Welcome to Through the Turnstile, this series of features are intended to shine the light on some of non-leagues leading stars. This time we are venturing through the turnstile looking at Tytherington Rocks FC.

A brief history of the Club

Tytherington Football Club, established in 1896 by local Headmaster Mr. Emanuel and Rev. John Bingley, began with a stipulation to play in amber and black, the colors of Rev. Bingley’s old college at Brasenose, Oxford. Initially, the club played in the Wotton-Under-Edge League, traveling to matches in a horse-drawn waggonette and utilizing various grounds before settling at the Hardwicke Playing Fields. The Swan Inn served as their changing rooms until a pavilion was built in 1938 by the Parish Council.

In the 1920s, the club was suspended by the Gloucestershire Football Association due to non-payment of a fine, leading to its disbandment until 1932 when it reformed as Tytherington Rocks FC, joining the Bristol & Suburban League. Following World War II, the club rejoined the league in 1947, and a youth team, the Pebbles, was established.

The 1960s were a period of fluctuating success for the club, with facilities upgraded in 1979-80, including new showers, toilets, and electricity. By 1987-88, Tytherington Rocks expanded to include a third team, adopted the Streamside Juniors as their junior squad, and inaugurated a floodlit training pitch.

The club advanced to Premier Division 2 and, by 1993, to Premier Division 1, with continued ground improvements including dugouts and perimeter fencing. After winning the Bristol & Suburban Premier League in 1997, their application to the Gloucestershire County League was initially rejected, but subsequent enhancements led to acceptance in 1998. The team faced challenges in their first season but soon became competitive, achieving top-half finishes and reaching multiple finals, including the GFA Challenge Trophy and League Cup.

In 2004-05, Tytherington Rocks joined the Hellenic League Division 1 (West). The period from 2011-2014 was particularly successful, with the team winning the Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 1 (West) title twice. However, a rejected request to transfer to the Toolstation Western League led to a significant exodus of players and staff, posing a threat to the club’s survival. Despite these challenges, the club continued, though finishing near the bottom of their respective divisions by the 2018-2019 season.

From 2019 onwards, the club experienced significant changes, including the folding of reserve sides and turnover in management and staff. Despite these difficulties, the club won the Beaufort Cup and was eventually admitted to the Toolstation Western League, before returning to the Uhlsport Hellenic League in the current season.

(Source: https://www.dartfordfc.com/history/)

Club legends (as told by Fan Chris Studley)

Steve Smith – Goalkeeper 70-80s, A goalkeeping legend for the club played well over 250 apps and member of many successful teams over the years he then took on the role of groundsman and went on to win awards for his work there spent decades doing the pitch to a high standard, but sadly passed to illness last year. A true legend.

Nate Croot – Current vice captain been at the Rocks for 5-6 years through the toughest of times, faced potential relegations, and played under multiple managers that didn’t bring any success and still gave 100% as club captain, really happy that he is now part of a successful team and he can enjoy his football at the club he loves, a modern legend.

Kit

2024/2025 Replica Kit – £20

Stadium info

Hardwicke Playing Field (GL12 8UJ)
Capacity – 1000 (100 💺)
Number of stands – 1
Grass Pitch (plus adjacent grass training pitch)

Entry Price

Adults – £6
65+ £4
Under 18’s – Free

Matchday Programme
£1 printed or FREE online

(Predominantly on-line programmes but a few hard copes are printed for match days)

Stadium Shop

The merchandise for the club can all be found online via their partner Boca-UK. There are some really lovely pieces, helped in my opinion by the quite beautiful club badge. I am a big fan of the hoodie and love the hold-all, perfect if you are a fan of the club and play yourself!

Online Shop –https://www.boca-uk.com/webshop/club-shops/tytherington-rocks-fc/#filter&order=priceHighToLow

Itssssss pin badge corner…and as here is a pin to rock your world! (I am so sorry) A lovely little pin badge and one I cant wait to get my hands on.

Price – £4

Drinks

A cosy little clubhouse which very much keeps the theme of the club throughout, the colours are proudly on display and the wall is adorned with team photos throughout the years.

It feels inviting, it feels friendly and it feels like somewhere you could quite easily sit down for one and end up in that same spot 5 hours later. The clubhouse also boasts a TV so you can watch other games at your leisure!

And – who doesnt love a bit of bunting!!

Alongside some of the beers and cider on tap, the club also serve cans and bottles which are good value for money and dont worry, you wine drinkers are also catered for!

Food

Now previous readers will remember my love for the food hatch at Hamworthy United and what do we have here…yet another!

If i am being 100% honest, I think based on the view of the pitch i might head down to the ground and hand in my CV to work in there myself! Not a bad little office for a matchday if i do say so myself!

Anyway…the food offering is exceptional value it really is (you’ll see just how much so reflected in the league tables below) but overall the food hut is old-school and I love it! Now where can i apply?

Now with the addition of Tytherington we now have every single slot filled on the 16 team league table and our next feature will start to see some clubs drop off the table alltogether!

