Cray Wanderers reflect on a proud 150 years of footballing history

CRAY WANDERERS historians are giving an illustrative talk on the club’s 150-year history in St Mary Cray on Friday, writes Stephen McCartney.


The Kent club published a book (which can be purchased for £14.95) on their 150 year history – Forever Amber – and co-author Jerry Dowlen and editor Mike Floate attend a Tea Time Talk at the Croft Tea Room, 263 High Street, St Mary Cray, Kent BR5 4AR on Friday 3 June, starting at 6pm.

The £5 admission charge per person includes tea, homemade cakes and sandwiches.

Club historian and press officer, Mr Dowlen, 63, who lives in Orpington and first watched the Wands in 1959, said: “We’re celebrating 150 years of Cray Wanderers and the launch of the new book Forever Amber with an illustrated talk about the history of the club and its many associations with the history of the Crays.

“Please come along and ask as many questions as you like!”

To reserve your place, please telephone 077255 433 77.

Last year the club staged several events to mark its 150^th anniversary.

Twelve months ago the club held an Exhibition on the club’s history at Bromley Museum, Orpington and west London based student Danny Pape produced a short film “It’s A Wonderful Life” which was an entertaining portrayal of the club’s origins.

The first team met Kent County League neighbours Crockenhill in a pre-season friendly as the club returned to its former ground, St Mary Recreation Ground, and midfielder Danny Phillips (an arrival from Sutton United) netted two of the club’s three goals in a comfortable 3-0 win in front of 400 fans.

Next up in the exciting calendar of special events was a visit from League One side Leyton Orient – a friendly arranged after the east Londoners snapped up George Porter from the Kent club.  The O’s, who went on to hold Arsenal to a draw in the FA Cup, won the game 2-0 in front of a crowd of 325 at Hayes Lane.

And the club came away from Sheffield victorious having won The Heritage Tournament, a three-team tournament between Sheffield (1857), Cray Wanderers (1860) and Hallam (1860) – the three oldest football clubs.

Last August, the Wands met the Guyana All Stars at Dulwich Hamlet’s Champion Hill Stadium, which was the club’s first international friendly match.

ITV Sport cameras were at Hayes Lane for the club’s FA Cup ties against South Park and Ebbsfleet United and Ian Jenkins’ side were among the team’s chasing for the play-offs, but injuries to key players at vital times proved to be their downfall but finishing in ninth place in the Ryman Premier League last season – the highest level of football that the club has played at - is something to build on for next season.

Meanwhile, the club have confirmed tonight that they will meet landlords Bromley in a pre-season friendly at Hayes Lane on 16 July 2011.

The Wands also travel to Fisher (17 July, 1pm), VCD Athletic (23 July), Lordswood (30 July) and Erith & Belvedere (3 August).

The Great British Deaf side will meet Cray Wanderers at Hoblingwell Recreation Ground, St Paul’s Cray on 6 August.

Visit Cray Wanderers’ website: www.craywands.co.uk