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Gloucester City A.F.C.

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Gloucester City
Image:Gloucestercityafc.jpg
Full nameGloucester City Association Football Club
Nickname(s) The Tigers
Founded 1883
Ground Meadow Park, Gloucester
Capacity 5,500
Chairman Chris Hill
Manager Tim Harris
League Southern League Premier Division
2006-07 Southern League, 12th
Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
　
Home colours
Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
　
Away colours

Gloucester City AFC are a semi-professional football club based in Gloucester, Gloucestershire, currently playing in the Southern League. Their current manager (appointed January 2006) is Tim Harris, who is an ex-goalkeeper and assistant manager at the club. They play their home matches at their home stadium Meadow Park. The Club will celebrate its 125th Anniversary in March 2008.

Contents

[edit] History

The club was formed in March 1883, but the first recorded match came on 2nd January 1886 against Eastville (Bristol Rovers) which ended in a 0-1 defeat for Gloucester, and was refereed by Gloucestershire's own cricketing legend W.G. Grace. The club became founder members of the Gloucester and District League.

After the end of the First World War in 1918 most of the players who had been with City joined Gloucester YMCA. By 1925 they had assumed the name of Gloucester City and become founder members of the Northern Senior League. In 1934-35, after winning both the Cup and League, City turned professional, joined the Birmingham Combination, and moved to a new stadium in Longlevens. They won the Tillotson Cup for being the best club in the Combination, and then had former Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Reg Weaver blow away all records with his 78 goals in the 1937-38 season. Moving on, in 1939 the club played Southern League football for very the first time, albeit in a restricted wartime competition as they took part in the west section.

After the war City rejoined the Southern League and have been members ever since. The competition was fierce and it was no surprise that it took until the 1955-56 season for Gloucester to taste success with their legendary 5-1 League Cup victory over Yeovil Town after losing the first leg 1-4. For three consecutive seasons, 1948-51, the club reached the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, each time losing to League opponents: Mansfield Town (1-4 away), Norwich City (2-3 home) and Bristol City (0-4 away). The attendance record was set at Longlevens in 1952 when Stan Myers scored both goals to beat a full-strength Tottenham Hotspur side 2-1 in front of 10,500 spectators.

In 1964 the club moved grounds again, from Longlevens to the massive Horton Road stadium, closer to the centre of Gloucester

  • 1968-69 - Promoted to Premier Division

Although Gloucester were promoted to the Southern League Premier Division in the 1968-69 season, it was generally a barren spell in the club's history.

  • 1979-80 - League re-organised to Southern & Midland Divisions (No Premier), placed in Midland Division

In the 1981-82 season a sixth place finish was enough to clinch a place in the reformed Premier Division. They were also runners-up in the League Cup, going down 1-2 to Wealdstone, who included future England captain Stuart Pearce in their ranks.

  • 1982-83 - Placed in re-established Premier Division

Despite Kim Casey scoring forty goals, the club were relegated back to the Midland division in 1984-85.

  • 1985 - Relegated to Midland Division

In 1986 Gloucester City moved grounds again, this time to the Hempstead area and Meadow Park. The Horton Road ground became a housing estate which now boasts the names of City legends: [Stan] Myers Road, [Dicky] Etheridge Place and [Ron] Coltman Close amongst others.

  • 1988-89 - Champions of Midland Division; promoted to Premier Division

In 1988 Chairman Geoff Hester wanted to appoint a new manager and after an exhaustive search found his man: former Aston Villa and Wales player Brian Godfrey. The new manager went about trying to assemble a squad capable of fighting their way out of the Midland Division. Lance Morrison, Steve Talboys, Wayne Noble, John Shaw, Nigel Green and Brian Hughes were among those who walked to the Championship, but the most important signing came just before Christmas when Chris Townsend joined from Cheltenham Town. "Towner" went on to score thirty goals to leave his mark on the club. It was a very competitive league, and although a look at the final table would suggest that City strolled to the title, it was actually the penultimate game of the season at King's Lynn that saw them crowned Champions.

The next big achievement of the Godfrey years was the famous FA Cup run to Cardiff. Mangotsfield United (4-0), Barry Town (2-2,2-0), Folkestone (1-0) and Dorchester Town (1-0) all came and went before City suffered heartbreak in the replay after being 2-0 up at Ninian Park with just five minutes to go.

Then, in the winter of 1990, Gloucester saw its' worst snow in many years and when the thaw came the River Severn overwhelmed all the local flood plains. The knock-on effect of the Sudmeadow flood saw incredible scenes at Meadow Park as the pitch was submerged under four feet of water, and the whole ground was out of commission for over a month. The first game back at Meadow Park, however, saw City defeat Gosport Borough 9-0 with "Towner" getting five.

  • 1990-91 - Southern League runner-up

The 1990-91 season was one of the most exciting ever seen at Gloucester. It all started when Geoff Hester stepped down as Chairman and was replaced by Les Alderman, a Bath based businessman. Godfrey had held on to most of his squad from the previous season, and had been able to add several quality players to it. Jeff Sherwood (£15,000 from Yeovil Town), Lee Rogers, Derek Dawkins, Keith Knight (£7,000 from Reading), Jason Eaton (£10,000 from Bristol City), and Steve Fergusson and Brendan Hackett (£25,000 from Worcester City) were just some of the signings that bolstered the squad. Due to the previous season's Cup exploits City had been made exempt until the fourth qualifying round where they faced Farnborough Town away and lost heavily 1-4. Little did they know then what an important part Farnborough would play in the season as we fast-forward to the last match away at Bromsgrove Rovers...

On the previous Tuesday Gloucester had needed to beat VS Rugby at home to go top of the pile, but could only manage a 2-2 draw, so it was all on the last day of the season at the Victoria Ground. Farnborough headed up to Atherstone needing to win, and went 0-1 down in the first half to the delight of the thousand or so travelling City fans. Just when the City game looked as though it might end in stalemate, substitute John Freegard got his head to Jeff Sherwood's long free kick and minutes later had won. In the meantime Farnborough had scored, but it wasn't enough. City fans were on the pitch celebrating the Championship and promotion to the Conference, but all they had heard were premature radio reports from Atherstone: Farnborough had actually scored a winner three minutes before the end of the game and they were promoted instead of Gloucester.