Another thing you may now notice is i have switched the tables so that the cheapest offerings are now in the top positions and not the bottom (no idea why i have left it like this for so long).

Anyway i digress…lets have a little look at the tables (the right way up) and see where ‘The Rocks’ sit!

WOW – I know right, Burger and chips for just £3! Not only that but if you arent a fan of burgers you can switch it out for a hotdog or a pie…insane value for money right there!

That food hatch just keeps getting better and better!

Now at £5 per pint they sit a bit further down the table but and this is a big but (and I cannot lie…) this is for Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone Lager and Cider. So any fans of Clarksons Farm or Clarkson himself, it might just be worth those extra pennies!

Photo credit – hawkstone.com

3 Special mentions (as told by fan Tracy Hamer)

Nate Croot, Stuart Nelson and Kyle Head

Wouldn’t like to pick out any players as ‘favourites’ but a shout out should go to Nate Croot who has been with the club for years including the tough Covid years.

Stuart Nelson who originally played for The Rocks when they were twice champions of the HLD1W 11/12 years ago and has returned to captain the side.

And of course last seasons top scorer Kyle Head who smashed in 31 goals!

I’d also like to mention father and son combo Justin and Levelle Bishop who at 42 and 17 years old are both still playing for the first team!

Press play

The clubs Youtube channel is currently not used and could potentially be an avenue they look to exploit more in the future as the digital world is an incredible tool to use to help promote overall awareness around a club.

Of course this does require people to help, so if you are reading this and have some skills which could help, why not volunteer some time at the club and get some media experience at the same time? Win win!

Views from the Staff

Q) How did you come to become the Vice Chairman of Tytherington Rocks?

I was asked by Tim Whittaker (Chairman) if I would consider becoming vice chairman as an ex player. I had not been involved with the club for quite a while only going to watch a few games a year.

Q) How has the challenge been so far?

To be fair the challenge has been very rewarding but with any non league club the main problem is funding.

Q) What is the one thing people might not realise about working behind the scenes of a non-league football club?

As a member of the committee you have various roles ranging from helping with the pitch and running the bar. There is always something to do

Q) Whats been the stand out moment for you since you have been in your role?

The thing that pleases me most is the commitment of all involved and the willingness to assist in any way. And since last season we have grown from one team to three which is a fantastic achievement for the club

Q) What makes a matchday special at the Rocks?

Matchday at the rocks is special due to the friendly welcoming, a wide range of refreshments including the Hawkstone lager and cider.

Q) Why would you say more people should come to watch them?

To come to the Rocks you will be able to watch any of our three teams – 1st XI Hellenic 1, Reserves Hellenic 2 and our under 18’s Western Counties Floodlit league.
Always a friendly atmosphere with great football

Q) What made you want to get into football management?

I love being part of a team and a club, and when the playing days ended I knew if I could get into management I could still be part of that. You can’t beat the matchday feel, it’s hard to replicate, that changing room environment is my second home. Football is my only passion apart from family.

Q) Especially in non-league football, football fans sometimes think they know best, how difficult is this to deal with?

Yes this can be difficult, but football is about opinions, I enjoy listening to peoples ideas and their thoughts , but ultimately it’s my opinion that counts on a Saturday.

Q) Whats the main challenge you find in managing within the non league world?

For a club the size of Tytherington it’s attracting the right players, commercial partners, and volunteers. We are a tiny village, punching harder than most step 6 clubs with regards to finances , committee, etc . Players that play for me, play because they want to not for any financial gains.

Q) What is the one rule you wish you could elimiate from all of football?

Some managers may disagree , but the Sin bin rule has been a bit of a headache and my experience so far with it , I don’t feel it has been exercised by officials in the right way. I value everything the officials do and always thank them, but bin the sin bins.

Q) Who is the best player you have ever managed and why?

Such a tough question, I have had the privilege of managing so decent players, my current crop of players are all great players in there own right, but one player that has played much higher, and dropped down and has stuck with me is Stuart Nelson our current captain, class act, great captain, committed and passionate.

Q) Why should someone come down to a game and give ‘The Rocks’ a chance this season?

The rocks are a small club based in a picturesque village just outside Bristol, with manager that would genuinely give Mark white at Dorking a run for his money for entertainment on the pitch from the players and the style we play and also from the dugout. But for a tiny village to be going up against large towns holding their own, there is something special in that. But we are back by a special dedicated committee that would make any fan or ground hopper more that welcome. A visit to the rocks will never be forgotten, in a world of United’s, Towns, and Rovers there is only one Rocks ⚫🟠

View from the fans

Q) Can you explain firstly what made you choose Tytherington Rocks and secondly what makes a matchday there so special?

I ‘chose’ Tytherington Rocks after watching them play an away game a year or so ago near to where I live in Hampshire. Something about the club just appealed to me. They are a really friendly bunch with a small hard working committee. As a tiny village club they are competing against much bigger teams from much bigger towns, many of which have plenty of money to spend. The home ground at The Hardwicke Playing Fields is relatively small and modest yet beautifully looked after and maintained by the groundsman, committee and volunteers. Matchdays are brilliant fun, family friendly and exciting. It’s great to see families and kids reguarly watching the games. My two really enjoy going along.

