Bishop S Stortford Swifts F.C. History

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts F.C. History.

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts F.C. were formed in 1953 by a group of 13 year old lads, including current Vice Chairman Peter Hunt, Derek Smith, Eddie Miller, Mick Thurley, and John Sewell with Ron Nott joining a few years later. Due to their age, they were only able to play friendlies until joining the Bishop’s Stortford & District League in 1956. The club moved to their current ground at Silver Leys in 1964and were founding members of the Essex Olympian League in 1966, winning the Senior Cup in their first season. A Reserve side was introduced in 1970 this side went on to win the Herts Junior cup in 1970/71. After playing in Division One since 1966 the 1st Team found themselves dropped to the second tier in 1981, when restructuring of the league saw 4 teams relegated. After 3 seasons in Division 2, Swifts bounced back to Division 1 in 1984, finishing runners up in their first season back in the top flight.

By 1996 Swifts 1st Team had drop down Division 3, the appointment of Pete Isherwood was made and Swifts went on to enjoy their most successful period in the Essex Olympian League. 1996 saw them bounce back to Division 2 and then to Division 1 the following year where they finished up as Champions 3 times in 4 seasons. With former Bishop’s Stortford players, Pat Jackman, Ian Hollamby & Steve Luxford amongst others, now playing for Swifts, the team went on to reach the Herts Intermediate County Cup final 9 times, winning on 6 occasions, the last in 2008-9 under current manager Mickey Nunn. Swifts Reserve side were also successful during this period, winning Reserve Division One twice.

Several Bishop’s Stortford Swifts players have also graced the professional ranks, ex Q.P.R and Rushden & Diamonds player Stuart Wardley, former England U-20 international and Manchester Utd trainee Kalam Mooniaruck.

In 2008 Swifts also re-introduced a Sunday side when AFC Hatfields moved to Silver Leys and took up the Swifts name. The club have in recent years won the N.W. Essex League Premier Division & Senior Cup and last year won Division 1 to bounce back to the Premier Division at the first attempt.

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts also run 4 Youth sides. Two at U13 & two at U10, playing in the Royston Crow League. They also hope to re-introduce the Saturday reserve team in the near future.

League Honours - Essex Olympian Football League
Senior Cup Winners 1966/67, 1986/87, 1997/98, 1998/99
Senior Cup Runners-Up 2002/03
Senior Challenge Cup Winners 1998/99, 1999/2000
Denny King Memorial Cup Winners 2003/04
Senior Division One Winners 1998/99, 1999/2000, 2002/03
Senior Division One Runners Up 1985/86, 2000/01, 2001/02
Senior Division Two Winners 1997/98
Senior Division Two Runners Up 1984/85
Senior Division Three Winners 1996/97
Reserve Cup Winners 1983/84, 2000/01
Reserve Cup Runners Up 1971/72, 1975/76, 1996/97
Reserve Challenge Cup Winners 1984/85
Reserve Division One Winners 2000/01, 2001/02
Reserve Division One Runners-Up 2003/04
Reserve Division Two Runners Up 1996/97
Other Honours While League Members
Herts Intermediate Cup Winners 1990/91, 1999/2000, 2000/01, 2002/03, 2005/06, 2008/09
Herts Intermediate Cup Runners Up 1998/99, 2001/02, 2007/08
Herts Junior Cup Winners 1971/72
West Essex Border Cup Winners 1967/68, 1995/96