Welcome to my blog covering clubs and stadiums in the English League System along with the wonderful people responsible for keeping them going and their maintenance.

Since I was a little lad I've been fascinated in football and more so where games are played. With my love of travel and curiosity of the game I wanted to visit as many grounds and see games wherever possible.

I was fortunate that my Dad also loved the game and spent so much of his spare time taking me to matches. As I got older the boundaries widened owing to my location and increased wages to Europe and indeed the world. The sight of a stand or a floodlight pylon in the distance immediately heightens my senses and eagerness for a closer look.

I hope this site gives you the chance to share in my pleasure and experiences and maybe one day set you on the road to adventure. If you get half as much out of the hobby as I've done, I can guarantee some great memories, good friends and stories to pass on to future generations.

Give your local club a try today. They'll be delighted to see you!

Everlasting thanks primarily to my late and very much missed and dearly loved parents; my Dad, Bob Bernard and my Mum; Ann, who put up with endless years of football chat and my brothers Nick and Paul who gave me the chance and encouragement to do what I have. Thanks to all my friends who offer encouragement and Sally and Stan who inspire and give me great pride. Stan is showing a keen interest in my hobby as he grows into a young man!

Please feel free to post any comments (please use sensible language - I want everyone to be able to enjoy reading) or ask any questions relating to visiting grounds or events. If you want to see any ground reviewed please let me know. It will take quite some time for everywhere to appear, but make sure you keep having a look as the site is continually updated.

If you click on a lot of the pictures you will get a larger version on your screen.

I have also added links to video clips on YouTube where appropriate for those of you who are bored of reading or are filling in time at work. I haven't always gone for the most obvious choices, but items that will be in some cases unusual but always historically interesting.

Click here to see Volume Two of HAOTW, which covers everything non English.

Rob Bernard

London

May 2020

Friday 24 July 2009

Southend Manor




Southend Manor FC were formed in 1955 as a team for youth players by by Gil and Doris Medcalf. Gil had earlier played for prominent non league side Eton Manor, hence the club's title.

The club played in local league football for many years with an excellent record. Manor could not progress as they used council pitches until after many years of pressure Southend Manor was allowed to use Southchurch Park Arena (originally sharing with Southend Athletic Club) which had many of the attributes needed for Senior Football. In 1985 the club gained access to the Essex Senior League Reserve Division, while carrying out the work needed to meet senior status requirements. This status was reached in 1988 with a new clubhouse being erected.















The Club fielded 17 teams in 2009 from Under sevens to the First Team. Full F.A. Charter status was awarded to the Youth Section in August 2004, new state of the art floodlights were installed in the same month and, subject to the usual budget considerations, and compliance with ground grading requirements, The Manor aimed to continue to consolidate its position at this level of non-league football.













Manor had an excellent 2011-12 season, finishing as runners up in the league and reaching the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, before bowing out to Kettering Town.

Southend Manor FC will compete in the Essex Senior League for the 2014-15 season.

 

My visit

Tuesday 14th July 2009

The weather was stunning. I had previously called in at Roots Hall across town and then walked the couple of miles to Southchurch Park. It is located just a block behind the sea front and the ground is at the far end of a park that also has a pond, cricket pitches and playgrounds.












It took me quite some time to locate the entrance to the ground. Fortunately a gate was open so I could get close to take some good photos.

The ground is very open with large grass areas around the pitch as well as a path. The arena once housed an athletics track but that has now gone. On the clubhouse side there are two modern looking stands to offer shelter for spectators, one with seating and one with a few steps of terracing.














Southchurch Park looked to be a good venue in pleasant weather but is not somewhere I'd fancy on a wet and windy evening.





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