Romania
F.C. Romania is a football club based in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, England, founded in August 2006 by Romanian immigrant Ionuţ Vintilă. The club currently competes in the Eastern Counties League Division One South and plays their home matches at Theobalds Lane through a groundsharing agreement with Cheshunt. Their most notable achievement includes winning the Essex Senior League's Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy in 2017-18 and the Middlesex County League Open Cup in 2012-13.
History
Overview
General information about the club
F.C. Romania was established in August 2006 by Ionuţ Vintilă, an immigrant from Romania. The team name reflects the Romanian immigrant background of most of the original players. The club has progressed through multiple leagues since its founding, starting from Sunday league football and working their way up through the English football pyramid.
Most recent season and achievements
Following a difficult period that included a takeover, management changes, and financial struggles, the club was relegated to the Premier Division of the Spartan South Midlands League after finishing bottom of Southern League Division One Central. The relegation was partly due to a 3-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player during the previous regime's tenure.
History
Early years
The club began in Sunday league football, initially playing in the Sunday London Weekend League. After winning their division at the first attempt, F.C. Romania switched to Saturday football and joined the Essex Business Houses League in 2008. In 2010, they progressed to Division One (Central and East) of the Middlesex County League.
Successful period
The club experienced steady growth through the early 2010s. After finishing as runners-up in their first season in the Middlesex County League Division One, they were promoted to the Premier Division. In 2011-12, they finished as runners-up in the Premier Division but were unable to gain promotion due to ground grading regulations. The breakthrough came in 2012-13 when they secured promotion to the Essex Senior League after meeting ground grading requirements through a groundsharing agreement with Cheshunt. This season also saw them win the Middlesex County League's Open Cup with a 3-1 victory over Bratam in the final.
Crisis and recovery
The 2017-18 season marked a high point as F.C. Romania won the Essex Senior League's Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy, defeating Takeley 1-0 in the final. They finished third in the league and were promoted to the South Central Division of the Isthmian League following league readjustments. At the end of the curtailed 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they were transferred to Division One Central of the Southern League.
Current period
The club faced significant challenges starting in 2022-23 with a takeover that brought new management. John Mackie and Terry Spillane were appointed as joint-managers, the first managers other than Vintilă since the club's founding. However, both departed quickly, and the club nearly collapsed before Vintilă re-purchased it in February 2023 and appointed himself as manager. Despite his efforts, the club suffered relegation to the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division.
Achievements and Honors
Domestic competitions
F.C. Romania has achieved success in regional competitions, winning the Essex Senior League Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy in 2017-18 and the Middlesex County Football League Open Cup in 2012-13. Their best FA Cup performance came in reaching the second qualifying round on multiple occasions (2014-15, 2017-18, 2018-19), while they also reached the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy in 2020-21 and the fourth round of the FA Vase in 2015-16.
Traditional Rivals
The source material does not provide information about traditional rivals.
Club Traditions and Behind the Scenes
Ownership and finances
The club has experienced ownership changes throughout its history. Founded and originally owned by Ionuţ Vintilă, it underwent a takeover at the start of the 2022-23 season. However, financial difficulties led to the club nearly collapsing before Vintilă re-purchased it in February 2023 to ensure its survival.
Stadium
F.C. Romania has moved through several grounds during its history. The club originally played on Hackney Marshes before moving to the Low Hall Recreation Ground in Walthamstow when they joined the Essex Business Houses League. Upon joining the Middlesex County League, they played at Leyton Sports Centre. Since 2012, the club has been groundsharing at Theobalds Lane with Cheshunt, which allowed them to meet ground grading requirements for higher-level competitions.
Romania
Club Information
Official Name
Romania
Short Name
ROM
Founding Year
1909
Tactical Formation
4-3-3
Stadium Information
Stadium Name
Arena Naţională
Capacity
31.254
Address
Bulevardul Basarabia 37-39
City
Bucharest, Romania
Surface
grass
Key Personnel
Captain
Nicolae Claudiu Stanciu
Captain's Stats
170cm, 69kg
Head Coach
Mircea Lucescu
Head Coach Age
80 Age
Coach Nationality
RO
Coach Contract
06/08/2024 - 31/07/2026
Current Season Stats
| Competition | Rank | Matches | W-D-L | Points |
|---|
Goal Statistics
UEFA Nations League (UEFA)
0 Scored - 0 Conceded
WC Qualification Europe (EURO)
19 Scored - 10 Conceded
UEFA Nations League (UEFA)
15 Scored - 3 Conceded
European Championship (EURO)
4 Scored - 3 Conceded
Euro Qualification (EURO)
16 Scored - 5 Conceded