Bishop's Cleeve F.C.

History

Formed in 1905, the club initially played in the Cheltenham League. They won Division Two in 1924–25 and again in 1930–31. After being promoted to Division One, they won the league title in 1931–32 and 1934–35. Following back-to-back titles in 1965–66 and 1966–67, A third Division One title was won in 1972–73.

In 1983 Bishop's Cleeve moved up to Division One of the Hellenic League. They won the division in 1986–87, earning promotion to the Premier Division. They won the Premier Division Cup in 1987–88,

The 2024–25 season saw Bishop's Cleeve finish third in Division One South, qualifying for the promotion play-offs. They went on to lose 3–2 after extra time to Malvern Town in the semi-finals.

Ground

The club originally played at a ground on Stoke Road. It was redeveloped in the early 1970s, and was officially reopened by FA Secretary Ted Croker in 1971. However, by the 1990s the club were required to leave Stoke Road to maintain their Hellenic League status, resulting in them spending several seasons groundsharing at Moreton Town, Wollen Sports, Forest Green Rovers and Evesham United. Permission was given for a new ground at Kayte Lane in 1997 and following a new stand and floodlights being installed, the club returned to the town in 2002. A new clubhouse was completed in 2004. It has a capacity of 1,500, of which 50 is covered seating.

During refurbishments in 2021–22, including the installation of an artificial pitch and new floodlights, the club played at Evesham United's Jubilee Stadium.

Honours

• Hellenic League
  • Premier Division champions 2021–22
  • Premier Division Cup winners 1987–88
  • Division One champions 1986–87
• Gloucestershire Northern Senior League
  • Division One champions 1968–69, 1969–70, 1972–73
  • Division Two champions 1967–68
• Cheltenham League
  • Division One champions 1931–32, 1934–35, 1961–62, 1963–64, 1965–66, 1966–67
  • Division Two champions 1924–25, 1930–31, 1958–59
  • Senior Charities Cup winners 1928–29, 1936–37, 1962–63, 1964–65, 1966–67

Records

• Best FA Cup performance: Fourth qualifying round, 2005–06
• Best FA Trophy performance: First round, 2025–26
• Best FA Vase performance: Third round, 2005–06
• Record attendance: 1,300 vs Cheltenham Town, July 2006
• Most appearances: John Skeen
• Most goals: Kevin Slack

References

References

1. Mike Williams & Tony Williams. (2023). "Non-League Club Directory 2023/24".
2. [http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/bishopscleevefc/a/club-history-23772.html Club History] Bishop's Cleeve F.C.
3. [http://www.cheltenhamleague.co.uk/div2hist.html Division 2 winners] Cheltenham League
4. After [[World War II]] they won Division Two in 1958–59, before going on to win Division One in 1961–62 and 1963–64.[http://www.cheltenhamleague.co.uk/div1hist.html Division 1 winners] Cheltenham League
5. {{fchd
6. (23 March 2022). "Bishops Cleeve win uhlsport Hellenic Premier".
7. [http://www.pyramidpassion.co.uk/html/bishop_s_cleeve.html Bishop's Cleeve] Pyramid Passion
8. [https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bishops-cleeve-arrange-groundshare-during-5576039 Bishop's Cleeve arrange groundshare during £771,000 Kayte Lane overhaul] Gloucestershire Live, 25 June 2021
9. [http://www.cheltenhamleague.co.uk/senior.html Senior Charities Cup winners] Cheltenham League
10. Mike Williams & Tony Williams (2012) ''Non-League Club Directory 2013'', p507 {{ISBN. 978-1-869833-77-0