Havant & Waterlooville

History

Havant & Waterlooville FC, often known as The Hawks, have a rich history in non-league football, tracing their roots back to 1883 with Havant FC. The modern club emerged from a 1998 merger between Havant Town FC and Waterlooville FC. This fusion marked a new era for the club, beginning with winning the Southern League Southern Division in their inaugural season and earning a promotion to the Premier Division.

The club’s journey has been marked by significant achievements and challenges. In 2004, they were part of the newly structured Conference South, maintaining their position in the division with notable performances, including narrowly escaping relegation in the 2011-2012 season. Their most remarkable feat came in the 2007/08 FA Cup, where as underdogs, they reached the Fourth Round, defeating higher league teams and eventually playing against Liverpool at Anfield in a memorable match that ended 5-2 in Liverpool’s favor.

Under Lee Bradbury’s management since 2018, the club achieved promotion to The National League, the pinnacle of their journey. Despite facing relegation and Bradbury’s eventual departure, the club’s resilience has been evident. They’ve focused on a mix of young talent and experienced players, striving for financial prudence and long-term stability. The club also boasts facilities like The Westleigh public house and has maintained its Conference ‘A’ Standard stadium, showing their commitment to growth and community engagement.