Eastbourne Town F.C.

Last updated

Eastbourne Town
Club logo for Eastbourne Town Football Club updated for the 2022 season.png
Full nameEastbourne Town Football Club
Nickname(s)The Town
The Townies
Blue and Yellows [1]
Founded19 October 1881;143 years ago (1881-10-19)
(as Devonshire Park FC)
Ground The Saffrons, Eastbourne
Capacity3,000 (200 Seated)
ChairmanDave Shearing
ManagerJude Macdonald
League Isthmian League South East Division
2023–24 Southern Combination Premier Division, 2nd of 20 (promoted via play-offs)
Website http://eastbournetown.com/
Soccerball current event.svg Current season

Eastbourne Town Football Club is an English football club based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, and are currently members of the Isthmian League South East Division and play at The Saffrons.

Contents

Founded on 19 October 1881 as Devonshire Park F.C., they are founding members of the Sussex County F.A. in 1882, [2] Southern Amateur Football League in 1907 and the Sussex County Football League in 1920. The club is considered the oldest senior football club in Sussex.

The club is a FA Chartered Standard Community club affiliated to the Sussex County Football Association. [3]

History

Early history (1880-1905)

United Kingdom England adm location map.svg
Location of Eastbourne in England

The Eastbourne Chronicle, dated 13 November 1880 first reported of the formation of Eastbourne United Football Club as a result of the amalgamation between Eastbourne Rovers and Eastbourne FC. [4] The club briefly changed its name to Eastbourne Football Club at a meeting on 5 October 1881. [5] Having failed to secure the use of a ground in South Fields, near to Guildredge Park, permission was sought to play on the grounds of Devonshire Park. Part of the deal was to change the name to Devonshire Park in return the Park Company would supply all match materials and pay travelling expenses to aways games. At a meeting on the 19 October 1881, it was agreed that the club would be known as Devonshire Park F.C. [6] named after the original ground they played at now occupied by the Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club which is also the venue for the Eastbourne International Tennis tournament.

Eastbourne Football Club team photo from February 1892 displaying the Sussex Cup won in 1890 and 1891 Eastbourne-1892.gif
Eastbourne Football Club team photo from February 1892 displaying the Sussex Cup won in 1890 and 1891

The first recorded game was against Clifton House School on 26 October 1881, [7] which was won by Devonshire Park 5–1. The first loss was against New College on 12 November 1881. A game in which Devonshire Park lost 5 - 0. [8] Their first recorded away win was on 26 November 1881 with an away game at Ardingly College, although the game was played in a 'downpour of rain' and the pitch being in a bad state. Devonshire Park won the game by 4 goals to 1. [9] On 23 September 1882, at a meeting in Brighton with other clubs in Sussex, Devonshire Park became one of eleven clubs that formed the Sussex County Football Association [2] with Captain Cardwell being nominated as one of the vice-presidents for the first season. In the same year was the creation of the Sussex Senior Cup, following a dispute with a cup tie Devonshire Park withdrew from the Sussex County FA. [10]

Playing at Devonshire Park for 5 years, with the Tennis club and a Cricket club, they moved to the then newly opened Saffrons Field in 1886 when the tennis became a predominant sport there and the success of the South of England Championships. [11] It has been their home since along with Eastbourne Cricket Club and Eastbourne Hockey Club. In 1888, Devonshire Park re-joined the Sussex FA and competed again in the Sussex Senior Cup, reaching the semi-finals with Burgess Hill

In 1889 the club changed its name to Eastbourne F.C. to reflect the expansion of the town after the railway brought in tourism. Although not in a league, and still an amateur team, they competed in the Sussex Senior Cup reaching the final beating Chichester 4–0. The following season the club founder, Rev. Willis was elected as the club secretary and the senior cup was done on a league basis in which Eastbourne won, playing 15 games, winning 14 and drawing a game with Chichester. [10] Eastbourne reached the Sussex Senior Cup final ten times between 1889 and 1903, winning eight times in that period. [12] Around the turn of the century, Eastbourne played professional teams such as Woolwich Arsenal, [13] Derby County [14] and West Ham United. It has been recorded that Eastbourne played and won in two international tournaments, In 1904 the 'Meeting du Nouvel' and in 1909 the Challenge International du Nord, both cups were invitations for amateur clubs to compete in.

South Eastern League (1905-1907)

In 1905 Eastbourne FC joined the South Eastern League replacing local rivals, Eastbourne Swifts, who were playing in Division One in the league unable to raise a team. Eastbourne wrote to the league asking to take over from the Swifts team in which the league agreed. The first season wasn't a success, playing mainly against professional reserve teams in the Football League and were relegated into Division Two. The second season was also unsuccessful and Eastbourne withdrew at the end of the 1906–07 season.

Amateur Football Alliance (1907-1976)

Southern Amateur League (1907-1946)

In 1907 the club split from the Football Association, as they didn't recognise amateur clubs, at a meeting on 25 July 1907, the club committee decided to join the Amateur Football Association [15] and became founding members of the Southern Amateur Football League, along with Ipswich Town, they remained in the league until 1946, winning the Sussex Senior Cup [11] a further three times in that period. In 1909 Eastbourne were invited to play in the Challenge International du Nord, a competition for amateur teams in both England and France, reaching the final after beating Le Havre AC 2–0, the final was played in front of 2,000 spectators against RC Roubaix and Eastbourne won 5–0. Town entered the competition in December 1909 but withdrew after a dispute with their opponents and at Christmas hosted Paris University, winning 10–1, the following Easter Red Star Paris visited and beat Eastbourne 8–1. On Boxing Day 1910 Eastbourne were defeated 3–2 to Racing Club Paris.

In 1920, the Town was one of the founding teams of the Sussex County Football League. Finishing third in the 1920-21 season and finishing 8th in the Southern Amateur league the same season. [16] [17] They returned fully committed to the Southern Amateur Football League, winning the league twice in 1923 and 1926, and in four consecutive seasons reaching the AFA Senior Cup final, winning the trophy twice, Beating Ealing Association 1–0 in 1922 and 2–0 1925. Also winning the Sussex Senior Cup in 1922.

