Pitching In to the Isthmian League: Hanworth Villa

We asked a supporter from each of our new or returning members to tell you more about their club. Paul Deller is a committed Villain. A trip to Hanworth? That's Entertainment!


1. Tell us how you became a fan? What attracted you to the club initially?

I was first involved with Hanworth Villa in a playing capacity back in our Middlesex County League days, a very tough league which brought players together as a team. As the years rolled on the guys retired and many, like me, still needed something on a Saturday to fill the void. This came in the form of management, training, coaching and generally building up the club we played for.

2. And what is it about the club that has kept you there since?

The main reason we all are drawn back to HVFC is the sense of comrades in arms. We didn't just play on a Saturday afternoon, we went for a beer after the game and many a night putting the world to rights until closing time.

3. What does a typical home matchday look like for you?

The Committee members are usually at the ground on match days about lunch time. This gives us two or three hours to get the place ship shape. Plenty to get done even in our non league capacity. Hopefully with our newfound status after promotion more supporters will come flooding through our refurbished turnstiles.

4. Is there a moment in the history of your club that supporters always talk about? What would it be- and why is it important to you all?

A little over ten years ago we had a marvellous FA cup run missing out on the first round proper by one round. We had TV cameras in the coach and achieved a small amount of fame, we all enjoyed it and remember it with fondness.


5. For the benefit of those who haven’t visited before, describe your ground.

Our ground is a typical non league stadium, a couple of seating stands and the Cow Shed for the locals to stand in. The bar is a reasonable size where all are welcome. A great many away fans and ground hoppers often stay for a few beers to soak up the atmosphere, something we at the club are very proud of.

6. If an away fan was travelling to your ground for the first time, how would you recommend they got there? Tell us about parking and public transport.

Feltham station is the nearest mainline stop. With a bus H25 that will transfer quite close to ground. The 111 bus from Hounslow stops at the top of the road and the 290 from Twickenham stops at Bear road flyover just a short walk.

7. Finally, pie, burger or pint? What would you recommend, and why?

There's always the usual fair with burgers and sausage rolls, but a couple of beers mellows the soul.

Follow the Pitching In Isthmian League on Instagram. Head here or search for theisthmianleague on your app. We're also on Facebook and Twitter.

Where next?

Pitching In to the Isthmian League: Lowestoft Town We asked a supporter from each of our new or returning members to tell you more about their club. Steven End brings his Trawler into port for Lowestoft Town.
Pitching In to the Isthmian League: Chatham Town We asked a supporter from each of our new or returning members to tell you more about their club. Daniel Vero takes on the role of club ambassador and local area tour guide!

The Pitching In Isthmian Football League newsletter

Keep up-to-date with our exclusive email newsletters.

Subscribe