League Two: Bromley’s 132-year wait to host Football League match is over

Bromley Football Club’s story began in 1892 as part of the South London League before the club became a founding member of the Southern League two years later.

The Ravens had stints playing games at Queensmead Recreation Ground, Glebe Road and Plaistow Cricket Club, before finding their permanent home at Hayes Lane in 1938.

Oliver first started attending games as a child with his dad, George, in the 1950s.

They would arrive at half-time as you could get in the ground for free after the first half had finished, he recalled.

His grandmother served tea and Bovril to the supporters while they watched their team.

By 1961, he was attending every game home and away, as he does to this day, aged 77.

His collection of memorabilia includes matchday programmes from before World War One and medals that are more than 100 years old.

Such has been his prominence at the club, he was characterised in the 2018 film The Bromley Boys, set during the Lillywhites’ dire 1969-70 season when they won just three league games.

“I did get quite emotional at the end of the game [the promotion final at Wembley],” he added.

“Supporting this team through thick and thin, through the good years and the bad.

“It’s not just about staying in the league, we’ll prove a lot of people wrong.

“For years in the National League, we were called a tinpot club, but we are not a tinpot club. We are so much more professional now.”