The Early Days (1997 – 2001)
Wessex Wanderers began life in 1997 as B.Y.E. Old Boys, formally a successful youth team (Bedminster Youth Enterprise) formed by Tom Nisbett. The young team made their debut in mens football in the Bristol & Avon League under the leadership of Chairman Jack Moody-Grant. The youngster developed quickly and with the addition of a few experienced players over the course of the season, manager Kevin Walters had shaped a very exciting squad.
The 1998/99 season was a major success with the B.Y.E. team pushing for the league title from day one. The squad contained a number of current Wessex stars including Steve Webster, Gary Russell and Scott Clevely. The team produced some wonderfully exciting football and finished the season level on points and goal difference with Fry’s FC. Unfortunately B.Y.E. finished runners up as Fry’s had scored more goals over the course of the season.
With the manager and a number of young stars moving on over the summer, B.Y.E. struggled for players the following season. By Christmas the Club decided to merge with Robinson’s AFC and began the 2000/01 season as Robs 3rd team in the Bristol & Avon League.
The Birth of Wessex Wanderers (2001 – 2003)
After an unsuccessful season with Robs, the club decided it would be better off going it alone and moved on once again. Jack Moody-Grant and Secretary Lyn Hughes re-formed the club as Wessex Wanderers, entering Division 6 of the Bristol & Suburban League for the 2001/02 season. Under the management of Darren Hughes, Wessex went on to win promotion to Division 5 at the first attempt.
The 2002/03 season began with Wessex moving to the Civil Service Ground (Filton Avenue). The new ground and facilities helped Wessex push for promotion for a second successive season. With former B.Y.E. Old Boy’s star Shaun Hawkings taking up team affairs midway through the campaign, Wessex finished in 4th place and were promoted two divisions.
In 2003 Wessex decided it was time to expand and launched a Reserve team to cope with the ever increasing number of players on the Clubs books. While the reserves settled in well in the Bristol & Avon League, the 1st team found the leap of two divisions a huge gap to bridge, finishing the campaign in 6th position.
Wessex Venture into Europe (2004 – 2006)
2004/05 was again a season of highs and lows for Wessex. Inconsistent form resulted in a mid-table finish. However, dramatic late victories against Champions CTK Southside and promoted St. Aldhelms showed the true ability of the team and sent them on their first European adventure on a high.
That summer Wessex took an 18 man squad to Holland to compete in the Simpleveld Cup. The tournament was a major success for the Club with Wessex gaining many fans for their displays on and off the pitch.
The European campaign proved very positive with the 2005/06 season becoming one of the Clubs most successful to date. Wessex run in the GFA Cup was ended at the semi-final stage by Longwell Green. Wanderers went one better in the Norman Goulding Cup; an enthralling penalty shootout victory against CTK secured the Clubs first ever Cup Final appearance. Unfortunately Wessex were beaten 3 v 1 in the Final at Yate Town by a very strong Southmead Athletic.
2006 saw Jack Moody-Grant handing over the chairmanship of the Club to Lyn Hughes, rewarding her for the hard work she has done for the team since joining in 2000. Jack took up the position as President and implemented a 3rd Wessex Wanderers team. The Wessex A Team was introduced to help develop the increasing number of youngsters at club and feed the 1st and Reserve team with exciting new talent.
Wessex Search for Silverware (2006 – 2008)
The 2006/07 pre-season campaign saw 22 Wessex players tour Spain, competing in the Copa Penya Cup in Barcelona. Once again this helped Wessex start the season well and the team managed to keep up this impressive form and secure the Runner-Up position in the league and promotion to Division 2.
The now well travelled Wessex team then headed for Germany to take part in the Berlin City Cup as preparation for the tough campaign ahead. The new season got off to an awkward start when the team were outclassed for the opening 45 minutes against Avonmouth Reserves. However the Wanderers fighting spirit saw them claw back a 2 goal deficit to win 4 v 2. The team havent looked back since and with games in hand on their rivals Wessex will be looking to not only secure a second successive promotion but the league title also.
The teams consistent form this season as also seen them reach 2 Cup Finals. Wessex will take on Imperial Saints on the 17th April in the Norman Goulding Cup Final and Longwell Green on the 22nd in the GFA Cup.
1st Team Achievements
2007/08
Bristol & Suburban League Division 2 Winners
GFA Cup Winners
Norman Goulding Cup Winners2006/07
Bristol & Suburban League Division 3 Runners Up2005/06
Norman Goulding Cup Runners Up1998/99
Bristol & Avon League Runners Up
A Team Achievements
2007/08
Temple Colston League Cup Runners Up
