RUFC - Potted History of Kettering Town

Rotherham United will be taking on Kettering Town this evening at Nene Park, the former home of Rushden and Diamonds, in the last of the pre-season friendlies.

The Poppies, who originated in Kettering, Northamptonshire, are currently based in Irthlingborough moving to Nene Park in 2011 and play in the Southern League Premier Division after getting relegated at the end of last season.

Kettering were formed in 1872 and turned professional nineteen years later.

They became founding members of the Alliance Premier League in 1979 winning various honours on the way. In 1974 they sought election to the Football League but failed by just five votes.

In 1975 Kettering were the first British club to have a sponsor's name printed on their shirts but were ordered to remove it by the FA.

1979 saw Kettering appear at Wembley in the FA Trophy Final against Stafford Rangers, when they lost 2-0.

During the 1994/5 season they made their first appearance on Sky TV in an FA Cup first round tie against Plymouth Argyle, followed shortly afterwards by another appearance against Wrexham.

In 2000 Wembley was reached again in the FA Trophy Final when they lost to Kingstonian 3-2.

October 2005 had the eyes of the world on them when Paul Gascoigne took over as Manager though he lasted on thirty-nine days.

2008/9 saw the Poppies beat Lincoln City, Notts County and Eastwood Town to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup and a home tie with Premier League side Fulham where, after a good fight, lost 4-2.

2009/10 also saw them on the TV against Leeds United in the FA Cup. They drew at home and held the mighty Leeds at Elland Road in normal time but, extra time proved to much for them and they lost 5-1.

The Poppies have scored more goals than any other team in the FA Cups history.

In November 2011 things started to turn sour for the Poppies and they were unable to pay their players and the following April they were relegated.

May 2012 saw owner George Rolls call a fans forum meeting to explain that the club had debts of £1.2m and they would enter into a CVA agreement which would involve a league demotion to the Southern Football League and a transfer embargo

On 6th June 2012 George Rolls was suspended from football for five years after breaches of Football Association betting laws were proven.

Kettering are currently managed by John Beck.

The game kicks-off at 7.45pm and admissions are Adults/Concessions £10, Juniors £1.





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