| Full name | Stamford Association Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The Daniels | ||
| Founded | 1896 | ||
| Ground | Vic Couzens Stadium, Stamford (Capacity: 5,000 (250 seated)) |
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| Chairman | Bob Feetham | ||
| Manager | Tuncay Korkmaz | ||
| League | Northern Premier League Division One South |
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| 2008-09 | Northern Premier League Division One South, 7th |
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Stamford Association Football Club are an English association football team based in Stamford, Lincolnshire formed in 1894. They are currently playing in the Northern Premier League Division One South. Their nickname is The Daniels, in reference to Daniel Lambert, the reputed fattest man in English history, died in Stamford and is buried in St Martins churchyard close to the ground.
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History
There is evidence to support the existence of a football club in Stamford as far back as 1870 and various clubs came and went in the next twenty years until 1894 when the town’s two most prominent clubs Stamford Town and Rutland Ironworks agreed to amalgamate. Initially the club adopted the name of the Rutland Ironworks who were viewed as the stronger of the two, but the current club’s existence is generally accepted to date back to 1896 when the Stamford Town name was adopted to give the club a higher profile. It was to be some years before the club became known as “The Daniels” after Daniel Lambert, the heaviest British man ever, who died in 1809 in Stamford weighing 52 stone or thereabouts, and is buried in St Martin’s churchyard a few hundred yards from the ground.
Stamford turned professional in 1909 and joined the Northants League, their first venture into league football apart from a one season venture into the short lived East Midlands League in 1896. Stamford were quick to progress and in only their third season of Northants League football they won the championship, staffed largely with players lured across the Northamptonshire border by the offer of employment in committee man Jack Pick’s car factory! In 1913-14 Stamford enjoyed their best ever FA Cup run reaching the 5th Qualifying Round (equivalent of the 2nd Round proper today) before losing 2-0 at Chatham Town, who were promptly drawn against Football League champions Sunderland! Both full backs Teddy Tye and Joe Johnson were signed up by professional clubs with Tye joining Chelsea and Johnson signing for Notts County. The pair followed one time England amateur international Harry Springthorpe (Grimsby Town) into the League.
The inter-war years were far from distinguished. An FA Cup replay at Rothwell in 1927 brought the club its record defeat (17-0) and an unwanted place in the record books – the biggest ever margin of defeat in an FA Cup replay. But within three years Stamford had also recorded a biggest ever victory, a 13-0 away win over Peterborough Reserves. Stamford’s star players continued to climb the ladder with Reg Chester moving to Aston Villa and Charlie McCartney going to Notts County. But the big time passed Bert Knighten by as he accumulated a career record of 235 goals in Stamford colours. Financial troubles plagued the club towards the end of the thirties and in 1939 they decided to take a season’s break to put the finances right. Within a few weeks war was declared and it was 1945 before league football resumed.
After a season regrouping in the Peterborough League, Stamford returned to the United Counties League, successor to the Northants League, in 1946. They soon earned a reputation as cup specialists winning the Lincolnshire Junior Cup in 1949, UCL Knockout Cup in 1952 and Lincolnshire Senior Cup ‘B’ in 1952 and 1954. The star of the era being George Clarke who became the first man to complete 400 appearances for the Daniels. Football in the early post-war years captured the public’s imagination with a record crowd of 4,200 watching a 3-3 FA Cup draw with Kettering in 1953. In 1955 Stamford joined the Central Alliance before stepping up in class to join the Midland League in 1961. The sixties were years of struggle although 1961 saw Arsenal come to Wothorpe Road to beat the Daniels 9-0 in a match arranged to mark the town's quincentenary, while the club’s best FA Cup scalp was claimed in 1968-69 as Bedford Town were beaten en route to a 4th Round Qualifying exit.
1972 saw the Daniels return to the United Counties League where they became a power under the guidance of former Peterborough manager Norman Rigby. Another FA Cup run to the 4th Qualifying Round in 1973-74 was followed by an excellent FA Vase campaign a year later; Stamford reached the semi-finals of the new tournament. After several near misses Stamford won the UCL league and cup double in 1976, also going one better in the Vase, losing 1-0 to Billericay Town in extra time at Wembley. Malcolm Hird – later voted Stamford’s Player of the Century by supporters – and goal ace Dick Smith, the club’s highest postwar marksman, were stars of this side. Stamford continued to dominate the UCL under Rigby winning a further title in 1978. Their first Lincs Senior Cup ‘A’ success the following season was the highlight of a disappointing campaign under Ray Medwell, but the appointment of ex-skipper Hird as boss in the summer of 1979 proved a masterstroke.
