Did you know Harrow Borough Football Club started as Roxonian F.C. back in 1933? The club has a fascinating story. It is woven into the heart of Harrow’s community.
Harrow Borough Football Club is more than just a team. It represents the spirit and resilience of local football. Today we will delve into the history of Harrow Borough Football Club. We will uncover the moments that shaped this club.
Originally named Roxonian F.C., the club quickly made its mark. In their first season, they finished as runners-up in the Harrow and District League. This early success propelled them forward. They moved to a new league and a new ground. That ground was Earlsmead Stadium. Harrow Borough has called it home ever since.
Earlsmead Stadium itself has a history. It was previously known as Dabbs Field. Some believe a medieval battle once took place here. It is quite fitting that battles of a different kind are still fought here today.
In 1938, Roxonian F.C. finished second in the Spartan League Division Two West. A year later, they changed their name to Harrow Town F.C. World War II disrupted their progress. The team was relegated to Middlesex Leagues. After the war, Harrow Town returned to the top of the Spartan League.
The 1960s brought financial difficulties. Harrow Town nearly faced liquidation. To survive, they sold their second pitch at Earlsmead to the council. Earlsmead Primary School was later built on that land.
Reduced to one pitch, the club rebranded again. They became Harrow Borough F.C. This earned them the nickname “Boro”. In 1975, they were elected to the Isthmian League Division Two. By 1979, Harrow Borough had climbed into the Premier Division.
The 1980s and early 1990s were a successful period. In 1983 to 1984, Harrow Borough won the Isthmian League championship. They also reached the second round proper of the FA Cup. In 1993, they won the Middlesex Senior and Charity Cup. They even beat Chelsea 4-1.
The early 2000s were challenging. The club narrowly avoided relegation several times. In 2003, David Howell’s appointment as manager marked a turning point. In 2004, they lost in a play-off. The loss prevented them from joining the sixth tier of English football. In 2007, they won the Middlesex Super Cup.
In 2010 to 2011, Harrow Borough reached the FA Cup first round. They lost to Chesterfield. In June 2011, David Howell left.
In January 2015, Steve Baker became manager. Despite facing relegation, Baker led Harrow Borough to safety. They also won the Middlesex Senior Cup and Charity Cup.
The club’s badge tells its own story. It bears the coat of arms of the London Borough of Harrow. A green bar represents the green belt. A flaming torch symbolizes knowledge. A quill pen represents Pinner’s authors. Trees reflect Harrow Weald. The motto reads: “The well-being of the people is the highest law.”
Harrow Borough’s main rivals are Wealdstone and Wembley. However, they do not currently play in the same league.
Harrow Borough Football Club has a rich history. It has faced challenges. It has celebrated successes. The club remains a vital part of the Harrow community. Its story is a testament to the enduring power of local football.