April 1931 saw the retirement of David Noakes [18] who had managed the club for the past 25 years and his role was taken over by the club captain Mr. W. S. Grevett. In his first two seasons he lifted the Sussex Senior Cup twice and the Sussex RUR Cup in 1933 at their first attempt, but still struggled in the Southern Amateur League, finishing mid table in most seasons. At the end of the 1937–38 season, Eastbourne were relegated [19] into Division 2 A, but came back up the following season after winning the league. [20] The second World War brought a halt to the league and regular friendly fixtures being played, Eastbourne played the 1939–40 season in the Sussex County league, and came sixth in the Eastern Division. 1943 saw their heaviest defeat with an army team. The Southern Amateur League restarted in 1945. The 1945–46 season saw Eastbourne finish 5th in the table. [21]

Corinthian and Athenian Leagues (1946-1976)

In 1946 Eastbourne left the Southern Amateur League and joined the Corinthian League, another amateur football league for teams based in the south of England. Attendances averaged around 3000 and the ground was improved, the pitch moved closer to the cricket ground to allow the Town Hall side to be terraced. Town won the R.U.R Cup twice again in 1948 and in 1950 under manager W.E. Collings but were hovering around mid-table around that period. In December 1950, defender Eric Beardsley became the club's first Amateur International player being selected to play for the England Amateur Team against the Republic of Ireland on 6 January 1951. He lasted 4 minutes of his debut when he broke his ankle. [22] In June 1951, Collings resigned from his role as manager after 9 years. [23]

The 1950s saw George Duke, a professional coach between 1949 and 1954, and manager Bob Baker, winning the Sussex Senior Cup in 1953, the last time Eastbourne won this competition. Both were found guilty along with other officials in the club in a fraud conspiracy where amateur players were being paid more than the F.A. amateur salary cap. Duke was banned from football and football management for a period of one year and the club was fined £50. [24] The club recorded their highest attendance on 10 October 1953, when 7,378 [25] spectators watched local rivals Hastings United play in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying round. Eastbourne lost the game 7–2. 1954 saw Scottish born Alex White, a former Chelsea Defender briefly manage the team until the end of the season and George Skinner taking over from June 1954 until 1959, later becoming the chief coach for the Sussex FA and later the national coach for Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia.

Skinner left in the summer of 1959 and was replaced by Jock McGuire who lifted the Sussex Intermediate Cup for the first time at the end of the season and was replaced by Don Gold who the previous season was coaching the minors team and played for the Town for years before that. Whilst in charge in 1961 saw another milestone in the club's history. A game versus Moulsecoomb Rovers in the FA Amateur Cup saw the Town win 13–1, [26] a feat that has yet to be beaten. Town were finishing around mid-table at this point. In 1963 the Corinthian League merged with the Athenian League [27] and placed in the first division for the first three seasons before being relegated into the second division. Town again were finishing around mid-table. 1967 Town reached the 4th Qualifying Round of the F.A. Cup but lost at home to a strong Margate side 9–0, finished that season in 15th. Town missed out on promotion in the 1968–69 season and finished 3rd by four points, and again nearly reached the 1st round proper of the F.A. Cup drawing Canterbury City 2–2 at the Saffrons in the 4th Qualifying Round, but losing the replay 4–2.

1969–70 season saw success in the A.F.A. Invitation Cup but finished 4th in the league and in 1971 the club being nicknamed as the "town club" for over 80 years, became Eastbourne Town F.C. their present name today. Town reached the finals of the 1971–72 Sussex Senior Cup losing 1–0 to Ringmer at the Goldstone Ground. Attendances were falling in this period, although reaching the 5th round of the FA Vase in the 1975–76 season, the club resigned from the Athenian League at the end of that season as became uneconomic to remain.

Sussex County League (1976–2007)

Joining the Sussex County Football League for the second time in the 1976–77 season, [28] the team was placed in Division 1 and won the title, a year later they reached the Sussex Senior Cup final losing 4–0 to Worthing at the Goldstone Ground, a regular fixture for the cup between 1952 and 1995. Onwards in the league for 20 years between 1980 and 2000, Town saw 14 different managers and were quite quiet in the Sussex County League. Usually finishing around mid-table. In 1985 Town seemed stronger finishing 3rd in the table and reaching the semi-finals of the R.U.R. Cup. The 1985–86 season Town finished 3rd again, but won the R.U.R Cup which then won again the following season. After which Town were quiet again, finishing in the top five the following two seasons before going back to finishing in the lower half of the table. They nearly missed out relegation in the 1992–93 and 1993–94 seasons finishing 17th both seasons and the 1990s were no improvement to the team. Towards the end of the decade, a joint management team with Rob Thorley and ex-Langney Sports manager Peter Cherry seemed to improve the team but had a shock in the 2000–01 season when Town were relegated for the first ever time into Division Two, along with Lancing and East Preston. With manager Dave Winterton at the helm, Division Two only lasted two seasons, finishing 4th in 2002. The summer of 2002 saw Yemi Odubade sign for Eastbourne Town having moved from Nigeria and became a prolific goal scorer alongside Gary Brockwell contributed to Town's then record of 97 goals in the league but were runners up at the end of the 2002–03 season by 3 points to Rye & Iden and returned to Division 1. Yemi was also top scorer the following season and left in the summer of 2004 when Yeovil Town took an interest in his 70 plus goals in his two seasons at Town, who finished that season in 5th place. Yemi was clearly missed in the 2004–05 season when Town dropped form and Dave Winterton was sacked by the Town board in January 2005, for his aggression to match officials [29] and was replaced by Adrian Colwell 18 days later, finishing the season in 10th place.

Isthmian League (2007–2014)

Isthmian league game v Herne Bay in August 2012 Eastbourne Town v Herne Bay (8316445846).jpg
Isthmian league game v Herne Bay in August 2012

The 2006–07 season saw them County League champions [30] for the second time in their history, 30 years after the previous time, securing the title by defeating Oakwood F.C. 6–1 away and earning promotion to the Isthmian League Division 1 South. Eastbourne Town survived the first season in the Isthmian League, finishing 18th with 44 points. Danny Bloor replaced Colwell as manager in 2009 and finished the 2008–09 season 13th in the table. In the 2009–10 season, the club finished bottom of the table with just 6 wins, however they were reprieved from relegation when Ashford Town went into administration, Folkestone Invicta and Croydon Athletic both being promoted into the Isthmian Premier Division and a knock on effect from Merthyr Tydfil being expelled from the Southern League and liquidating.[ citation needed ]

In the 2012–13 season Bloor hired ex Eastbourne Borough manager Gary Wilson as his assistant manager, [31] but Town finished the season 11th in the table, the highest finishing position to date. [28] Bloor left the club in June 2013 [32] and the club saw two different managers over six months. Kevin Laundon between June and August and Tony Reid from August to January 2014. [33] John Lambert took over in January 2014 [34] but after seven seasons, Eastbourne Town were relegated back into the Sussex County League at the end the 2013–14 season.

Southern Combination Football League (2014-present)

Town came 4th in the Sussex County League Division 1 in 2014–15 season, and reached the quarter-finals of the Peter Bentley League Cup, but Town did have success in winning the RUR Cup final scoring two late goals against a 10-man Loxwood. [35]

The 2015–16 season, the Sussex County Football League was renamed and became the Southern Combination League (SCFL) and what was Division 1 became the Premier Division. The 2015–16 season saw Eastbourne finish in 2nd place in the league and reach the 3rd qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time in 47 years. [36] At this point attendances started to rise as a new fanbase started. The 2016-17 and 2017–18 seasons not only saw Eastbourne Town finish 5th in the table but achieve a successful run in the FA Vase by reaching the 4th round on both occasions, losing to Crowborough Athletic and Windsor. The 2018–19 season saw them being knocked out by Abbey Rangers F.C. in the third round, which led them to concentrate the rest of the season on league results, finishing the season 3rd place and reaching the quarter-finals of the Sussex Senior Cup, losing to Brighton & Hove Albion Under 23 squad and a tight game which went into extra time.

