Note that this page is from our Gresley Rovers archive. It may not be related to the new Gresley Rovers (formerly Gresley FC until 2020).
Rovers return
Story courtesy of Burton Mail
South Derbyshire soccer heroes Gresley Rovers returned to a tumultuous welcome yesterday.
The young, the old, the infirm and the deliriously happy lined the streets of Castle Gresley, Church Gresley and Swadlincote as the Wembley stalwarts made a triumphal tour of the area by open-top bus – even though the match has yet to be won.Gresley had drawn 4-4 with Yorkshire club Guiseley the previous day in a dramtic final.
Rovers’ tour followed by a civic reception at the Grove Hall, Swadlincote, hosted by South Derbyshire District Council chairman Councillor Josiah Ford.
Councillor Ford told players and officials and their families : “To those who were privileged to be at the final just to watch the game deserved a celebration. The commitment of the players is something we can all be proud of.
“Your efforts have brought great enjoyment to your supporters, and also to the whole of Swadlincote and district.”
Gresley chairman Mr Peter Hall said the club had enjoyed an “absolutely fantastic” weekend.
He congratulated secretary and treasurer Mt Peter Jenkinson who had “dealt admirably with the considerable pressure” of organising the trip, and paid tribute also development officer Mt Frank McArdle for his assistance.
