BACKSTORY OF THE CLUB
The Royal Oak FC was formed in the tap room of the Royal Oak public house back in 1997 by lifelong friends Steve Bracknall and Paul Sampson.
It was a straightforward deal for landlord and landlady Terry and June. Paul and Steve run the club on the premise that everyone boozed in the Oak afterwards. Terry and June showed further commitment to the cause with the promise of free sausage and chips post-match providing the lads spent plenty on ale afterwards. *Please note this has since been revoked due to the cost-of-living crisis.
Since the club’s formation the ambition has remained the same, to gain promotion to the coveted Meadowhall Premier League. This has yet to be achieved and the club find themselves languishing in the fifth tier of the Sheffield Sunday Imperial league. This has not deterred the group however and 15 years ago The Oak’s assistant manager Steve Bracknall decided to grant cameras behind the scenes access to the club.
Over the years the club gained cult status amongst the online community until everything changed in November 2024 when one clip went viral and captured the imagination of grassroot football fans across the globe.
The club will often fill a minibus to away games which includes lifelong fans such as Carpet Dave, MOT Mick, and Firestick Dean. Whilst fortunes off the field seem to be on the rise, questions remain as to whether the club can steer themselves towards the upper levels of the Sheffield Sunday league.
MEET THE SQUAD
Step into the Oak dressing-room: stats, stories, and the kind of profiles only a Sunday-league physio with a marker pen could assemble.
Manager
PAUL SAMPSON
First team manager and lifelong friend of Steve Bracknall. Paul originally formed the club with Steve. In recent years his commitment to the club has come under scrutiny especially after buying a time share in Tenerife and going on multiple golfing trips mid-season leaving Steve to hold the fort. He still has the final say over any tactical decisions that are made much to the annoyance of Steve.
SPONSOR:
Guards Electrics
Club physio
BOB THE BUCKET
Club physio and general caretaker Bob the Bucket has been with the club for over ten years. No one really knows why and when he joined but he did. General job roles include cleaning dog shit up, putting nets up, filling water bottles alongside prevention and rehab of all Oak players.
SPONSOR:
Franks Hardware shop
Defender
ELLIOTT
A recent signing Elliott is as hard as nails. A no nonsense centre back who fights for the badge week in, week out. He embodies what it means to be a part of the Oak by taking responsibility both on and off the pitch.
SPONSOR:
Sheff Kebab House
Midfielder
WYNNY
Having been stripped of the captaincy in 2022, Matthew Wynne isn’t without controversy. It is however his ability to turn a match in an instant which ensures he remains the Royal Oaks number 10. The Oak answer to Diego Maradona is never far from the headlines.
SPONSOR:
XECE Crypto
Striker
SPOONER
Brought in to deliver the goods for Tommy as second striker, Spooner is simply known as the postman. He can often be found in the tap room of the Oak telling anyone who will listen that he “once played with Jamie Vardy.” But whilst Jamie’s career went from strength to strength, Spooner opted for a steady career in window cleaning.
SPONSOR:
Spooners window cleaning
Assistant Manager
STEVE BRACKNALL
Assistant manager Steve Bracknall is to many the lifeblood of the club. Having agreed to front the club in terms of marketing and PR, Steve is the link between the fans and the club. No one cares about the Oak like Steve. Loving husband to Our Nikki and doting father to Our Olivia, come Sunday Steve is transformed into passionate assistant who would literally die for the cause. He cites man management as his strong point.
SPONSOR:
Nikki's Hair and Beauty
Goal Keeper
ROBBIE
The Oak’s number 1 is known as Mr reliable and come rain or shine Robbie can be seen in between the sticks barking orders at his often-makeshift defence. No one really knows why he talks in a Manchester accent, but Steve puts it down to his unhealthy obsession with everything Oasis.
SPONSOR:
Wadsley Phone and Vapes
Defender
PARKSY
The Oaks longest serving player at the ripe old age of 53. Whilst some have questioned his performances recently, Steve views his experience as invaluable. He is the only player in the history of football to have had 3 x testimonials.
SPONSOR:
Mick’s MOT Centre
Striker
TOMMY
Club captain and fans favourite Tommy Marrison is a founding member of the Royal Oak FC. Despite his fluctuating form he remains the Oaks main Tallysman. Concerns have been raised within the fanbase in regards to his fitness but Steve and Paul remain confident that he is the man to lead the Oak out from the front.
SPONSOR:
Claires Chippy
Utility man
HOUSEY
Forever the substitute, The Oak’s number 12 is simply part of the furniture. Whilst fans such as Avon Donna have previously called for him to move on Steve remains loyal to Housey.
Forever forgetting to pay his subs Housey is a constant thorn in the side for Steve and Paul, having said that he turns up week in and week out despite only getting 5 to 10 minutes each week.
SPONSOR:
Terry and June (Landlord & Landlady)
CLUB INFORMATION
Tickets: See Terry, June or Steve
Nearest tram stop: Middlewood Road
Winn Gardens, Sheffield, S6 1UH
HOW TO FIND US
If you're driving up leppings lane. Go round one way system. Hillsbrough park will be on ya left. At them lights turn right and carry straight on. Don’t turn for yonks. Eventually you’ll see a layby with a fried chicken shop set back. Ya wanna turn right there and follow it through estate to bottom.
Alternatively, convoy it and put it in sat nav. Away supporters are welcome at Royal Oak after match...providing there’s been no bother during game. Steve.
25/26 ROYAL OAK STRIP
This season’s armour drops in the classic dark-blue and black stripes, built to survive gravel tackles, pint splashes and Sheffield drizzle, all while flying the “Together as One” neck tag. Pull it on, stroll into the tap room, and watch Terry nod in quiet respect, you’re officially squad.
