Welcome back to Through the Turnstile, the series that shines the light on some of non-leagues leading stars. On this feature we are venturing to the borough of Bromley, going through the turnstile at Cray Wanderers, so without further ado lets get stuck in!

A brief history of the Club

Cray Wanderers FC was formed in 1860. It came about when migrant workers, building the Cray Valley railway viaduct, teamed up with villagers from St. Mary Cray for a “lunchtime kick about”. Little did these early footballing pioneers realise that what started out as a bit of fun would still be going strong over 150 years later.

Nicknamed the Wands, they are based in the London Borough of Bromley and compete in the (Isthmian) Premier Division: the seventh tier of English football. 

They currently play their home matches at Bromley’s Hayes Lane ground (capacity 5,000). The club have just recently announced they will part ways with Bromley and their ground sharing agreement come the start of next season which is a very exciting part of their future.

Neil Smith was appointed as manager towards the end of the 2021–22 season and the following year led Cray to the highest league finish in their history (5th). The Wands lost on penalties to Hornchurch in the play-off semi-final. They currently sit 13th in the table, a mid-table position which, should the season end tomorrow, provide them with a very good springboard of which to leap from next season.

(Source: https://www.cray-wanderers.com/)

Club legends (as told by Fan Martyn Beadle)

Kit

2023/2024 Cray Wanderers FC Home Kit

£39.99 Replica Kit – Available online or in the stadium shop.

https://www.cray-wanderers.com/product/2324-home-jersey-vx3/

Stadium info

Cray Wanderers currently ground share with Bromley FC, however they do have VERY exciting news in regards to having a stadium to finally call their own, which you can find out more about down below! But in the meantime here is the info for Hayes Lane:

Hayes Lane, BR2 9EF
Capacity – 5000 (1300 💺)
Number of stands – 3
Artificial Turf

Coming soon…a brand new stadium – check out the video below which was released 6 months ago to give you a bit more of an insight on what that new stadium will look like. Sam Wright (CEO) does personally touch on the more recent stadium developments later on in this feature, but the video below is a great overview of the whole project and how it has got to this point.

It’s a key moment in the club’s long history. The mission now is to build links with the local community and make it a sporting and social hub for the area.

Simon Head (Fan) – Discussing the new stadium

Entry price

Matchday Tickets
£12 Adults
£6 Concessions (U16’s, Students & Over 60’s)

Season tickets
Adult Season ticket – £150
Concessions Season ticket – £75 (U16’s, Students & Over 60’s)

Matchday Programme
£2

Stadium Shop

Located online only at the moment, due to ground sharing. Cray Wanderers fans can get all their merchandise needs with just a few click. There are plans for a physical Cray Wanderers store in the near future, so all of you can get up and close to the merchandise on offer,just watch this space (more info on that below).

Come round come round, it is pin badge corner! Cray Wanderers do sell one of their own pin badges on the clubs website, so you collectors out there have nothing to fear – you can get one online now. It simply has to be done, they are Londons oldest club after all !

Price – £4

Food/Drink option

Broomfields

The food and drink area on a match-day can be found inside Broomfields, this modern space provides a wide selection of food and drinks and as it doubles-up as a bar and restaurant you never have to leave (except to watch the game). The vast space is large enough for 500 fans at any one time and serves everything: coffee, beer, crisps, burgers you name it! Also with Live sport shown on the TV screens it is definitely worth an early arrival on a matchday!

https://www.bromleyfc.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/NEW-Matchday-Menu.pdf

The Fab 4 – League Tables

Now lets take a look at how Cray fare on the Fab 4 league table, it is worth bearing in mind that these prices are set by Bromley FC and will be different to the prices set next season when the club are based at Flamingo Park.

* Price of Carling (Birra Moretti not available)
” Price of Orchard View (Strongbow not available)

With the only food and drink offering being from Broomfields, the restaurant level prices for the Burger and chips are not in keeping with other clubs we have so far covered. If you do look above though the picture of the burgers is included and they do look good!

On another note the prices for the drinks are very competitive with the other teams we have covered, the £1.20 cup of tea at Chatham however is still looking like a tough one to beat.

Top players

Shaun Rowley, David Ijaha & Gary Lockyer

Making our way now to another familiar section of the feature, the terrific trio. Each team has key players and as Mark touches on below these selections are subjective but let’s have a look at who makes the lineup for Cray!

A bit subjective as we all have our own favourites. I would say

1) Shaun Rowley, goalkeeper, our Supporters Player of the Year last season keeping fourteen clean sheets and has carried that on this season. A great shotstopper and good presence and size.