Q) Non-league football is on the rise and has been for quite some time now, why do you think this is?

Interesting question and I’d say this depends what ‘level’ of non-league you are referring to. I’d argue that grassroots football is still struggling. Rocks play at Step 6 on the FA ladder and I believe 3 teams have withdrawn from our league before the start of this season due to issues surrounding finance and security of tenure. I’m sure the Steps closer to the EFL are doing much better as money from The FA and potentially PL filters down, however I think Rocks are yet to see any of this and remain hand-to-mouth every season.

Q) What is the one thing you enjoy the most about following Tytherington?

The friendly, all inclusive and non-clique atmosphere at Hardwicke on matchdays. Me and my kids have been to many games and love to see the players families and children playing before, during and after games, and its also lovely to see local village families and children coming to watch as well as teenagers (who may one day play for The Rocks) playing football alongside the pitch and watching the older lads play.

Q) For first time visitors, what is the best place to view the game from?

The main stand is a great view point due to its halfway location. I prefer to watch from the pavilion terrace behind the goal as this is where most of the local regular supporters stand and watch whilst having a drink and bite to eat. They are a funny and friendly bunch who love Rocks!

Q) What is the hidden gem of the ground, a speciality burger, a certain drink – whats that gem?

Hidden Gem – the bar sells Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone Lager and Cider on draught. This is new to the club and everyone loves it! Cider on a hot sunny afternoon is fab

Q) What is it about a rocks match day that you enjoy the most?

As a fan of over 30 years of my local club, the most enjoyable thing is welcome feel I get attending matchdays, the committee and players are very welcoming and approachable, and gives me the feel of being part of something, especially in recent times.

Q) Why should someone come down to watch a game this season?

The team is playing a great brand of football and are doing well in the league, the new management team have brought in new exciting players and are competing which makes it an exciting watch. After years of underperforming we now have a squad to be proud of.

Q) What would you like to see happen within football in general to improve the game as a whole?

Maybe invest more in grass roots, more financial support for small clubs to help the running of the club as many have disappeared due to financial constraints.

Q) Describe the rocks in 3 words..?

Punching. Above (their) Weight

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Future plans as told by Tim W (Chairman)

We are currently in negotiations with our landlords the Trustees of the Hardwicke Playing Fields to agree a new 20 year+ licence. This will put the club in a very strong position in terms of being able to apply for grants to improve facilities for ALL at the playing fields. At present our stand needs a decent overhaul which we will sort with club volunteers and helpers until such time we have any further funds available.

In terms of ‘academy’ The Rocks have been through a challenging period post Covid-19 and are now delighted to have established a new U18 team this season. Our primary aim at the moment is to successfully and seamlessly integrate them into our club and provide a clear and visible pathway through to adult football over the next 2-3 years. We hope to grow from this platform over the coming years expanding our youth age groups.

Recruitment has always been a challenge for the club given our small village location and amount of competing teams in a relatively small catchment area. We have been fortunate to have secured the services of a number of talented and committed managers over the last few years, most recently our current First Team Manager Steve Farr. Steve and his management team have brought a buzz to the club as well as helping recruit a reserve team management team and players and support for the new U18. Our recruitment strategy will remain as it has been for many years. We’d love you to come and join The Rocks because of the family friendly and all inclusive culture we have created as well as a committee dedicated to continually improve the club within the confines of the space we have to operate. Players play for The Rocks because of these club attributes as well of course as wanting to play for the committed and fiercely hungry management.

We have spent time engaging with our villagers and wider community most recently Brain Tumour charity support after sadly losing ex players and groundsman Steve Smith to the disease in December 2023. This has included various charity days, BBQ’s and other fund raising events. We also run the BBQ at the annual village May Day fair where money is also raised for charity via various means.

Our primary ambition today is to establish the club in the various different divisions within which our teams compete, and where possible challenge for promotion in season 24/25. Alongside this, to improve our facilities, not just for the club but the entire community which we are hopeful will also include a new clubhouse and pavilion within the next 18-24 months. This will then allow to attract more sponsors enable us to cater for more teams and help fund and host more community events.
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So that brings us to the end yet another ‘Through the Turnstile’. ‘The Rocks’ are quite simply an amazing non-league football club, everything you would expect to find is right there. Most importantly the people, the biggest and most important part of anything trying to be successful in life is 100% there.

Tim was open and honest with me throughout and was extremely patient with my constant back and forth messages, the work the club does within its community is incredible and the sheer fact that negotations are ongoing for a 20+ year lease for use of the stadium just highlights those behind the steering wheel know where they want the club to head and making every effort to ensure the decisions taken are the best ones.

If you are looking for a new club to visit this season, then look no further and get down and support ‘The Rocks’!

Until next time!