 campaign. Wayne Thornhill resigned on 22 September 2015. Dave Langston enjoyed a successful interim campaign but could not take on the job full-time due to work commitments. His interim spell lasted until 17 October when Scott Goodwin took charge. Scott Goodwin achieved one win and six losses in his short tenure at the club and was relieved of his duties on 5 December 2015. Between 28 November and 26 January, the Moatmen had no home league games due to numerous postponements. Gary Ricketts immediately took over as Player/Manager with Dave Langston appointed as assistant. His tenure started in promising fashion, with a victory over [[Mickleover Sports F.C.|Mickleover Sports]] booking the Moatmen a semi-final berth in the Derbyshire Senior Cup and five straight home NPL Division One victories - their best run of the season - giving them faint hopes of a play-off push. Gresley had a thin squad due to the loss of income the postponements brought and were also playing twice a week most weeks from February to the end of the season. A lot of the re-arranged home games were on Tuesday nights meaning attendances fell but this was also due to poor form. A run of nine straight losses came in March, as injuries, suspensions and availability issues - as well as some below-par displays - took their toll, Gresley eventually ending the season in 16th place. On 23 May 2016 Gary Ricketts resigned due to personal reasons and Dave Langston left the club to become manager of [[Lichfield City F.C.|Lichfield City]].
In pre-season, the Moatmen lost key players Mitch Hanson and Kieran O'Connell to long-term injuries and several influential players left the club including Eric Graves. After a tough start to the 2015-16 campaign, Wayne Thornhill resigned on 22 September 2015. Dave Langston enjoyed a successful interim campaign but could not take on the job full-time due to work commitments. His interim spell lasted until 17 October when Scott Goodwin took charge. Scott Goodwin achieved one win and six losses in his short tenure at the club and was relieved of his duties on 5 December 2015. Between 28 November and 26 January, the Moatmen had no home league games due to numerous postponements. Gary Ricketts immediately took over as Player/Manager with Dave Langston appointed as assistant. His tenure started in promising fashion, with a victory over [[Mickleover Sports F.C.|Mickleover Sports]] booking the Moatmen a semi-final berth in the Derbyshire Senior Cup and five straight home NPL Division One victories - their best run of the season - giving them faint hopes of a play-off push. Gresley had a thin squad due to the loss of income the postponements brought and were also playing twice a week most weeks from February to the end of the season. A lot of the re-arranged home games were on Tuesday nights meaning attendances fell but this was also due to poor form. A run of nine straight losses came in March, as injuries, suspensions and availability issues - as well as some below-par displays - took their toll, Gresley eventually ending the season in 16th place. On 23 May 2016, Gary Ricketts resigned for personal reasons and Dave Langston left the club to become manager of [[Lichfield City F.C.|Lichfield City]].


For the 2016–17 season the main stand was renamed after Pat Murray, a local councillor, as he agreed to donate £1,500 to the club. Pre-season saw the departure of the two best performing 2015-16 players as voted by supporters. Supporters player of the year runner up Jack Langston and the Supporters' ''player-of-the-year'' John Guy both moved to [[Belper Town F.C.|Belper Town]] to join up with former Moatmen Eric Graves, Alex Steadman, Jordan Ball, Kyle Bryant, Luke Edwards and Bradley Wells. On 10 June 2016, Gresley appointed, former St. Kitts and Nevis international, Damion Beckford-Quailey as their new manager. Damion named Hannah Dingley as his assistant manager and [[Brian Quailey]] and Chris Cowan as coaches. Further players departed the club including highly rated teenager Ryan King. The 2016–17 season began strong with 16 points from the first 8 games. However, only five wins followed from the next 32 games which lead to influential forwards Pearson Mwanyongo and Tendai Chitiza leaving the club. Damion's side went on a good run in the Derbyshire Senior Cup reaching the final. However, Gresley finished the season in 18th place.
For the 2016–17 season the main stand was renamed after Pat Murray, a local councillor, as he agreed to donate £1,500 to the club. Pre-season saw the departure of the two best performing 2015-16 players as voted by supporters. Supporters player of the year runner-up Jack Langston and the Supporters' ''player-of-the-year'' John Guy both moved to [[Belper Town F.C.|Belper Town]] to join up with former Moatmen Eric Graves, Alex Steadman, Jordan Ball, Kyle Bryant, Luke Edwards and Bradley Wells. On 10 June 2016, Gresley appointed, former St. Kitts and Nevis international, Damion Beckford-Quailey as their new manager. Damion named [[Hannah Dingley]] as his assistant manager and [[Brian Quailey]] and Chris Cowan as coaches. Further players departed the club including highly rated teenager Ryan King. The 2016–17 season began strong with 16 points from the first 8 games. However, only five wins followed from the next 32 games which lead to influential forwards Pearson Mwanyongo and Tendai Chitiza leaving the club. Damion's side went on a good run in the Derbyshire Senior Cup reaching the final. However, Gresley finished the season in 18th place.


