Harry Kewell’s side will make the 116-mile round trip south on Saturday – travelling to Bromley FC in the Vanarama National League.
STADIUM
The Hayes Lane Stadium, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9EF
NICKNAME
The Ravens
COLOURS
White and Black
KEY PERSONNEL
Camberwell born goalkeeper Andy Woodman is the current First Team Coach and replaced Neil Smith in March 2021.
Woodman spent his youth at Crystal Palace and went on to have notable spells at Northampton Town, Brentford, Colchester United and Oxford United.
He held the goalkeeping coach position at West Ham United, Newcastle United and Arsenal and has previous management experience at Whitehawk FC.
BRIEF DIRECTIONS BY ROAD AND TRAIN
Leave the M25 at junction 4 and take the A21 towards Bromley. When you get to The Princes Royal Hospital, pick up the A232 towards Croydon and Sutton.
On Keston Common at the 2nd set of traffic lights take a right onto the B265 Baston Road. This road becomes Hayes Lane and you will see the ground on your right.
Bromley South Station is a 15 minute walk away and is served by London Victoria.
These directions courtesy of Bromley FC.
CAR PARKING
There is car parking at the ground for those who arrive earlier, but street parking locally is available.
GROUND DESCRIPTION
Bromley’s stadium holds around 5,200 with 1,600 seats and the latest edition is the smart looking Norman Park End with the club offices behind.
The modest main stand is to the left and the Cricket Ground Terrace to the right which will be our home for the afternoon if no segregation is in operation.
The Club have occupied the ground since 1938 and share facilities with Cray Wanderers in the Isthmian League.
EAT AND DRINK
The Ravens Bar is open both sets of supporters before the game. 15 minutes away is the Bricklayers Arms and is recommended by the Club, as well as the little Micro Brewery bar called The Bitter End for you enthusiasts!
PREVIOUS MEETINGS AND MEMORIES
One of our last visits was in March 2021 and which saw the Bees draw 2-2 thanks to goals from Michael Petrasso and Courtney Baker-Richardson.
CONNECTIONS
The following players to have represented both clubs include;
Tim “Spotty Dog” Alexander, Iffy Allen, Adam Birchall, Ashley Carew, Mark Cousins, Sean Devine, Billy Manuel, Dwane Lee, JJ Hooper, Max Porter and the great Colin “Paddy” Powell.
CELEBRITY WATCH
HG Wells was born in Bromley in 1866 and Charles Darwin sadly died down the road in 1882, aged 73.
Enid Blyton (Noddy), David Nobbs (Reginald Perrin) and WE Johns (Biggles), all have links to the region as well!
Other notables connected with the area include David Bowie, Peter Frampton, Jack Dee and Occultist Aleister Crowley, who as a Reckless wonder fact is the only person mentioned in this guide to appear on arguably the most famous album cover in history – Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Global tennis sensation, Emma Raducanu stole the headlines in recent weeks after winning the US Open without dropping a set at just 18 years of age. She is also from Bromley!
We look forward to seeing you at The Hayes Lane Stadium on Saturday!
Enjoy the match, “Reckless”
