Having been watching football around the world for more years than I care to remember and visting huge quantities of clubs and stadiums it occured to me one day what had triggered this, so far, 36 year odyssey. Unearthing a childhood birthday present, “Bartholomew’s Football History Map of England and Wales” I came some way to explaining my compulsion.
Part of a series which contained titles like the “The Historical Map of England”, “Clan Map of Old Scotland” and wait for it…”The Postal Map of Britain”, John Bartholomew & Sons of Duncan Street, Edinburgh well and truly hooked this youngster with their football map, first published in 1971.
Reverentially opening the folded paper map would reveal a hitherto unparelled cornucopia of information, veitably awash with colour. A map of England and Wales plotted the kits of all the Football League clubs and prominant non-league clubs. Some familiar places and other previously unheard of outposts of this footballing kingdom.
There were 159 badges down the left hand side, numbered alphabetically, the double space needed for Brighton and Hove Albion’s conjoined ensignia breaking the twenty lines of eight clubs. Of course the 92 clubs of the Football League, one entiety in those days, and Divisions One to Four, were all present and correct. The remaining 67 spaces were given over to that mysterious group of clubs and grounds collectively known as the “non-league”. Periodic FA Cup headlines aside these clubs seemed to be locked outside the fortress that was the Football League. To a small child their names were enticing “Anstey Nomads”, “Tooting and Mitcham United” and the austere sounding “Hull Brunswick”. Underneath each colour badge the clubs were given their sequential number, their year of formation (god some of these clubs were ancient!) and vitally the name of their home ground! It was surely the catalyst for discovery and spent many years on my childhood bedroom wall, apologies Aldershot for the pin hole.
So forty odd years later, I pondered, what had happened to these clubs and the grounds, where were they now? Here is their story.
Looking back there seemed to be no logical order to the selection off the non-league clubs. In those days there was no Conference for the best clubs, the Northern Premier League, the Southern League and the Isthmian League all could have its more successful clubs apply for memebership to the Football League. This would be contested in the annual re-election process where the bottom four teams in the Football League would ask for support from their piers to remain in the League. Very occassionally a successful non-league applicant would gain more votes than a poor performing League club and be admitted to the Football League. The failing League incumbant would be banished to the wilderness of non-league football. In 1971 Cambridge United had just replaced the ailing Bradford Park Avenue in the League. A year later Hereford United would oust Barrow, although in reality successful applications were rare indeed.
Of the 92 Football League clubs at the end of the 1970/71 season, Luton Town, Mansfield Town, Halifax Town, Wrexham, Barrow, Cambridge United, Grimsby Town, Lincoln City, Southport, Stockport County and Workington have lost their Football League status in the intervening years. Aldershot, Chester, Darlington and Newport County have folded though all have reformed subsequently.
Of the League clubs of the 2012/13 season Wigan Atheltic (Premier League), Yeovil Town, Stevenage, Crawley Town (League One), Cheltenham Town, Burton Albion, Wycombe Wanderers, Dagenham and Redbridge and Accrington Stanley (League Two) were excluded from the map despite being in some cases prominent non-league clubs of the era. MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon, of course, had yet to be formed.
The 67 non-league clubs from the map had been drawn, seemingly at random, from no less than 20 Leagues and Divisions of those Leagues. Curious indeed. Added in was a touring team and a nomadic team of no fixed abode.
Of the 159 clubs the following has happened over the last 42 years.
53 have changed grounds from the one listed on the map.
5 clubs have lost their ground since 1971.
2 grounds, Dean Court and Bucks Head have been totally rebuilt on the same site since 1971.
24 clubs have folded of which 16 have reformed. Andover, Hull Brunswick, Edmonton, Letchworth Town, Bridlington Trinity, Northern Nomads, Scarborough and Wolverton Town no longer recognisably exist.
A further three clubs have merged with other clubs, Leytonstone, Ilford and Moor Green.
7 clubs have changed their name from the 1971 version, other than those due to a reformation.
2 clubs that previously groundshared no longer do so.
1 |
Aldershot | Recreation Ground |
In 1971 they were in Division Four. The club folded in 1992 and the re-born club, AldershotTown are in League Two having battled back through the non-leagues.
