Biggleswade United F.C.
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| Full name | Biggleswade United Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | United | ||
| Founded | 1959 | ||
| Ground |
Second Meadow, Fairfield Road, Biggleswade | ||
| Capacity | 2,000 | ||
| Director of Football | Guillem Balagué | ||
| Chairman | Chris Lewis | ||
| Head Coach | Cristian Colás | ||
| League |
Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division | ||
| 2014–15 |
Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division, 13th | ||
| Website | Club home page | ||
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Biggleswade United F.C. are a football club based in Biggleswade, England. The club is affiliated to the Bedfordshire County Football Association and play in the Premier Division of the Spartan South Midlands Football League at the Second Meadow stadium.
History
The modern Biggleswade United was formed in 1959. Local records indicate that a Biggleswade United was playing at Second Meadow as early as 1929.
Bigglewade United started the 1959-60 season in the 3rd Division of the North Herts League. And after 10 seasons Biggleswade United moved on to the Southern Midlands League.
After a spell of 15 years within the Southern Midlands League. Biggleswade United began to struggle and after three consecutive years of finishing bottom of Division 1 the club joined the Herts Senior League for two seasons.
By 1986 Biggleswade United elected to join the Bedford and District Football League.
The appointment of Brian “Bear” Swords in the 1987-88 season became a turning point in the clubs fortunes. Allowing United to progress from Division 3 of the Bedford and District Football League, through to the Senior Division of the Spartan South Midlands League over a 15-year period. This run culminated in a league and cup double in 1996-97 season.
From 1995-96 season Steve “Snowy” Wright took charge of the first team until the 2006-07 season, handing the reins to his assistant Nick Burton. Wright’s time at the club over saw the League and Cup double in 1996-97[1] and making three appearances in the Bedfordshire Senior Cup final, winning 2 of the 3.[2]
From 2006-07 to 2012-13 season saw regular turnover of head coaches with Nick Burton, Dave Elkin and Phil Childs taking charge of the first team during this period.
2013-14 season saw the appointment of Mick Reardon as manager and Chris Lewis appointed Chairman.
Guillem Balagué
In late October 2014 Spanish football journalist Guillem Balagué responded to an email request from club chairman Chris Lewis to “get involved” at Biggleswade United.[3] Impressed with Lewis’ enthusiasm, willingness to listen and desire to drive the club forward. Balagué accepted the role as Director of Football at Biggleswade United.
Balagué’s immediate influence led to the signing of coach Fran Constancio to work with the first team and to develop the clubs academy and the signing of former Espanyol and Chelsea midfielder Quique de Lucas.[4]
The 2015-16 Cristian Colás was appointed head coach taking over from Reardon with Fran Constancio and Alfie Long as assistants.
Honours
- Spartan South Midlands Football League Division One
- Champions 1996–97
Records
References
- ↑ http://www.fchd.info/lghist/1996-97summary.htm
- ↑ http://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/sport/snowy-quits-after-12-years-in-charge-1-1121112
- ↑ http://www.guillembalague.com/blog/post.php?s=2015-02-20-why-im-embarking-on-a-new-adventure-with-biggleswade-united-by-guillem-balague-featured-columnist-feb-20-2015
- ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2936733/Former-Chelsea-star-Enrique-Lucas-signs-Biggleswade-United-FC.html
External links
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Coordinates: 52°5′41.410″N 0°16′3.428″W / 52.09483611°N 0.26761889°W