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History 1 of 2
1. History 1
Bishop’s Stortford Swifts F.C. History.
Bishop’s Stortford Swifts F.C. were formed in 1953 by a group of 13 year old lads, including current Vice Chairman Peter Hunt, Derek Smith, Eddie Miller, Mick Thurley, and John Sewell with Ron Nott joining a few years later. Due to their age, they were only able to play friendlies until joining the Bishop’s Stortford & District League in 1956. The club moved to their current ground at Silver Leys in 1964 and were founding members of the Essex Olympian League in 1966, winning the Senior Cup in their first season. A Reserve side was introduced in 1970 this side went on to win the Herts Junior cup in 1970/71. After playing in Division One since 1966 the 1st Team found themselves dropped to the second tier in 1981, when restructuring of the league saw 4 teams relegated. After 3 seasons in Division 2, Swifts bounced back to Division 1 in 1984, finishing runners up in their first season back in the top flight.
By 1996 Swifts 1st Team had drop down Division 3, the appointment of Pete Isherwood was made and Swifts went on to enjoy their most successful period in the Essex Olympian League. 1996 saw them bounce back to Division 2 and then to Division 1 the following year where they finished up as Champions 3 times in 4 seasons. With former Bishop’s Stortford players, Pat Jackman, Ian Hollamby & Steve Luxford amongst others, now playing for Swifts, the team went on to reach the Herts Intermediate County Cup final 9 times, winning on 6 occasions, the last in 2008-9 under current manager Mickey Nunn. Swifts Reserve side were also successful during this period, winning Reserve Division One twice.
Several Bishop’s Stortford Swifts players have also graced the professional ranks, ex Q.P.R and Rushden & Diamonds player Stuart Wardley, former England U-20 international and Manchester Utd trainee Kalam Mooniaruck.
In 2008 Swifts also re-introduced a Sunday side when AFC Hatfields moved to Silver Leys and took up the Swifts name. The club have in recent years won the N.W. Essex League Premier Division & Senior Cup and 2 seasons ago won all 4 trophies up for grabs in the NWESL. Last season Swifts won the Senior Cup and Premier Cup.
Bishop’s Stortford Swifts also run 6 Youth sides, two at U-18, U-12, U-13 & U-14 in the Royston Crow League.
Bishop’s Stortford Swifts F.C. were formed in 1953 by a group of 13 year old lads, including current Vice Chairman Peter Hunt, Derek Smith, Eddie Miller, Mick Thurley, and John Sewell with Ron Nott joining a few years later. Due to their age, they were only able to play friendlies until joining the Bishop’s Stortford & District League in 1956. The club moved to their current ground at Silver Leys in 1964 and were founding members of the Essex Olympian League in 1966, winning the Senior Cup in their first season. A Reserve side was introduced in 1970 this side went on to win the Herts Junior cup in 1970/71. After playing in Division One since 1966 the 1st Team found themselves dropped to the second tier in 1981, when restructuring of the league saw 4 teams relegated. After 3 seasons in Division 2, Swifts bounced back to Division 1 in 1984, finishing runners up in their first season back in the top flight.
By 1996 Swifts 1st Team had drop down Division 3, the appointment of Pete Isherwood was made and Swifts went on to enjoy their most successful period in the Essex Olympian League. 1996 saw them bounce back to Division 2 and then to Division 1 the following year where they finished up as Champions 3 times in 4 seasons. With former Bishop’s Stortford players, Pat Jackman, Ian Hollamby & Steve Luxford amongst others, now playing for Swifts, the team went on to reach the Herts Intermediate County Cup final 9 times, winning on 6 occasions, the last in 2008-9 under current manager Mickey Nunn. Swifts Reserve side were also successful during this period, winning Reserve Division One twice.
Several Bishop’s Stortford Swifts players have also graced the professional ranks, ex Q.P.R and Rushden & Diamonds player Stuart Wardley, former England U-20 international and Manchester Utd trainee Kalam Mooniaruck.
In 2008 Swifts also re-introduced a Sunday side when AFC Hatfields moved to Silver Leys and took up the Swifts name. The club have in recent years won the N.W. Essex League Premier Division & Senior Cup and 2 seasons ago won all 4 trophies up for grabs in the NWESL. Last season Swifts won the Senior Cup and Premier Cup.
Bishop’s Stortford Swifts also run 6 Youth sides, two at U-18, U-12, U-13 & U-14 in the Royston Crow League.