2 |
Altrincham | Moss Lane |
In 1971 they were in the Northern Premier League, one step from League football. Nowadays at level 6 – Conference North.
3 |
Amersham Town | Meadow School Lane |
In 1971 they were in the Hellenic League Division One. Nowadays at level 10 in the Spartan South Midlands League Division One.
4 |
Andover | London Road |
In 1971 they were in the Southern League Division One. Ground demolished 1989, moving to the Portway Stadium. Club folded 2011.
5 |
Anstey Nomads | Cropston Road |
In 1971 they were in the East Midland Regional League. Having since played in the Leicestershire Senior League they are now in the East Midlands League.
6 |
Arsenal | Highbury |
Still in the top flight, the club moved ground in 2006 to the Emirates Stadium.
7 |
Aston Villa | Villa Park |
In 1971 the club were in the Third Division, now in the Premier League.
8 |
Aveley | Mill Field |
In 1971 the club were in the Athenian League Premier Division. They are now in the Isthmian League Division One.
9 |
Barking | Vicarage Field |
In 1971 they were in the Isthmian League, one step from potential League membership. They are now in the Essex Senior League (level 9). Moved ground in 1973 to MayesbrookPark.
10 |
Barnet | Underhill |
In 1971 they were members of the Southern League, they are now a Football League club currently in League Two. Will move grounds for 2013/14.
11 |
Barnsley | Oakwell |
Up one tier in 42 years, were Division Three, now in the Championship.
12 |
Barrow | Holker Street |
Were in Division Four, lost their League place in 1972. Now in the Conference.
13 |
Bideford | Sports Ground |
Were in the Western League in 1971. Now in the Southern League Premier Division (level 7)
14 |
Birmingham City | St.Andrews |
No change, were in the second tier in 1971.
15 |
Bishop Auckland | Kingsway |
Were in the Northern League Division One as they are now. Ground demolished in 2001, moved to new ground, HeritagePark, in 2010.
16 |
Bishop’s Stortford | Rhodes Avenue |
Were in the Isthmian League in 1971, now in the Conference North. Moved ground in 1997 to the Woodside Stadium.
17 |
Blackburn Rovers | Ewood Park |
Were in Division Three in 1971, now in the second tier.
18 |
Blackpool | Bloomfield Road |
No change, were in the second tier in 1971.
19 |
Bolton Wanderers | Burnden Park |
Were in Division Three in 1971, now in the second tier. Moved ground in 1997 to the Reebok Stadium.
20 |
Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic | Dean Court |
Still in the third tier. Ground rebuilt and re-orientated in 2001. Changed name 1972 to AFC Bournemouth.
21 |
Bradford City | Valley Parade |
Now in the fourth tier, down a tier from 1971.
22 |
Bradford Park Avenue | Park Avenue |
Had just joined the Northern Premier League have been in the Football League. Club folded 1974 and ground demolished in 1973.New club formed 1988 and now in the Conference North. Now playing at the Horsfall Stadium.
23 |
Brentford | Griffin Park |
Up one tier from Division Four in 1971.
24 |
Bridlington Town | Queensgate |
Were in the Yorkshire League in 1971. Original club folded in 1994. Reformed club now in the Northern Counties East League.
25 |
Bridlington Trinity | Queensgate |
Were in the Yorkshire League in 1971. Folded in 1990 when they lost the use of their ground.
26 |
Brighton & Hove Albion | Goldstone Ground |
Were in Division 3 in 1971, now second tier. Ground demolished 1997. Moved ground in 2011, having played at Gillingham FC and the Withdean Stadium.
27 |
Bristol City | Ashton Gate |
Still in second tier.
28 |
Bristol Rovers | Eastville |
Were in Division 3 in 1971, now fourth tier. Ground demolished 1986. Moved ground in 1996 to the Memorial Ground, having shared at Bath City FC.
29 |
Bromley | Hayes Lane |
Were in the Isthmian League in 1971, now Conference South
30 |
Burnley | Turf Moor |
Still in second tier.
31 |
Bury | Gigg Lane |
Were in Division Four in 1971, now in the third tier.