Into the 1991-92 season, one that promised to start where the previous one had left off, and the bombshell hit City that Les Alderman had left the club. The squad was ripped apart: Fergusson and Hackett went to Telford United for derisory sums; Lee Rogers and Jeff Sherwood went unpaid, took the club to the FA, and forced a transfer embargo. Then Brian Godfrey was sacked, and replaced by his assistant Steve Millard. Ollie only lasted three months in what was a disastrous spell that saw him hardly keep the same starting eleven and basically have to start from scratch after Geoff Hancocks and Brian Hughes left the club in support of Godfrey. In February Brian was re-appointed to the hot seat and started to turn things around again; however, everyone knew that the title challenging days of Alderman were a long way off. The club survived the next few seasons under the guidance of Chairman George Irvine, but even the Roaduser boss knew that the Tigers couldn't continue this way. The club had crippling debts and were about to fold when former Moreton Town owner Keith Gardner stepped in.

With Gardner came razzmatazz as he did wonders for Gloucester City with his magical PR machine! Gardner sacked Godfrey again and appointed former Cheltenham Town and Trowbridge Town boss John Murphy as the club entered possibly the most exciting period in their history. Keith did more than his fair share of work in putting Gloucester City on the map, some would say he did too much! He made a deal with Carlsberg Tetley that enabled the City to buy the old Fieldings club and football pitches. To be fair he turned the whole 'Meadow Park' area into a footballing center, and he had a great idea to develop the ground into an all-seater stadium and add a leisure centre, ice rink and all weather pitch. His ambitions were matched on the field too, after seeing the club get by with local players, talent was brought in from further afield and the Tigers became a force to be reckoned with. Dave Porter only played a handful of games but will be remembered for the part he played in the 1-0 victory over rivals Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road in 1994. However it soon became apparent that Murphy didn't have what it took to turn a good side into Champions and was sacked in March 1996. Former West Ham United and Bristol City striker Leroy Rosenior took over and had to virtually rebuild the team from scratch after most of the players walked out in the wake of Murphy's dismissal.

Dale Watkins was signed from Rushden and Diamonds for the 1996-7 season, with Adie Mings from Bath City and record signing David Holmes being persuaded back after the Murphy furore. This formed one of the most potent front lines in non-league football and it was no surprise to see the Tigers beat all comers. Despite having to play manager Leroy Rosenior in goal against Kingstonian in their first game in the FA Trophy, City managed to reach the semi final before being beaten by Dagenham and Redbridge. The cup run proved to be a thorn in the side for City as they had to play three games a week to claw back games in hand and eventually lost out to Cheltenham in the race for second spot (after Champions Gresley Rovers had been denied promotion due to the state of their ground).

  • 2000 - Relegated to Western Division

Since then City have struggled to keep their heads above water and the clubs weekly playing budget was slashed. Considering that the club had seen just four different managers in the 1990's (Brian Godfrey, Steve Millard, John Murphy and Leroy Rosenior), the turn of the century saw another three come and go. First Brian Hughes tried his luck in a move that was very popular among the majority of the supporters. He didn't last as the playing budget was cut and this proved to be the catalyst that saw the club relegated. Then Tommy Callinan took over in a player/manager role, and left at the end of the 2000/01 season. The third to try his hand was Chris Burns, who remained manager until January 2006. He was tempted back to Meadow Park from Forest Green and brought with him a largely untried bunch of young players to fit in with the very limited wage structure. It took the side a while to find its feet, and they had some real setbacks too (namely the 1-7 home defeat at the hands of Bedworth United), but gradually began to look the part.

As the management bandwagon rolled on, just before Christmas 2000 Meadow Park was struck another hammer blow when the River Severn burst it's banks for the second time in a decade. This time the flood water did more damage than before because it reached just under seven feet high, and also managed to get inside the changing rooms ruining whatever stood in its way. The club was unable to hold matches at the ground for more than six weeks as the environmental health inspector ruled that due to the filthy content of the water, Meadow Park wasn't fit for public population. The lack of revenue for the club almost saw it go under and it meant that due to non-payment of players several walked out on the club. This was added to a contract dispute with ex-squad-members Niblett and Wigg, and meant that the club couldn't offer contracts to players.

However, in November 2001 ex-director Colin Gardner returned to the club to take over the Chairmanship. Working hand in hand with the Supporters Club, together they settled with Wigg and Niblett and lifted the contract restraints imposed by the FA. On the pitch things were looking up with new manager Chris Burns moulding his former City youth team into a force to be reckoned with. A mid table finish surprised many, especially those that had suggested that City would finish in the bottom two.

If ever the feeling that the club was bouncing back, then the 2002/03 season proved it. Off the field, a deal was struck between the club and Eamonn McGurk, where the latter bought the ground and took on the majority of the clubs debts. Financially, the club actually made a trading profit for the first time and were within reach of wiping out all of the historical debts. To add to the upturn, on the field Burns' young team upset a lot of the more fancied challengers, brought on some of the younger players and reached the quarter finals of the FA Trophy. The run included memorable victories away at league leaders Merthyr Tydfil, then two fantastic wins at Conference sides Woking and Southport. Sadly, Aylesbury United of the Ryman League proved to be too big of a challenge and City bowed out. In the league, a fifth placed finish was a remarkable achievement and a great stepping stone to launch a challenge for the future.