The 2019–20 season started with more success, by November the Town were unbeaten in the league drawing only two games. Although had been knocked out of the League and Sussex Senior Cups, they were still in the FA Vase beating Windsor 7–1 in the second round. By the end of November, Town had lost two league games, to Lancing and to Crawley Down and again knocked out of the 3rd round of the FA Vase in a tight game away at Leighton Town. By the end February Town were sitting around 3rd place in the table and reached the finals of the Sussex RUR Cup beating Lancing 2–0. In March the league was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the league was abandoned with all results expunged on 26 March 2020, including the RUR Cup final. [37]

The 2020–21 season started on 5 September 2020, a late start due to the COVID-19 pandemic with only one league cup to compete in, the Sussex Senior Cup. The FA Cup and FA Vase was also played with Eastbourne being knocked out the Preliminary and First Rounds respectively. The season was also halted between 5 November and 2 December as the United Kingdom had a 4 week lockdown. The season briefly restarted but was again halted on 22 December with the season never to restart again. A supplementary shield competition was played in April 2021 with the main league curtailed. Normality was restored in the 2021–22 season, however Town finished 6th place and manager John Lambert and his assistant Jamie Podmore decided to step down from first team management.

On 19 May 2022, it was announced that former Whitehawk manager, Jude Macdonald, would take over as first team manager. [38] Finishing his first season in charge 9th in the league with a successful FA Cup and Vase run in a few years. Town finished the 2023–24 season in second in the league with 82 points and earning a place in the play-offs, winning the semi-final 2–0 against Hassocks and the final, also 2–0, against Newhaven, Eastbourne Town were back into the Isthmian Football League after a ten-year absence.

Colours and Badge

Club crest

The club crest is mostly based on the Eastbourne coat of arms. As with all the other Eastbourne sports teams who use the same basis of the town crest, with the exception of rival team Eastbourne United also used the same town crest until their merger with Shinewater Association in 2003. And Eastbourne Borough, who have their own crest. Over the years the club crest has had different colour versions. For a while the crest was in blue and yellow instead of the red and white as used by the town council and the Hockey and Rugby clubs in the town, but reverted in 2019.

The Seahorse above the crest to resemble Eastbourne as a coastal town.

Both the Devonshire and Davies-Gilbert families contributed in developing Eastbourne in the 1850s. The motto 'MELIORA SEQUIMUR' is translated to "We follow the better things", also on the Eastbourne Coat of arms.

Football Kits

The club's colours have mainly been yellow and dark blue, the colours of William Cavendish, the Duke of Devonshire, which was also adopted around Eastbourne including the fleet of the former Eastbourne Buses. [39] The club originally played in yellow and blue halves until just before the 1960s when the team played in yellow shirts with variations over the years.

Kit left arm.svg
Kit body navyhalf.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
1881–1958 [40]
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
1960s until 1990s
Kit left arm yellowlower.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body yellow stripes.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm yellowlower.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts skybottom.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
Circa 1999
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
Circa 2010
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body navyhalf.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
2012–2014
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body navycross.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks hoops yellow.png
Kit socks long.svg
2017–2019
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts yellowsides.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks yellowtop.png
Kit socks long.svg
2019–2021 [41]
Kit left arm macrontureis21yrb.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body macrontureis21yrb.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm macrontureis21yrb.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts macrontempel1rby.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks macronhoops18by.png
Kit socks long.svg
2021–2022
Kit left arm yellowborder.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm yellowborder.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
2022–2024

Kit suppliers and shirt sponsors

PeriodKit supplierShirt sponsor
1881–1985UnknownNone
1985–1986Holmes & Leadbitter
1986–1988Stone Carpets
1988–1990Maybank of Newhaven
1991-92Stone Carpets
1993–1998Eastbourne Car Auctions
1999–2000Trident Fish Restaurant
2000-2004Owen Contractors
2004-2007 Flag of England.svg Prostar Sports
2007–2010 Flag of the United States.svg Nike
2010–2011D J Eade Jewellers
2011–2014 Flag of England.svg MKK SportsSussex Business Times
2014–2015 Flag of the United States.svg Nike McDonald's
2015–2017 Flag of Italy.svg Macron UK Packaging [42]
2017–2019 Flag of Italy.svg Errea
2019–2022 Flag of Italy.svg Macron
2022–2024 Flag of England.svg Umbro Coleman Plant Hire [43]
2024-present Flag of Italy.svg Macron

Ground

Devonshire Park (1881–1886)

Devonshire Park Clubhouse, April 2008. Devonshire Park.jpg
Devonshire Park Clubhouse, April 2008.

Originally a cricket ground, Devonshire Park opened its gates in 1874, with Tennis courts added in 1879. Devonshire Park FC being formed in 1881, played on a grass pitch here the same time the South of England Championships tournament started.

The first recorded game played here by Devonshire Park was on 12 November 1881 versus New College, [8] a game which Devonshire Park lost 5 - 0.

After 5 years as the tournament became popular, both the football team and cricket team moved 500 meters northwest to the newly opened Saffrons Field.

Devonshire Park is still open and is the current venue for the annual Eastbourne International tennis tournament.

The Saffrons (1886–present)

Eastbourne Town currently play their home games at The Saffrons, Compton Place Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 1EA. Located in Eastbourne town centre, a 5-minute walk from Eastbourne Railway Station.

Eastbourne Town have played football here since 1886, when the then Devonshire Park Football Club moved grounds from their former namesake (now the venue for the Eastbourne International tennis tournament).

The ground is enclosed with a cricket pitch, hockey pitch and grass bowls surrounding three sides of the ground, all of which share a clubhouse. There is a capacity limit of 3,000 spectators and seating for 200. The gate house at the Meads Road end was built in 1914. 1994 Also saw the main stand and floodlights installed. There is also an uninterrupted view of the Town Hall, the chimes are often heard during home games.

Saffons-panoramic.jpg
A panorama view of The Saffrons football ground. Taffy Jones/Sid Mayall stand on the left, East Terrace in the middle and Meads Road End on the right. 13 January 2019

Supporters

Pier Pressure at an away game Pier-pressure.jpg
Pier Pressure at an away game

First reference of the Eastbourne Supporters Club goes back to September 1930 when the club reported growing membership numbers. [44] The club was formed to encourage its supporters to visit games at home buy introducing season tickets and arranging transport to away games. By September 1937 membership was noted at 148 members and slowly growing. [45] By June 1951 the membership was totalled at 949 members. [46] Numbers dropped in the 1970s.

