The History of Women's Football at Champion Hill

Contrary to what I have seen written, the current DHWFC are not the first DHWFC but the second. There was a women’s team from 1995 until 1997, I was their programme editor on the rare occasions they played at Champion Hill.

As with the current team, the first DHWFC were an existing two team outfit which took on the name Dulwich Hamlet. Truth be told, that’s about where the similarities end. The first DHWFC were not closely aligned to the men’s set up. They didn’t wear pink and blue instead retaining their existing red and blue striped kit. (I believe some of the club founders were Crystal Palace fans.) Only Women’s F.A. Cup matches were held at Champion Hill, other fixtures were played on park pitches. The men’s set up showed little interest in the women’s section, who reciprocated. The Saturday before their first match as DHWFC the Committee, who usually stayed as far away from the Rabble as possible, descended requesting we represented the club at the match. Largely because they didn’t want to go. A few bleary-eyed rabble members dragged themselves to the fixture, against Watford. Having lived in Liverpool prior to my arrival in London, I clocked a Scouse accent on the Watford team. Future megastar and Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm was playing for Watford around that time. I don’t know whether it was her.

Many of the team were from the era when it was difficult for girls to play football. Consequently, the standard was mixed. The first team included some good players, one centre back wouldn’t have been far off the men’s first XI had she been male. The two sisters who were mainstays of the set up were good players too. Others were less impressive but competent. The second team was a poor standard. When they played teams consisting of younger players, among the first to play regularly at school, the difference in basic skill sets was clear. The rising standards in women’s football didn’t surprise anyone who saw the first Hamlet set up a few times. Whilst some of the old team would have a real chance of getting into the current first XI, I firmly believe the standard is higher than the first set up. 

Like the current set up, the first DHWFC reached a cup final, the 1996 London League Cup Final playing Spurs at Hampton. They lost in a match mainly notable for the lack of a crowd, the rabble turned up mob handed and were just about the only people not related to a player present. Had you said that day Spurs would later play in front of tens of thousands, I would have laughed. There was also a very poor refereeing display, not unusual in women’s football back then. It made no difference to the result.

The first DHWFC were two teams rather than a club. At the end of the second season key players, who were also officials, decided to retire. The club promptly collapsed. Whilst the Football Association decision to promote Queens Park Ranger not DHWFC upset many, those who remember the first DHWFC can probably understand the FA’s decision to prioritise set ups who have a full club set up. 

Champion Hill also hosted two Women’s F.A Cup Semi Finals in the 1990’s. Both drew poor gates. The club failed to produce a match programme for the second match, breaching the hosting agreement with the FA. Unsurprisingly the fixture didn’t return. The old Champion Hill had hosted the Final in 1977, Queens Park Rangers defeated Southampton 1-0, watched by a reported 3,000 strong crowd.

Views from the Pepper Army

Listening to Nouvelle Vague & Eloisia’s delightful bossa nova cover of “Just Can’t Get Enough” (2004) as I write this, it is a joyous thing to reflect upon the raft of mutual adventures DHFCW and the Pepper Army have embarked upon, since the previous instalment of this column.  We shall not dwell upon the technical outcome of the Pepper Armada’s invasion of Billericay.  Life is too short and you’ve souvlaki to eat, so instead, let us reminisce what happened around that pitch, and others along the way.

We are deep into dark December now, so the fading, bittersweet sunlight of the early November rout of Eastbourne United felt like the book-end to a very spicy summer.  That day was an absolute treat.  And, not just for the six goals that were smashed in.  Ceylon’s thunderous brace will go down in history.  We just could not get enough!  And funnily enough, neither could our General.  With two goals chalked-up already, and having bagged a very long-range pinger for her second (a style of goal of which we are all very fond), minutes later Ceylon found herself driving forward on the ball, in a similar position.  It was (I believe) one of ‘The Champion Hillbillies’ on the left flank of the Pepper Army who shouted “SHOOT!!!”.  Sadly, no hattrick ensued.  In the clubhouse later, Ceylon revealed that particular exclamation caused her to burst out laughing, right as she pulled the trigger!