  • 2003-04 - Western Division runners-up; promoted to Premier Division

The 2003-04 season saw further progress with the Tigers finishing second in the Western Division and gaining promotion to the Premier Division. At the end of the season, Colin Gardner stepped down as the highly respected Chairman, and Ken Turner took over in an acting capacity. Ken continued until he was forced to step down from the club in July 2005 for personal reasons. Chris Burns resigned as manager on 2nd Jan 2006, Neil Mustoe took over as caretaker-manager, but the permanent appointment of Tim Harris from Merthyr Tydfil was made (see link below).

http://www.gloucestercityafc.com/news/index.php?showtopic=100

Source: various "away" match day programmes.

[edit] Club Records

  • Best League Position: 2nd in Southern League, Premier Division (then level 6), 1990-91
  • Best FA Cup Performance: 2nd Round Replay, 1989-90 vs Cardiff City
  • Best FA Trophy Performance: Semi-Final Replay, 1996-97 vs Dagenham and Redbridge
  • Record Fee Paid: £25,000, Steve Fergusson, Worcester City 1990/1
  • Record Fee Received: £25,000 Ian Hedges, Bournemouth, 1989/90
  • Record Appearances: Stan Myers & Frank Tredgett ? (1950s)
  • Record Goalscorer (career): Reg Weaver -250 (1930s)
  • Record Attendance: 10,500 v Tottenham Hotspur, 1952

Source: Football Club History Database

  • Record Attendance (Horton Road): 7,500 v Wimbledon, friendly, 1966
  • Record Attendance (Meadow Park): 4,500 v Dagenham & Redbridge, FA Trophy Semi-Final, April 1997

[edit] Honours

  • Southern League Premier Division Runners-up(1) 1990/91
  • Southern League Midland Division Champions(1) 1988/9
  • Southern League Western Division Runners-up(1) 2003/04
  • Southern League Cup Winners(1) 1955/56
  • Southern League Cup Finalists(1) 1981/82
  • Gloucestershire Senior Cup Winners(19) (most recent 1992/93)
  • Gloucester and District League Champions (1) 1897/98
  • Gloucester and District League Division One Champions(2) 1899/00 and 1903/04
  • Cheltenham and District League Division One Champions (1) 1906/07
  • North Gloucestershire League Division One Champions (2) 1907/08 and 1908/09
  • Gloucestershire Northern Senior Amateur Cup Winners (1) 1931/32
  • Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Champions (1) 1933/34
  • Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Runners-up (3) 1925/26,1932/33 and 1934/35
  • Birmingham Combination Tillotson Shield (1) 1935/36
  • FA Cup 2nd Round 1989/90
  • FA Trophy Semi-Finalists 1996/7

[edit] League Positions

Season League P W D L F A Pts Pos
2006-07 SL Prem 15 4 6 5 26 28 18 16/22
2005-06 SL Prem 42 14 10 18 57 60 52 13/22
2004-05 SL Prem 42 12 17 13 63 61 53 15/22
2003-04 SL West 40 24 7 9 77 46 79 2/21
2002-03 SL West 42 22 9 11 87 58 75 5/22
2001-02 SL West 40 14 10 16 48 63 52 14/21
2000-01 SL West 42 12 11 19 76 84 47 12/22
1999/00 SL Prem 42 8 14 20 40 82 38 20/22
1998/99 SL Prem 42 18 11 13 57 52 65 6/22
1997/98 SL Prem 42 16 11 16 57 57 59 11/22
1996/97 SL Prem 42 21 10 11 81 56 73 3/22
1995/96 SL Prem 42 21 8 13 65 47 71 4/22
1994/95 SL Prem 42 22 8 12 76 48 74 4/22
1993/94 SL Prem 42 17 6 19 55 60 57 10/22
1992/93 SL Prem 40 14 11 15 66 68 53 13/21
1991/92 SL Prem 42 15 9 18 67 70 54 12/22
1990/91 SL Prem 42 23 14 5 86 49 83 2/22
1989/90 SL Prem 42 17 11 14 80 68 62 9/22
1988/89 SL Midland 42 28 8 6 95 37 92 1/22
1987/88 SL Midland 42 18 14 10 86 62 68 7/22
1986/87 SL Midland 38 19 5 14 77 59 62 7/20
1985/86 SL Midland 40 15 12 13 61 57 57 9/21
1984/85 SL Prem 38 10 6 22 49 74 36 18/20
1983/84 SL Prem 38 13 15 10 55 50 54 9/20
1982/83 SL Prem 38 13 12 13 61 57 51 11/20
1981/82 SL Midland 42 21 9 12 64 48 51 5/22
1980/81 SL Midland 42 19 6 17 82 72 44 13/22
1979/80 SL Midland 42 10 14 18 55 68 32 18/22
1978/79 SL 1 North 38 18 8 12 76 59 44 7/20
1977/78 SL 1 North 38 14 8 16 68 75 36 13/20
1976/77 SL 1 North 38 18 4 16 70 81 40 10/20
1975/76 SL 1 North 42 13 9 20 49 78 35 17/22
1974/75 SL 1 North 42 13 8 21 55 75 34 17/22
1973/74 SL 1 North 42 10 6 26 52 81 26 20/22
1972/73 SL 1 North 42 18 7 17 55 64 43 9/22
1971/72 SL 1 North 34 8 8 18 46 61 24 14/18
1970/71 SL Premier 42 6 10 26 34 81 22 22/22
1969/70 SL Premier 42 12 9 21 53 73 33 19/22
1968/69 SL 1 42 25 9 8 100 54 59 3/22
1967/68 SL 1 42 12 9 21 54 68 33 16/22
1966/67 SL 1 46 18 6 22 69 83 42 13/24
1965/66 SL 1 46 14 12 20 75 98 40 18/24
1964/65 SL 1 42 19 10 13 68 65 48 9/22
1963/64 SL 1 42 17 4 21 88 89 38 15/22
1962/63 SL 1 38 9 11 18 42 78 29 16/20
1961/62 SL 1 38 6 4 28 46 104 16 19/20
1960/61 SL 1 40 7 7 26 40 102 21 21/21
1959/60 SL 1 42 13 9 20 56 84 35 17/22
1958/59 SL NW 34 12 6 16 50 65 30 13/18
1957/58 SL 42 17 7 18 70 70 41 12/22
1956/57 SL 42 18 8 16 74 72 44 10/22
1955/56 SL 42 19 9 14 72 60 47 7/22
1954/55 SL 42 16 13 13 66 59 45 8/22
1953/54 SL 42 16 11 15 69 77 43 9/22
1952/53 SL 42 17 9 16 50 78 43 10/22
1951/52 SL 42 19 8 15 68 55 46 9/22
1950/51 SL 44 16 11 17 81 76 43 12/23
1949/50 SL 46 14 11 21 72 101 39 18/24
1948-49 SL 42 12 10 20 78 100 34 18/22
1947/48 SL 34 8 6 20 45 78 21 16/18
1946/47 SL 32 8 1 23 57 120 17 17/17
1939/40 SL West 14 5 0 9 35 49 10 5/8
Total n/a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 n/a

