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 who know how to manipulate and also, most importantly, how to use money and the law to get their own way. The club’s landlords are … 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 were remarkably consistent in the late 1920s and through to the mid-1930s. In that period, they won the Isthmian League in 1932-33 and won no … 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 … 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. … 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 … Continue reading If the question is 3G or not 3G…the answer is yes
