GLOUCESTER CITY AFC RISES FROM THE FLOODS

"Ever forward" says Gloucester City FC's badge of honour. The badge speaks for itself, with a strong reference to the City's maritime activity. I fancied Gloucester City as my subject today, because the club returns to its own ground, Meadow Park, (now New Meadow Park), having been "playing away" for its home games since the 2007 floods when the River Severn and Gloucester Docks caused the local water table to rise above the club's goalposts; the whole stadium became unusable and since then the club has had issues with flood damage insurance, planning, raising the pitch 4' and bringing the stadum back into safe use. 

The club has been ground sharing for all that time at local clubs such as Forest Green Rovers, Cheltenham Town, Cirencester Town and Evesham. Inevitably, issues with financing are foremost, as is a "case of identity". It has been a 13 and a half years' wait to return home, only to be irritated when there was light at the end of the tunnel, by COVID-19!

The "Tigers" play Needham Market in an FA Trophy Second Round tie tonight with around 700+ spectators allowed in. Thankfully for The Tigers it is a home tie. 

You might also know where Gateshead is. The Robins, who are presently top of their division, have to travel to the "Head" for their National League (North) game, a geographically confusing fixture considering where Gloucester is; the most southerly of the clubs in that division. Then there is Blyth, York, Southport, Darlington, Spennymoor and the bus goes on! Have a look at the divisions and see where the Tigers have to travel to every other week....a five hour coach journey or worse. Hereford might be a local derby. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_League_North The club was transfered (not promoted or relegated) from the Southern section to the Northern in 2019-20, by the FA. Can't explain why!

Founded in March 1883, just as Gloucester FC, the club adopted the appendage "City" in 1902. The club was then briefly known as Gloucester YMCA in the period 1910-25. You will know that there is considerable competition for support in the city from Rugby, so the club does well to maintain its place.

With a sturdy management team and a head coach, Paul Groves, who has been at Grimsby (+ other clubs in England) and Maccabi Haifa most recently, The Tigers are hoping to finish the season on a positive note.