Grove Farm Ravens formed in 2004 and were a mixture of the Ravens and Jets having played a year above their age for a season. Managed by Roy Cooke it was clear from the beginning that they were going to do well and so it proved when the lads came runners up in the Astro League at the end of the 2004/05 season. A number of tournament successes saw them lift the winners trophy at their own Grove Farm tournament and coming runners up at Bedworth eagles. Season 2005/06 saw a change of manager with Bob Alcock taking over at the helm. The lads continued to play excellent football and got their rewards coming runners up in the Monarch league and making it to the Police Cup Final at Nuneaton Boroughs Manor Park stadium. Although they lost the final 1-0, it was a day none of the lads or supporters will forget. History repeated itself when they won the Grove Farm tournament and came runners up at Bedworth Eagles. Season 2006/07 was a tough one for the lads, drawing nearly as many games as they won, however they continued to battle on and although they didn't gain any league honours that season they still had a lot to be proud of including one of the best defensive records in the league. On the tournament front, although they didn't manage a "triple crown" at the Grove Farn Tournament, they did themselves proud at Bedworth Eagles, seeing off some very tough opposistion to lift the winners trophy.
The 2007/08 season saw the lads move to eleven a side and a large pitch. The team coped very well and played some nice football. The lads got there just rewards coming third in the league.The highlight of the season was reaching the Police Cup final for the second time. Although they lost, it was an extremely tight game with the lads showing great effort and commitment throughout. On the tournament front, the lads left it to the last tournament of the summer at Haunchwood to earn a well deserved victory and lift the winners cup. Season 2008/09 saw the lads best season to date. Having really applied themselves in training and matches they put themselves into a posistion to win both the league and the police cup. It wasn't all plain sailing and Weddington and Haunchwood pushed the lads all the way to a nail biting final game against Attleborough which saw the lads secure the league championship for the first time. The lads third Police Cup Final saw them again pitted against Attleborough with the lads the eventual winners at 4-1. The icing on the cake came with the team being voted the most sporting team by the other managers in the league. This is the first time in League history that the winning league team has won the most sporting team which is a great achievment by the lads.
Bob Alcock, the Juniors manager says " I've been extremely proud of the lads during the last five seasons.The first two seasons brought great success for the team. The third season wasn't so successful but the lads picked themselves up and together with the new lads in the team played some impressive football.I said at the beginning of last season that if the lads worked hard they would do well and they certainly did that winning all three trophies that were on offer. They played some fantstic football at times and deserved the rewards they got. With a new team name, the lads are playing in the Coventry League next season and will certainly face new challenges, however with continued hard work and application i'm sure the lads will rise to the challenge and do well. Whatever the outcome I'm sure the lads will continue to love their football and I will continue to be very proud to be their manager.
Darren Bent is one of the Barclays Premier League’s most prolific strikers. Now he’s passing on his top tips to help amateur strikers everywhere score more this month.
Are you fox or chicken? Win a pair of the new Umbro Stealth!
Club Website has teamed up with our friends at Umbro to give away three pairs of their brand new football boot, the Stealth! Are you fox or chicken?