ST MARGARETSBURY F.C. - HISTORY
Founded in 1894 as Stanstead Abbotts FC, with their home at Mill Field, Cappell Lane in Stanstead Abbotts. Playing in the Herts County League, East Herts and Hertford & District Leagues they
won the local Graphic Cup during the 1920’s and 1930’s. After 1945 the Club played in the Waltham & District League, re-joining the Herts County League in season 1947/48. In their first season
back in the Herts County League the Club won Division two, gaining promotion and winning the Aubrey (League) Cup. In 1962 the Club moved to their present location, St Margaretsbury Recreation Ground,
one of the conditions being they change their name to St Margaretsbury FC. The Club’s next honour was in 1972 when again they won the Aubrey Cup. At the end of the 1987/88 season the 1st XI were
briefly relegated to Division One, but returned to the Premier Division at the start of 1991/92. After 44 years in the Herts Senior County League the 1st XI became members of the London Spartan
League, Premier Division for the start of season 1992/93, finishing in a very creditable 6th place. That season also saw the Club gained its first County Cup by winning the Herts Senior Centenary
Trophy, defeating Sawbridgeworth Town 2-1, at Ware FC. By 1993/94 our league position had progressed to finish 3rd and while celebrating our 100 years centenary we came 2nd in 1994/95. In 1995/96 the
Club won the Premier Division Championship and the Reserves and the 3rd X1 made it a treble of Championships by winning their respective Divisions in the McMullen’s Hertford and District League. The
Roy Bailey Memorial Trophy was won that same season, defeating Ware 2-0 at Enfield FC. In 1997/98 the 1st XI won the Herts Charity Shield, defeating London Colney on penalties. In 1998/99 the 1st XI
were accepted into the newly formed Minerva Footballs Spartan South Midlands League, Premier Div. Another Milestone in 2000/01 when the Club qualified for entry into the FA Cup. In 2001/02, the Club
was awarded the Houghton Regis Cup by the Spartan South Midlands League for achievements in the FA Cup competition. In the same season the Club gained its first Spartan South Midlands League
competitive trophy, when they won the Premier Division Cup, beating Potters Bar Town 2-0 in the final. Season 2003/04 had another good run in the F.A.Cup, having negotiated three rounds before going
down to Kettering Town 0-2 away. In the same season, the South Midland Floodlit Cup was won with a 3-2 victory against Wooton Blue X and finished 3rd in the league. Season 2004/05 saw changes in
management and key players, and although viewed as a building season the club still managed a credible 7th place in the premier league. Season 2005/06 saw a good FA Cup run, with a dramatic 3-2 away
win against Ryman Premier League Billericay Town. Bury finishing 12th in the league. Season 2006/07 saw major changes… not unfortunately good changes! This started with new Chairman John Tobin, and a
newly appointed Director of Football Steve Dix. Paul Gurney was first team manager, and it was a very tough season, coming close to relegation but finally finishing 15th in the league. Season 2008/09
– a very turbulent season that put a strain on every aspect of our efforts to achieve our true potential. But new First team manager Lee Judges still managed to hit a credible 14th league position
and came in as runners up in the Premier Division Cup. Season 2009/10 – the club saw new Chairman Gary Stock take up his position, who along with an almost completely new committee. The majority of
our youth teams had been moved and renamed in more than questionable circumstances under the the control of MHRML Chairman Steve Dix. With derisory finances on handover in a recession year, this was
without doubt one of the toughest starts to any season. But the team somehow still matched the previous season’s 14th league position and were runners up in the Herts Charity Shield final. Season
2011/12 – Our U18’s SCFYL team performed magnificently, winning their own division and then going on to beat Academy side Boreham Wood U18’s in the 4 team divisional final, to become overall League
Champions. Our 1st team finished 18th, whilst the reserves finished 3rd and won the Floodlit Cup. Season 2011/12 – The club’s restructuring and regeneration program was complemented by the successful
merger of John Warner Youth FC. The First team finished 12th in the league and were Premier League Cup Finalists, while the Reserves were Finalists in the Floodlit Cup. The Senior Club also achieved
Chartered Standard, Season 2012/13 – The First Team had an exceptional season, finishing in 4th position in a very strong league. First Team Manager Lee Judges and Assistant Manager Clive Brooks
decided to step down at the end of the season. Season 2014/15 – The first team finished 8th and the Reserves went on to win their South East division. Season 2015/16 – John Barker is appointed to 1st
Team Manager, joined by club legend Kaine Lovett appointed to Reserves/U25 Dev Manager. A very tough 1st team season finishing 19th and the Reserves/U25 Dev a well-deserved 4th. Season 2016/17 –
Another very tough season for the 1st team finishing 20th. Again, the U25 Dev under Kaine Lovett excel and finish 3rd in their league. Season 2017/18 – We were one of the first clubs nationally to
start publishing our match programme online. Season 2018/19 – After 20 consecutive years in the SSML, the 1st team is moved to play in the Essex Senior League. By choice our Reserves/Development team
moves to the Herts County League. Manager John Barker stepped down in late Sept to give priority to his family life, and Max Mitchell was appointed 1st team manager, finishing 7th while also reaching
the final of the Gordon Brasted Trophy. Unfortunately, fate struck again with 7 games to go, when Max moved to a step 4 club battling relegation. With core players going with him, our season fizzled
out. Season 2019/20 – Covid-19 took centre stage! Season 2020/21 - Ray Bartlett deservedly gets his chance as he is appointed First Team manager. Season 2021/22 – After 11 games played, Ray Bartlett
stepped down to focus on some health issues and we subsequently appointed Paul Holding to the first team Manager position. 2022/23 the 1st team are relegated to step 6 after 23 years at step 5.
2023/24 – Gavin Wood comes on board as Club Chairman, while Paul Holding and Shane Bambridge are joint managers.