Talking of unexpected comedy, our dear Women’s Matchday Programme Editor, Mr. Dave Rogers, wore several hats during this Eastbourne game – namely, manning the stadium’s tannoy.  Despite the objective on-field truths of Hamlet player substitutions, during one such occurrence, Dave announced the complete opposite of who had just subbed On/Off.  And, with the mic still very hot, he immediately bared his soul to the entire crowd, stating “Oh I’ve got them the wrong way round!”  Cue, within moments, the Toilets Opposite stand erupting into a chant of “He’ll announce what he wants, he’ll announce what he wants! / Dave Rogers, he’ll announce what he wants!”  We mere mortals can only dream of living life as freely as this announcer.

Smash cut to the home-game party of the season, the FA Cup 1st Round triumph over London Bees.  A lot has happened since that day, but I am personally still buzzing from it.  So many positives to take – one being the sheer volume, in every sense of the word, of the Pepper Army.  We had so many wonderful people join our ranks that day.  Every one of which pitched into the euphoric Livorno chant that was continuous for the final ten minutes of the match, to carry the team over the line.  Iconic moments in DHFCW history, #287.  (Incidentally, at last night’s DHFC Forum, I chatted with Hak about this, since he eagerly watched this triumph from the midst of the Pepper Army.  He guessed right that I could not physically speak, the next day.  I did not tell him that my vocal malaise may also have been in part due to a tour of East Dulwich pubs with DHFCW’s management, coaches, and some of the squad, until that midnight…)

Do you know what also never gets old?  Beating Millwall.  Everyone’s day is made immeasurably better, when that happens.  Must be said, that victory was thoroughly elevated by the nice’n’cheap bottles of Stella Artois available at Fisher’s ground.  Upon reflection, that was the beverage equivalent of that ‘domino effect’ meme, where the first, tiny domino is labelled “Playing all of our empties like stupid pan-flutes every time the Millwall keeper takes a touch”, and the final, gigantic domino is labelled “The Rabble ordering forty kazoos and a wooden slide whistle off eBay during the game, ready for the FA Cup 2nd Round”…

Mark it read – Sunday, 26th November 2023: the Pepper Armada’s greatest ever away-day contingent (so far).  It was a privilege to take over Billericay’s ground and clubhouse alongside everyone who travelled.  We missed big Pepper Army personnel who could not attend that magical outing.  But as we said to the players after the final whistle, they, and everyone associated with DHFCW, should be proud of themselves for the events of that day, and everything they achieved upon the winding path that preceded it.  

From the *cough* mysterious ultras who lit and held aloft pink and blue flares by the side of the road as the team coach departed Champion Hill that morning, to the flood of Hamlet scarves that swept through Liverpool Street train station, to the banners and flags and pepper necklaces that were dished out on the train, to the TWO BOXES OF KAZOOS that were busted out at the pub, the day was loud.  Oh so loud.  This was in direct and stark contrast to the dictatorial silence and joyless atmosphere that the Billericay ‘authorities’ (sic) envisioned, with their 11th-hour ban upon “drums and vuvuzelas”.  (The Barbra Streisand Effect, anyone?  Not sure that she ever purchased a house in Essex, though.)  

Proper match reports can be read elsewhere.  Suffice it to say that we watched our team try their utmost for the solid ninety plus change, and we could not be prouder of them.  (Despite the greasy tricks that were openly pulled by the opposition and their charlatan staff, in full, unashamed view.)  When Brit coolly slotted away her penalty, we collectively went out of our heads, and when I close my eyes I am still in bouncing around that terrace.  Though, I cannot shake the imagery of Erin bawling her eyes out when the team bravely came over to high-five and hug the fans at full time.  But, maybe it had something to do with the hand that she broke during the game and did not notice for days after.  Milwaukee’s ‘ardest.  You best be glad that she is on our side.  (She will have her vengeance against Billericay.  In this cup, or the next.)

