Opponents No.8 - Gatesfield

London club Gatesfield emerged in the mid-70s as rivals to both Blackport and Melchester. A small club, with little money, but vociferous fans, flashy forward Eddie Hamilton was the star at Elm Grove. With the charismatic Harry Roper as manager, Gatesfield were taking the First Division by storm, right in the title race for much of the 1974/75 season, before losing out to a Nipper Lawrence inspired Blackport.

While Gatesfield were matching the big boys, Hamilton was gaining a reputation as a playboy, but also as one of England's top forwards, even winning Footballer of the Year. The energetic and fiery number 8, matching Mervyn Wallace and Roy Race in the goalscoring charts throughout the 1976/77 season and leading his side to the F.A. Cup Final.

This would be the most successful period thus far in the history of Gatesfield as Roper's side were relegated at the end of the 1978/79 season, despite the talents of Hamilton and crowd favourite Mal Pritchard.

The growth of hooliganism in the '70s arguably effected Gatesfield more than any other club. Frequent disorder associated with the notorious Goons led to fines and falling attendances. Star players could not be retained and new signings difficult to attract. These were the gloom years for Gatesfield, as the Yellows were consigned to the Second Division until the mid-80s.

Few matches of note were played during this era, perhaps the 4-0 defeat to Melchester Rovers in 1981/82 the pick. Kenny Logan scoring twice for Melchester.

It would take the arrival of another genuine superstar to rescue Gatesfield from mediocrity. Eric Cooper, a tall, strong and dominant striker was that man. Cooper rose to prominence during the 1985/86 season, scoring over 30 goals and taking Gatesfield to an epic Milk Cup Semi-Final against Melchester Rovers. Andy Styles, however, back in the Rovers first-team, kept out Cooper and Meeker - and as the rain poured down, Gatesfield's chances of another Wembley appearance were washed away.

But Cooper had fired Gatesfield back to the First Division and trouble was never far away. Roy Race took on The Goons in a one man crusade to cleanse English football of the hooligan problem. Gatesfield were due at Mel Park in the Quarter-Finals of the Littlewoods Cup, but Roy was determined that the thugs would not be in attendance. Roy won the day and Rovers won through 2-1 despite a goal from Copeland and a strong display by captain Gordon Davis.

While the Elm Grove crowd was intimidating to the opposition and often gave the home side an edge. The continual violent behaviour of their hooligan fans was a continual distraction to the Gatesfield players, Davis even admitting to being "ashamed" of them - relegation followed. Gatesfield were in disarray and a humilating cup defeat to Fourth Division Denford Town led to major changes.

Controversial character Ron Eckersley was appointed manager and set about assembling a side capable of promotion. His unconventional methods proved successful and Gatesfield were again back in the First Division after a two year absence. Scottish goalkeeper Jimmy Campbell, centre-back Bernie Castle, Errol Bridges in the engine room and captain Charlie Venner up top, formed a strong spine. However without the resources of London rivals Dean Park, Kelburn and Walford, Gatesfield struggled and were immediately relegated. Tensions in the dressing room were clear and after a shambles of a pre-season tour of Jamaica, Eckersley was fired early during the 1991/92 season.

A long period of rebuilding was necessary, gone were the famous yellow shirts associated with the Goon era and Gatesfield were rebranded in glorious blue and white stripes.

Finally after nine years hopping between the new Divisions One and Two, Gatesfield were promoted to the Premiership at the end of the 1998/99 season. They would survive, but as normal for Gatesfield fans the battle would go on.

One of the few yo-yo clubs, Gatesfield are still dogged by the reputation of The Goons. In the Premiership era of family tickets and replica shirts they still stand as a somewhat of a relic of the old terraces. The yellow shirts may be gone, but the spirit of The Goons lives on with the "Big G" still raised every other week at a redeveloped Elm Grove.

Notes:
- There are two possible locations for Gatesfield, but I go with the ROTR line when in doubt. Nipper suggests they are Midlands rivals of Blackport.
- Gatesfield play Melchester in Division 2 in 1981/82, but also play Tynefield City in Division 1, again I go with the ROTR line.
- Gatesfield United from Hammersmith are assumed to be the same team. They wear the same colours and fit the image.