2) David Ijaha – experienced midfielder who has filled in as centre-back this season with success and always gives 110%. Strong in the tackle, comfortable on the ball and possesses a great shot for someone more defensively minded.

3). Very tough but Gary Lockyer I believe deserves a lot of credit having signed from Faversham Town earlier in the season. Our leading scorer with 10 goals, he doesn’t score ordinary goals and plays off the cuff at times but does lead the line well and technically is still learning the game. A very powerful striker of the ball, his best years may be still to come.

(Credit to Cray Wanderers fan/reporter – Mark Hunt for the insight)

I also have to chime in myself and say that I was at the Chatham Town v Cray Wanderers game back in September and Ijaha stood out for me then as he had a great game at the back, he was very calm on and off the ball and as a side note looks quite intimidating up close!

Views from the Staff

Q) What is the biggest misconception of non-league football?

Its probably that people think it is not very professional, both behind the scenes and on the playing front. But you couldnt be further from the truth, the lads keep themselves in really good condition and behind the scenes, you need the volunteers but there is alot more than people realise. It is part-time as most of the lads have jobs but the output is to the standard of a full-time operation.

Q) How has the club got to where it has today?

The determination of the chairman Gary first and foremost, I was a player myself when he came into the club and he has always had a drive and determination to make this happen and get Cray into their own ground. It has taken alot longer than he had hoped but when David Francis, Michael Paye and Jason Miller came in they operated as a formidable four who have got us over the line. It is all possible however due to the number of volunteers, many of them who have been with us for a very long time and have got the club at heart.

q) Proudest moment so far?

Opening the new ground, it simply has to be that. The first match was actually played on it on Sunday 4th Feb for the Womens first team match. Alongside that the floodlight switch on at Flamingo park was also a very special occasion a few months back, it marked the begining of the end of a very long journey.

Q) Why should fans come down to watch a Cray game?

It is a brilliant matchday which is full of banter and as a club are very welcoming. The attendances are not the biggest at the moment and that is definitely something we are working on as part of the 5 year plan.

A recent Sunday game we had a bunch of lads come over from Holland, we gace them a real Cray welcome, we got them on the pitch and took their details to make sure we keep in touch with them, also linking them up with some other groundhoppers we know. It was really great to see and we love being able to do something special for our fans.

Q) Cray wanderers is one of the most iconic teams in non-league football, what’s it like to be a part of that?
It’s only when you spend time here and listen to all the supporters and volunteers etc that you get a full idea of the history of this great Club. Having had now just short of 18 months as management I get a closer idea of the passion and commitment the Chairman and directors have and have made. It is officially the Oldest Club in London and now The Newest with the new Stadium being constructed. There is a buzz about the place and the potential is endless. I am honoured and determined to help Cray Wanderers FC fulfill that potential.

Q) How special is the community feel and spirit between the team, management and fans?
When Neil and myself joined here there was already a decent evolving youth section that Sam Wright and Stacey and Claire had worked so hard to build. For Neil and myself it was our objective to connect all these youth teams with a genuine pathway into senior level. We have launched an Academy at CWFC and that has allowed us also to spend more time on a day to day basis to have more of an involvement with the youth section in regards to building a relationship with the above mentioned and other group management. With the Stadium now under way we have a home to offer not only all our teams but our existing support. The work now begins to get the message out there amongst our local businesses and residents that there is a Club steeped in history on their doorstep and create a ever increasing fan base.

Q) What is one thing you wish more people knew about non-league football?
I’ve had the pleasure in playing the majority of my football career at Professional level and it was at the age of 32 that I tasted Non League football when returning from playing in Asia. There were many aspects that I had to get my head around one being the obvious of playing in smaller more often than not dated grounds and smaller crowds. However without mentioning them all the stand out thing for me was the passion was no less in people involved and the thing that I enjoyed the most was being able to engage with the supporters after games. Having a beer sharing opinion etc.. Non League allows you that privilege

Q) Why should more people come along to watch a Cray Wanderers game?
Up til now it’s been a little difficult to attract more people to come along and watch us for reasons I’ve mentioned before but it feels the momentum is picking up. We now have our own ground to offer them starting next season. I would say to supporters or potential supporters to get along to games now albeit still at Bromley. Start wearing the Amber and Black. The future is bright The future is CWFC

View from the fans

Q) Current favourite player?
Shaun Rowley

Q) Favourite Chant?
We are the wands, we are the wands, we are we are we are the wands.

