ROVERS AIM TO RESTORE PRIDE

ONE of the most captivating storylines in Non-League football is the subtle murmurings of a sleeping giant, gently waking from its slumber.

- Hugo Varley

The prize of a once passionate community club returning to former glories is the perfect backdrop for an enthralling tale of redemption.

Nestled in the quaint village of Church Gresley, a group of humble yet dedicated individuals are carefully sowing the seeds for one of these special journeys, which they believe will travel far beyond the Derbyshire countryside in which they reside.

Thirty years ago, Gresley Rovers was a name on the lips of Non-League aficionados up and down the country. Stepping onto the hallowed turf of Wembley, the Moatmen came within seconds of lifting the FA Vase and adding another honor to their profound history, which at one point saw them knocking on the door of the pyramid’s upper echelons.

Since then though, Gresley’s moment in the spotlight has been dimmed, resulting in relegation and subsequent liquidation in 2009, when they reformed under the name Gresley FC.

A period of treading water and subsequent relegation to the Midland League in 2019 followed before the club readopted their original name in July this year, reigniting the club’s proud roots.

Current joint-manager and board member Gary Norton has seen it all so no wonder he is looking forward with cautious optimism.