OPPOSITION FOCUS | Hampton & Richmond (H)

Written by Nicola Sear

Key Info:

Founded: 1921

Nickname: The Beavers

Manager: Alan Dowson

Stadium: The Beveree

Capacity: 3,800

Hampton FC were formed in 1921 and was originally an amateur side made up of students from the nearby Hampton Grammar School. In 1973 the club became members of the Isthmian League, this marked their shift towards semi-professional football. The club changed its name in 1999 to Hampton & Richmond Borough FC, this was to strengthen links with the Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

The Beavers were promoted to the Conference South (known now as the National League South) in the 2007/08 season. In the following season, 2008/09, the side finished 2nd in the Conference South, their highest ever league position, and reached the play-off final, narrowly missing out on promotion to the National League. The club has also made memorable runs in the FA Cup, reaching the First Round Proper several times.

The Manager: Alan Dowson 

A familiar name at The Focus, previous Hemel Hempstead FC manager Alan Dowson officially returned to the Beavers, for his second spell as manager on 8 December 2025. In that same month, he celebrated a career milestone of 1,000 games in management.

Dowson guided the Beavers to the Isthmian League Premier Division title in the 2015-16 season, during his first spell at the club between 2014-2018. Dowson prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation and focuses on high-energy, attacking football.

The Skipper: 

Name: Alan Massey (C)

Joined: July 2025

Position: Defender

Massey is an experienced defender, he accrued almost 500 appearances in the National League before joining the Beavers. He was named club captain ahead of the 2025/26 season, showing the clubs intent to make the most of his experience.

He joined the Beavers after a ten-year tenure at Maidenhead United, where he had served as club captain for nine of those seasons.  He served as the club's interim manager for one match following the departure of Alan Julian, securing a 2-0 victory over AFC Totton before the return of Alan Dowson.

Last Five:

🟡 Hornchurch - 2-2 - Draw

🟢 Worthing - 1-0- Win

🟡Salisbury - 1-1 - Draw

🔴Chesham United - 0-1 - Loss

🔴Dorking Wanderers - 0-2 - Loss

The club currently sits in 20th place in the National League South after having a tough run this season. The recent draw against Hornchurch featured two goals in stoppage time, including an own goal and a last-minute strike from Massey, saving the side a point. The recent 1-0 victory over Worthing was secured by a Grego-Cox penalty, this marked the club's only win in their last five outings.

Ones to Watch:

Name: Craig Fasanmade

Joined: July 2025

Position: Winger

Previous Tudor, Fasanmade is currently the Beaver’s top goalscorer with 8 goals. A summer signing from Salisbury, he has been a consistent attacking threat throughout the campaign so far.

Fasanmade is known for his high pace and power on the pitch. He previously made 23 appearances for Hemel and scored 7 goals at his time with us.

Name: Reece Grego-Cox

Joined: July 2025

Position: Striker

Another key summer arrival from Woking, Grego-Cox sits second in the scoring charts with 5 goals. He scored the winning penalty in the 1-0 victory over Worthing in January 2026.

He has quickly become a key offensive contributor, particularly noted for his clinical finishing from set pieces and penalties. Grego-Cox is also a Republic of Ireland international.

Name: Harry Gardner

Joined: March 2025

Position: Midfielder

Gardner made an immediate impact upon his arrival at the Beveree, scoring 4 goals in 7 appearances during the final stages of the 2024–25 season, including a notable hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Welling United.

His strong performances earned him a contract extension for the 2025-26 campaign, during which he has remained a consistent starter.