A Swifts history

Authors David Scott and former Swifts secretary Chris Daines will be present at Heybridge Swifts' Aspen-Waite ground on Saturday 1st September to sign copies of their new book, Heybridge Swifts - the club that refused to die. They will also be answering questions about how this unique project came about.

The book is the definitive history of the club since the first Heybridge football club was formed in 1880. From Fred Perry, Evelyn Last and Bertie Powell to the four Gill brothers whom played in the same side; from 'Stumpy' Moss and Mick Gibson, to 'Quaf' Gill and Dennis Fenn; from Joe Sullivan to Garry Hill it is a story spanning three centuries of the people who have played key roles in a village football club which refused to die in the 1960s when evicted at short notice from their beloved ground.

And while it is a record of championships and memorable matches from 1880 to 2018 it is also a story about community-minded people who are willing to give up their spare time so that their local team can prosper.

More than 150 supporters have already paid for their book and had their name included in a special section at the back.

David commented: "I was the club's guest when they played Exeter City in the first round of the FA Cup last November and came away thinking there was a wonderful story that needed telling. Chris has done some excellent research while I have interviewed 61 former managers, players and supporters and done the writing."

The book costs ten pounds from the ground, or twelve pounds including postage and packing from Chris Daines, who you can contact on Hsfcdaines@aol.com