Source: Gloucester City at the Football Club History Database

[edit] Current Playing Squad

[edit] Goalkeepers

Matt Bath

Born: 12 June 1976, Stroud, Gloucestershire

City Debut: v Mangotsfield United (H) 20 November 2001

Position: Goalkeeper

Information: If ever proof were needed that there is talent to be found in local football then Matt Bath is it.

Having used a number of goalkeepers already in the 2001/02 season, Chris Burns looked to County League side Whitminster. Matt had played there for six seasons and seemed quite happy to stay put. However the chance to prove himself at higher level finally saw him part company with the local side.

He made his debut against Mangotsfield Utd at Meadow Park but it almost didn't happen as he was refused entry at the gate! City lost the game 2-1 but Matt's continuing impressive performances made the number one jersey his own for the remainder of the season.

Not only did his ability shine through more and more with each game, so did his reputation. In his early games he seemed to stand and watch if a ball was out of his reach, but his confidence grew and before long he'd become one of the better keepers in the league. It was no surprise when he was named as the 2001/02 player of the season despite only playing for five full months.

Matt missed the first three games of the 2002/03 season after he was red carded at Atherstone. After he'd served his suspension he seemed to take a while to find his best form. He conceded more than twenty goals in his fist dozen games but found his form in the away win at Sutton Coldfield. Whilst the home keeper reacted to anything the Taff said to him, Matt quietly pulled off several breathtaking saves and announced his return to top form. He finished the season with sixteen clean sheets and an enhanced reputation as someone who was now playing below his level. What with the performances that he put in during our FA Trophy run, including a Gordon Banks like save at Southport, the club realised his importance and offered him a contract, he has yet to sign it...

Gloucester City appearances (to 02/12/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals Clean Sheets
2001-02 24 0 0 7
2002-03 56 0 0 14
2003-04 51 0 0 18
2004-05 45 0 0 11
2005-06 46 0 1 13
2006-07 20 0 0 4
Total 242 0 1 67

Honours: Stroud & District League, Gloucestershire FA XI 2001/02, Gloucester City Player of the Year 2001/02, Southern League Western Division Runner up 2003/04.

Previous Clubs: Whitminster Town.


Jacob Giles (NO LONGER WITH CLUB)

Born: 12 October 1985, Huddersfield

City Debut: Chippenham Town (H) 3 October 2006

Position: Goalkeeper

Information: Jacob is a goalkeeper signed on loan from Newport County in October 2006 to cover for the out of form Matt Bath.

He kept a clean sheet on his debut in a 1-0 victory over Chippenham Town on October 3rd 2006.

Gloucester City Appearances (to 14/10/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals Clean Sheets
2006-07 3 0 0 1
Total 3 0 0 1

Previous Clubs: Huddersfield Town, Team Bath, Newport County and Gloucester City (loan).

[edit] Defenders

Tom Hamblin

Born: 1987, Bristol

City Debut: v Maidenhead United (H) 19 August 2006

Position: Central Defender

Information: Signed in June 2006 from Bristol Manor Farm. A solid no-nonsense defender who has shown good promise in the pre-season campaign. Was a former member of Mangotsfield United’s youth team

Gloucester City Appearances (to 02/12/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2006/07 19 0 0
Total 19 0 0

Previous Clubs: Fry Club FC, Mangotsfield United and Bristol Manor Farm.


Jonny Miller (NO LONGER WITH CLUB)

Born: 1980, Street, Somerset

City Debut: v Bath City (H) 21 January 2006

Position: Right Back or Defensive Midfielder

Information: Signed in January 2006 from Street, who City had played in the F.A. Cup in the 2004/2005 season and lost. Jonny scored two goals that day. Jonny also enjoyed three years at Weston Super Mare

Gloucester City Appearances (to 28/11/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2005-06 15 0 2
2006-07 14 3 0
Total 29 3 2

Previous Clubs: Yeovil Town, Street Town, Weston Super Mare, Street Town, Gloucester City and Street Town(loan).


Darren Robison (NO LONGER AT CLUB)

Born: 19 May 1971, Plymouth, Devon

City Debut: v Tiverton Town (H) 24 October 2006

Position: Defender

Information: Swindon based ex-RAF Serviceman who started his football career with Millbrook in the South-Western League, moving on to Falmouth Town, Truro City, has also played at Witney Town, Weston Super Mare and Trowbridge.

Signed for Tim Harris for the first time when he joined Newport County and Darren spent four years as Captain of “The Exiles” and was part of the successful promotion winning side and FA Cup run that saw Newport take Blackpool to a replay.

Then Gloucestershire football beckoned in the form of Cirencester Town for an eighteen month period and just before Christmas 2005 Tim once again swooped for the player, only himself to then leave for Meadow Park shortly afterwards. He was resigned for this season.

Robison is a utility player who can play anywhere across the back four or midfield and indeed played a couple of games in goal at the end of one season at Newport!