In the present day Eastbourne Town's support now includes two main supporters groups Pier Pressure and the Beachy Head Ultras. Started in 2015, the groups follow the European ultras tradition and were formed by local fans disengaged with modern professional football. [47] The club's supporters groups have regularly backed anti-discrimination and anti-homophobia initiatives, amongst many other initiatives within the community. [48] Pier Pressure have strong links with the Whitehawk Ultra's and both groups regularly visit each other's games. There has also been similar links with the supporters of Dulwich Hamlet and Clapton Community.

Pier Pressure are often heard at both home and away games, often with drums, big flags and unique chanting. An occasional saxophone makes an appearance at certain games. A youth section was formed during the 2018–19 season, with kids from local schools, who make use of the free entry, join in. Bringing in their own drums and flags for support.

The groups have gained attention for their graphic work for the club (programmes, merchandising and promotional posters) using an eclectic range of visuals relating to Eastbourne including Throbbing Gristle's 20 Jazz Funk Greats , co-author of the Communist Manifesto; Friedrich Engels (whose ashes were scattered in the town) and Aleister Crowley (who edited a Chess column for the local newspaper). [49] [50]

Eastbourne Town often has games where over 100 people attend. In March 2019 it was noted that Eastbourne Town, along with Peacehaven & Telscombe, were 8th in the top 13 Non-league Sussex clubs with the highest attendance. The average standing at 257. [51]

Rivals

Eastbourne is one of very few towns to have three senior teams. The highest ranked of these, Eastbourne Borough, who play in the National League South aren't considered as rivals since they compete at a considerably higher level. The other, Eastbourne United, play in the Southern Combination Premier League, who were in the same league with Eastbourne Town until promotion in 2024. Local team Hailsham Town, who are some 8 miles away in Hailsham were also local rivals. Until 2021 Langney Wanderers were another rival team until the club folded.

Eastbourne Derby

For many years, the unofficial named Eastbourne Derby has been played between Eastbourne Town and Eastbourne United, often attracting big crowds. The first competitive meeting between the two clubs was in 1920 in the East Sussex Challenge Cup between Eastbourne (Town) and Eastbourne Royal Engineers Old Comrades (United). Eastbourne won the game 2–1 in front of a crowd of 3,671 spectators at The Saffrons. During the 2018–19 at the Boxing Day fixture saw a record crowd in the 21st century of 856 people. The game was won by Eastbourne Town 5 goals to nil. Currently 35 league games and 64 cup games have been played between the two clubs.

League Meetings

SeasonLeague divisionEastbourne Town vs Eastbourne UnitedEastbourne United vs Eastbourne Town
DateVenueScoreAttend.DateVenueScoreAttend.
1939–40 Sussex County Eastern Division 18 November 1939 The Saffrons
2–2
13 January 1940Lynchmere
1–4
1966–67 Athenian League Division 2 27 March 1967 The Saffrons
0–2
2,01027 August 1966The Oval
2–0
1,620
1975–76 Athenian League Division 2 19 August 1975The Saffrons
1–2
55027 December 1975The Oval
2–0
1998–99 Sussex County Division 1 14 October 1999The Saffrons
0–1
16 February 1999The Oval
1–1
1999–00 Sussex County Division 1 15 September 1999The Saffrons
2–2
6 May 2000The Oval
2–3
2000–01 Sussex County Division 1 26 December 2000The Saffrons
1–1
16 April 2001The Oval
3–1
2002–03 Sussex County Division 2 21 April 2003The Saffrons
5–1
26 December 2002The Oval
0–3
2004–05 Sussex County Division 1 27 December 2004The Saffrons
2–5
36828 March 2005The Oval
0–1
367
2005–06 Sussex County Division 1 17 April 2006The Saffrons
1–1
34726 December 2005The Oval
2–1
262
2006–07 Sussex County Division 1 26 December 2006The Saffrons
2–0
3239 April 2007The Oval
1–2
355
2014–15 Sussex County Division 1 27 December 2014The Saffrons
1–0
4086 April 2015The Oval
0–0
225
2015–16 Southern Combination Premier 28 March 2016The Saffrons
0–0
42728 December 2015The Oval
0–1
357
2016–17 Southern Combination Premier 17 April 2017The Saffrons
4–1
56326 December 2016The Oval
1–3
463
2017–18 Southern Combination Premier 26 December 2017The Saffrons
8–1
67417 April 2018The Oval
3–5
210
2018–19 Southern Combination Premier 26 December 2018The Saffrons
5–0
85623 April 2019The Oval
1–3
410
2021–22 Southern Combination Premier 5 February 2022The Saffrons
0–1
56118 April 2022The Oval
2–0
485
2022–23 Southern Combination Premier 26 December 2022The Saffrons
2–1
73410 April 2023The Saffrons
1–0
315
2023–24 Southern Combination Premier 1 April 2024The Saffrons
2–0
68726 December 2023The Oval
0–0
615
OverallTown WinsDrawsUnited WinsUnited WinsDrawsTown Wins
8
5
5
6
3
9