Last weekend’s Sutton-thrashing adventure was a joy to behold.  Though, very understandably, our Armada of the prior Sunday was reduced to a mere Pepper Flotilla.  Happily, the constant rain did nothing to dampen the spicy football.  It was fantastic to celebrate with Angel when she netted her first Hamlet goal.  And we were so happy for Lily, when we watched her bag a brace on her birthday (including one of her own trademark long-range worldies), before the entire squad yeeted her into the air for birthday bumps, after full time.

Talking of long, this week’s Pepper Army column has covered a lot of treasured DHFCW memories, and it has left even more out.  If Dave’s match-day program arrangement is anything like his game-day announcing, he’ll edit what he wants!

Harry

Remembering Mishi

For those who didn't know Mishi, its that time of year again to celebrate his life and his love in life, Dulwich Hamlet FC.

He would have loved today as he always had a dream that one day we would see Dulwich Hamlet at Wembley. Never happened of course but we did get close a few times.

At least we got to play a league team in the FA Cup before he died.

For those who don't know Mishi or his reputation, he was one of Dulwich's most famous and passionate fans. He adored the club and everything about it. Even changed his name to include Dulwich.

He was one of the founders of the original 'Rabble' many years ago, when being anti-racist, anti-sexist and pro LGBT was beyond unusual and led to the Rabble having some lively discussions with opposing fans, racists and bigots.

Mishi did as much as anyone to make Dulwich the amazing 'Community Club' they are, and he was so proud to collect the awards that Dulwich got ahead of hugely bigger clubs.

It's almost a cliche now that every club claims to be, but without Mishi, I doubt Dulwich would be famous the world over for who and what they have become.

Mishi strongly advocated reduced prices for certain groups and there was a lot of opposition initially, but as Liam said, '50% of something is better than 100% of nothing'..and then years later we were getting crowds of 3000 in a relegation season. I know some older fans dont like the 'nouveaus' but Mishi was never one of them.

He took such pride that we were getting crowds which matched some league teams.

Mishi was also one of the founders of our supporters team and formed amazing relationships with Altona, PSG and Namur. He was also a huge groundhopper and had visited almost every Czech and German ground and had just started on Hungary.

Mishi was also one of the main leaders who fought to get the current Dulwich ground built against the opposition of the local NIMBY's who claimed that Lordship Lane would collapse. How wrong could they be?

Mishi was also behind the road name campaign for Edgar Kail Way. And of course he was also the writer the Edgar Kail song, one we adapted from an England fans anti IRA song!

He watched every level of Dulwich team home and away and he was so proud when his two nephews played for the junior teams and even prouder when Kalvin played for the first team too, including that horrible defeat to Leatherhead in 2011 in the play offs.

His dream was always to see Dulwich play a league team in the FA Cup, and then when we drew Carlisle at home and the BBC picked it. Sheer joy for Mishi Dulwich Morath.

He was of course interviewed on the pitch before the game and he told me before, he would get in an anti-Tooting jibe, and of course he did, reminding everyone of the huge thrashing game...

Mishi was a great poet too, and very often the only working class poet at poetry events. Many of his poems were about the Hamlet, much to the bemusement of most of the attendees.

This is why Mishi's name lives on with a yearly poetry competition in his name from St Anthony's school, in Dulwich of course and some of them are here today.

There is also going to be a book of his poetry published, hopefully in December with all profits going to the Dulwich Hamlet Trust of course and I hope many of you will buy a copy. Initial draft title is 'The Rabble Rouser'.

The last piece of the jigsaw is getting the new ground, with its new parks, community facilities and a decent percentage of affordable housing.

Then Mishi's ashes can go there and he'll be raising a glass of coke, no ice, happily forever.

Black History Month | Saluting our Sisters

October is Black History Month (BHM) in the United Kingdom, when we collectively recognise the contributions of Black people to both British society, as well as globally.

Black History Month is a time of celebration, recognition, and sombre reflection.