Gloucester City appearances (to 24/10/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2006/07 1 0 0
Total 1 0 0

Honours: Southern League Western Division Runners-up 1998/99.

Previous Clubs: Millbrook, Falmouth Town, Truro City, Witney Town, Weston Super Mare, Trowbridge Town, Newport County, Cirencester Town, Merthyr Tydfil, Gloucester City and Cirencester United (loan).


Chris Thompson (Captain)

Born: 15 August 1982, Swindon, Wiltshire

City Debut: v Cirencester Town (H) 30 March 2002

Position: Central Defender or Right Midfield

Information: Product of the Gloucester City youth team who went on to join Northampton Town. After being released by them at the end of the 2000/01 season Chris Burns, his former youth team manager, convinced him to re-sign for Gloucester. Hardworking and skillful midfielder who can also play in defence.

Chris was one of the more successful products of Burnsy's youth team as he progressed from City to a youth contract at Northampton Town. Sadly for him, he wasn't taken on at Sixfields and came back to Meadow Park during March 2002. At the time, only Luke Prince seemed to have the natural talent to stand out from the rest so having Chris in the side was like a breath of fresh air. On his debut at home to Cirencester he showed the kind of touches that had been missing from City's play and within the last few months of the season became an essential player in the City midfield.

Thommo started the season out of position at right wing back and didn't find his best form until he was moved into midfield. His first goal came away at Minehead in the FA Cup and was followed by a purple patch where he couldn't miss. He ended the season with ten goals.

Gloucester City appearances (to 02/12/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2001-02 6 0 0
2002-03 49 2 10
2003-04 48 2 1
2004-05 46 0 0
2005-06 35 1 1
2006-07 20 1 0
Total 204 6 12

Honours: Southern League Western Division Runner up 2003/04.

Previous Clubs: Gloucester City and Northampton Town.


Lyndon Tomkins

Born: 13 January 1979, Gloucester

City Debut: v Solihull Borough (H) 25 September 2004

Position: Central Defender

Information: Lyndon is a 'hard as nails' defender, re-signed by the club in September 2004 for what is actually his third spell at Meadow Park.

An Engineer by trade, the Gloucester based centre-half came up through the City Youth team in the mid-nineties, a time when City were awash with cash and rarely looked to their own resources to recruit players. He headed off to Witney Town in search of first team football before eventually settling with Cinderford Town.

During his spell in the Forest he grew in confidence and stature and was rewarded with the club captaincy. However, Chris Burns persuaded him to come to Meadow Park and pretty much before he kicked a ball in a pre-season friendly at Brockworth the dream was over. An off the ball incident, without contact from another player, saw him tear his cruciate knee ligaments.

Despite hopes that the injury would mend itself sooner, Lyndon saw no action for a year. Almost twelve months to the day of the accident he resumed playing, again in pre-season, but found himself released without tasting first team action as City cut their wage bill.

Tompkins returned to Cinderford as they struggled to avoid the drop and faced City twice, losing both games. Now fitter and stronger from the injury he made the move across the County to Hellenic League hopefuls Bishops Cleeve where again he caught Burns' eye and rejoined City with a glowing reference from John Murphy.

With the Tigers leaking goals, it was hoped that Lyndon would plug the gap. Things didn't quite go to plan as City conceeded within minutes of his debut!

At the time of writing Tompkins has added steel to the back four and the team have conceeded just two goals in five games since his arrival. His influence at the back is also matched by his threat up front, with two headed goals against Banbury United as proof.

Gloucester City appearances (to 11/11/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2004-05 19 1 2
2005-06 25 1 0
2006-07 17 0 4
Total 61 2 6

Previous clubs: Gloucester City, Witney Town, Trowbridge Town, Cinderford Town, Gloucester City, Bishop's Cleeve (loan), Cinderford Town, Mitcheldean, Cirencester Town, Bishop's Cleeve, Gloucester City and Bishop's Cleeve (loan).


Aaron Wilson

Born: 1988

City Debut: v Maidenhead United (H) 19 August 2006

Position: Midfield and Defender

Information: A highly rated young attacking midfielder signed from Bristol Manor Farm in the summer of 2006 on the recommendation of David Mehew. Wilson was also interesting both Bath City and Bristol City but chose to come to Meadow Park where he hopes to make a name for himself this coming season, recently he has been playing for Cheltenham Town Reserves as a trialist

Gloucester City appearances (to 02/12/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2006-07 15 3 4
Total 15 3 4

Previous Clubs: Bristol Manor Farm.

[edit] Midfielders

Ben Ashford

Born: 1988

City Debut: Yet to Play

Position: Midfield

Information: Promoted from the City Under 18's, he has yet to make an appearance for Gloucester City.

Gloucester City Appearances

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2006-07 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0

Previous Clubs: No Previous Clubs.


Mike Fowler

Born: 22 August 1981, Cardiff, Wales

City Debut: v Maidenhead United (H) 19 August 2006

Position: Midfield

Information: Mike Fowler is 23, and started as a professional with Crystal Palace where he made his debut against the Chinese National Team, from where he had loan spells with Stevenage Borough and Wrexham. Along the way he also picked up Welsh caps at every level up to and including Under-21.

From Crystal Palace he signed for |Woking, and it was whilst playing for them that he first came into contact with Tim Harris when his Woking side took on Newport County – then managed by the City boss.

A transfer to Newport followed quickly, and his spell only came to an end when Harris left the managerial hot seat. Moving on to Welling and Cwmbran Town Harris re-signed him at the start of the 2005/06 campaign for Merthyr Tydfil and installed him as his captain.

Fowler signed for the Tigers in June 2006 where he has become a first team regular.

Gloucester City appearances (to 02/12/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2006/07 19 0 2
Total 19 0 2

Honours: Wales U-16s, Wales U-18s, FAW Premier Cup Finalist 2002/03.

Previous Clubs: Crystal Palace, Wrexham, Stevenage Borough, Woking, Newport County, Welling United, Cwmbran Town and Merthyr Tydfil.


