A football reporter first suggested the formation of a Downs Football League and his idea appealed to Mr.Sidney Stratford, the Secretary of Clifton Athletic, who had been playing friendly matches on the Downs.
The first meeting was held on March 27th 1905, but it was not until Mr. J.B. Issacs and Mr. F.M. Giles called the first Annual General Meeting at the Kingsdown Guild on the 6th July 1905, that the League was inaugurated. Arthur Chappelle who along with Sidney Stratford served for the League for over 50 years, proposed there should be three divisions of ten teams, which was accepted.
The Downs League prospered and between the two World Wars several well known names emerged. One of them was Norman Hardy, who played for St.Andrews and was also a fast bowler for Somerset.
His tragic death occured during a GFA Cup replay against Fishponds. He was taken ill and collapsed in the dressing rooms. Money was raised by the St.Andrews players for a cup in his memory. It was appropiate that St. Andrews were the first winners in 1925-1926.
The other personalities who have enjoyed Downs League football include Test Cricketers; Wally Hammond, Jack Crapp and David Allen for England, while Charlie Drace was a Gloucestershire player who represented New Zealand. Tony Brown, Colin Mitchell, Dennis A'Court, Harold Jarman and David Graveney have all played County Cricket.
Three Goalkeepers, Syd Morgan, Con Sullivan and Tony Cook went onto play for Bristol City. Kenny Stephens left Phildown Rovers for West Bromwich Albion where he played First Division Football before returning to Bristol Rovers. Roger Kirby who played over 1,000 Downs League games, captained the Gloucestershire FA County side and on three occassions a FA eleven.
Downs League Treasurer dies June 2007.Downs League Treasurer, Dave Josham, who refereed the first FA Cup semi-final to be shown on live TV, has died aged 60. |
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Dave, who had been treasurer for many seasons, first refereed on the Downs in the 1970s and quickly rose through the ranks on to the Western League, before progressing on to the Football League. One of the highlights of his refereeing career came when he officiated at the first FA Cup semi final to be shown live on television in 1990. The match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Villa Park ended up as a famous 4-3 win for the Eagles after extra time. Apart from looking after the league's finances, Dave took an active part in helping the younger referees on the Downs to develop. |
2003
The
Mr Gault, affectionately known as "Jock" by the many members of the
league who knew and admired him, had been ill for some time.