The following pre-season saw star forward Reece Morris leave the club after picking up 4 awards for the 2016–17 season. The 2017–18 season was one to forget for Gresley supporters. Gresley featured towards the bottom of the table all season but they retained their place in the [[Northern Premier League Division One South]] with 4 games remaining. The following week saw the chairman, vice chairman and manager all step down with most of the first team squad leaving with 3 matches still to play.
The following pre-season saw star forward Reece Morris leave the club after picking up 4 awards for the 2016–17 season. The 2017–18 season was one to forget for Gresley supporters. Gresley featured towards the bottom of the table all season but they retained their place in the [[Northern Premier League Division One South]] with 4 games remaining. The following week saw the chairman, vice chairman and manager all step down with most of the first team squad leaving with 3 matches still to play.
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The club has played at the '''Moat Ground''' since 1909. It has a capacity of 2,400.
The club has played at the '''Moat Ground''' since 1909. It has a capacity of 2,400.


===Average attendances===
===Average attendances{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}}===
Only First Team league matches are included in the average.
These average attendances are taken from First Team home League games only.


*2010–2011 - 282
*2010–2011 - 282
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*2014–2015 - 275
*2014–2015 - 275
*2015–2016 - 217
*2015–2016 - 217
*2016–2017 -
*2016–2017 - 238
*2017–2018 - 201
*2017–2018 - 201
*2018-2019 -
*2018-2019 - 208
*2019-2020 -
*2019-2020 - 155
*2020-2021
*2020-2021 - 269
*2021-2022 - 362
*2021-2022 - 362
*2022-2023 - 394
*2023-2024 - 332


===Previous grounds===
===Previous grounds===
*Mushroom Lane, Albert Village 1882–1885
*Mushroom Lane, Albert Village 1882–1885
*Church Street, Church Gresley 1885–1909
*Church Street, Church Gresley 1885–1909

==Current squad==
{{Fs start}}
{{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=Ben Allsop|other=|no=}}
{{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Lucas Harrison|other=|no=}}
{{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Cameron Steele|other=|no=}}
{{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Jake Mcintosh|other=|no=}}
{{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Joe Haines|other=|no=}}
{{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Jack Walsh|other=|no=}}
{{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Brian Smikle]]|other=|no=}}
{{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=[[Louis Briscoe]]|other=|no=}}
{{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Danny Jones|other=|no=}}
{{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Albert Lansdowne|other=|no=}}
{{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Jake McIntosh|other=|no=}}
{{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Kyle Parchment|other=|no=}}
{{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Ben Minshull|other=|no=}}
{{Fs player|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Connor Ward|other=|no=}}
{{Fs end}}


