The club were formed in 1883 as Havant Rovers[1] and apart from a brief stint in the Hampshire League in the twenties, were members of the Portsmouth & District League for many years. In 1968 they amalgamated with Leigh Park - a hugely successful local outfit who had just won the FA Sunday Cup. [2]
Now known as Havant & Leigh Park[3] they won the Portsmouth League at the first attempt, and in 1971 stepped up to Division Four of the Hampshire League. Three successive promotions (including two titles) saw them quickly reach Division One.[4] In 1976, they were renamed as Havant Town, and in order to progress further, were seeking to move away from their basic Front Lawn ground. The club purchased the site of West Leigh Park in 1980 and moved in in August 1982. Further ground improvements were made as they emerged as a force, reaching the quarter finals of the FA Vase in 1986. [5]
Later that year the Wessex League was formed with Havant amongst the founder members.[6] After twice finishing runners-up, they were finally champions in 1991, and this was rewarded with promotion to Division One South of the Southern League, where they soon became regular title contenders.
In 1998 neighbours and league rivals Waterlooville sold their Jubillee Park ground. Both clubs were struggling to meet rising costs - so inorder to survive and progress, they then merged to create Havant & Waterlooville[7], continuing to play at Westleigh Park. [8]
Havant Town had many fine players over the years - most notably Bobby Tambling, who played as a youngster before enjoying a long and successful professional career with a number of top clubs.
Ground
Havant Town played at West Leigh Park, Martin Road, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 5TH.
The ground was opened in August 1982, [11] and is still used by Havant & Waterlooville, who have made significant improvements to enable their progression further up the pyramid system.
In 1986 Havant Town recorded their attendance of 3,000 for the FA Vase quarter-final against Wisbech Town - although this record for the stadium has since been superseded. [12]
Local Rivalries
Havant Town enjoyed a long running rivalry with a number of local clubs, most notably Horndean and neighbours Waterlooville - with whom they eventually merged with.[13]
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