    Cup Games

    SeasonDateHomeScoreAwayVenueCompetitionAttendance
    1919–201 May 1920Eastbourne
    2–1
    Eastbourne Royal Engineers Old Comrades The Saffrons East Sussex Challenge Cup Final3,671
    1920–2122 January 1921Eastbourne
    0–2
    Eastbourne Royal Engineers Old ComradesThe SaffronsEast Sussex Challenge Cup Semi-final2,200
    1922–236 January 1923Eastbourne Royal Engineers Old Comrades
    1–0
    EastbourneLynchmere Sussex Senior Cup 2nd round3,230
    1925–2627 February 1926Eastbourne
    3–1
    Eastbourne Old ComradesThe SaffronsSussex Senior Cup 3rd round4,350
    1929–309 November 1929Eastbourne
    1–0
    Eastbourne ComradesThe Saffrons FA Amateur Cup 3rd Qualifying4,170
    1931–3218 April 1932Eastbourne
    2–4
    Eastbourne ComradesThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup Semi-final2,500
    1932–3317 December 1932Eastbourne
    2–1
    Eastbourne ComradesThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup Semi-final2,031
    1934–3517 April 1935Eastbourne
    2–3
    Eastbourne ComradesThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup Final2,000
    1935–3629 April 1936Eastbourne
    2–0
    Eastbourne ComradesThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup Final1,774
    1936–3728 April 1937Eastbourne
    2–0
    Eastbourne ComradesThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup Final1,800
    1937–3827 April 1938Eastbourne
    0–1
    Eastbourne ComradesThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup Final
    1938–398 October 1938Eastbourne Comrades
    4–2
    EastbourneLynchmereFA Amateur Cup 1st Qualifying1,620
    1 May 1939Eastbourne
    2–0
    Eastbourne ComradesThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup Final
    1939–4028 April 1940Eastbourne
    3–6
    Eastbourne ComradesThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup Final
    1947–4828 April 1948Eastbourne
    3–3
    Eastbourne ComradesThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup Final3,000
    1948–4915 September 1948Eastbourne
    7–1
    Eastbourne ComradesThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup Final Replay
    13 November 1948Eastbourne
    4–4
    Eastbourne ComradesThe SaffronsSussex Senior Cup 1st round4,000
    20 November 1948Eastbourne Comrades
    0–4
    EastbourneThe OvalSussex Senior Cup 1st round Replay3,880
    1949–508 October 1949Eastbourne Comrades
    0–1
    EastbourneThe OvalFA Amateur Cup 1st Qualifying Round4,380
    1952–537 May 1953Eastbourne
    2–0
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup Final
    1953–5416 January 1954Eastbourne
    2–1
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsSussex Senior Cup 3rd round4,200
    1954–5518 September 1954Eastbourne
    3–0
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsFA Amateur Cup preliminary round4,000
    1955–5614 September 1955Eastbourne
    1–0
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup Final3,471
    7 May 1956Eastbourne United
    6–0
    EastbourneThe Oval Sussex RUR Cup Final6,600
    1960–6111 February 1961Eastbourne United
    3–1
    EastbourneThe OvalSussex Senior Cup 3rd round2,242
    1961–6210 February 1962Eastbourne
    0–1
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsSussex Senior Cup 3rd round2,594
    16 April 1962Eastbourne
    1–0
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup785
    1962–639 May 1963Eastbourne
    4–3
    a.e.t.
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup Final1,603
    1964–6526 April 1965Eastbourne
    1–0
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup Final997
    1966–671 May 1967Eastbourne
    1–4
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup1,201
    1967–6830 September 1967Eastbourne
    2–0
    Eastbourne UnitedThe Saffrons FA Cup 2nd Qualifying [17] 1,721
    1968–6919 October 1968Eastbourne United
    2–3
    EastbourneThe OvalFA Cup 3rd Qualifying [17] 1,600
    21 April 1969Eastbourne
    2–1
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup Semi-final682
    1969–7018 March 1970Eastbourne United
    2–0
    EastbourneThe OvalRound Table Trophy Leg 1800
    8 April 1970Eastbourne
    0–1
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsRound Table Trophy Leg 2
    1970–7119 September 1970Eastbourne United
    1–3
    EastbourneThe OvalFA Cup 1st Qualifying [28] 793
    28 March 1971Eastbourne United
    2–2
    5–6 p
    EastbourneThe OvalRound Table Trophy Semi-final600
    1971–7211 September 1971Eastbourne Town
    0–1
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsFA Amateur Cup preliminary round1,012
    12 April 1972Eastbourne United
    1–0
    Eastbourne TownThe OvalRound Table Trophy 1st Led
    22 April 1972Eastbourne Town
    0–2
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsRound Table Trophy 2nd Leg
    1972–7321 October 1972Eastbourne United
    3–2
    a.e.t.
    Eastbourne TownThe Oval Athenian League Cup 2nd round510
    1973–749 May 1974Eastbourne Town
    0–1
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup Final
    1977–7817 December 1977Eastbourne Town
    0–2
    Eastbourne UnitedThe Saffrons FA Vase 3rd round [28] 497
    1978–797 May 1979Eastbourne Town
    0–2
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup526
    1979–805 May 1980Eastbourne Town
    0–3
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup600
    1980–811 May 1981Eastbourne Town
    0–0
    a.e.t.
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup400
    1981–823 May 1982Eastbourne Town
    2–1
    a.e.t.
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup850
    1982–832 May 1983Eastbourne Town
    2–2
    7–8 p
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup550
    1983–846 August 1983Eastbourne United
    1–0
    Eastbourne TownThe OvalCounty Cup Group Stage300
    14 August 1983Eastbourne United
    1–2
    a.e.t.
    Eastbourne TownThe OvalCounty Cup Final600
    7 May 1984Eastbourne Town
    1–2
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup500
    1984–851 August 1984Eastbourne United
    0–2
    Eastbourne TownThe OvalCounty Cup Group Stage300
    12 August 1984Eastbourne United
    0–1
    Eastbourne TownThe OvalCounty Cup Final450
    6 May 1985Eastbourne Town
    0–1
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsEastbourne Charity Cup700
    1985–865 August 1985Eastbourne United
    2–1
    Eastbourne TownThe OvalBorough Centenary Cup Group Stage200
    11 August 1985Eastbourne United
    3–2
    Eastbourne TownThe OvalBorough Centenary Cup Final300
    1986–878 August 1986Eastbourne United
    1–1
    Eastbourne TownThe OvalBorough Centenary Cup Group Stage
    25 August 1986Eastbourne United
    3–5
    a.e.t.
    Eastbourne TownThe OvalBorough Centenary Cup Final
    1990–9113 August 1990Eastbourne United
    0–2
    Eastbourne TownThe OvalJohn Gower Memorial Trophy
    1991–9210 August 1991Eastbourne United
    3–0
    Eastbourne TownThe OvalJohn Gower Memorial Trophy
    1995–963 October 1995Eastbourne United
    2–1
    Eastbourne TownThe OvalSussex County League Cup100
    2001–0226 Septbember 2001Eastbourne United
    2–1
    Eastbourne TownThe OvalSussex Senior Cup 1st round121
    2006–073 November 2006Eastbourne United
    2–0
    Eastbourne TownThe OvalSussex RUR Cup 3rd round326
    2010–118 December 2010Eastbourne Town
    4–0
    Eastbourne UnitedThe SaffronsSussex Senior Cup 2nd round80
    Town winsDrawsUnited wins
    30430

    Players

    Current squad

    Correct as of 5 October 2024 [52]

    Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

    No.Pos.NationPlayer
    GK Flag of England.svg  ENG Chris Winterton(Captain)
    DF Flag of England.svg  ENG Frankie Chappell
    DF Flag of England.svg  ENG Leon Greig
    DF Flag of England.svg  ENG Nathan Hover
    DF Flag of England.svg  ENG Dan Hull
    DF Flag of England.svg  ENG Jack Murphy
    DF Flag of England.svg  ENG Harry Simmons
    DF Flag of England.svg  ENG Finlay Tarrant
    DF Flag of England.svg  ENG JJ Walker(On loan from Hastings United)
    MF Flag of England.svg  ENG Harvey Greig
    MF Flag of England.svg  ENG Eliot Jenks
    No.Pos.NationPlayer
    MF Flag of Poland.svg  POL Marcin Ruda
    MF Flag of England.svg  ENG Sam Scott
    MF Flag of England.svg  ENG Alfie Simmons
    MF Flag of England.svg  ENG Anesu Sisimayi
    MF Flag of England.svg  ENG Tom Vickers
    MF Flag of England.svg  ENG James Waters
    FW Flag of England.svg  ENG Harry Hammond
    FW Flag of England.svg  ENG James Hull
    FW Flag of England.svg  ENG James Stone
    FW Flag of England.svg  ENG Sonny Walsh(Dual-registered with A.F.C. Uckfield Town)
    FW Flag of England.svg  ENG Freddie Warren

