Misplaced Childhood

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.