Adie Harris

Born: 5 March 1964, Hereford

City Debut: v Paget Rangers (A) August 1987

Position: Left Back or Left Midfield

Information: He plays left back in the defence at Meadow Park and is 43 years old. Joined City for a surprising third spell in July 2002 from local side Cinderford Town F.C.. His first spell with the club was in 1987. He was brought to the club by Brian Godfrey and was an important player in the 1988/1989 Southern League Midland Division winning season.

Became joint Caretaker-Manager of Gloucester City with Neil Mustoe on 5th January 2006 following the resignation of Chris Burns, until the appointment of Tim Harris from Merthyr Tydfil F.C. on 11th Jan 2006.

Gloucester City appearances (to 14/11/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
1987-88 31 6 4
1988-89 26 10 3
1994-95 23 11 1
2002-03 51 1 5
2003-04 23 11 0
2004-05 7 12 0
2005-06 24 12 2
2006-07 1 4 0
Total 186 67 15

Honours: Southern League Midland Division Championship 1988/89, Southern League Southern Division Runner up 1990/91, Gloucester City Player of the Year 2002/03, Southern League Western Division Runner up 2003/04.

Previous clubs: Dales United F.C, Llandrindod Wells F.C , Aberystwyth Town, Gloucester City, Trowbridge Town F.C., Gloucester City, Cinderford Town, Trowbridge Town, Cinderford Town, Gloucester City and Pegasus Juniors (loan).


David Mehew (Assistant Manager)

Born: 29 October 1967, Camberley, Surrey

City Debut: v Tiverton Town (H) 24 October 2006

Position: Midfield

Information: David "Boris" Mehew was appointed assistant manager to Tim Harris in the summer of 2006 following Chris Smith's decision to step down.

Following a successful career as a pro with clubs like Bristol Rovers and Walsall Boris drifted into non-league football with Rushden & Diamonds, Farnborough Town, Forest Green and Bath City where he continued to knock in the goals

He joined the club after a spell with Bristol Manor Farm and brought promising youngsters Aaron Wilson and Tom Hamblin with him.

Gloucester City appearances (to 24/10/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2006/07 0 1 0
Total 0 1 0

Honours: England U-16s, Football League Division 3 play-off Finalist 1988/89, Football League Division 3 Champions 1989/90, Football League Division 2 Runners-up 1993/94, FA Trophy Finalist 1998/99 Somerset Premier Cup 2000/01.

Previous Clubs: Leeds United, Bristol Rovers, Exeter City(loan), Walsall, Northampton Town, Yate Town, Bath City, Farnborough Town, Rushden & Diamonds, Forest Green Rovers, Bath City, Clevedon Town, Paulton Rovers, Brislington, Weston Super Mare and Bitton.


Neil Mustoe

Born: 5 November 1976, Gloucester

City Debut: v Atherstone United (H) 17 August 2002

Position: Central Midfield

Information: A former T-Ender himself Neil has travelled the full footballing spectrum by not only supporting the club but also playing for them, captaining them but also managing them for a brief period in January 2006. After starting his career with Manchester United alongside the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggshe was one of the victims of the ITV Digital collapse and was transferred to City from Yeovil Town.

Gloucester City Appearances (to 02/12/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2002-03 33 0 0
2003-04 44 3 1
2004-05 40 0 2
2005-06 27 0 4
2006-07 15 4 0
Total 159 7 7

Honours: England U-16s (5 caps), FA Youth Cup 1995, Football League Division 3 Runner up 1998/99, Cambridge United Player of the Year 1998/99, Southern League Western Runner up 2003/04.

Previous Clubs: Robinswood, Manchester United, Wigan Athletic, Cambridge United, Cambridge City (loan), Gloucester City, Stevenage Borough, Yeovil Town, Gloucester City and Cirencester United(loan).

See separate Neil Mustoe article for more information.


Michael Noakes

Born: 12 April 1988, Gloucester

City Debut: v Chesham United (H) 20 November 2004

Position: Midfield

Information: Michael is a young left sided defender or attacker who graduated from the youth team at the end of the 2005/06 season.

He actually made his debut whilst in the first year of the Under-18's and how as he came off the bench to score a last minute winner against Chesham United at Meadow Park on Novermber 20th 2004.

Appearances since then have been few and far between after drifting away from football for a short while following an injury on his full debut at Solihull but he burst back onto the scene during late 2006 with two goals in his first three substitute appearances plus another away at Tiverton in the FA Trophy. He has England Youth International Honours.

Gloucester City Appearances (to 28/11/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2004-05 1 3 1
2005-06 1 2 0
2006-07 6 4 3
Total 8 9 4

Honours: Midland Floodlit League Youth Southern Division Championship 2005/06, Gloucestershire County Youth Shield 2005/06.

Previous Clubs: No Previous Clubs.


Jamie Reid

Born: 17 April 1988, Gloucester

City Debut: v Cheltenham Town (H) 21 September 2004

Position: Midfield

Gloucester City Appearances (to 02/12/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2004-05 3 12 0
2005-06 12 11 3
2006-07 14 6 2
Total 29 29 5

Honours: Midland Floodlit League Youth Southern Division Championship 2005/06, Gloucestershire County Youth Shield 2005/06.

Previous Clubs: No Previous Clubs.


Alex Sykes

Born: 2 April 1974, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffordshire

City Debut: v Aylesbury United (H) 3 December 2005

Position: Left Midfield

Information: One of Forest Green Rovers longest serving and most loyal players left-sided midfielder Alex's time at The Lawn finally came to an end in September 2004 when he was one of several players released by new manager Alan Lewer in the wake of the club's dreadful start to the season. In three spells with the Gloucestershire club he played over 250 games and scored 50 plus goals. The 30-year old began his career with Mansfield Town but turned down a professional contract to go to University (he is now a teacher) and after a brief time with now defunct Cheltenham club Endsleigh he joined Rovers in March 1996. Went onto become something of a legend there although he did spend 18 months with Nuneaton from June 2000 to January 2002. Struggled to hold down a regular first team spot during the last few seasons and spent a month on loan with City last in September 2003, making four appearances, before joining permamently on a 18-month deal a year later. He currently plays Futsal for England.