==Player awards==
==Player awards==
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! scope="col"| Directors' Player
! scope="col"| Directors' Player
|-
|-
! scope="row"| 2009-10
! scope="row"| 2009–10
| Royce Turville
| Royce Turville
| Royce Turville
| Royce Turville
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| N/A
| N/A
|-
|-
! scope="row"| 2010-11
! scope="row"| 2010–11
| Jordi Gough
| Jordi Gough
| Jamie Barrett
| Jamie Barrett
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| Gary Hateley
| Gary Hateley
|-
|-
! scope="row" | 2011-12
! scope="row" | 2011–12
| Jordi Gough
| Jordi Gough
| Rob Spencer
| Rob Spencer
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| [[Michael Nottingham]]
| [[Michael Nottingham]]
|-
|-
! scope="row" | 2012-13
! scope="row" | 2012–13
| Jordi Gough
| Jordi Gough
| Jamie Barrett
| Jamie Barrett
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| [[Michael Nottingham]]
| [[Michael Nottingham]]
|-
|-
! scope="row" | 2013-14
! scope="row" | 2013–14
| Eric Graves
| Eric Graves
| Eric Graves
| Eric Graves
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| Jamie Barrett
| Jamie Barrett
|-
|-
! scope="row" | 2014-15
! scope="row" | 2014–15
| Kieran O'Connell
| Kieran O'Connell
| Jamie Barrett
| Jamie Barrett
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| [[Mitchell Hanson]]
| [[Mitchell Hanson]]
|-
|-
! scope="row" | 2015-16
! scope="row" | 2015–16
| Matt Roome
| Matt Roome
| Matt Roome
| Matt Roome
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| Jack Langston
| Jack Langston
|-
|-
! scope="row" | 2016-17
! scope="row" | 2016–17
| Reece Morris
| Reece Morris
| Josh Egginton
| Josh Egginton
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| Reece Morris
| Reece Morris
|}
|}

=== Gresley Rovers ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!
!Player's
Player
!Manager's
Player
!Supporters'
Player
!Top Scorer
!Young Player of the Season
!Most Man-of-the-Match
|-
!2021-22
|Alex Morris
|Mason Frizelle
|Steve Hart
|Steve Hart
|George Clark
|Steve Hart
|-
!2022-23
|Alex Morris
|Albert Lansdowne
|Lewis Fenney
|James Spruce and
Kane Lee
|Dylan Hunniford
|Lewis Fenney and Michael Williams
|-
!2023-24
|Josh Eggington
|Jack Tyson
|Dylan Hunniford
|Kane Lee
|Nathan Banton
|Josh Waldram
|}

== Records ==

=== Gresley FC ===

* '''Best [[FA Cup]] performance''': 3rd qualifying round ([[2012–13 FA Cup|2012–13]])<ref name="FCHD">{{fchd|id=GRESLEY|name=Gresley}}</ref>
* '''Best [[FA Trophy]] performance''': 1st round ([[2013–14 FA Trophy|2013–14]])<ref name="FCHD" />
* '''Best [[FA Vase]] performance''': Quarter-finals ([[2009–10 FA Vase|2009–10]])<ref name="FCHD" />

=== Gresley Rovers ===

* '''Best [[FA Cup]] performance''': 1st round ([[1930–31 FA Cup|1930–31]])<ref name="Stevenagefchd">{{fchd|id=GRESLR-1|name=Gresley Rovers (1)}}</ref>
* '''Best [[FA Trophy]] performance''': 4th round ([[2001–02 FA Trophy|2001–02]])<ref name="Stevenagefchd" />
* '''Best [[FA Vase]] performance''': Runners-up ([[1990–91 FA Vase|1990–91]])<ref name="Stevenagefchd" />


==Honours==
==Honours==
Line 242: Line 271:
*Leicestershire Senior Cup (2) Winners 1988–99, 1946–47
*Leicestershire Senior Cup (2) Winners 1988–99, 1946–47
*Coalville Charity Cup (2) Winners 1946–47
*Coalville Charity Cup (2) Winners 1946–47
*United Counties Premier Division North, Runners Up 2021-22
*[[United Counties League|United Counties Premier Division North]], Runners Up 2021-22


