Opponents No.10 - Deans Park

London club Deans Park will always be associated with one man - Dennis "Chippy" Croker. The loudmouth television presenter of Goals Galore is Park's all time record goalscorer and capped player. Holder of the British record for most league and cup goals scored, until 1991/92 when Roy Race finally overtook the former England striker.

Chippy was nicknamed for his trademark lobbed finishes that saw him dominate defences for two decades, netting a remarkable 435 goals.

Croker's first manager was the long-serving Ron Whittaker, who led Deans to the First Divison for the first time in a generation, winning promotion in 1974/75. Having achieved his goal, Whittaker was underwhelming in the top flight and was replaced by the eccentric Brian Davidson early in 75/76.

Davidson was a wind-up merchant and took great delight in boasting of his new side's prowess. Wearing his lucky brightly coloured tweed jacket he had transformed Deans Park into title challengers. Through to the F.A. Cup Quarter Finals, Deans were in with a shout of the Double! Park were in amazing form going into the big cup tie, thrashing league leaders Tynecaster 6-1.

However in an amazing match against an equally in-form Melchester Rovers, Davidson's luck would run out. Roy Race scored twice in a 3-1 win and Davidson's lucky jacket was stolen. Without his inspiration Deans would fade eventually finishing fourth. But still the trio of Davidson the manager, Mike Grundy sweeping up at the back and Croker's insatiable appetite for goals had surprised everyone with such a strong display in their debut season in the top flight.

Thanks to Davidson and Croker's goals Deans Park were now an established First Division side. While they rarely challenged at the top, relegation was never a threat. In fact it is probably fair to say that Deans Park were a one man team. And it would take the arrival of another Croker to get Deans back at the top end of the table.

The stability of the late 70s, continued through the 80s, under the guidance of new manager Ken Marsh. A couple of stars emerged, winger Titch Norris and goalkeeper Jim Elliott. Elliott would keep his place in the Park goal well into his veteran years. During this period Deans would wear a strange variety of strips and colours:

1982/83

1984/85

1985/86

But then in the early 90s, now in a striking red and white shirts and black shorts; a strong, quick young forward was brought into the first-team - Matthew Croker, son of Chippy!

Matt's goals, often spectacular, fired Deans Park to the top of the table. But approaching transfer deadline day, Melchester Rovers, who were flexing their financial muscles, poached Croker for an undisclosed fee. Without their talisman, Park's title challenge would fade into a disappointing fifth place finish.

Now London's top performing club, surely Deans Park would take advantage of the new riches of the Premier League and challenge for the title. But has the emergence of big-spending London rivals Kelburn scuppered Deans' hopes of glory?