Club history - Round Our Way

Club honours

Pitching In Southern League Division One South: Winners (1): 2021–22
Les Phillips Cup: Winners (1): 2018-19
South West Peninsula League Premier Division: Winners (1): 2013–14, 2017–18 & Runners-up (2): 2008–09, 2012–13
Plymouth & District League Division 2: Winners (1): 1990–91
Throgmorton cup: Winners (1): 2010–11, 2013-14
Devon Premier Cup: Runners-up (3): 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06
Plymouth & District League Division 3 Cup: Runners-up (1): 1989–90
Plymouth & District League Division 4 Cup: Winners (1): 1988–89
George Gillin Trophy: Winners (1) 2001–02 & Runners-up (2): 1997–98, 2002–03
Stafford Williams Trophy: Runners-up (2): 2000–01, 2001–02
Charity Bowl: Winners (1): 2014-15
Edenvale Turf St Luke’s Bowl: Winners (1): 2013–14, 2017-2018

Club history - Round our way

THIS IS HISTORY!

1980 – 1990

The club was originally formed in 1988 by Stuart Cadmore when a group of players left the youth team Plymouth Kolts and joined the Plymouth & District League in Division 4. In that same year the club secured sponsorship from Exeter Airport, and as part of that deal they changed their name to Ex-Air Flyers. They were the first club in Plymouth to be sponsored from outside the city limits. The club colours of yellow and blue are from the colours of the airport logo and remain the same today.

In their first season the club gained promotion and then moved to the Parkway Sports Club.

1990 – 2000

The club carried on being promoted in successive seasons until it reached Division one and was waiting to join the Premier Division when the Devon League was formed in 1992. The club decided to apply to become members of the Devon League instead as the Parkway Sports Club had sufficient facilities to join the league.

Unfortunately, 1992/93 was their last to be known as EAF Plymouth FC as they finished bottom of the table, but a new era was just around the corner.
During the 1993/94 season, Plymouth Parkway FC underwent a pivotal moment in its history.

Not only did the club change its name to Plymouth Parkway FC, but a new management team, led by Keith Pond and Gez Baggott, was persuaded to join. Before this, Pond and Baggott had achieved great success with Falstaff Wanderers in the Plymouth & District league.

Upon their appointment, Pond and Baggott made drastic changes to the squad, bringing their entire successful squad from Falstaff Wanderers with them. The decision proved to be astute, as Plymouth Parkway FC finished joint second in their first season. Although they narrowly missed out on securing second place overall, they managed a commendable third place based on goal difference.

Despite their early success, Keith Pond decided to step down from his position at the end of the season due to family reasons, leaving Gez Baggott as the first-team manager. Baggott proved to be an exceptional leader, holding the position for an astonishing 14 consecutive seasons and two more later in the club’s history, cementing his legacy in the club’s remarkable journey.

After the successful 1993/94 season, Parkway enjoyed stability within the Devon League and were quickly making a name for themselves, which drew attention from the South Western League teams across the Tamar.

To prevent players leaving for a higher level of football, the committee and management at that time (1998) decided to join and compete at the same level.

The move proved an extremely wise decision as although playing against teams with higher resources, Parkway more than held their own in the South Western League.
Parkway left the 90’s behind them with an 11th placed finish, winning 10 of their 36 fixtures.

2000 – 2010

On the eve of the 2000–01 season the club became homeless with the loss of the Parkway Sports Club due to a disagreement over the terms of the lease and subsequent maintenance costs. As a result, and with special permission from the league, the club spent that season having to play all its games away from home.

During their build up to the 2001/02 season the club announced they would be developing an area of Manadon as their new ground, to be known as Bolitho Park. While work was being completed, with assistance from Plymouth City Council, they used The Brickfields athletics ground in Devonport before they moved to their new and current home in August 2003.

Under the leadership of Chairman Jim Parsons and with the support of early sponsors such as Mortimers (Ian Mortimer), Gary Doel, and Gez Baggott Painters and Decorators, Parkway continued to perform well in the South Western League. However, the most significant progress came in terms of infrastructure at Bolitho.

In the 2006-07 season, the club made its debut in the FA Vase and achieved an impressive feat by reaching the second qualifying round. The following season saw the merger of the South Western Football League and the Devon County Football League, leading to the establishment of the South West Peninsula League, with Parkway as one of the founding members.

As the decade was nearing its conclusion, another vital addition to the club was Garry Turner, who joined as the groundsman, ensuring the playing field was well-maintained. A year later, Genny Turner also joined as the secretary, handling administrative responsibilities for the club. Both Garry and Genny Turner continue to hold these positions today.

2010 – 2020

The football club’s identity is rooted in a determination to advance and excel both on and off the field. After spending nearly two decades in the South Western leagues, the club’s leadership decided to formulate a plan to climb higher in the football hierarchy.

To achieve this goal, they recognized certain areas where Plymouth Parkway, as a business, needed improvement. This led to a busy summer before the 2016/17 season, culminating in a merger with another ambitious Plymouth-based football club named Bar Sol Ona.

