A brief history of senior football in Bridgwater
Background
Early attempts to establish a senior association football club in the rugby stronghold of Bridgwater failed to attract supporters, were beset with financial woes and were thus short-lived. It was not until after the Second World War that solid foundations for a club were finally laid. A group of enthusiasts formed Crown Dynamo FC in 1946 based at a public house in St John Street. The team quickly gained a substantial following and became the forerunner of Bridgwater Town AFC.
The purchase of land off Bristol Road for a home ground [Castlefield], the backing of a large supporters’ organisation and the support of prominent local businessmen, who became directors enabled the club to flourish. Soon the club owned a portfolio of residential property and was able to offer a house, a job and a good part-time wage to prospective footballers. This enabled the club to attract many ex-Football League professionals and field strong, competitive teams, which enjoyed great success as one of the Western League’s leading sides. Two Western League championship mantles, cup final wins and thrilling runs in the FA Cup and FA Trophy were experienced throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s.In 1982 Bridgwater Town AFC became members of the Southern League. However, It all came to an abrupt end in June 1984 when substantial debts forced the club into voluntary liquidation.
A NEW BEGINNING
A new club, Bridgwater Town 1984 FC was quickly established by a band of loyal supporters: and from humble beginnings worked all the way back up from Somerset County League origins to attaining Southern League membership inside a twenty-three year timespan. On the way the club enjoyed a hat-trick of Somerset County League titles, a Screwfix Western League Division 1 championship and two Les Philips Cup Final wins. As members of the Southern League they reached the Final of the League Cup (2009) and were beaten finalists in the promotion play-offs (2010)
However after 2010 leaner times returned, eventually leading to relegation in 2017. Returning to Step 5 level once more, the club remains ambitious, with the aim of competing strongly for the title and regaining its previous status. The club’s ambitions received a massive boost during the early part of 2021 as a new owner, Adam Murry, came onboard and the club became Bridgwater United FC. Now, with a new club status, ownership and business model, plans are at an advanced stage to make the club a real community asset – not just for the town of Bridgwater but for the whole of Somerset with the introduction of an Academy and a community Sports Trust.
2021/22 was a great success clinching the Les Phillips Cup with a 1-0 victory over Cadbury Heath at Wells City FC along with a number of other cup wins for the Women’s squad and youth teams. Last season tailed off after a fantastic start, reaching the FA Vase Fifth round was the highlight but in front of a decent attendance and with a number of players missing United succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against the eventual winners Ascot United. In the Toolstation Western League the team finished fourth, Mousehole winning the league with Saltash United runners-up and Barnstaple Town 3rd, 6 points above the Robins. The Bridgwater United league record was P36 W20 D9 L7 F 84 A41 Points 69. Soon after season finished Adam Murry sold the club to IT entrepreneur Ian Davis who has many exciting plans to take the club forward, but promotion has to be achieved first. A number of new recruits have joined the ranks as United look to return to Step 4 and the Southern League South & West. The support is there for sure and with Andy Llewellyn spearheading the management following the shock dismissal of Dave Pearse, the club appears to be going in the right direction.
Isaac Finch: 16 year-old goalkeeper earning rave reviews for the Robins Under-18 side. Been training with the England colleges squad and has a huge future in front of him.
Mark Armstrong: Captain of the club and a born leader, Mark is an experienced, hardworking, tough tackling midfielder, equally comfortable in central defence. Currently assisting first team coaching duties.
Harry Horton: Powerful 26 year-old midfielder who has returned to the fold, a long serving member of the squad, signing from Wells City where he played 37 games scoring 12 times. He has played for Yate Town amongst others.
George King: Midfielder from Clevedon Town and is the son of well-known Bridgwater Town and Western League goal scorer Ryan King.
Jake Llewellyn: Top quality defender who has played at National League South Level for Weston super Mare; great going forward with a wand of a left foot. Appointed vice-captain this season.
Tom Llewellyn: Brother of Jake and another who has played at a higher level and will do again. Both are sons of former Bristol City favourite Andy Llewellyn.
Josh Phillips: 21 year old full back who was at Street before joining Dorchester Town where he was U23 player of the year.
Jason Quick: Summer signing from Wellington where he won the Players Player and supporters Player of the year awards last season. The 25-year-old was very impressive in pre-season.
Dave Thorne: Now in his seventh season at the club ‘Mr Consistent’ is an 8/10 week in week out. Dave is a committed tough tackling defender who always gives everything.
Jack Thorne: Forward who joined the Club early in 2023 from Nailsea & Tickenham where he was a prolific goal scorer.
Morgan Williams: All action 22 year old midfielder who signed from local rivals Clevedon Town.
Adam Wright: Prolific Welsh born striker who signed from Wells City in the close season, scoring 113 goals over five seasons at Western League level. The 32-year-old has also had spells in Australian football with Moreland city and Brunswick City.
Jay Murray: 22 year-old signed from National League South side Weston-super-Mare in September. He played 75 times for the Seagulls after signing in July 2021 from Clevedon Town. He started his career at Congresbury then Cheddar and Odd Down before joining Hengrove Athletic in January 2019. He returned to Odd Down before joining Clevedon scoring 18 goals in 50 games. He is the son of former Bristol City legend Scott.
Ben Griffith: Joined the Robins in October 2023 from Frome Town where he had scored four times in seven games this season. Also scored in his only appearance for Portishead this term. Still only 21 years old he scored three in ten games for Weston-super-Mare last season. He has had three separate spells at Willand Rovers scoring 17 in just 34 games in 21/22. He has also had spells at Cheddar and Clevedon.
Jack Taylor: Vastly experienced 32-year-old striker, leading scorer over the last couple of seasons and a firm favourite of the Robins faithful. Has scored well over 150 goals for the Robins and is closing in to the clubs all-time scoring record. He started as a ballboy at Fairfax Park, playing for junior and U-18 sides. Had brief spells at Wellington and Corsham Town.
Josiah McKayle: Ex-Bristol Rovers academy striker who joined the Robins in July and has since had spells at Hallen and Welton Rovers to gain full fitness
Freddie Haden: In the England Schools squad, scoring twice on his International debut. Second top scorer for Bridgwater United Under 18’s this season
Finn Koppa: Made his debut just before Christmas as a sub in the home defeat to Buckland Athletic. Tall right-sided defender.
Fran Souza: Under 18 midfielder who has already appeared on the bench for the first team this season.
Blake Kearley: Top scorer in the Youth side, expected to break into the first team squad this season.
Eddie Townsend & Riley Willis: Both 16-year-old players with United’s Under-18 side who have recently signed Western League forms for the club
Andy Llewellyn: Manager and former Bristol City legend playing over 300 games for the Robins at right-back. Also had 15 games in a loan spell at Exeter City and brief spells at Hereford United and Yeovil Town. His two sons are both in the United squad .