32 |
Buxton | Silverlands |
Were in the Cheshire League in 1971, now in the Northern Premier League, Premier Division (level 7)
33 |
Cambridge United | Abbey Stadium |
Had just come into the Football League in 1971, now in the Conference.
34 |
Cardiff City | Ninian Park |
Still in second tier, moved ground in 2009 to the Cardiff City Stadium.
35 |
Carlisle United | Brunton Park |
Were in Division Two in 1971, now in third tier
36 |
Charlton Athletic | The Valley |
Still in second tier
37 |
Chelsea | Stamford Bridge |
Still in top tier
38 |
Chester | Sealand Road |
Were in Division 4, new club now in Conference North. Moved ground in 1992 to the Deva Stadium. ChesterCity folded in 2010, reforming as Chester FC.
39 |
Chesterfield | Recreation Ground |
Were in Division 3 in 1971, now fourth tier. Moved ground in 2010 to the ProAct Stadium.
40 |
Clapton | Old Spotted Dog Ground |
Were in Isthmian League in 1971, now in Essex Senior League (level 9)
41 |
Colchester United | Layer Road |
Were in Division Four in 1971, now in the third tier. Moved ground in 2008 to the Weston Homes Community Stadium.
42 |
Corinthian-Casuals | Sandy Lane |
Were in Isthmian League, now in Division 1 of that League (level 8). Were groundsharing at Tooting and Mitcham, have been playing at their own ground, King George’s Field, since 1988.
43 |
Coventry City | Highfield Road |
Were in Division One in 1971, now in third tier. Moved ground in 2005 to the Ricoh Arena.
44 |
Crewe Alexandra | Gresty Road |
Were in Division Four in 1971, now in the third tier.
45 |
Crook Town | Millfields |
Were in Northern League Division 1, now in Division 2 (level 10)
46 |
Crystal Palace | Selhurst Park |
Were in Division 1 in 1971, now in second tier
47 |
Darlington | Feethams |
Were in Division Four in 1971, new club now in Northern League Division 1. Club folded 2012 re-forming as Darlington 1883. Moved ground 2003-2012 to the Darlington Arena. New club groundsharing at Bishop Auckland.
48 |
Derby County | Baseball Ground |
Were in Division 1 in 1971, now in second tier. Moved ground in 1997 to PridePark.
49 |
Doncaster Rovers | Belle Vue |
Were in Division 4 in 1971, now third tier. Moved ground in 2006 to the Keepmoat Stadium.
50 |
Dorchester Town | Weymouth Avenue |
Were in the Western League in 1971, now in the Conference South. Moved ground in 1990 to Avenue Road.
51 |
Dover | The Crabble |
Were in the Southern League Premier Division in 1971, now in Conference South. Folded 1983, reforming as Dover Athletic.
52 |
Dulwich Hamlet | Champion Hill |
Were in the Isthmian League in 1971, now in Division 1 of that league (level 8). Original stadium demolished in 1993, smaller stadium built on same site.
53 |
Eastbourne | The Saffrons |
Were in the Athenian League Division 1 in 1971, now in the Isthmian League Division 1 (level 8). Changed name 1971 to Eastbourne Town.
54 |
Edmonton | Barrass Stadium |
Were in the Athenian League Division 1 in 1971. Merged with Tufnell Park in 1973 to form the club now known as Haringey Borough playing at Coles Park. The Barrass Stadium is still in existence.
55 |
Everton | Goodison Park |
Still in top flight.
56 |
Exeter City | St.James Park |
Still in fourth tier.
57 |
Fleetwood | Highbury Avenue |
Were in Northern Premier League in 1971, now in League Two. Folded 1997, reforming as FleetwoodTown.
58 |
Frickley Colliery | Westfield Lane |
Were in the Midland League, now in Northern Premier League Premier Division. Changed name 1971 to Frickley Athletic.
59 |
Fulham | Craven Cottage |
Were in Division Two in 1971, now in the top flight.
60 |
Gillingham | Priestfield Stadium |
Still in fourth tier.
61 |
Glossop | Surrey Street |
Were in Manchester League in 1971, now in North West Counties League Premier Division (level 9). Reverted to original name of Glossop North End in 1992.