==Notable former players==
==Notable former players==
{{see|Category:Gresley F.C. players}}
{{further|Category:Gresley Rovers F.C. players}}


==References==
==References==
Line 251: Line 280:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.gresleyfc.com/ Official club website]
* {{official website|http://www.gresleyfc.com/}}


{{United Counties League}}
{{United Counties League}}
{{coord|52|45|42.440|N|1|33|50.152|W|region:GB_type:landmark|display=title}}
{{coord|52|45|42|N|1|33|50|W|region:GB_type:landmark|display=title}}


[[Category:Gresley F.C.| ]]
[[Category:Gresley Rovers F.C.| ]]
[[Category:Midland Football Alliance]]
[[Category:Midland Football Alliance]]
[[Category:Association football clubs established in 1882]]
[[Category:Association football clubs established in 1882]]

Latest revision as of 18:00, 6 December 2024

Gresley Rovers
Full nameGresley Rovers Football Club
Nickname(s)The Moatmen
Founded1882 (as Gresley Rovers)
GroundMoat Ground, Church Gresley
Capacity2,400
ChairmanGary Norton
ManagerJames Jepson
LeagueUnited Counties League Premier Division North
2023–24Northern Premier League Division One Midlands, 20th of 20 (relegated)

Gresley Rovers Football Club is an English football club from Church Gresley, South Derbyshire. Gresley is a member of the United Counties League Premier Division North and plays home games at the Moat Ground. They were known as Gresley Rovers until 2009, when they were reformed under the name of Gresley F.C. In July 2020 the club readopted their original name, Gresley Rovers.[1]

History

[edit]

Early years

[edit]

Gresley Rovers were formed in 1882 in a small mining village of Church Gresley, near Swadlincote, Derbyshire.[2] The club's first ground was at Mushroom Lane in Albert Village.

Gresley played only friendlies and cup games before joining the Burton Junior League for the 1892–93 season, winning their first title in 1894–95. Rovers acquired a new home, the Church Street Ground, in time for the 1895–96 season. Despite the ground's lack of facilities - with teams even having to change at the nearby Boot Hotel[citation needed] - the club was accepted into the Midland League for the 1903–04 season. At the end of the 1907–08 season, the Church Street Ground was acquired for building, so the club moved across the road into the current home, Moat Ground.[2]

Gresley were promoted twice and joined the Central Alliance[year needed], before entering the Birmingham Combination in 1925.

Despite reaching the FA Cup First Round Proper in 1930–31, financial difficulties forced Gresley to exit the Birmingham Combination and return to the more local Central Alliance in 1933.

Rovers then moved to the Leicestershire Senior League and succeeded in the immediate post-war years; winning the league twice (1946–47, 1947–48) and finishing runners-up once (1948–49).

West Midlands League; six league titles, four Derbyshire Senior Cups, and a FA Vase final

[edit]

Following brief stints in a number of divisions, Gresley rejoined the Central Alliance (later renamed East Midlands Regional League) at the start of the 1959-60 campaign. There they would embark on a period of major success winning the title on four occasions. In fourteen seasons from 1961 to 1975, the lowest Gresley finished was fifth (4x 1st, 4x 2nd, 3x 3rd, 2x 4th, 1x 5th).

From 1975 to 1976, the club moved to the West Midlands (Regional) League. The Moatmen initially struggled in a stronger[editorializing][specify] league than before but a runner-up spot in 1985–86 began a run of 4th, 4th, 2nd, 3rd, 1st, 1st in six consecutive seasons. The team also claimed the Derbyshire Senior Cup on four successive occasions in the same period. In 1990–91, Gresley earned the right to compete at Wembley in the FA Vase final. Opponents, Guiseley, lead 3–0 after 31 minutes but Gresley fought back to strike an injury-time equaliser. The Rovers then went 4-3 ahead in extra time before Guiseley scored an injury-time equaliser of their own to take it to a replay. Some national newspapers reported it as 'the most exciting Wembley Cup Final ever'[citation needed]. The replay at Bramall Lane saw Gresley lose 3–1 and denied a treble-winning season.

