Butlin Road, home of Rugby Town FC and a place where I spent many Saturday afternoons and Tuesday evenings as a youngster watching VS Rugby as they were then known when the Sky Blues were either away or not in action.
Under the stewardship of Jimmy Knox in the 1980’s ‘The Valley’ won the FA Vase at Wembley and came within a whisker of reaching the Conference as well playing host to the likes of Northampton Town and Brentford in big FA Cup ties.
There has been a gradual decline since those heady days and the club currently ply their trade at Step 5 of the pyramid system in the United Counties League.
In terms of facilities the ground could pass for a much higher level with covered accommodation on all sides, a smart main stand and a very nice bar (which is open throughout the week and hosts a number of functions).
Only 177 watched a see-saw 4-3 defeat at the hands of Eynesbury Rovers, a reverse which probably ends Rugby’s hopes of winning the league, and it’s sad to see such apathy in a growing town in the face of the hard work of those in charge of the club and the volunteers who help out every week.
Much is made of Rugby's links to the oval ball game but you would be hard-pressed to find even a signpost directing you to Butlin Road. If you do make it there however you will get a warm welcome and a competitive game of football.
A free admission offer earlier in the year saw 450 through the turnstiles and the visit of Cogenhoe United on Saturday 6 April will also be free entry to all.
No comments:
Post a Comment