62 |
Grantham | London Road |
Were in the Midland League, now in Northern Premier League Premier Division. Changed name 1971 to GranthamTown. Moved ground 1991 to the South Kesteven Stadium.
63 |
Grimsby Town | Blundell Park |
Were in Division Four in 1971, now in the Conference.
64 |
Guildford City | Josephs Road |
Were in the Southern League Premier Division, now in Division One. Folded and ground demolished 1974. New club formed 1996 playing at the Spectrum Leisure Centre.
65 |
Halifax Town | The Shay |
Were in Division 3 in 1971, new club now in Conference North. Folded in 2008 reforming as FC Halifax Town.
66 |
Harlow Town | Sports Centre |
Were in the Athenian League Division 1 in 1971, now in the Isthmian League Division 1 (level 8). Moved ground in 2006 to Barrows Farm.
67 |
Harrow Borough | Earlsmead |
Were in the Athenian League Division 1 in 1971, now in the Isthmian League Premier Division (level 7).
68 |
Hartlepool | Victoria Ground |
Were in Division Four, now in third tier. Changed to Hartlepool United in 1977.
69 |
Harwich & Parkeston | Royal Oak Ground |
Were in the Athenian League Premier Division, now in the Essex & Suffolk Border League (level 11).
70 |
Hemel Hempstead | Crabtree Lane |
Were in the Athenian League Division 1, now in the Southern League Premier Division. Moved ground to Vauxhall Road in 1972 and became Hemel HempsteadTown.
71 |
Hornchurch | Hornchurch Stadium |
Were in the Athenian League Premier Division, now in the Conference South. Folded in 2005, reformed as AFC Hornchurch.
72 |
Huddersfield Town | Leeds Road |
Were in the First Division in 1971, now in tier two. Moved ground in 1994 to the John Smith’s Stadium.
73 |
Hull Brunswick | Sutton-Ings |
Were in the Yorkshire League Division 2 in 1971. Lost ground and folded in 1973.
74 |
Hul lCity | Boothferry Park |
Still in the second tier. Moved ground in 2002 to the Kingston Communications Stadium.
75 |
Ilford | Lynn Road |
Were in the Isthmian League in 1971. New club in Isthmian League Division One. Old club merged with Leytonstone and demolished ground in 1979.Current club formed in 1987.
76 |
IpswichTown | Portman Road |
Were in the First Division in 1971, now in tier two.
77 |
Leeds United | Elland Road |
Were in the First Division in 1971, now in tier two.
78 |
Leicester City | Filbert Street |
Were in the First Division in 1971, now in tier two. Moved to the King Power Stadium in 2002.
79 |
Letchworth Town | Baldock Road |
Were in the Athenian League Division 1 in 1971. Folded 2002. Ground now Herts FA Ground.
80 |
Leytonstone | Granleigh Road |
Were in the Isthmian League in 1971. Merged with Ilford 1979 and Walthamstow Avenue 1988. Ground demolished in 1979.
81 |
Lincoln City | Sincil Bank |
Were in Division Four in 1971, now in the Conference.
82 |
Liverpool | Anfield |
Still in top flight.
83 |
Loughborough United | Browns Lane |
Were in the Midland League in 1971. Folded in 1973, ground demolished. New club with same name formed in 1989 playing in the North Leicestershire League.
84 |
Lowestoft Town | Crown Meadow |
Were in the Eastern Counties League, now in the Isthmian League Premier Division.
85 |
Luton Town | Kenilworth Road |
Were in Division Two in 1971, now in the Conference.
86 |
Manchester City | Maine Road |
Still in top flight. Moved ground in 2003 to the Ettihad Stadium.
87 |
Manchester United | Old Trafford |
Still in top flight.
88 |
Mansfield Town | Field Mill |
Were in Division Three in 1971, now in the Conference.
89 |
Marine | RossettPark |
Were in the Cheshire League, now in Northern Premier League Premier Division.
90 |
Marlow | Alfred Davis Ground |
Were in the Athenian League Division 1 in 1971. Now in the Hellenic League Premier Division (level 9).
91 |
Metropolitan Police | Imber Court |
Were in the Southern League Division 1 in 1971. Now in the Isthmian Premier.
92 |
Middlesbrough | Ayresome Park |
Still in second tier. Moved to the Riverside Stadium in 1995.