Three seasons under the management of the Casterton schoolmaster saw the Daniels complete a hat-trick of UCL championships; Knockout Cup successes in 1980 and 1982 and, best of all, a Wembley return in 1980. Goals from Keith Alexander and Andy McGowan gave Stamford a 2-0 win over Guisborough Town. Other key figures in this squad were goalkeeper Kevin Johnson and right back Dick Kwiatkowski, both of whom made over 400 appearances in Stamford colours. Money made from the second Wembley visit helped Stamford install floodlights in 1981, and Manchester United and Nottingham Forest were among the top level clubs to visit Wothorpe Road in the early 80s.
Under Chris Corby’s management Stamford enjoyed Lincs Senior Cup ‘A’ success in 1982-83 and a third Wembley visit in 1984, losing 3-2 to Stansted in the Vase final, while Paul Brackwell steered the Daniels to Knockout Cup success in 1986. By now the club’s golden age was at an end although the club continued to produce good players with Keith Alexander and Andy Tillson (both Grimsby Town), Darren Edey (Peterborough United) and Brett McNamara (Northampton Town) all graduating to the pro ranks.
The appointment of Steve Evans as manager in 1994 started Stamford’s revival. His policy of signing high profile players brought ex-Posh favourites Trevor Quow, Steve Collins, Milton Graham and Micky Gynn to the club, along with Scottish international David Speedie and ex-Olympic decathlon champion Daley Thompson. The club’s centenary season saw Stamford win the UCL for a seventh time after a spectacular late burst through the pack, while 1997-98 was even better as Stamford retained the title, also carrying off the Lincs Senior Cup’A’ and Hinchingbrooke Cup.
The facilities at the ground were upgraded with new perimeter fencing, turnstiles, new seating and a perimeter walkway all features of the set up, which became known as the Newflame Stadium as part of a sponsorship package. Promotion to the Dr Martens League was the outcome and the club’s debut campaign in the Midland Division proved hugely eventful. After steering Stamford to Benevolent Cup success and a place in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup final, manager Evans moved to Boston United. Billy Jeffrey arrived from Rushden & Diamonds to take the reins. The new manager rebuilt with younger players and Stamford finished 18th in the Midland Division. League reshuffling saw Stamford placed in the Eastern Division for 1999-2000. An 11 match unbeaten start – the club’s best ever – proved invaluable as Stamford accumulated a record 18 draws over the season, eventually finishing 17th in the table.
The club created a piece of Lincolnshire football history in January 2001, beating Boston United 2-1 at York Street to win the Lincolnshire Senior Cup for the first time, thereby completing a clean sweep of the four county trophies. The Daniels had claimed the scalps of Football League clubs Lincoln City and Grimsby Town to reach the final. Stamford completed an excellent season by finishing 7th in the Eastern Division and reaching the last eight of the league cup.
The 2001-02 season saw the club make continued progress as Stamford set a new DML high by finishing fifth in the Eastern Division with their best points total of 76. Better still was to come in 2002-03 as the Daniels earned £1,000 prize money by claiming third place with an 87 point haul, their home record the best in the division. Seventh place in the 2003-04 season was enough to earn the Daniels a Premier Division place for the first time in their history. Unfortunately too many draws proved costly as Stamford were relegated, but they performed well in the FA Trophy reaching the 5th Round before bowing out to Exeter City who scored a last minute winner in front of a Newflame Stadium crowd of 1,058.
Recent history
At the end of the season Jeffery resigned and Graham Drury was hired as his successor for the 2005-06 campaign from Harrowby Town. Stamford finished the season in 4th place after an unbeaten record on home soil and beat Wivenhoe Town 2-1 in the play-off final, and were immediately promoted back to the Southern League. The Daniels return to the Premier Division was much more successful and they ended up finishing in 8th place. They even topped the division after beating local rivals Corby on New Years Day. Stamford also finished the season with a trophy, beating Brigg Town 1-0 in the Lincolnshire Shield Final. At the end of the 2006-07 season a re-shuffle of the non-leagues took place. Stamford were again moved from the Southern League Premier Division but were this time to the Northern Premier League Premier Division. Unfortunately, their defence of the Lincolnshire Shield ended early, losing 4-0 to Lincoln United in the quarter final stage. In January 2008 Drury decided to call it time at the club and moved to local rivals Corby Town a few days later. Stamford soon hired former Hibernian[disambiguation needed] man Dougie Keast to take the club on. However, after picking up only 10 points from the last 14 games, the Daniels plummeted down the table and eventually finished 20th, meaning relegation to the Northern Premier League Division One South.
The 2008-09 season started brightly after a flurry of new signings. Stamford set up a Lincolnshire Senior Shield Final for the second time in three seasons beating Gainsborough Trinity (4-3) and local rivals Grantham Town (1-0). In the Final, they won at Boston United 4-1 to lift the Shield. Stamford failed to make the play-offs despite a 20 match unbeaten run. It can be argued that drawing sixteen games overall was a factor resulting in a 7th place finish. On 30 April 2009 it was announced that Manager Dougie Keast and Assistant Manager had parted company by mutual consent. On 18 May, Tuncay Korkmaz was appointed the new manager.