Southern League

[edit]

Successful application placed Gresley in the Southern League Midland Division for the 1992–93 season, achieving promotion to its Premier Division at the first time of asking as well as reaching the FA Vase semi-final.

Life in the Premier Division began as Derbyshire Senior Cup winners and Southern League Cup finalists in 1993–94, an FA Cup First Round Proper appearance against Crewe and the appointments of Paul Futcher (and ex-England international Garry Birtles as assistant) in 1994–95, a Derbyshire Senior Cup win yet again in 1995–96.

1996–97 records the current highest ever league position achieved by Gresley as Southern League Premier Division champions. Rovers were unbeaten in their first seventeen league games (won 10 drawn 7) and were league leaders for 31 weeks. The title was finally won with a 3–1 home victory against Gloucester City on 26 April 1997. Gresley Rovers became the first Derbyshire side and first village side to win this prestigious trophy but ground grading meant that they were unable to gain promotion to the Football Conference. The game was also notable for serious crowd disorder between the two sets of fans after Gresley's opening goal led to the game being suspended for 25 minutes as fighting spilled onto the pitch. Derby County were willing to lend Gresley their recently vacated Baseball Ground until the required standards could be met but this was rejected by the footballing authorities. This disappointment of not being promoted to the Football Conference saw many Gresley players leave the club[citation needed]. Manager, Paul Futcher, also left and replacement Garry Birtles (former Assistant Manager) could only achieve a bottom half finish in 1997–98.

Relegation struck in 1998-99 during a season that saw Gresley collapse from a top six position in December.

Elvis Gresley, the club's mascot

The season started well with 13 points and third place in September. Gresley went close to causing an FA Cup 1st-round upset against Walsall in November and victories over King's Lynn and Hastings Town got December off to a fine start. Rovers still sat in sixth by New Year but six successive defeats in January saw them slump to 17th place. In February two successive draws and three defeats led to the dismissal of Manager Garry Birtles, and Stuart Ford taking temporary charge. Ford ended the rout of fourteen games without a win against Atherstone United (2–1) before Brian Kenning was appointed permanent manager in March 1999. The opening game of April produced a comfortable 3–0 victory over Cambridge City but then followed by three defeats against Nuneaton Borough, Crawley Town and Rothwell Town. Vital games at Dorchester Town and Salisbury City yielded only one point. The defeat on the final day against Bath City pushed Gresley into the Midlands Division just two years after being crowned Premier Division by 11 points. The last time Gresley had been relegated was in the 1958–59 season (from the Birmingham League Division One to Division Two.)

Reformation

[edit]

After financial difficulties, Gresley Rovers liquidated at the end of the 2008–09 season, forming a new football club, Gresley F.C. In the 2009–10 season, they were placed in the East Midlands Counties League. After finishing their first season in second place they went one better by winning it in 2010–11. The following season they also won the Midland Football Alliance earning a place at Step 4 of the pyramid.

In the 2013–14 season, Gresley finished 9th in the Northern Premier League Division One South. In the following season, Gresley F.C. achieved their biggest ever league win, 10–0 at home to Brigg Town on 13 September 2014. However, a week later manager Martin Rowe resigned for personal reasons. After a successful Caretaker Manager reign, Wayne Thornhill took charge with hopes to reach the play-offs by the end of the season. The 2014–15 season also saw Gresley go on their best Derbyshire Senior Cup run since reformation, finishing runners up and knocking out holders Ilkeston. The Moatmen reached the play-off semi-finals in 2014-15 but lost narrowly away to Leek Town.