93 |
Millwall | The Den |
Still in second tier. Moved to the New Den in 1993.
94 |
Moor Green | The Moorlands |
Were in the Midland Combination in 1971. Ground demolished in 2005, merged with Solihull Borough in 2007.
95 |
Middlesex Wanderers | Touring |
Still a touring select eleven.
96 |
Morecambe | Christie Park |
Were in the Northern Premier League in 1971, now in League Two. Moved to the Globe Arena in 2010.
97 |
Nelson | Seedhill |
Were in the Lancashire Combination in 1971, now in North West Counties League First Division (level 10). Ground demolished in 1980, now playing at Victoria Park.
98 |
Newcastle United | St.James Park |
Still in top flight.
99 |
Newport County | Somerton Park |
Were in Division Four in 1971, new club now in the Conference. Folded and ground demolished 1989. New club now playing at Rodney Parade.
|
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100 |
Northampton Town | County Ground |
Still in fourth tier. Moved ground in 1994 to Sixfields.
101 |
Northern Nomads | Bower Fold |
Were in the Lancashire Combination in 1971. Folded 1984, no permanent home they used Stalybridge Celtic’s ground.
102 |
Northwich Victoria | The Drill Field |
Were in the Northern Premier League in 1971, now in Division 1 of that league. Drill Field demolished 2002, lost Victoria Stadium in 2012. Now groundsharing at Stafford Rangers FC.
103 |
Norwich City | Carrow Road |
Were in Division Two in 1971, now top tier.
104 |
Notts County | Meadow Lane |
Still in third tier.
105 |
Nottingham Forest | City Ground |
Were in Division One, now in second tier.
106 |
Oldham Athletic | Boundary Park |
Still in third tier.
107 |
Orient | Brisbane Road |
Were in Division Two in 1971, now in the third tier. Reverted to former name of Leyton Orient in 1987.
108 |
Oxford United | Manor Ground |
Were in Division Two in 1971, now in the fourth tier. Moved to the Kassam Stadium in 2001.
109 |
Peterborough United | London Road |
We in Division Four in 1971, now in second tier.
110 |
Plymouth Argyle | Home Park |
Were in Division Three in 1971, now in the fourth tier.
111 |
Poole Town | The Stadium |
Were in the Southern League Premier Division in 1971, now in Division One of that League (Level 8). Lost use of ground in 1994, now playing at the Tatnum Ground.
112 |
Portsmouth | Fratton Park |
Were in Division Two in 1971, now in the third tier.
113 |
Port Vale | Vale Park |
Were in Division Three in 1971, now in the fourth tier.
114 |
Preston North End | Deepdale |
Were in Division Two in 1971, now in the third tier.
115 |
Prestwich Heys | Grimshaws |
Were in Lancashire Combination in 1971, now in Manchester League. Ground demolished 1991, now playing at Sandgate Road.
116 |
Queen’s Park Rangers | Loftus Road |
Were in Division Two in 1971, now top tier.
117 |
Reading | Elm Park |
Were in Division Four in 1971, now top tier. Moved ground in 1998 to the Madjewski Stadium.
118 |
Redhill | Sports Ground |
Were in the Athenian League Premier Division in 1971, now in the Sussex County League Division 1 (level 9). Moved ground in 1984 to Kiln Brow.
119 |
Rochdale | Spotland |
Were in Division Three in 1971, now in the fourth tier.
120 |
Rotherham United | Millmoor |
Were in Division Three in 1971, now in the fourth tier. Lost ground in 2008. Moved ground in 2012 to the New York Stadium.
121 |
St.Albans City | Clarence Park |
Were in the Isthmian League in 1971, now in the Southern League Premier Division (level 7).
122 |
St.Neots Town | Shortsands |
Were in the Eastern Counties League in 1971, now in the Southern League Premier Division (level 7). Lost ground and folded 1988. Reformed in 1990 moving to RowleyPark in 1993. Club moved to a new ground also called RowleyPark in 2008.
123 |
Salisbury | Victoria Park |
Were in the Southern League Division 1 in 1971, now in the Conference South. Moved ground in 1997 to the Raymond McEnhill Stadium. Added City to their name in 1993.
