GLOUCESTER CITY FOOTBALL CLUB

Gloucester City FC play in the Premier division of the Dr. Martens (Southern) League in England. As the name suggests, the league covers the South of England. They play their games against teams as far afield as Hastings Town (in Sussex) to the East and Burton Albion (in Staffordshire) to the North. Unfortunately, the league spreads West too so they have the annual foray into Wales to play against Merthyr Tydfil (joking!!!)

The Tigers, as the club are known, play their home games at Meadow Park in Hempsted. The ground was built in 1986 as part of the deal that saw Westbury Homes buy the old stadium at Horton Road. The club purchased the surrounding football pitches from Fieldings in 1995 and renamed the whole area from Sudmeadow Road to Spinnaker Road Meadow Park, and called the football ground the City Stadium. Currently the stadium capacity is 5000 (although it was pretty much full to bursting point when 4000 people saw the Trophy game against Dagenham) and there are 560 seats. One of the best things to come from Keith Gardners chairmanship was putting a roof on the T-End, where the home fans watch the whole game from (they used to change ends at half time) and really get behind the team. It has also caused some controversy, away fans are now rarely welcomed (ask the fans of Burton Albion!)

The team is currently managed by ex-QPR and West Ham striker Leroy Rosenior, and he is assisted by ex-City captain Brian Hughes. Rosenior was appointed following theharsh sacking of John Murphy in March 1996 (ironically, Hughes was also relieved of his coaching duties on the same day). Fans favourite Leroy enjoyed a professional career taking in Londonclubs Fulham, QPR and the Hammers before moving west to join Bristol City. When persistent knee injuries ended his career, he became manager of the Ashton Gate sides youth team. This has worked well for both Rosenior and Gloucester City because his influence has attracted the likes of Richard Cadette, Steve Mardenborough, Marvin Harriott and probably most importantly Darren Keeling (when he when released from prison).
At his right hand side, Brian Hughes is Citys well respected assistant manager. Hughesey even enjoyed a short spell at the helm as caretaker (with Gary Goodwin) when Brian Godfrey was sacked for the second time in 1994, producing the memorable "against all odds" 1-0 victory against C**tenham Town at Whaddon Road to seriously dent their promotion aspirations. Brian's career took in the highs of Swindon Town (circa 1981) before he moved to Torquay Utd (a move he once described as one of the worst that he made), before joining John Murphy at C**tenham Town. He moved to Meadow Park in the summer of 1988 and became the driving force in Citys Midland division Championship winning side. He actually left the club after Godfrey had been dismissed (the first time), and made his re-appearance after against Salisbury in a League Cup match. When he was sacked as coach (by Gardner) he played again for Ray Baverstock at Cirencester for a while and then he came back to City. One of my favourite all-time City people, I hope he gets the managers job himself one day.

The current Chairman (and Messiah!) is Hartland Renault MD Rob Thomas. He will long be remembered as the man who saved Gloucester City FC (for the umpteenth time! When will they learn?) And easily forgotten as the man whole bought our old house (except by my Dad, who claims that he conned him out of £100!!!)

It will be easier to reach once the council pulls its finger out of its ass and finishes the inner-ring road!