Wareham Rangers F.C.

Wareham Rangers F.C.
Full nameWareham Rangers Football Club
Founded1896
GroundPurbeck Sports Centre
ChairmanChris White
ManagerSimon Landers
LeagueDorset Premier League

Wareham Rangers F.C. are a long running amateur football club based in Wareham — a historic market down situated in the Purbeck area in Dorset.

The club are affiliated to the Dorset County Football Association and run two adult and six youth sides. The Senior team have a long history of playing county league football.

History

Wareham Rangers F.C. were founded in 1896 (originally as Wareham Town and then just Wareham) and spent their early days playing friendly fixtures before joining the Dorset Football League, where they held membership for many years.[1]

In 1957, Wareham Rangers became founder members of the Dorset Combination[2] and won the League Cup in 1963, after a thrilling 4–3 win over Portland United Reserves.[3] They were losing finalists the following two seasons. In 1968 they were relegated, but returned three years later. Although they frequently struggled in the league, Wareham performed better in the cups, twice more reaching the league cup final and the 1978 Dorset Senior Cup final, when they were beaten by a strong Weymouth side.

In 2002, the Dorset Combination became known as the Dorset Premier League, but four years later Wareham finished bottom of the table and were relegated. After a spell of rebuilding, they were promoted back in 2012. This time, their form improved and they finished fifth, equalling their highest final position (achieved twice previously).

Tragedy struck in November 2022 when first team coach Rob Braid passed away on a match day.[4] The trauma and suddenness of the incident shook the club to such a point that it was necessary for the well-being of everyone involved to withdraw and come to terms with the tragic events.

Wareham continued to operate in the Dorset League, maintaining the Reserves position in Division 1, which had recently been strengthened by an influx of new clubs from the now defunct Bournemouth League.[5] After a spell of rebuilding, two successive promotions saw a return to the Dorset Premier League in 2026.

In 2025, the youth section was relaunched[6] and the team earned the "Positive Behaviour Award" from the Dorset FA.[7]

Honours

Playing Records

Dorset Premier League

FA Cup

FA Amateur Cup

Ground

Wareham Rangers Football Club play at Purbeck Sports Centre, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4PN.[9]

The venue is owned by Dorset County Council. It has a large car park and pavilion. The main football pitch is enclosed with a small wooden stand for spectators.

Notable players

The Wareham Rangers have had many players - notably goalkeeper David Best, who was born in the town and played for the club in his youth before a professional career with AFC Bournemouth, Oldham Athletic, Ipswich Town and Portsmouth.[10] He was later player-manager of Dorchester Town.[11]

Local rivalries

Purbeck neighbours Swanage Town & Herston and Corfe Castle are regarded their two main local rivals. Their meetings generate much interest and attract large crowds.

References

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