The Rovers Rebels are a group of supporters that like to bring a little laughter and enjoyment to home game. But, how did the 'Rebels' name come about? For that, we only have to look back a decade and 100 yards behind our recreation end fence.

The Great Wakering Rebels were a cycle speedway team set up in 1971 by Denny Winch. Denny began the sport in 1948 and was first in the saddle as a 17 year old racer before he discovered his talent in management. He managed at many south Essex based clubs, including Estuary Rockets, Prittlewell Pirates, Barling Brigands and Estuary Eagles who spawned into the Great Wakering Rebels.

Great Wakering Cycle Speedway Club, known as the 'Rebels', was a small club of 30 members who aged between 8 and 70.
The success of the club attracted the attention of the council. Ten years after its launch Denny saw the Rebels get a new home track, laid in 1981 with some financial assistance from the council. During the 2000/2001 financial year the club received a one-off grant of £3,700 to concrete the perimeter of the track.

But sadly, Denny's beloved cycle speedway club died with him, closing shortly after he passed away in 2003 at the age of 72.

Whilst it's a different sport and not a team, the present Great Wakering Rebels support the very same thing. Lots of effort, hard work and success will come.