Q) Best away day food?
Potters Bar FC – The burgers at Potters Bar are the best burgers I have ever tasted at a football ground in 28 years off going to football

Q) Why do you keep coming back?
Falling out off love with the premier league and the EFL, Non league Football especially cray wanderers has brought my love for football back.

Q) Current favourite player?
David Ijaha – excellent as a defensive midfielder or central back. Been phenomenal this season.

Q) Favourite Chant?
We are The Wands to the tune of we are the Mods.

Q) Best away day food?
Got to be honest I don’t go to many away games. Dulwich Hamlet was very good last season.

Q) Is a Cray Wanderers matchday value for money?
Yes definitely. £12 to get in and an excellent programme for £2. Hayes Lane is a very good place to watch football.

Q) Why do you keep coming back?
My Dad and my Grandad supported Cray. I currently attend games with my Dad and my son. It’s a very special thing for us and the club has a strong identity and soul.

Q) Two club legends?

Phil Williams – A prolific goalscorer and an iconic No9.

Sam Wood – Started at Cray as a 17 year old and went on to have a professional career. He is now back at The Wands as player coach, 20 years later.

Q) Why should more people come along to watch Cray Wanderers play?

Cray Wanderers are a club that started from a humble village background but over the last 25 years have been playing at Bromley and a bit away from the ancestral home. The club is now moving to a new ground which offers terrific opportunities for the community and gives the club a chance to stand alone and can look to progress further up the non-league ladder. Cray Wanderers play in the Isthmian Premier (Step 3 of non-league football) which is of a high standard so anyone wishing to come and watch Cray for the first time will see decent competition. The club is friendly and welcoming as well as ambitious on and off the field. The youth section has been a success for a number of years now, we have a Women’s team for the first time this season which has been a huge success and three girls teams which provides a natural pathway to the first team. We also have an Academy which over the next few years will provide new stars and also first class education too. We have a lot of history but we are now starting a new chapter and we welcome any new supporters along for the exciting ride and I believe we can do that.

Q) In your opinion what are 3 things better about non-league football compared to EFL/Premier league?
The family and community aspect, the value for money, the sense of belonging as part of a team.

Q) What is unique about a Cray Wanderers matchday?
Everyone is treated equally from star striker to spectator

Q) Your favourite player to have played for Cray?
Leigh Bremner

Q) On a scale of 1-10 how excited are you to move into the new stadium next season?
Full marks – 10/10

Future plans (By Sam Wright – CEO)

Q) What are the future plans for the Club?

It is very much a work in progress!

We ultimately want to become a sustainable club which is not as reliant on sponsorships as we currently are. Promotion to the National South within 5 years is definitely on the list of what we want to achieve and we believe it is definitely possible.

Stadium

This is very much phase 1 – the full plans of what that means will be revealed very soon to all of the fans. However over the next 2-5 years we are looking to finish what the main plans initially were – installing a big main stand along one side of the pitch which will have function rooms, changing rooms, classrooms all included alongside some business units.

We currently have a history centre which is a fully decked out portacabin on site which will be relocated to the front of the turnstile area at Flamingo park, as people come into the ground they will be able to grab themselves a programme and also buy any merchandise as the brand new club shop will be located within it.

Academy

We are focusing heavily on the grassroots football side, in the last 5 years we have gone from 12 youth teams playing at different stadiums whilst we build our new stadium. We are now up to 32 teams all playing out of Flamingo Park which is amazing and really focuses us in as a one-stop shop for us as a club as a whole. The total amount of teams is actually set to increase to a total of 44 from next season which ensures that there is a genuine pathway to the first team.

We are also very focused on developing the girls teams, we currently have 3 girls teams and 1 womens first team, this is something we are definitely looking to increase in the next 5 years.

Recruitment

We have had 4 under 18’s players playing in the first team this season, so we are definitely looking to recruit to support them and ensure we bring in the right kind of players and people for the club to succeed.

Community

We also want to be a big part of the community and making a positive impact to it, delivering some impacts outside of football. A community scheme will be launched later this year which we are really excited about. We are also inviting all of the local schools to come in and spend the day at the club, whilst also introducing walking football alongside local GPS to help with health intervention schemes.

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And there you have it, that is Cray Wanderers the oldest football club in London. I personally have found this one incredibly interesting to find out about all of the developments going on off the pitch and the journey that the club has come on in recent years. It will certainly be great to see the club back in a place they can call their own and who knows it may well be one that we look to revisit in a future feature on ‘Through the Turnstile’ to see how Cray make Flamingo Park their own and how that change of scene makes a difference to the club, the fans and overall the success of the team. Until next time!