Gloucester City Appearances (to 02/12/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2005-06 6 0 0
2006-07 18 3 3
Total 24 3 3

Honours: England Futsal International, FA Trophy Finalist 1998/99.

Previous Clubs: Mansfield Town, Endsleigh, Forest Green Rovers, Westfields, Nuneaton Borough, Forest Green Rovers(loan), Bath City (loan), Forest Green Rovers, Bath City, Gloucester City (loan), Gloucester City.


Tom Webb

Born: 1984, Gloucester

City Debut: v Bromsgrove Rovers (A) 21 April 2001

Position: Midfield or Right Back

Information: Has established himself at the heart of the team over the past three seasons, and rejected several approaches from other sides including Stafford Rangers F.C. to stay with the club that brought him up through the youth team. Very hardworking player with limitless stamina. Tom is the heart and soul of City's midfield

After making his debut for the club as far back as April 2001 away at Bromsgrove Rovers other than when he was concentrating on his studies Tom has been pretty much ever present in the team

Full of energy and never seeming to tire he always gives his all and occasionally pops up with a goal or two, his first for the club was away at Woking in our famous FA Trophy victory in March 2003.

A Gloucester lad, Webb has remained committed to the Tigers although he was almost tempted away to Stafford Rangers F.C. for the 2004/05 campaign to study at University and train full time with Crewe Alexandra but he opted to remain at Meadow Park. Tom's importance to the team is underlined by the fact that during the 2005/06 campaign he played in every minute of every game, a feat not achieved often in this day and age.

Gloucester City appearances (to 02/12/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2000-01 2 2 0
2001-02 16 9 0
2002-03 36 18 5
2003-04 35 8 2
2004-05 45 0 2
2005-06 47 0 4
2006-07 19 1 1
Total 202 38 14

Honours: Herefordshire Youth Cup 2001/02, Southern League Western Division Runner up 2003/04, Gloucester City Player of the Year 2005/06

Previous clubs: Luton Town, Gloucester City, Viney Saint Swithins (loan) and Highworth (loan)


Dave Wilkinson

Born: 1983, Gloucester

City Debut: v Redditch United (H) 18th August 2001

Position: Central Midfield

Information: Dave was one of the players that was under Burnsy charge during his reign as manager of the youth team in his previous spell with the Tigers. After surpassing the age limit for youth football and failing to make the step up to the first team he left Meadow Park and joined up with Brockworth in the Northern Senior League.

He played for the Mill Lane club until Burns came back to City and answered his SOS when the boss found himself with just a handful of players during the pre-season of 2001-02 season. At the time Wilko was among a team not known for their talent and his flair seemed to stand out. Lacking natural pace, his ability more than made up for it and his adventurous attitude saw him attempt many mazy runs, mostly successful.

In his first full season at the club he didn't miss a game and was named as the managers player of the season. Always looking to get forward behind the attack he can be counted on for five or six goals per season.

As 'bigger' players arrived at the club Dave found himself either on the sidelines or forced to play a more battling game. The influence of Neil Mustoe rubbed off on Wilko and he became the anchorman of the midfield after Muzzie had left.

Gloucester City appearances (to 02/12/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2001-02 35 3 2
2002-03 49 2 8
2003-04 38 9 13
2004-05 38 1 11
2005-06 32 4 7
2006-07 3 3 2
Total 195 22 44

Honours: Southern League Western Division Runner up 2003/04

Previous clubs: Brockworth Albion and Gloucester City.

[edit] Forwards

Jody Bevan

Born: 21 October 1978, Gloucester

City Debut: v Bath City (H) 21 January 2006

Position: Forward

Gloucester City Appearances (to 21/10/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2005-06 15 1 3
2006-07 11 3 5
Total 26 4 8

Honours: Southern League Western Division Runner up 2002/03.

Previous Clubs: Gloucester City, Trowbridge Town, Cinderford Town, Weston Super Mare, Cirencester Town and Cinderford Town.


Luke Corbett (NO LONGER WITH CLUB)

Born: 10 August 1984, Worcester

City Debut: v Mangotsfield United (A) 25 October 2005

Position: Forward

Gloucester City Appearances (to 05/09/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2005-06 19 10 12
2006-07 4 1 1
Total 23 13 13


Previous Clubs: Cheltenham Town, Cirencester Town (loan), Hednesford Town(loan), Weston Super Mare(loan), Bath City (loan), Mangotsfield United, Gloucester City and Bishop's Cleeve.


Jimmy Cox

Born: 11 April 1980, Gloucester

City Debut: v Grantham Town (H) 14 August 1999

Position: Forward

Gloucester City Appearances (to 30/04/2005)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
1999-00 27 8 9
2000-01 48 5 22
2002-03 43 1 25
2003-04 48 3 24
2004-05 26 12 11
Total 194 27 91

Honours: Gloucester City Player of the Year 2000/01, Southern League Western Division Runners-up 2003/04.

Previous Clubs: Longlevens, Luton Town, Gloucester City, Bath City, Gloucester City, Weston Super Mare, Gloucester City, Bishop's Cleeve, Yate Townand Gloucester City.


Lee Randall

Born: 1 January 1976

City Debut: v Gresley Rovers (A) 25 August 2001

Position: Forward

Information: Returned for a second spell at Meadow Park in the summer of 2005 and signed forms for the club after impressing with his determination to regain full fitness and make a return to semi-pro football.

Gloucester City appearances (to 01/11/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2001-02 1 0 0
2004-05 11 10 1
2005-06 2 14 1
2006-07 1 4 0
Total 15 28 2

Previous Clubs: Glasgow Celtic, Oldham Athletic, Slough Town, Chesham United, Harrow Borough, Windsor & Eton, Brockworth Albion, Gloucester City, Brockworth Albion, Gloucester City and Cirencester Town (loan).


