OPPOSITION FOCUS | Bishops Stortford (H)

Written by Nicola C Creative

The Key Info

Founded: 1874

Nickname: The Blues

Manager: Steve Castle

Stadium: ProKit UK Stadium

Capacity: 4525

The History

Bishop's Stortford, a historic and resilient club, was founded in 1874. Within their first 11 years they became founding members of the Hertfordshire County FA and then later were also founding members of the Delphian League in 1951, which they won in the 1954-55 campaign. The Blues have seen success in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy, reaching the first round of the FA Cup for the first time in the 1970-71 season. They then won the FA Trophy just 10 seasons later, lifting the trophy at Wembley.

Bishop’s Stortford achieved promotion to the National League North after winning the Southern League Premier in the 2022-23 season but were relegated back to the Southern League Premier Division Central the very next season. They are still currently members of the Southern League Premier Division Central and play at Woodside Park.

The Manager: Steve Castle

Castle started his footballing career as a player, making over 500 Football League appearances. In his respected playing career he captained well-known sides such as Leyton Orient, Peterborough Utd, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle. In September 2006, Castle spent two years as Assistant Manager at Cambridge United before taking the reins at St Albans City where he spent three years, followed by two years at Takeley.

Castle then spent 10 years in charge of Royston Town, his longest tenure as a club manager, before being appointed The Blues manager in May 2024. Ending his first season at the helm, Castle and The Blues finished in 15th with 51 points in Southern League Premier Central Division 2024/25.

The Skipper: Jake Thompson

After signing in June 2024, the 26 year old commanding central defender made 48 appearances and scored twice. He then re-signed for The Blues for season 25/26 retaining the armband for another season.

Previous to his time at Bishop’s Stortford, Thompson spent 4 years at Brightlingsea Regent making almost 150 appearances for the club.

Last 5 Games:

Lost 0-1 vs Leiston (H)

Lost 0-1 vs Stourbridge (H)

Win 1-0 vs Real Bedford (H)

Draw 1-1 vs Real Bedford (A)

Win 2-0 vs Royston Town (H)

Recent form:

The Blues have been off to a flying start in the Southern League Premier Division, winning 4 of their last 5 league games and winning their FA Cup replay against Real Bedford to move forward in the competition.

The Blues have scored in all but 1 league game so far this season, conceding to Stourbridge in the 90+6 minute to lose their most recent game 1-0. Currently looking to be pushing the top of the table come season end the Blue will be hoping for a repeat of their 2022/2023 promotion.

Ones to Watch:

Name: Saleem Akanbi

Joined: July 2025

Position: Left Winger

Saleem Akanbi is a familiar name for many Tudors fans, representing the club in Oct-Nov 2024. Joining the Tudors after his departure from Cambridge United in July 2024, Akanbi made 10 appearances and scored 2 goals. He then joined fellow National League South side Chelmsford before signing for the Blues in July 2025. So far making 2 appearances and scoring 3 goals for the Blues this season. We look forward to welcoming Akanbi back to the Focus.

Name: Luka Chalwell

Joined: Feb 2025

Position: Forward

Chalwell is the product of Poole Town Academy and was the first British Virgin Islander to play in the FA Youth Cup. In June 2023 Chalwell signed a two-year contract with Eastleigh, also making him the first ever British Virgin Islander to sign a professional contract. He has also played for Sholing (loan) and Winchester City. The young forward impressed the Blues fans within his first 15 appearances for the club, scoring 4 goals. He then re-newed his commitment to the Blues for the 2025/26 season, already scoring 3 goals within his two appearances so far this season. Chalwell scored both goals against Royston Town in their recent 2-0 victory against the side.

Name: Nahum Melvin-Lambert

Joined: Dec 2024

Position: Forward

Melvin-Lambert is another name known by Tudor fans. He started his career at Reading Academy and then made his senior debut for the club in Sept 2020. In Oct 2022 the talented forward joined the Tudors on loan making 3 appearances, scoring 1 in his short spell with the club. After spells with Weymouth and Sutton Common Rovers, Melvin-Lambert signed with the Blues in Dec 2024. He scored 5 goals in his 17 appearances for season 2024/25, re-signing for season 2025/26 Melvin-Lambert continued his good run for the club scoring 2 goals in the Blues recent 6-1 win against Sudbury.