The leadership structure saw changes as well, with Bar Sol Ona’s Chairman, Mark Russell, assuming the role of Plymouth Parkway’s Chairman. Lee Hobbs was appointed as the first-team manager, while the former Plymouth Parkway Chairman, Jim Parsons, transitioned into the role of Club President. Gez Baggott, the former General Manager, took on the position of Vice-chairman.

This merger injected renewed energy and ambition into the club, leading to increased financial capabilities. The board, which included long-serving Club Secretary Genny Turner and Treasurer Brian Martin, wasted no time in expressing their intentions by seeking promotion to the Toolstation Western Football League.

In 2015, life vice-president and founder member of Plymouth Parkway Stuart Cadmore, formed the Plymouth Parkway Supporter’s Club. The supporter’s club has become an essential and vital group within the football club, helping to develop and enhance the reputation, stature, and progress of the yellows on, and off the pitch.

The 2017-18 season was exceptional, with Plymouth Parkway achieving promotion as League Champions of the SWPL, having suffered only one defeat throughout the campaign.

The subsequent season of 2018/2019 proved to be equally impressive for Plymouth Parkway as they embarked on their first Western League campaign. They secured a runner-up position in the league and the Devon St Luke’s Bowl. They also clinched victory in the prestigious Les Phillips League Cup.

2020 – present

The impact of Covid-19 on sports, including non-league football, was indeed significant in 2020. The decision to curtail the 2019-20 season came as a response to the government’s lockdown plans to control the spread of the virus.

Parkway, being in second place with a strong position to compete for the top spot, faced disappointment due to the sudden suspension of the season. They were just three points behind the league leaders and had three games in hand, which could have potentially led them to win the league.

However, despite the challenges faced during the season, Parkway experienced a remarkable achievement when they reached the quarter-finals of the FA Vase. Unfortunately, their journey ended with a 2-0 defeat to Hebburn Town in the competition. Despite the loss, this achievement brought national exposure and recognition to the club.

The season’s events were captured on film, leading to the production of a documentary titled “Round Our Way.” This documentary gained impressive viewership figures, reaching over 50,000 views, and provided a unique insight into Parkway’s journey through the challenging 2019-20 season and their historic FA Vase run.

The Yellows had a strong start to the 2020/21 season, leading the league with a 10-point margin after 13 games. However, due to the resurgence of Covid-19, the season was curtailed, and the government had no option but to enforce another lockdown.

The Football Association (FA) had plans to reshape the non-league pyramid before the season began, and following the second curtailment, they implemented the changes. As Parkway had been one of the best-placed points-per-game teams over the previous two curtailed seasons, they were awarded upward movement to the Southern League Division One South Division, which is step four of the non-league pyramid.

The Southern League adventure began with sad news that Charlie Baggott, a founder member of the football club had sadly passed away. Charlie played a crucial role in shaping the face of Bolitho Park and was a much-loved figure by everybody at the football club.

Further news was to follow ahead of the new season as Truro City would become ground-sharing neighbours following their departure from their home ground, Treyew Road. This new agreement would mark the re-development of Bolitho Park.

Bolitho Park had seen a mini redevelopment in previous years with the construction of a multi-purpose club house which provided modern amenities and facilities to the players and supporters alike. This addition not only elevated the infrastructure of the ground but also created a welcoming atmosphere for all.

The improvements extended to the playing surface, where extensive work was carried out. One of the most significant enhancements was the construction of the “Charlie Baggott stand.” This 250-seater stand was aptly named after a cherished figure in the club’s history, honouring the legacy of an individual who had contributed significantly to Plymouth Parkway’s growth.

Further elevating the fan experience, the ground saw the addition of covers to three sides of the stadium. This provided much-needed shelter to supporters, allowing them to cheer on their team regardless of weather conditions. These additions added a new dimension to the Parkway experience, making it a more comfortable and enjoyable destination for fans.

Parkway’s promotion to the higher division was met with scepticism and questioning during the start of the 2021-22 season. As the season progressed, their performance in October was particularly dismal, leading to even more doubts and criticism from pundits.

However, Parkway managed to turn things around in the latter part of the season. After the Christmas period, the team seemed to find their rhythm and began performing at their best. The players came together, and the squad started to gel, resulting in a remarkable resurgence.

This newfound momentum culminated in a historic moment for the club as they secured the league title on their very first attempt in the Southern League. Parkway managed to finish the season three points ahead of their nearest rivals, Frome Town, underlining their dominance in the league.

The historic moment was again captured on film by Parkway Media, who chronicled every thrilling moment of the remarkable season. “Round Our Way Again,” immortalised the emotions and celebrations that swept through the fans and players alike. The show’s popularity soared, with viewing figures again exceeding 50,000, spreading the story of Parkway’s journey to glory far and wide.

Last season, the football club more than held their own in the Southern Premier South Division and after a difficult start, the club finished in the top 10 and established themselves as a step 3 footballing club. What’s next? Join as at Bolitho Park and become part of the history!


2	Uxbridge FC	26	11
3	Bath City	26	13
4	Hanworth Villa	24	13
5	Plymouth Parkway	23	11
6	Chichester	22	13
7	Taunton Town	19	12
8	Chertsey	19	12

Plymouth Parkway

Match Outlook

Premier South