Joe Tustain

Born: 24 February 1986, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

City Debut: v Maidenhead United (H) 19 August 2006

Position: Forward

Gloucester City appearances (to 28/11/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2006-07 6 15 1
Total 6 15 1

Honours: Gloucestershire FA Trophy 2005/06.

Previous Clubs: Bishop's Cleeve, Chipping Norton Town and Slimbridge.


Jason Welsh

Born: 8 February 1981, Cardiff, Wales

City Debut: v Maidenhead United (H) 19 August 2006

Position: Forward

Gloucester City appearances (to 02/12/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2006/07 11 0 5
Total 11 0 5

Honours: Welsh Cup Finalist 2002/03.

Previous Clubs: Cwmbran Town and Merthyr Tydfil.


Michael Whittington (NO LONGER WITH CLUB)

Born: 1987, Bristol

City Debut: v Bath City (H) 21 January 2006

Position: Forward

Gloucester City Appearances (to 02/12/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2005-06 8 0 7
2006-07 12 0 6
Total 20 0 13


Previous Clubs: Cheltenham Town, Forest Green Rovers (loan), Gloucester City (loan), Cheltenham Town,Gloucester City (loan) and Gloucester City(loan)


John Williams (NO LONGER WITH CLUB)

Born: 11 May 1968, Birmingham

City Debut: v Margate (H) 4 November 2006

Position: Forward

Information: Veteran striker signed to ease an injury crisis in late 2006.

Former Postman John was plucked from Cradley Town and signed for Swansea City for £5000 before making the step up to Coventry City less than a year later for £250,000 and embarking upon a journeyman like career through the football league spanning over a decade. In that time he was named as the fastest footballer after winning the Rumbelows Sprint Challenge at Wembley and was nicknamed the Flying Postman from then on!

Upon leaving Kidderminster Harriers in 2003 Willo linked up with Bath City where he became a hit with the Twerton Park crowd and even scored from the spot against the Tigers in a 1-1 draw but John hit the ball that hard that he injured himself and had to be subbed.

Following his spell at Bath he represented Redditch United, Evesham United (whom he was playing for when Muzzie broke his leg) and also Weston Super Mare before he answered Tim Harris' S.O.S. and linked up with City in time for the FA Trophy game against Margate.

Gloucester City appearances (to 04/11/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2006/07 1 0 0
Total 1 0 o

Previous Clubs: Cradley Town, Swansea City, Coventry City, Notts County (loan), Stoke City (loan), Swansea City (loan), Wycombe Wanderers, Hereford United, Walsall, Exeter City, Cardiff City, York City, Darlington, Swansea City, Kidderminster Harriers, Bath City, Redditch United, Evesham United and Weston Super Mare.


Troy Wood (NO LONGER WITH CLUB)

Born: 1987

City Debut: v Stamford (H) 28 October 2006

Position: Forward

Information: Diminutive eighteen year old centre forward signed on loan from Worcester City in October 2006. Troy made his debut at home to Stamford on October 28th.

As a youth player at St Georges Lane he scored regularly with an impressive total of 40 during the 2005/06 season and earned a call up to the first team.

However since graduating to the main Conference North team Troy has struggled to hold down a regular place and this months loan will provide him with some much needed match practice as well as giving City cover among their injury hit strike force.

Gloucester City appearances (to 14/11/2006)

Season Appearances Subs Goals
2006/07 3 0 0
Total 3 0 0

Previous Clubs: Worcester City and Gloucester City (loan).

[edit] Stadiums

  • Longlevens July 1935 to 1964
  • Horton Road 1964 to 1987
  • Meadow Park June 1987-Present

[edit] Rivalry

In the 123 year existence of Gloucester City they have accumulated many rivalries but none of them are as fierce as against Cheltenham Town F.C.. Due to the near proximity of Cheltenham to Gloucester the rivalry has been running for more than a century. Recently matches between the two have declined due to Cheltenham's rise in the Pyramid System. The last league game between the two was in 1997. City has a less fierce but still present rivalry against Forest Green Rovers but this is less recognised as a main rivalry. As the city of Gloucester is very close to Wales, any time a Welsh team travels to Meadow Park there are always sparks. These matches are mostly against Merthyr Tydfil F.C. and Newport County. Newport County games are normally more heated and in the last competitive game between the two, Police officers were needed to split up the fans from a confrontation. City also has a rivalry with Bath City.

[edit] The T-End

Gloucester City have some of the most vocal fans in the whole of the Southern Premier League. At their home Meadow Park a majority of these fans will stand in the T-End. The origins of this name are disputed but the most widely believed is that it is the 'Top End' therefore shortened to the T-End. The T-End is a terraced bank behind the goal with a roof (which was built in 1995) which amplifies the sound of the T-End around Meadow Park. Members of the crowd who stand in the T-End are known as T-Enders. Many of the T-Enders see this as our equivalent of Liverpool F.C's Kop, Newcastle United's "Gallowgate End" and Manchester United's Stretford End. The stand is home to a plethora of musical instruments including horns, drums and occasionally a trumpet. Also the T-End is home a many different City related flags from all over the globe including England, France, Italy and a USA flag and many others. The stand is officially known as the Keyway stand, but it retains the name T-End to the Gloucester City Fans.

[edit] Trivia

[edit] External links


Southern League Premier Division 2006/07

Banbury United | Bath City | Cheshunt | Chippenham Town | Cirencester Town | Clevedon Town | Corby Town | Gloucester City | Halesowen Town | Hemel Hempstead Town | Hitchin Town | King's Lynn | Maidenhead United | Mangotsfield United | Merthyr Tydfil | Northwood | Rugby Town | Stamford | Team Bath | Tiverton Town | Wealdstone | Yate Town   edit

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