Stadium
Stamford have been based at the Vic Couzens Stadium for over 100 years, and the obvious focal point is the main stand. This provides an adequate, if low level view of the action. It is older than it appears, dating from the early 1900s, and is one of the oldest stands in the country. With its uneven roof and red, wooden dogtooth fascia, it has a certain charm about it. It was extended in the mid-1970s but one cannot really see the join. The original dressing rooms are situated behind the stand. A little further along the touchline is the clubhouse and one of two tea bars, selling the usual football ground fare. The clubhouse is relatively small but welcoming, as well as being neat and tidy.
Opposite, on the railway side of the ground, is a rather basic covered enclosure, stretching from the rather neat red-painted dug-outs to the goal-line at the high street end of the ground. This is evidently a popular vantage point for home fans, and they are catered for by the second of the ground’s tea bars. The enclosure once extended the entire length of the touchline, but one half was taken down as a safety precaution. A tall corrugated iron fence runs behind the railway side and extends round to the 'Hedge End' to completely enclose the ground.
It is located on Kettering Road, and is very close to Stamford railway station.
In 2008 it was announced that Stamford would be leaving their historic Vic Couzens Stadium (née Wothorpe Road) home and relocating to another site in the town - probably Ryhall Road. The new ground is still in the early stages of planning.
Current squad
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2008/09 Stats
Competitions
- League Position: 7th Northern Premier League Division One South
- FA Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
- FA Trophy: 2nd Qualifying Round
- NPL Presidents Cup: Quarter Final
- NPL League Cup: 2nd Round
- Lincs Senior Shield: Winners
Player Stats
- Most Appearances: Dan Cotton - 52
- Most Goals: Jamie Clarke - 25
Attendances
- Highest Home: 403 v Spalding United 1/1/09
- Lowest Home: 182 v Brigg Town 16/9/08
- Highest Away: 1,125 v Boston United (FA Cup) 27/9/08
- Lowest Away: 68 v Willenhall Town 28/2/09
Results
- Biggest Home Win: 4-1 v Goole 31/1/09
- Heaviest Home Defeat: 2-1 v Belper 4/4/09
- Biggest Away Win: 4-1 v Boston United (Lincs Senior Shield Final) 3/12/08
- Heaviest Away Defeat: 4-1 v Quorn 6/9/08
Notable former players
The following players had moved on to play in the Football League
- David Norris to Boston United
- Keith Alexander to Grimsby Town
- Andy Tillson to Grimsby Town
- Darren Edey to Peterborough United
- Brett McNamara to Northampton Town
- Tyrone Kirk to Macclesfield Town
Management
- Manager: Tuncay Korkmaz
- Assistant Manager: Ben Sedgemore
- Physio: Becky Moss
League history
| Season | Division | Position | Significant Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999-00 | Southern League Eastern Division | 17 | |
| 2000-01 | Southern League Eastern Division | 7 | |
| 2001-02 | Southern League Eastern Division | 5 | |
| 2002-03 | Southern League Eastern Division | 3 | |
| 2003-04 | Southern League Eastern Division | 7 | Promoted |
| 2004-05 | Southern League Premier Division | 17 | Relegated |
| 2005-06 | Southern League Eastern Division | 4 | Promoted |
| 2006-07 | Southern League Premier Division | 8 | Moved to NPL |
| 2007-08 | Northern Premier League Premier Division | 20 | Relegated |
| 2008-09 | Northern Premier League Division One South | 7 |
Honours
- FA Vase
- Winners: 1979-80
- Runners Up: 1983-1984
- United Counties Football League
- Premier Division champions: 1975-76, 1977-78, 1979-80, 1980-81, 1981-82, 1996-97, 1997-98
- Knockout Cup winners: 1951-52, 1975-76, 1979-80, 1981-82, 1985-86
- Benevolent Cup winners: 1997-98
- Reserve Knockout Cup winners: 1983-84
- Lincolnshire Senior Cup
- Winners: 2000-2001
- 'A' Cup Winners: 1978-79, 1982-83, 1997-98
- 'B' Cup Winners: 1951-52, 1953-54
- Lincolnshire Senior Shield
- Winners: 2006-07, 2008-09
- Northamptonshire League
- Champions: 1911-12
- Hinchingbrooke Cup
- Winners: 1906-07, 1907-08, 1997-98
Records
- Best league performance: 8th, Southern Football League Premier Division, 2006-07
- Best FA Cup performance: 2nd Round, 1913-14
- Best FA Trophy performance: 2nd Round, 2005-06
- Best FA Vase performance: Winners 1980
- Attendance: 4,200 vs Kettering Town, 1953
- Goalscorer: Bert Knighten, 235
- Appearances: George Clark, 400
- Victory: 13-0 vs Peterborough Reserves 1930
- Defeat: 17-0 v Rothwell, 1927, FA Cup replay
External links
- Official website
- Stamford Pyramid Passion
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