Burnham Ramblers F.C.

Infobox Football club
clubname = Burnham Ramblers


fullname = Burnham Ramblers Football Club
nickname = The Ramblers
founded = 1900
ground = Leslie Fields, Burnham-on-Crouch
capacity = 2,000+
chairman = William Hannan
manager = Derek Robinson
league = Essex Senior League
season = 2007-08
position = Essex Senior League, 8th
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Burnham Ramblers F.C. is an English football club based in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex. They play in the Essex Senior League.

History

The first record of football being played in Burnham dates back to 1895. Out of this Burnham Ramblers came to be formed in 1900.Joining the Mid-Essex Football League in 1922 and still having two teams representing the club made up of entirely local lad's.

For 27 years the club used four different grounds until they moved to Wick Road. The ground was gradually improved and extended over the years and, after many successful seasons as a junior club, gained intermediate status in 1960, becoming founder members of the Essex Olympian League in 1966 and winning the very first championship. The club then progressed further to gain senior status in 1985.

Prior to 1985, Ramblers played in many competitions and won several honours, including reaching the Essex Junior Cup Final on three occasions and the Essex Intermediate Cup Final in 1981. Losing to Leytonstone & Ilford.In 1988/89 Ramblers had their greatest success to date when they reached the last sixteen in the FA Vase, but lost 1-0 to Southern League Bury Town. In 1991/92 we reached the last 32. Losing at Newport IoW 3-1.The club's greatest venture was completed when after years of preparation they moved to their current ten-acre complex. This includes three pitches and a training pitch. Over the last few years they have improved the facilities even more in preparation to gain promotion into the Ryman Isthmian League.

Currently Burnham run four adults sides plus Under 18's and 16's Youth teams. The boy's section runs some seven teams. In 1997 the club won its first senior trophy when we beat Stansted 2-1 in the Harry Fisher Cup Final. Since then they have been runners up in E.S.L competitions six times. Three players made it into full professional football, Fred Wolfe to West Ham United in 1911, Gordon Brasted to Arsenal in 1953 and John Warner to Colchester United in 1988.

A major blow in 2000 was the untimely death of their Chairman, Gordon Brasted. With the demise of the Harry Fisher Trophy, Burnham Ramblers were delighted to replace it with the Gordon Brasted Trophy. A fitting memorial to Gordon.Two third places (one only by goal difference) in the last four seasons had robbed them of promotion to the Ryman League. This is still the aim of the club to attain at the earliest opportunity.

They have a very successful set of youth teams, ranging from under 7's to u18's, most of these teams are very high in their local leagues due to the fact that the quality of coaching at the club is to a very high standard. With all coaches involved required to take exams and FA charter coaching certificates, this being as the club is an official FA team. This helps to bring the youngsters to a higher level.

Karl Swanborough has been at the club since 6 years of age, and remains a player within the club at 16 years old. His 10 year parades will commence at the end of the season. He is a prolific striker, scoring over 300 goals. A wild speculation says that Southend United are currently interested in signing the stiker.

External links

* [http://www.burnhamramblersfc.co.uk Official website]
* [http://www.burnhamramblersjfc.co.uk Burnham Ramblers Youth Teams]