It was a nerve-wracking afternoon at Pittville Park as Chairman Arthur Hayward anxiously awaited the outcome of Cheltenham Town’s crucial match 40 years ago. A penalty from Brian Hughes secured their promotion to the top level of non-league football, marking a historic moment for the club. Led by 29-year-old manager John Murphy, the team faced tough competition from King’s Lynn and Crawley Town in the Southern League Premier Division title race. Following an impressive hat-trick from Mark Boyland, the team secured a vital victory over rivals Gloucester City, leading them to the final day where they needed to beat Alvechurch at home to secure promotion.
Despite facing injuries, the squad managed to clinch a 2-1 victory, thanks to Boyland’s opener and Player of the Year Hughes’ decisive penalty. This crucial win marked a significant turning point in the club’s history, leading them to achieve national league status. Murphy fondly remembers the ambitious and competitive spirit of the players, acknowledging their pivotal role in the team’s success.
Under Murphy’s leadership, the team’s achievements were a result of a cohesive and determined squad who were relentless in their pursuit of victory on and off the pitch. The title win was the culmination of dedicated efforts and the collective ambition of the players, etching their names into the history of Cheltenham Town.
Cheltenham Town’s triumph in the Southern League Midland Division in 1982/83 under the guidance of Alan Wood laid the foundation for further success, as Murphy built on this by recruiting key players and instilling a professional mindset within the team. The players' dedication and commitment ultimately paved the way for their historic promotion to the national division.