Which club do we consider our biggest rivals & how do you measure that, is it buy frequency of times played, geographic location, an irrational hatred, the fact that we can never beat them or simply because they play in green?

I have listed 8 off the more recent teams who could be considered rivals, vote for yours and add to those who are missing!

Staines from the first match when we lost in 1962 in the Amateur Cup.

AFC Wimbledon. I just find it so funny that they hate us so much. I think we have played them 4 times since they formed and we have won all 4.... and they blame everything from the ref to a crossbar to dirty tactics... must have been more contributing to Hampton smashing them 4-0 on their own turf.... I wonder if any other team has a 100% record Vs them?

Jamie we have actually beaten them 5 times (a 2-0 win in a Pre-season friendly in 2003/04)

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Maidstone born but Hampton bred

At various stages in Hampton's history there can be a claim for all of the above.

I also hated Aldershot when we used to play them in the league. They suffered from the same BBB's syndrome that much of AFCW suffer. And George Borg didn't help matters! I remember laughing quite alot on hearing the story when he got kicked in the nads by a former player! Couldn't believe it when Hampton were winning at the Rec only for them to equalise in about the 13th minute of extra time! Gutted. Still Warren Williams wonder solo goal in the 1-0 win at home made up for it.... what a tactic by Cordeys giving him the number 2 shirt and start off deep looking like a full back only to pretty much run the lenth of the pitch and slot it home.

Historically Staines Town are Hampton's main rivals.

As AFC Wimbledon are only a recent arrival on the football scene they can only be H&RBs 'biggest rivals' if you've only been watching H&RB in the last few years.

When Hampton entered the world of senior football in the 60s Kingstonian, Sutton and Walton & Hersham were playing at a higher level and we rarely played any of them so never built up any rivalry.
I suppose that in one definition of 'rivals' being 'to strive to equal or excel' then maybe they are.

Chertsey were never a real threat in Spartan League days and their 'glory years' much later (Isthmian Premier) coincided with H&RBs 'not so glorious years'. So not much rivalry there.

The rivalry with Aldershot was based on a few seasons when they 'got stuck' in Isthmian Division One and we had some memorable games with them. A short lived rivalry then.

Although Molesey aren't in the poll list they are geographically (along with Staines) probably H&RBs main rivals over the years.

Out of the list the two that stick out are Staines and Wimbledon. Staines are an old rival from before i have been around but with wimbledon who are of course new to the scene there is a chance of much better banter due to them having a following. Also when we play AFC in the league we know we have a guaranteed 6 points a year!!

......

No doubt about which team has been the biggest rival over the years !
This must be Staines Town.
From the very early days to 'the goal that wasn't' and more recently, no stronger rivals could there be than Hampton and Staines. The other suggested Clubs do not come near to the dislike, competitive edge, and excitement when these sides meet.

The way things are planning out in the Ryman, it looks as if Staines and AFC Wimbledon may be playing each other to come into our league. However we may have flown the nest, so old rivalries may be 'on hold'.

Out of those I'd prefer Staines to come up. A bit of old rivalry is always fun. As for AFC there fans will just mouth off about on their way back to league football... Although sure some of them will jump on the doub;e winning bandwaggon of the real club Mind you having AFC in our league should we miss out on going up would mean a guaranteed six points next season!

Staines town

I note that on the Staines fan forum they are debating the 'goal that never was' in May 1970 cup game.


Perhaps we should direct them to Tony Nash's excellent book on the club's history and the foreword by Alan Simpson?

Or perhaps a Shepperton Supporter could be guest PA announcer next time we play Staines at The Bev. Paul Barker could take the confession.