MEET THE OPPOSITION | BATH CITY
Oxford City head to Bath this weekend for the final fixture of the regular season, and with it all still to play for.
We take a closer look at the Hoops’ opposition ahead of Saturday’s game.
History:
Formed in 1889, Bath City were originally known as Bath AFC, and played regular friendlies with neighbouring teams like Yeovil, Swindon and Weston-super-Mare. After two years, the club faced financial difficulty and ceased operation for nine years, until 1900. At the turn of the century, Bath AFC was re-formed by members of the Bath Association Cricket Club, and a new name - Bath City FC - was decided upon.
Bath played in a number of local divisions in their early years, before eventually joining the English Section of the Southern League in 1921. In their first game, against Swindon Town, more than 4,000 supporters were in attendance.
The Romans were temporarily accepted into the Football League North upon the outbreak of the Second World War, and competed against the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Aston Villa. Under the guidance of Ted Davis, Bath were crowned champions, and became the only semi-professional team to ever win a Football League trophy.
Over the second half of the 20th century, Bath yo-yoed between the Conference and the Southern League, and when the Conference South was formed in 2004, the club were demoted with the Southern League to what became the seventh tier. Two years later, Bath were promoted to the Conference South as champions, with 91 points. Since 2007, the Romans have played nearly every campaign in what is now the National League South, except for two seasons in the Conference National - between 2010 and 2012.
Current Form:
Jerry Gill’s side head into Saturday’s clash struggling for consistency, and with nothing but league position to play for. The Romans were victorious last time out, away to Hungerford Town, but had lost five of their previous six - a run of form that has seen the team slide down the VNLS table and away from play-off contention.
A win on the weekend could see Bath finish as high as 11th - a marked improvement on the 18th-placed finish of last term. But the hosts will be more than aware of Oxford City’s threat, particularly when all three points would see the Hoops secure third.
Meet the gaffer: Jerry Gill
A vastly experienced player, Gill played throughout the English divisions, making his Football League debut at the age of 27 for Birmingham City.
The Romans’ now manager made more than 200 appearances for the club between 1990 and 1996, in the early years of his playing career.
The 52-year-old started his coaching career at fellow VNLS side Weymouth in 2010, before taking up a scouting role with Norwich City, and then the post of Academy U18 head coach at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In 2017, seven months after departing Wolves, Gill was appointed first team manager at Bath City, where he has remained since. In his first four seasons, he led his side to consecutive ninth-placed finishes, as well as a fifth-placed finish in 2018/19, and a fourth-placed finish in 2019/20.
After the challenges of Covid-19, and the abandoned 2021/21 campaign, Gill’s team struggled to 18th place last year. This time around, the club look set to improve on last season’s efforts, with a top-half finish now guaranteed.
Club Captain: Kieran Parselle
26-year-old defender Parselle came through the ranks at Newport County before making his debut, aged 18, against Wolverhampton Wanderers. A month later, the centre-back was named as one of the 'top 11 under 21 footballers to look out for' by FourFourTwo.
Two years later, Parselle was released by Newport, and subsequently signed for National League South side Gloucester City. After a year with the Tigers, the defender moved on, to Chippenham Town, where his performances saw him named in the Vanarama and Non League paper National League South 2021/22 teams of the season.
Parselle signed for Bath City last summer, and has already surpassed 50 appearances for the Romans in what has been a consistent personal campaign. Captain of the side, the defender last week signed a new contract which will see him continue with Bath next season.
Key Player: Scott Wilson
Scott Wilson returned for a second stint with Bath City last July, having previously played for the club nine years ago. Stepping down a division from National League outfit Dagenham and Redbridge, the striker has proved an excellent signing for the Romans, and with five goals in his last three matches, will no doubt be one for the City defence to contend with.
A prolific Non-League striker, Wilson currently sits joint-fifth in the National League South scoring charts for 2022/23, with 17 goals.
The 30-year-old, who came through the ranks at Championship side Bristol City, has experience across the English divisions, with spells at Eastleigh, Macclesfield Town (where he helped the Silkmen to the Vanarama National League title), Oldham Athletic and Notts County.
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