In pre-season, the Moatmen lost key players Mitch Hanson and Kieran O'Connell to long-term injuries and several influential players left the club including Eric Graves. After a tough start to the 2015-16 campaign, Wayne Thornhill resigned on 22 September 2015. Dave Langston enjoyed a successful interim campaign but could not take on the job full-time due to work commitments. His interim spell lasted until 17 October when Scott Goodwin took charge. Scott Goodwin achieved one win and six losses in his short tenure at the club and was relieved of his duties on 5 December 2015. Between 28 November and 26 January, the Moatmen had no home league games due to numerous postponements. Gary Ricketts immediately took over as Player/Manager with Dave Langston appointed as assistant. His tenure started in promising fashion, with a victory over Mickleover Sports booking the Moatmen a semi-final berth in the Derbyshire Senior Cup and five straight home NPL Division One victories - their best run of the season - giving them faint hopes of a play-off push. Gresley had a thin squad due to the loss of income the postponements brought and were also playing twice a week most weeks from February to the end of the season. A lot of the re-arranged home games were on Tuesday nights meaning attendances fell but this was also due to poor form. A run of nine straight losses came in March, as injuries, suspensions and availability issues - as well as some below-par displays - took their toll, Gresley eventually ending the season in 16th place. On 23 May 2016, Gary Ricketts resigned for personal reasons and Dave Langston left the club to become manager of Lichfield City.

For the 2016–17 season the main stand was renamed after Pat Murray, a local councillor, as he agreed to donate £1,500 to the club. Pre-season saw the departure of the two best performing 2015-16 players as voted by supporters. Supporters player of the year runner-up Jack Langston and the Supporters' player-of-the-year John Guy both moved to Belper Town to join up with former Moatmen Eric Graves, Alex Steadman, Jordan Ball, Kyle Bryant, Luke Edwards and Bradley Wells. On 10 June 2016, Gresley appointed, former St. Kitts and Nevis international, Damion Beckford-Quailey as their new manager. Damion named Hannah Dingley as his assistant manager and Brian Quailey and Chris Cowan as coaches. Further players departed the club including highly rated teenager Ryan King. The 2016–17 season began strong with 16 points from the first 8 games. However, only five wins followed from the next 32 games which lead to influential forwards Pearson Mwanyongo and Tendai Chitiza leaving the club. Damion's side went on a good run in the Derbyshire Senior Cup reaching the final. However, Gresley finished the season in 18th place.

The following pre-season saw star forward Reece Morris leave the club after picking up 4 awards for the 2016–17 season. The 2017–18 season was one to forget for Gresley supporters. Gresley featured towards the bottom of the table all season but they retained their place in the Northern Premier League Division One South with 4 games remaining. The following week saw the chairman, vice chairman and manager all step down with most of the first team squad leaving with 3 matches still to play.

Stadium

[edit]

The club has played at the Moat Ground since 1909. It has a capacity of 2,400.

Average attendances[citation needed]

[edit]

Only First Team league matches are included in the average.

  • 2010–2011 - 282
  • 2011–2012 - 364
  • 2012–2013 - 278
  • 2013–2014 - 279
  • 2014–2015 - 275
  • 2015–2016 - 217
  • 2016–2017 - 238
  • 2017–2018 - 201
  • 2018-2019 - 208
  • 2019-2020 - 155
  • 2020-2021 - 269
  • 2021-2022 - 362
  • 2022-2023 - 394
  • 2023-2024 - 332

Previous grounds

[edit]
  • Mushroom Lane, Albert Village 1882–1885
  • Church Street, Church Gresley 1885–1909

Player awards

[edit]