124 |
Scarborough | Athletic Ground |
Lost ground and folded in 2007.
125 |
Scunthorpe United | Old Show Ground |
Were in Division Four in 1971, now third tier. Moved ground in 1988 to GlanfordPark.
126 |
Sheffield United | Bramall Lane |
Were in Division One in 1971, now in third tier.
127 |
Sheffield Wednesday | Hillsborough |
Still in second tier.
128 |
Shrewsbury Town | Gay Meadow |
Still in third tier. Moved ground in 2007 to the New Meadow.
129 |
Skelmersdale United | White Moss Park |
Were in the Northern Premier League in 1971, now in Division One of that League (level 8). Ground demolished 2003 now playing at Stormy Corner.
130 |
Southall | Western Road |
Were in the Athenian League Premier Division. Ground demolished 1994. Now in Spartan South Midlands League Division 1 (level 10) groundsharing at Hanwell Town FC.
131 |
Southampton | The Dell |
Still in top tier. Moved ground in 2001 to St.Mary’s Stadium.
132 |
Southend United | Roots Hall |
Still in fourth tier.
133 |
Southport | Haig Avenue |
Were in Division Four, now in the Conference.
134 |
Stockport County | Edgeley Park |
Were in Division Four, now in the Conference.
135 |
Stoke City | Victoria Ground |
Still in top flight. Moved ground in 1997 to the Britannia Stadium.
136 |
Sunderland | Roker Park |
Were in Division Two in 1971, now top flight. Moved to the Stadium of Light in 1997.
137 |
Sutton United | Gander Green Lane |
Were in the Isthmian League, now in the Conference South.
138 |
Swansea City | Vetch Field |
Were in Division Three now in the top flight. Moved to the Liberty Stadium in 2005.
139 |
Swindon Town | County Ground |
Were in Division Two in 1971, now third tier.
140 |
Telford United | Bucks Head |
Were in the Southern League Premier Division in 1971. New club now in Conference. Ground totally rebuilt in 2003 now called the New Bucks Head. Old club folded in 2004 reforming as AFC Telford United.
141 |
Tooting & Mitcham United | Sandy Lane |
Were in the Isthmian League, now in the First Division of that League. Ground demolished in 2002, now playing at Imperial Fields.
142 |
Torquay United | Plainmoor |
Were in Third Division in 1971, now fourth tier.
143 |
Tottenham Hotspur | White Hart Lane |
Still in top flight.
144 |
Tranmere Rovers | Prenton Park |
Still in third tier.
145 |
Trowbridge Town | Frome Road |
Were in the Southern League Division 1. Folded and ground demolished 1998. New club formed and playing at Woodmarsh in the Wiltshire League (level 11).
146 |
Uxbridge | Honeycroft |
Were in the Athenian League Division One, now in the Southern League Division 1.
147 |
Walsall | FellowsPark |
Still in third tier. Moved ground in 1990 to the Bescot Stadium.
148 |
Watford | Vicarage Road |
Still in second tier.
149 |
Welton Rovers | West Clewes |
Were in the Western League, now in Division 1 of that League (Level 10).
150 |
Wembley | Vale Farm |
Were in the Athenian League Premier Division, now in the Combined Counties League Premier Division (level 9).
151 |
West Bromwich Albion | Hawthorns |
Still in top flight.
152 |
West Ham United | Boleyn Ground |
Still in top flight.
153 |
Woking | Kingfield |
Were in the Isthmian League, now in the Conference.
154 |
Wolverhampton Wanderers | Molineux |
Were in Division One in 1971, now in tier two.
155 |
Wolverton Town | The Park |
Were in the United Counties League in 1971. Folded 1992. Ground now communal park with stand preserved as it was the oldest surviving structure in football.
156 |
Workington | Borough Park |
Were in the Fourth Division, now in the Conference North (level 6).
157 |
Wrexham | Racecourse Ground |
Were in Division Three, now in the Conference.
158 |
York City | Bootham Crescent |
Were in Division Three, now in fourth tier.
159 |
Yorkshire Amateur | Bracken Edge |
Were in the Yorkshire League First Division, now in Division One of the Northern Counties East League.