'End of an era' as former Hendon FC site is bulldozed (From Times Series)

'End of an era' as former Hendon FC site is bulldozed

4:30pm Friday 2nd November 2012 in News By Natalie O'Neill

Footballs fans were left “heartbroken” as they said a final farewell to the former Hendon Football Club ground as it was ripped down yesterday.

The old clubhouse, function rooms and stands have been bulldozed, leaving the 4.4 acre plot in Claremont Road full of dust and rubble.

The club first moved to the ground in 1926, marking the opening with an FA Cup tie against Berkhamsted Town on September 18. Crowds cheered as Hendon secured a 4-3 victory.

The final game was played 82 years later on September 20, 2008, when local rivals Wealdstone won 4-1.

Gus Bodur, 49, used to be part of the management scheme at the club and helped scout numerous up-and-coming talent for the team.

Mr Bodur said: “I’m heartbroken. The plot offered so much potential for the community – it could still have been used for a football club, for functions and gigs.

“Barnet Council should have done more to help. It should have been all about the community.”

Mr Bodur lives two minutes walk from the former stadium, where he regularly used to watch Hendon play with his wife Inez Bodur, 48, and their daughter Chloe Bodur, 14.

He said: “We used to get a hot chocolate and cheer on the players. There was always a great family atmosphere. Now the lights are the only thing left standing.”

Mrs Bodur added: “It’s so sad – it’s the end of an era.”

Hendon Football Club currently plays its home games at Vale Farm after entering a ground-share agreement with Wembley Football Club.

Barnet Council sold the land to Monteclare Developers Ltd for private development in February, but a judicial review is currently pending.

A council spokesman said: “The council and the lessee are working together to remove the remaining buildings from the former Hendon FC site to make sure it is safe and to limit further risk of it being occupied by squatters.”