The theme this year is ‘Saluting Our Sisters’, specifically celebrating and highlighting the achievements of Black women.

Black women have been at the heart of social justice movements throughout history, courageously battling oppression and advocating for change. However, their contributions are often ignored, with ideas often appropriated, and their voices silenced.

Black History Month 2023 offers a significant opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding achievements of black women, by focusing on honouring the matriarchs of movements and Saluting Our Sisters, as well as inspiring future generations and empowering them.

The theme of celebrating our sisters emphasises the vital role black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities.

Over the years, there have been influential black women who have broken down barriers within the game and keeping with this year’s themes I wanted to celebrate a few of them.

[b]Hope Powell [/b]

The 56-year-old is perhaps best-known for her tenure the first female and Black manager of any England national team.

After representing England Women and proving to be a regular goal scorer throughout the 1990s during her time with Millwall Lionesses and Fulham, Powell took charge of England between 1998-2013, winning the Cyprus Cup in 2009 and 2013 and taking the team to their first major final at the European Championship in 2009.

She was also the first female ever to obtain a UEFA Pro licence –the highest qualification available to a coach in Europe.

More recently, she was head coach of Brighton & Hove Albion in the Barclays WSL between 2017 and 2022 and after being among the coaching staff for the England men's under-20s team for their FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina, she has now joined Birmingham City as women's technical director.

[b]Rachel Yankey[/b]

A Lionesses legend with 129 caps and 19 goals.

A skilful and pacy forward, Rachel's international career began with a debut goal against Scotland in 1997 and she went on to play at EURO 2005 and 2013 and the World Cup in 2007, as well as representing Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics.

Her honours list at club level includes eleven Women’s FA Cup titles, two WSL medals and six league titles in the old FA Women’s Premier League.

Now working as a coach with young players in schools, Rachel received an MBE in 2014.

[b]Eniola Aluko[/b]

A pacy forward with an eye for goal, Eni was still studying for her A-Levels at school when she featured for the Lionesses at the 2005 EURO on home soil after emerging through England’s development teams in her teens.

She became a key figure in the squad for the next 12 years, going on to represent the Lionesses at the World Cup in 2007, 2011 and 2015 and the EURO Finals of 2005 and 2009, when she helped Hope Powell’s team to a runners-up medal.

In total, Eni reached 105 caps and scored 33 goals. She also had a glittering domestic career, representing her hometown Birmingham City, Charlton Athletic, Chelsea and Juventus, winning four Women’s FA Cups and three WSL titles.

Since her playing career ended, Eni has put her academic talents to good use by working as a sporting director with Aston Villa and Angel City in the USA as well as being a regular pundit in the media. Eni was awarded an MBE in 2023 and was also listed in the 2020 Power list to recognise the 100 most influential Black Britons.

[b]Lianne Sanderson[/b]

The Londoner burst onto the scene as a youngster with Arsenal, where her form saw her called into Hope Powell’s squad in May 2006.

She went on to feature at both the 2007 World Cup in China and the 2009 EUROs in Sweden and picked up a half-century of caps along with 15 goals.

Following a spell with Chelsea, she played for the likes of Philadelphia Independence, DC United and Boston Breakers in the USA, Espanyol in Spain, Appollon Limassol in Cyprus and Juventus in Italy.

Following her retirement from football, Lianne has become a regular face and voice in the sports media.

I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by many amazing black women in my life whom without, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. It is vital that black women’s contributions are recognised, and their voices heard.

Although Black History Month is a time for celebration and recognition it is not just exclusive to one month of the year. At Dulwich Hamlet FC we will continue to celebrate the achievements of black women within our football club.

Let us honour the achievements of black women, amplify their voices, and challenge the systems that oppress them.

Representation in football is something we continue to champion, and we know that senior and managerial roles within the game are not a true reflection of our communities.

Here at Dulwich Hamlet, we will continue to work towards creating opportunities and spaces for marginalised groups and advocate for accurate representation of the community we serve.

IN OUR HOUSE WE ARE ALL EQUAL

MILLSY