Gresley FC

[edit]
Players' Player Manager's Player Supporters' Player Top Scorer Most Man-of-the-Match Chairman's Player Directors' Player
2009–10 Royce Turville Royce Turville Royce Turville Brian Woodall Royce Turville and Jamie Barrett N/A N/A
2010–11 Jordi Gough Jamie Barrett Brian Woodall David Blenkinsopp Jordi Gough N/A Gary Hateley
2011–12 Jordi Gough Rob Spencer Jordi Gough Royce Turville and Richard Hanslow Dean Oliver James Jepson Michael Nottingham
2012–13 Jordi Gough Jamie Barrett Jordi Gough Marc Goodfellow Jordi Gough Rob Spencer Michael Nottingham
2013–14 Eric Graves Eric Graves Eric Graves Rob Spencer Eric Graves and Liam Guest Mitchell Hanson Jamie Barrett
2014–15 Kieran O'Connell Jamie Barrett Jamie Barrett Alex Steadman Jamie Barrett Jack Langston Mitchell Hanson
2015–16 Matt Roome Matt Roome John Guy Gary Ricketts and Martin Smyth Ryan King Jake Carlisle Jack Langston
2016–17 Reece Morris Josh Egginton Reece Morris Reece Morris and Keenan King Matt Melbourne Matt Melbourne Reece Morris

Gresley Rovers

[edit]
Player's

Player

Manager's

Player

Supporters'

Player

Top Scorer Young Player of the Season Most Man-of-the-Match
2021-22 Alex Morris Mason Frizelle Steve Hart Steve Hart George Clark Steve Hart
2022-23 Alex Morris Albert Lansdowne Lewis Fenney James Spruce and

Kane Lee

Dylan Hunniford Lewis Fenney and Michael Williams
2023-24 Josh Eggington Jack Tyson Dylan Hunniford Kane Lee Nathan Banton Josh Waldram

Records

[edit]

Gresley FC

[edit]

Gresley Rovers

[edit]

Honours

[edit]

Gresley FC

[edit]

Gresley Rovers

[edit]
  • Bass Charity Vase (7) 1911, 1929, 1931, 1949, 1950, 1967, 1989
  • Millennium Cup (1) Champions 1999–2000
  • Southern League Premier Division (1) Champions 1996–97
  • Southern League Cup Runners Up 1993–94
  • Southern League Midland Division Runners Up 1992–93
  • FA Vase Runners Up 1990–91
  • West Midlands League Champions (1) 1990–91, 1991–92
  • West Midlands League Runners Up 1985–86, 1988–89
  • West Midlands League Cup (1) Winners 1988–89
  • West Midlands League Cup Runners Up 1986–87, 1991–92
  • Derbyshire Senior Cup Winners (8) 1987–88, 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 2004–05
  • Derbyshire Senior Cup Runners Up 1956–57, 1969–70, 1999–2000, 2001–02
  • East Midlands League (2) Champions 1967–68, 1969–70
  • Central Alliance Champions (2) 1964–65, 1966–67
  • Central Alliance Cup Winners (1) 1952–53
  • Leicestershire Senior League (3) Champions 1900–01, 1946–47, 1947–48
  • Leicestershire Senior Cup (2) Winners 1988–99, 1946–47
  • Coalville Charity Cup (2) Winners 1946–47
  • United Counties Premier Division North, Runners Up 2021-22

Notable former players

[edit]
Further information: Category:Gresley Rovers F.C. players

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Burley, Alfie; Crawford, Colston (1 July 2020). "It's Rovers return as Gresley bring back old name for new season". DerbyshireLive. Archived from the original on 6 October 2020. Retrieved 4 November 2020.
  2. ^ a b Sporting Khalsa v Gresley Rovers matchday programme. Sporting Khalsa F.C. 2024. p. 5.
  3. ^ a b c Gresley at the Football Club History Database
  4. ^ a b c Gresley Rovers (1) at the Football Club History Database
[edit]

52°45′42″N 1°33′50″W / 52.76167°N 1.56389°W / 52.76167; -1.56389

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