For over a century, Bromley was the definition of a “local” club. They were staples of the Athenian and Isthmian leagues, originally ‘amateur’ leagues. As an amateur club, they won the first FA Amateur Cup to be staged at Wembley in 1949.
Even when they became semi-professional, those were the
types of divisions where the tea is hot, the terraces are concrete, and the
players often have day jobs. Now after
132 years in the shadows of London’s giants*, the Ravens have been promoted as
champions to League One.
The turning point wasn’t a sudden influx of oil money, but a
slow build-up of professionalism and stability.
Owner Robin Stanton-Gleaves, who made his money in the printing and
technology sectors, became majority shareholder and chairman in 2019.
Since then, they have secured two promotions as well as
winning the FA Trophy against Wrexham in 2022.
The Club’s transformation is a tale of having a clear
identity, with strategic ownership, smart recruitment and a strong connection
to the community.
“I’m blessed with an owner who is full on and demanding, but
is happy to get his hands dirty beside me, and that really helps,” states
manager Andy Woodman, who recently picked up the League Two Manager of the
Season award. “He’s a successful man, and he’s developed me as a manager.”
According to Transfermarkt, Bromley’s squad value stands at
£2.8m which Is towards the bottom of League Two. The squad value of MK Dons, promoted in
second place, is roughly triple that.
Bromley’s highest paid player is on £3.5k a week, the average
wage in League One is £4k a week.
·
The postal address is Bromley, Kent but it is
a Greater London borough
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