Grassroots football fan shines a light on the history of Kiveton Park FC, a club close to his heart
A LOVER of grassroots football has produced a book celebrating the proud history of his local club.
“Kiveton Park Football Club – A History” traces its story from its formation in 1881 right through to the present day.
It has been a labour of love for author Lee Hicklin, the club’s historian and women’s reserves team manager.
"I started researching the history of Sheffield Wednesday but to be quite honest in the last ten years, with Dejphon Chansiri in charge, I sort of fell out with the professional game and veered more towards non-league,” he says.
"Every time I was looking up Wednesday’s results I would find Kiveton’s and see they were doing well and thought there might be a book in it. The more I researched it, the clearer that became.”
Kiveton Park FC, based at Hard Lane, is one of Rotherham’s oldest football clubs.
It was formed in a working class pit village where the game provided an escape from the difficulties of everyday life for countless young men.
The club has survived two world wars, played in the FA Cup, won silverware and produced more than its fair share of good players.
"Herbert Chapman of course is the most famous,” says Lee. “He became well known as a manager for winning the old First Division and the FA Cup with Huddersfield Town and Arsenal but he is one of dozens of people from Kiveton who played professional football.
"His younger brother, Harry, was a better player and won two FA Cups and a league title with Wednesday.
"I go into players like Walter Wigmore, who went on to play for Birmingham, and William Ross, who played in the top flight with Notts County, to name just a couple.
"There’s season-by-season statistics, team photos and a look at the Kiveton lads who went off to war, a fair few of whom lost their lives unfortunately. It is important to remember them.
"There is also a few memories at the back of the book from people who have played for the club, plus a history of the village's football grounds and a look at other clubs that represented the village in Saturday and Sunday football.
"I finished on last season when Kiveton Park won the County Senior League (Division One) title because I thought that would be a nice end point."
Lee’s work might still not be done.
With Kiveton Park FC’s 150th anniversary looming in five years’ time, there may be an updated version to mark that milestone.
In the meantime he is just enjoying seeing his work in print.
He added: "I’m not going to make any money from this book. It has been a labour of love.
"I have been collecting information and getting results together for years but actually compiling this has taken about a year and I just wanted to get this out there.
”Kiveton Park FC is my club and I’m proud of it. I know a lot of lads in the current team and I used to turn out for the over-35s.
"I’m a big football fan and I love history. I’ve always wanted to publish a book and I’m pleased I’ve done it on something I love.”
“Kiveton Park Football Club – A History” is available from Amazon, priced £22.99.