Description

In this lavishly illustrated history, Mick Hatchard unravels the saga of Pulborough Football Club, a spirited village team from West Sussex, fondly dubbed ‘The Robins’ thanks to their crimson attire. Founded in 1898, this splendid squad of village footballers has defied the passage of time and their descendants are still kicking a ball around the field today.

Hatchard, like a relentless detective in pursuit of the truth, has spent countless hours rummaging through the dusty annals of the club, local newspapers, and anything else that might spill the beans on the past of Pulborough FC. He meticulously charts their rollercoaster ride of triumphs, catastrophes, and the kaleidoscope of characters who’ve graced their ranks, from players to the fans who cheer them on.

This is a true village side, with players who’ve typically been born, bred, and possibly even married within a stone’s throw of the pitch. The club has historically drawn its lifeblood from a medley of professions, united in their love of the beautiful game and the camaraderie of being part of a bona fide local institution.

Throughout the years, Pulborough FC has locked horns with similar teams from nearby hamlets and market towns. These age-old rivalries – with Storrington being a particular thorn in their side – ignite fierce competition that would put Roman gladiators to shame. Hatchard ensures these epic clashes are immortalized in match reports that make even the most mundane midfield scuffle sound like a clash of titans. If you or anyone you know ever played for the team or was connected with it, thir names are sure to be mentioned

The book is a treasure trove of information about the club’s past players, managers, and bigwigs, along with a century’s worth of match results, all brought to life with historic photos that in this spiffing new edition have been restored and colourized using the latest AI technology s they look as if they were taken yesterday, bringing the past to life in a way not previously possible. It’s more than just a chronicle of The Robins; it’s a vivid tapestry of Pulborough’s history, its people, and the myriad changes over the football club’s century-plus existence.

As for Mick Hatchard, he’s not just a chronicler but a part of th the club’s history himself. Once a player in the swinging ’60s and ’70s, he later donned the managerial cap for the first and second teams, and the youth squad in the ’80s. After managerial stints with Watersfield, Loxwood and Billingshurst in the ’90s, he returned to the fold, wrapping up his managerial escapades with The Robins in 1997.