    Notable former players

    Club officials

    Source: [53]

    Boardroom staff

    PositionName
    Chairman Flag of England.svg Dave Shearing
    Vice Chairman Flag of England.svg Ross Perrin
    President Flag of England.svg Chris Backhurst
    Vice President Flag of Italy.svg Tony Guarino
    General & Match Secretary Flag of England.svg Richard Marsh
    Commercial Manager Flag of England.svg David Jenkins
    Social Secretary Flag of Italy.svg Luci Del-gaudio
    Media Flag of England.svg Josh Claxton
    Flag of England.svg Ed Copping

    Coaching staff

    PositionName
    Manager Flag of England.svg Jude Macdonald
    Assistant Manager Flag of England.svg Ben Davis
    First Team Coaches Flag of England.svg Matt Elphick
    Goalkeeping Coach Flag of England.svg Dave Winterton
    Under-23 Manager Flag of England.svg Giuseppe Lombardelli
    Under-23 Coaches Flag of England.svg Harry Pearson
    Under-18 Manager Flag of England.svg Ryan Reid
    Under-18 Coach Flag of England.svg Peter MacNeil
    Women's Team Manager Flag of England.svg Sarah Walshaw
    Women's Team Assistant Manager Flag of England.svg Ed Copping
    Performance & Statistical Analyst Flag of England.svg Ryan Heasman
    Physio Flag of England.svg Dom Crowhurst

    Management history

    John Lambert, who managed the side between 2014 and 2022 John-lambert.jpg
    John Lambert, who managed the side between 2014 and 2022
    Jude Macdonald, current manager from 2022 JudeMacdonald.jpg
    Jude Macdonald, current manager from 2022

    Between 1880 and 1942 Eastbourne Town managers were known as Honorable Secretaries, [54] nominated at each Annual General Meeting. after which they were known as Managers.

    Key

    Stats as of 7 November 2024.

    NameNationalityFromToDurationMWDLWin %HonorsNotes
    Jeremiah Kimber Flag of England.svg England29 October 188023 March 1881145 days
    Thomas Sutton Flag of England.svg England23 March 18815 October 1881196 days
    Arthur Hillman Flag of England.svg England5 October 188127 September 18875 years, 357 days [7]
    Richard Sutton Flag of England.svg England27 September 188731 May 18902 years, 246 days Sussex Senior Cup Winners: 1889–90
    Charles Snowden Flag of England.svg England31 May 189022 June 18922 years, 22 days Sussex Senior Cup Winners: 1890–91
    W. S. Sheldon Flag of England.svg England22 June 189231 May 18941 year, 343 days Sussex Senior Cup Winners: 1893–94
    E. C. Cooper Flag of England.svg England1 June 18942 April 1895305 days Sussex Senior Cup Winners: 1894–95
    George Wood Flag of England.svg England3 April 189531 December 18975 years, 192 days
    Walter Andrews Flag of England.svg England1 January 18981 February 19002 years, 31 days Sussex Senior Cup Winners: 1898–99
    Eastbourne Charity Cup Winners: 1897–98
    Charles Wriford Flag of England.svg England1 February 19009 September 19066 years, 220 days171412005.88 Sussex Senior Cup Winners: 1899–1900, 1900–01, 1902–03
    Tournoi du Novel An Paris Winners: 1904
    Eastbourne Charity Cup 1899–1900
    David Noakes Flag of England.svg England10 September 190630 April 193124 years, 232 days39519262141048.61 Southern Amateur League Division 1 Champions: 1922–23 1925–26
    AFA Senior Cup Winners: 1921–22 1924–25
    Sussex Senior Cup Winners: 1921–22
    Challenge International du Nord Winners: 1909
    Eastbourne Charity Cup Winners 1909–10
    [55] [18]
    William Grevett Flag of England.svg England1 May 193126 October 19398 years, 178 days172652879037.79 Southern Amateur League Division 2 Champions: 1938–39
    Sussex Senior Cup Winners: 1931–32 1932–33
    Sussex RUR Cup Winners: 1932–33
    [56]
    David Noakes Flag of England.svg England27 October 19394 March 19422 years, 128 days14446028.57
    Ernest Collings Flag of England.svg England5 March 194213 June 19519 years, 100 days140492269035.00 Sussex RUR Cup Winners: 1947–48, 1949–50 [23]
    Robert Baker Flag of England.svg England14 June 195120 July 19532 years, 36 days52161422030.77 Sussex Senior Cup Winners: 1952–53 [57]
    George Duke Flag of England.svg England21 July 195321 February 1954215 days13724053.85 [24] [58]
    Alex White Flag of Scotland.svg Scotland23 February 195429 June 1954126 days13436030.77 [59]
    George Skinner Flag of England.svg England30 June 195429 June 19594 years, 364 days136333370024.26 [60]
    Jock McGuire Flag of Scotland.svg Scotland1 July 195914 August 19601 year, 44 days308418026.67 [61]
    Don Gold Flag of England.svg England15 August 196030 April 19621 year, 289 days60181230030.00 [62]
    Bob Mallen Flag of England.svg England1 May 196216 May 19642 years, 15 days5614834025.00 [62] [63]
    Jack Boyd Flag of Scotland.svg Scotland4 July 196411 September 19651 year, 69 days349916026.47 [64]
    Alan Cornwall Flag of England.svg England12 September 196531 May 1966261 days266317023.08
    William Booth Flag of England.svg England1 June 19667 May 19681 year, 355 days6014838023.33 [65]
    Melton "Taffy" Jones Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Wales14 May 196822 April 19723 years, 326 days120513237042.50A.F.A Invitation Cup Winners: 1969–70 [66]
    William Booth Flag of England.svg England23 April 19722 February 1973285 days175012029.41
    Roger Savage Flag of England.svg England3 February 197313 May 19785 years, 99 days174703965040.23 Sussex County League Division 1 Champions: 1976–77
    Melton "Taffy" Jones Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Wales4 July 197823 May 1979323 days3010614033.33
    Keith Giles Flag of England.svg England23 May 197919 May 1980362 days301398043.33
    Peter Andrews Flag of England.svg England6 July 198030 June 1981362 days3010614033.33
    Doug Pearson Flag of England.svg England6 July 198110 February 1982219 days153210020.00
    Roger Addems Flag of England.svg England10 February 198230 January 19841 year, 354 days62231623037.10
    Trevor Woods Flag of England.svg England30 January 198416 October 19862 years, 259 days78411720052.56 Sussex RUR Cup Winners: 1985–86
    Jeff Dyson Flag of England.svg England17 October 198612 November 198627 days0000! [67]
    Brian 'Sammy' Donnelly Flag of England.svg England12 November 19868 May 19881 year, 178 days55291511052.73 Sussex RUR Cup Winners: 1986–87
    Godrey Stevens Flag of England.svg England9 May 19886 December 1988211 days12336025.00
    Derek Winterton Flag of England.svg England6 December 19886 January 198931 days4112025.00
    Jim Stevens Flag of England.svg England6 January 198920 September 1989257 days258611032.00
    Don Guy Flag of England.svg England20 September 198927 October 19912 years, 37 days69161538023.19
    Roger Cooper Flag of England.svg England27 October 19913 May 19931 year, 188 days6218737029.03
    Peter Roberts Flag of England.svg England17 May 199320 December 19941 year, 217 days162410012.50
    John Kemp Flag of England.svg England20 December 199419 April 1995120 days60181329030.00
    John Lambert Flag of England.svg England14 June 199514 September 199592 days6105016.67
    Rob Thorley Flag of England.svg England16 September 199520 May 1996247 days3211417034.38
    Peter Cherry Flag of England.svg England20 May 199621 May 20015 years, 1 day190664777034.74 [68]
    Dave Winterton Flag of England.svg England29 June 20014 January 20053 years, 189 days124712231057.26 Sussex County League Division 2 Runners-up: 2002–03 [69] [29]
    Jon Purdey Flag of England.svg England4 January 200522 January 200518 days2101050.00 [70]
    Adrian Colwell Flag of England.svg England22 January 200530 December 20094 years, 342 days192863868044.79 Sussex County League Division 1 Champions: 2006–07 [70]
    Danny Bloor Flag of England.svg England30 December 200914 June 20133 years, 166 days146413867028.08 [71]
    Kevin Launden Flag of England.svg England14 June 201321 August 201368 days4013000.00 [32]
    Tony Reid Flag of England.svg England22 August 201310 January 2014141 days203611015.00 [33] [72]
    Brian 'Sammy' Donnelly Flag of England.svg England10 January 201413 January 20143 days1010000.00 [72] [34]
    John Lambert [a] Flag of England.svg England13 January 201423 April 20228 years, 100 days2901635572056.21 Sussex RUR Cup Winners: 2014–15 [34] [35] [73]
    Jude Macdonald Flag of England.svg England19 May 2022Present2 years, 184 days88491425055.68 Southern Combination Play-off Winners: 2023–24 [38]
    1. 2019–20 & 2020-21 season stats for John Lambert included as some league games were played during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Other teams

