The International scene at this time focused on the Korean War, the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11, Roger Bannister's sub four minute mile and the British conquest of Mount Everest.

Professional football had to rethink old notions and accept new ideas. European football became a reality. Floodlights were introduced, the date and even the minute - four minutes past three on 6thFebruary 1958, will be remembered for the "Munich Disaster'.

Chessington F.C. playing at Sir Francis Barker Rec, was the start of a period of sustained success and steady growth, although the first two seasons gave no indication of the forthcoming triumphs.

In 1950-51 the club repeated the 1935-36 double season with the first team and Reserves finishing bottom of there respective leagues. This led to the reserves being disbanded, destined not to be reformed for a further three seasons. With the completion of their two years of National Service young men were returning and the Club were to attract new players, particularly goal scoring forwards. Players like Dave & John Blake, Mike Barnard and Bert Hogan were particularly effective. Bert Hogan before joining the team, played in goal for the R.A.F. Command X1, but played centre forward for Chessington. Hew was of strong physique, and the general pattern of play was to make ground down the wings and to cross the ball into the penalty box for him to score.

By May 1953 the team were Runners Up in division 1VA and for the first time in thirty years had achieved promotion, Chessington were soon to prove that they were a developing team commanding the respect of other clubs in the League as they achieved promotion almost annually throughout the decade, together with Cup Success.

1955-56 was perhaps the most satisfying and memorable for the players when they finished the season as Division 2 Champions. For the first time since 1923 Chessington were to be promoted as divisional winners with a playing record of P16 W15 D0 L1 GF108 GA25 Pts 30, having lost but the one game to Hackbridge it was Chessington to have the last laugh beating Hackbridge in to Cup finals to atone for their only league defeat.

This was a remarkable Cup-League treble achieved for the first time since 1935. The players largely responsible were Captain and centre forward Bert Hogan, who by scoring on 107 occasions during the season. Bert Hogan moved on to a new club when he relocated to south coast in come Geoff Woodger to succeed him. Although only lightweight he was like quicksilver and a natural goal scorer capable of performing at all levels of the game. Defensive players rarely attract the same headlines but the forwards were aware of the support given by Tony Welsh in goal, together with consistent performers from Alan Buller and Reg Hiscock. Additionally in the same year they were also winners of the Harrow Cup. This was presented by the landlord of the Harrow pub down the leatherhead road (being knocked down for flats).

Season 1956-57 was promotion into the senior section of the league where they were to compete against the long established teams in division 1; the team was more than equal to the challenge and were to be promoted in two years. The club faced its first major problem in 1958 with the loss of goals from Bert Hogan and the resignation of Danny Garhard and his brother Victor.

The players always considered that the Sir Francis Barker pitch was their secret weapon. There was very wet area at the north end for most of the season, which they defended first half and the other team struggled to clear there lines in the second half with tired legs. They remained unbeaten for three and half years on that pitch.

In 1958/59 they achieved the rare distinction of both the First and the Reserves teams finishing as champions of their respective divisions. Again, both sets of forwards were amongst the goals, the first team scoring 102 whilst the reserves netted 107 times.

In the 1950's the club was running on a shoe-string, with minimum administration and players also serving as Committee. Vic Garhard acted as Treasurer; Doug Hubbard was involved in the day to day running. The club changed from its white shirts to claret and sky blue strip with the players providing there own shorts and socks. The Harrow was the club HQ and Committee meetings and sometimes training for the players. An accident fund was setup in the late 50's by a young Alan Warwick. Fundraising was always on the agenda with monthly evening dances at the Blackamoor's Head, with waltzes, quicksteps and foxtrots being the vogue. After a short period of being involved Alan Warwick was elected the Hon Gen Sec in his first official Committee appointment, this was the start of a Love affair with Chessington F.C.

SEASON LEAGUE COMPETITION

1950-51 Kingston & District Div 3A 10thplace from 10

Reserves Div 4A 9thplace from 9

1951-52 Kingston & District Div 4A Mid table

1952-53 Kingston & District Div 4A Runners Up

1953-54 Kingston & District Div 3A 4th

1954-55 Kingston & District Div 3A Runners Up

1955-56 Kingston & District Div 2 Champions

Junior League Cup Winners

Junior Teck Cup Winners

1956-57 Kingston & District Div 1 3rd

1957-58 Kingston & District Div1 Champions

League Senior Cup Finalists

1958-59 Kingston & District Premier 5th

League Senior Cup Finalists

1959-60 Kingston & District Premier Runners Up