In Brief
- Nickname: The Shots
- Formed: 1992
- Manager: Tommy Widrington
- Position 24-25: 16/24 National League
- Honours: FA Trophy winners
- Ground: Ebb Stadium (7,100)
History
The Shots reformed in 1992 after the original incarnation of the Aldershot folded mid-season in the Football League’s fourth tier, now known as League Two.
The phoenix club, that rose from the ashes of Aldershot started life in the Isthmian League Division Three and steadily progressed through the non-League pyramid, before winning promotion to the National League in 2003.
Four seasons dining at non-League football’s top table ensued until the side were crowned National League champions for 2007-08.
Aldershot would spend the next five seasons in the EFL and made the League Two play-offs in 2009-10 before financial crisis engulfed the club in the summer of 2013, just days after they were relegated back to the National League.
The club were plunged into administration, but survived and have remained a Step One club ever since. However, in 2018-19, the Shots were seemingly relegated to National League South until financial problems at Gateshead saw the Heed relegated and Aldershot reprieved.
Last Season
Similar to many of Aldershot’s recent National League campaigns, the side were never in any real danger of going down, whilst failing to muster a challenge at the other end and finished 16th in the standings.
Ultimately, though, it was a season of success for the Hampshire outfit as they were FA Trophy winners, with a routine 3-0 win over Spennymoor Town at Wembley.
Perhaps even sweeter than the final win was the last four triumph over arch local rivals Woking at the Recent, with Aldershot prevailing 2-1 at a sold out Rec.
The win at Wembley was also a fitting way for Shots boss Tommy Widrington to end a campaign which saw the former Southampton midfielder suffer two strokes just before the festive period.
Thankfully, the popular Geordie, 53, has made a full recovery and it was wonderful to see him in the best of spirits at last week’s National League awards, speaking openly, but positively to the evening’s host Matt Smith about his illness and subsequent recovery.
The Stadium
The Recreation Ground – or Ebb Stadium as it is know for sponsorship purposes – has been home to both Aldershot clubs since the first side were formed in the late 1920s.
An old-fashioned, but equally charming arena, anything it lacks in modern amenities, it more than makes up for in character.
The main North Stand is a mix of seating and standing running the whole length of the pitch, with the players emerging onto the pitch from this part of the ground. The club offices are separate to the stand, but are clearly visible from the pitch.
Opposite is the North Stand, with a seated enclosure that is situated either side of the halfway line, flanked by terracing which is not undercover.
The East Bank, behind one goal, is a real throwback structure, with a corrugated barrel roof and terracing, which creates a brilliant atmosphere on match days.
At the High Street End of the ground, which remained unused for many years, the club were forced to install a small bank of temporary seats to satisfy Football League ground grading. Since returning to the National League, the High Street End has returned to its dormant state, with away fans housed in the North East corner of the Rec.
- Distance to the Rec from the TCS: 238 miles (four hours, 10 minutes)
Season Tickets
Want to guarantee your piece of the action in 2025/26, when Aldershot visit the TCS? The only way is to buy a season ticket. With a range of seating, standing and pricing options, including a payment plan with Klarna, if you haven’t already, buy yours now!
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