    The club runs two other adult teams and two ladies teams: [74]

    Eastbourne Town also run several other younger age group youth teams after a merger in 2010/11 with Old Town Boys F.C. who were established in 1983.

    Honours

    First team

    Reserve / Under-23's team

    Club records

    Player records

    Appearances

    Goalscorers

    Related Research Articles

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastbourne Borough F.C.</span> Association football club in Eastbourne, England

    Eastbourne Borough Football Club is an association football club based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, England. The team competes in the National League South, the sixth level of the English football league system.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Worthing F.C.</span> Association football club in England

    Worthing Football Club is a semi-professional football club based in Worthing, West Sussex, England. They are currently members of the National League South and play at Woodside Road.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Horsham F.C.</span> Association football club in England

    Horsham Football Club is a non-League football club based in Horsham, West Sussex, England, currently playing in the Isthmian League Premier Division.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastbourne United A.F.C.</span> Association football club in England

    Eastbourne United A.F.C. is a football club based in Eastbourne, England. They were formed in 2003 after a merger between Eastbourne United F.C. and Shinewater Association. In 2009 they were the Sussex County League champions for the first time in 53 years, 18 years after leaving the Isthmian League. They are currently members of the Southern Combination Premier Division.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Hailsham Town F.C.</span> Association football club in England

    Hailsham Town Football Club is a football club based in Hailsham, East Sussex, England. They are currently members of the Southern Combination Division Two and play at the Beaconsfield. The club are known locally as 'The Stringers', a nickname which derives from traditional industry in the town.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Littlehampton Town F.C.</span> Association football club in England

    Littlehampton Town Football Club is a football club based in Littlehampton, England. They were established in 1896 and joined the Sussex County League in 1928. In the 1990–91 season, they reached the 1st round of the FA Cup, and in the 2021–22 season they reached the FA Vase final at Wembley Stadium. They are currently members of the Isthmian League South East Division and play at The Sportsfield.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Redhill F.C.</span> Association football club in England

    Redhill F.C. is an English football club based in Redhill, Surrey. The club are currently members of the Combined Counties League Premier Division South and play at Kiln Brow. The club is affiliated to the Surrey County Football Association.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Shoreham F.C.</span> Association football club in England

    Shoreham Football Club is a football club based in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, England. The club is affiliated to the Sussex County Football Association. They are currently members of the Southern Combination Premier Division and their home stadium is Middle Road. The club are nicknamed "The Musselmen" after the town's ancient mussel picking tradition. The club's home kit is all royal blue with white trim, and the away kit is all red with white trim.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Wick F.C.</span> Association football club in England

    Wick Football Club is a football club based in Wick, near Littlehampton, England. Wick joined the Sussex County League Division Two in 1964. In the 1998–99 season, they reached the 4th round of the FA Vase. Prior to the 2013–14 season, they merged with near neighbours Barnham. However the clubs split again in 2016, reverting to Wick FC and are currently members of the Southern Combination Premier Division.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Whitehawk F.C.</span> Association football club in England

    Whitehawk F.C. is a semi-professional football club in Whitehawk, a suburb of the city of Brighton and Hove, England, which plays in the Isthmian League Premier Division. Whitehawk's home is the 3,126-capacity McLaren Enclosed Ground within East Brighton Park. Nicknamed The Hawks, the club's traditional playing colours are red and white. Before 2010, the club had never played above County League level, but after three promotions in four seasons reached Conference South in 2013, and the second round of the FA Cup in 2015.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">East Grinstead Town F.C.</span> Association football club in England

    East Grinstead Town Football Club is a football club based in East Grinstead, West Sussex, England. They are currently members of the Isthmian League South East Division and play at East Court.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Newhaven F.C.</span> Association football club in England

    Newhaven Football Club is a football club based in Newhaven, East Sussex, England. They are currently members of the Southern Combination Premier Division and play at Fort Road.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Sussex Senior Challenge Cup</span> Football tournament

    The Sussex Senior Cup is an annual association football knockout cup competition for men's football clubs in the English county of Sussex; the winning team is presented with the Sussex Senior Challenge Cup, the county senior cup of the Sussex FA. For sponsorship purposes the trophy is also known as the Sussex Transport Senior Challenge Cup, after a new sponsorship deal was agreed in 2023.

