Like many Norfolk football clubs, Bradenham Wanderers has a long and varied history, but it was not until the late 1970's that it experienced its first taste of success. In1978/9 the club won the 4th Div. of the Anglian Com, and was promoted to the 3rd Division, again finishing top and gaining promotion to Div 2 at the end of season 79/80. After several years at that level the club was again promoted from Div. 2 when it headed the league at the end of season 1982/83. The first team finished runners-up in the Cyril Ballyn Cup in season 80/81 and also won the Mummery Cup in seasons 1988/89 and 89/90. The reserves were also having some success during this period, winning Reserve Div.3 in 1980/81 and Reserve Div 2 in 81/82.
A long and relatively unsuccessful period then ensued, and at times the club was having problems fielding even one team. However, one major event did occur during the mid-nineties, when the club acquired its new ground in Hale Road, and this gave everyone involved a real determination to survive at all costs. And survive it did. The new ground was very basic at first, but a lot of hard graft by committee members over the years has transformed it into one of the best facilities around. A number of influential members returned to the club and things started to look up, and this was reflected in a big improvement in results.
In season 2007/08, the first team won Div.4 and were promoted. Further promotion was gained in season 08/09 after finishing third in Div 3. Currently the club is having another successful season in Div.2 and is one of several clubs hoping for promotion to Div. 1 at the end of the season.An away match against UEA in the quarter-finals of the Norfolk Junior Cup is also pending. First team manager Les Tufts has assembled a very talented group of players who are getting good results and entertaining to watch. They look like a team who enjoy their football.
The reserves are also having an exceptional season under the watchful eye of manager Nigel Garner and currently sit top of Div.3 in the Crown Fire League.
The present hierarchy of Dale Brown (chairman), Paul Sandford (vice chairman) and treasurer Ray Frary are confident that the future looks good, but nothing is taken for granted. Hard work, optimism and determination are ingedients that have resurrected the club in recent times, and it's important to continue along the same lines.
Report by Brian Mason