The History of Long Melford Football Club: 1940-1959
Lurching from success to almost extinction, Long Melford Football Club survived some dramatic years.
The club eventually purchased, through public subscription, their present ground ‘Stoneylands’ in the late 1940s.
Over the years Melford have had the “benefits” of having several talented professionals turn out and against at the club.
In the late 1940’s Alf-Chalkley ex West Ham fall back who kept the Black Lion PH was appointed player-coach.
Soon after this Bert Barlow ex Barnsley/Wolves, Leicester player became player-coach. Barlow won an FA Cup winners medal with Portsmouth in 1939 when he scored two goals in the 4:1 victory over Wolves.
Three years on Long Melford won the Suffolk Senior Cup in the early 1950s.
Until 1959 The Cock & Bell PH was used as headquarters and changing rooms for the club, with all players having to walk down the Village Street for the games at Stoneylands! After this changing rooms were built at Stoneylands by voluntary labour and exist to this day..
Melford dominated the Suffolk Senior Cup in the ‘fifties, with a hat-trick of wins over both neighbours Sudbury (twice) and Ipswich Town at Portman Road from 1952/53 to 1954/55.
The county cup was always held dear by many at the Club.
