Cinderford Town History
Cinderford Town was formed in 1922 and played in the Glos Northern Senior League until 1939. In that year they joined the newly formed Bristol Charity League, but this folded two weeks later at the outbreak of World War Two. They then joined the Western League Division 2, and in 1957 won the title. During the two seasons they spent in the top flight, they set a ground attendance record, when a home game with Minehead saw 4,850 people in attendance. Sadly, participation at this level put severe financial pressure on the Club, who were then forced to withdraw and return to the Glos Northern Senior League.
Three years later, the Club made the unusual decision to join the Warwickshire Combination, and won a League and Cup double in 1964, which saw them step up to the West Midlands (Regional) League. A very strong league at the time, with member clubs such as Kidderminster Harriers, Boston United, Tamworth and Hednesford. 1968-69 season was their last at this level, but they bowed out as Joint League Cup winners with Kidderminster. Both Clubs shared the Trophy for 6 months.
Cinderford returned to play in the newly formed Gloucestershire County League for the 1969-70 season and stayed for the next 5 years, finishing as runners-up on 3 occasions. They again sought a higher standard of football, and were accepted into the Midland Combination. Town played in this League for the next 10 seasons, achieving a best finish of 4th and also winning the League Cup, before being forced to return to the Glos County League following financial problems relating to the Social Club. A new Committee stabilised the Club, so much so that floodlights were purchased outright, and in the 1990-91 season, the Club gained admission to the Hellenic League, initially in Division 1, where they won the title at the first attempt. Four years later, the Club claimed an historic first by winning the Premier Division title, the League Cup and the Hellenic Floodlight Cup, and stepped up to the Southern League, with 28 years unbroken membership. The 1995-96 season saw Cinderford embark on an incredible F A Cup run, beating 2 Conference Clubs to reach the Second Round Proper, holding Gravesend & Northfleet to a 1-1 home draw before losing 3-0 in the replay in Kent. The winners were drawn with Aston Villa in the Third Round.
In the 2015-16 season, Cinderford were Champions of Southern League Div 1, South & West, but initially rejected promotion when undisclosed debts were discovered. However they accepted promotion following a series of appeals which affected the constitution of the League going into the new season. The Club were duly relegated in their first season in the Premier Division, returning to play in the Southern League First Division again.
Under the then leadership of Manager Paul Michael, the Club went from strength to strength, with a League Cup Final appearance, losing to a single goal at Premier Division side Stratford Town, and reaching a League play-off final, losing away at Yate Town, who persuaded Paul to join them for their promotion to the Premier Division.
Former Bishops Cleeve Manager Steve Cleal was appointed to replace Paul Michael but after an unsuccessful spell, he was succeeded as Manager by Alex Sykes, the former Gloucester City and Forest Green player, who was also unable to improve matters on the pitch.
After an incredible 28 consecutive seasons as members of the Southern League, the Club were relegated at the end of the 2022-2023 season, to rejoin the Hellenic League Premier Division.
Alex Sykes left the Club by mutual consent, and was replaced by former Merthyr Town player and former Manager at Welsh Club Aberbargoed, Matt Driscoll, who had the unenviable task of rebuilding the entire squad, with only one senior player remaining from the Southern League side.
Within a few months of the new season, the new squad was taking shape, and the early season of mixed results began to change, and the Club started it’s climb up the table. The League title was never going to be achievable with Worcester City the dominant Club all season, but a successful run in saw us clinch 5th place, and into the playoffs.
An away trip to 2nd placed Corsham Town saw us claim a great 1-0 win, and a final away game in the playoff final to Royal Wootton Bassett Town, and an emphatic 4-0 win secured our place back in the Southern League after a one season break.
HONOURS:
Hellenic League Premier Division Playoff Winners 2023-24
Southern League Division One South & West champions 2015–16
Western League Division Two champions 1956–57
Hellenic League Premier Division champions 1994–95
Hellenic League Premier Division Cup winners 1994–95
Hellenic League Floodlit Cup winners 1994–95
Hellenic League Division One champions 1990–91
Warwickshire Combination Western Division champions 1964–65
Warwickshire Combination League Cup winners 1964–65
West Midlands League Cup winners 1968–69 (joint)
Midland Combination League Cup winners 1982–83
Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Champions 1938–39, 1960–61
Gloucestershire Senior Cup Winners 2000–01
Record Attendance: 4,850 v. Minehead (Western League, Season 1955/56)
Best FA Cup run: Reached Second Round Proper replay 1995/96
Cinderford Town 1 Gravesend & Northfleet 1, Gravesend & Northfleet 3 Cinderford Town 0
Gravesend & Northfleet met Aston Villa at Villa Park in the Third Round