DULWICH HAMLET, one of non-league football’s most celebrated names with a rich and colourful history, unusual strip and a modern social movement that has seen crowds soar from a very lowly position, will be weeping this weekend. The club’s most … Continue reading Mishi Morath, a reminder that non-league relies on unsung heroes
THE ongoing saga of Dulwich Hamlet is a sad story, for many reasons, and one that should cause non-league club chairmen and officials a few sleepless nights. Not for the first time, a non-league club is being bullied by people … Continue reading Commentary Box: The uphill battle to save non-league
DULWICH HAMLET have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years, but back in the 1930s, they were one of the leading clubs in the amateur game. Big crowds flocked to their Champion Hill ground, especially for important cup-ties. Dulwich … Continue reading The Non-League 100: Dulwich Hamlet in the ’30s – heroes in pink and blue
FROM the stand at Aveley FC, the landscape you see is somewhat bleak. As the dusk settles in, you look across the marshy terrain to see industrial Thurrock in all its glory. The mass of lights put you in mind of Marrakech’s jamaa el fna, that inferno of lamps, lights and late-night shopping (!). With Lakeside close to Aveley, there’s a certain similarity, albeit on a less exotic scale – no performing snakes in West Thurrock. Aveley, once referred to as “village” by local residents, is the temporary home of Grays Athletic, who despite a decline in fortunes and loss … Continue reading In a land of grey and pink
There are successful clubs, monied clubs, ambitious clubs and those that are always down on their luck. But there are also clubs that have some cachet because of their name. Some are, relatively speaking, well supported considering their status. And there’s those that have enjoyed better days, moments when they have been in the sun, won trophies and been at the top of the game. In non-league football, there’s been a lot of teams that have fallen [dramatically] from grace, but often this has inspired great loyalty among their fans. It’s not exclusive to non-league football. Cult clubs in the … Continue reading Taking the contrarian view – the cult clubs that defy the odds
Those who consider 3G pitches unacceptable at the highest level should have been at the Gallagher Stadium, the home of Maidstone United, for the top-of-the-table clash against Dulwich Hamlet. What a game! Seven goals, a big crowd, plenty of excitement. And not once did anyone comment that the pitch had made much difference. There’s no shortage of luddites in the football world, but 3G is definitely the way ahead. Admittedly, these were two teams at the top of the Isthmian League table, but the quality was far higher than anything I have seen in non-league circles this season. Maidstone United … Continue reading If the question is 3G or not 3G…the answer is yes
