As the table shows, Jets joined the Herts County League Division 1 in 1981-82, won promotion to the HCL Premier in 1983-84 with a 3rd place finish, were relegated in 1985-86 (in fact the only time the Senior team has been relegated in the club’s history) but promoted back to the Premier in 1988-89.
The 1988-89 season was a good one on the pitch with promotion won on the final day, but it was also the start of the problems at Chilwell, problems that were to carry on for some years until Jets had the opportunity to move to our brand new site at Altham Way.
Jets then started to progress in the 1990’s and a 4th place finish in 1994-95 drew a lot of attention, as Jets were becoming a contender. Many saw this as the start of a new era for Jets.
Lots of positives in John Elliott’s end of season report.
Jets were starting to put more local rivalry pressure on Sun
Strong start and end of seasons as Jets achieved their then highest HCL Premier finish
A new era for Jets? Well, it took a few years more, and two more top half finishes in the late 90’s confirmed the progress, but this improvement exploded with the arrival of the millenium with an amazing rise to Jets form, and a massive trophy haul, in four fantastic seasons (covered in HCL Glory Years) before promotion to the Spartan South Midlands.
One area where Jets excelled during the 1980’s and 1990’s was in 5-a-side and other small sided football tournaments. Jets had multiple successes and were always being seen as favourites or the ones to beat.