    The Saffrons is a multi-purpose sports ground in Eastbourne, East Sussex. The ground is home to Eastbourne Cricket Club, Eastbourne Town Football Club, Eastbourne Hockey Club and Compton Croquet Club. There is also a sand dressed astroturf pitch. The sports ground is located on the edge of Eastbourne town centre, next to the town hall and is in easy reach of local transport links. The ground was first used in 1884. Sussex County Cricket Club played some of their matches there between 1896 and 2000, and recently from 2017.

    William Sydney Gordon Grevett was an English cricketer and footballer. His batting and bowling styles are unknown. He was born at Eastbourne, Sussex.

    Sport in Sussex forms an important part of the culture of Sussex. With a centuries-long tradition of sport, Sussex has played a key role in the early development of both cricket and stoolball. Cricket is recognised as having been formed in the Weald and Sussex CCC is England's oldest county cricket club. Slindon Cricket Club dominated the sport for a while in the 18th century. The cricket ground at Arundel Castle traditionally plays host to a Duchess of Norfolk's XI which plays the national test sides touring England. The sport of stoolball is also associated with Sussex, which has a claim to be where the sport originated and certainly where its revival took place in the early 20th century. Sussex is represented in the Premier League by Brighton & Hove Albion and in the Football League by Crawley Town. Brighton has been in the Premier League since 2017 and has been a League member since 1920, whereas Crawley was promoted to the League in 2011. Brighton & Hove Albion W.F.C. play in the FA Women's Super League from 2017. Sussex has had its own football association, since 1882 and its own football league, which has since expanded into Surrey, since 1920. In horse racing, Sussex is home to Goodwood, Fontwell Park, Brighton and Plumpton. The All England Jumping Course show jumping facility at Hickstead is situated 8 miles (13 km) north of Brighton and Hove.

    Chichester City Football Club was a football club based in Chichester, England. Established in 1873, they merged with Portfield in 2000 to form Chichester City United, later renamed Chichester City.

    Football in Sussex refers to the sport of association football in relation to its participation and history within Sussex, England. Football is one of the most popular sports in Sussex with over 500 football clubs and 38,000 players in the county.

    The 2020–21 Southern Combination Football League season was the 96th in the history of the competition, which lies at levels 9 and 10 of the English football league system. This season also marked 100 years since the league was first formed, with Eastbourne Town, Newhaven and Shoreham being the only teams still in the league to have played in the first season.

    References

    1. Invictus (11 January 1911). "Sports and Pastimes". Eastbourne Gazette . p. 6.
    2. 1 2 unknown (26 September 1882). "Sussex Football Association". Sporting Life. p. 1.
    3. "FA Charter Standard Clubs Roll of Honour". Sussex County Football Association. 16 January 2013. Retrieved 30 January 2013.[ permanent dead link ]
    4. unknown (13 November 1880). "United Football Club". Eastbourne Chronicle. p. 5.
    5. unknown (8 October 1881). "United Football Club 2". Eastbourne Chronicle. p. 5.
    6. unknown (22 October 1881). "Eastbourne Football Club 1881". Eastbourne Chronicle. p. 5.
    7. 1 2 unknown (2 November 1881). "Eastbourne News". Eastbourne Gazette. p. 5.
    8. 1 2 unknown (16 November 1881). "Eastbourne News". Eastbourne Gazette. p. 5.
    9. Unknown (30 November 1881). "Football: Devonshire Park v Ardingly College". Eastbourne Gazette. p. 5.
    10. 1 2 unknown (27 February 1892). "Eastbourne Football Club". The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News. p. 302.
    11. 1 2 3 "About Eastbourne Town Football Club". Eastbourne Town F.C. 18 May 2016. Retrieved 27 December 2018.
    12. Parris, Keith. "The Sussex Senior Challenge Cup: Past Winners". sussexcountyleague.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2010. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
    13. Unknown (30 November 1899). "Eastbourne v Woolwich Arsenal". Sporting Life. p. 3.
    14. Unknown (12 February 1895). "Eastbourne V Derby County". York Herald. p. 8.
    15. Unknown (31 July 1907). "Eastbourne Football - New amateur football association". Eastbourne Gazette. p. 6.
    16. "1937-1938". Southern Amateur Football League. Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
    17. 1 2 3 4 5 "Football History Database:Eastbourne". Football Club History Database. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
    18. 1 2 unknown (22 April 1931). "Retirement of Mr D Noakes". Eastbourne Gazette. p. 10.
    19. "1937-1938". Southern Amateur Football League. Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 27 December 2018.
    20. "1938-1939". Southern Amateur Football League. Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
    21. "1945-46". Southern Amateur Football League. Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
    22. "England Amateur Matches". England Football Online. Retrieved 11 November 2019.
    23. 1 2 unknown (16 June 1951). "Mr W.E. Collings resigns as Eastbourne FC Manager". Eastbourne Herald. p. 10.
    24. 1 2 unknown (2 July 1954). "Eastbourne F.C. Fined £50". The Times. p. 4.
    25. Bauckham, David. "Eastbourne Town F.C." Nomad Online. Archived from the original on 9 February 2005. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
    26. 1 2 Eric Redfern (3 October 1961). "One down, then Town romp to their biggest-ever win". Eastbourne Gazette. p. 10.
    27. "Corinthian League". Non League Matters. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
    28. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Football Club History Database: Eastbourne Town". Football Club History Database. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
    29. 1 2 McEwan, Ken (7 January 2005). "TOWN BOSS WINNIE SACKED FOR 'AGGRESSION'". Eastbourne Herald. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
    30. Griggs, Howard (8 May 2007). "Eastbourne Town clinch title". The Argus. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
    31. "Garry Wilson agrees to assistant manager role at Eastbourne Town". Eastbourne Herald. 26 September 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
    32. 1 2 "Eastbourne Town name new management team". The Argus. 14 June 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
    33. 1 2 Watters, David (28 August 2013). "Reid Takes Charge After Laundon Quits". The Argus. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
    34. 1 2 3 "Lambert in as Reid resigns". Eastbourne Herald. 13 January 2014. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
    35. 1 2 "Delight for Town as dramatic late strike seals RUR Cup final triumph". Eastbourne Herald. 18 March 2015. Retrieved 15 November 2019.
    36. "Borough and Town both target some FA Cup glory". Eastbourne Herald. 9 October 2015. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
    37. "The FA has decided that all grassroots football is concluded for the 2019/20 season". 26 March 2020 via www.sussexfa.com.
    38. 1 2 "Club News: New manager announced". Eastbournetown.com. 19 May 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
    39. Gazza (23 April 1941). "Gazette Gossip - Bus Colours" . Eastbourne Gazette . p. 2 via British Newspaper Archive.
    40. "Eastbourne FC". Southern Amateur Football League. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
    41. "Town think big thanks to record sponsorship deal". Eastbournetown.com. 20 July 2019. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
    42. "UK Packaging are proud to sponsor Eastbourne Town FC". Find the Needle. Retrieved 1 May 2019.
    43. "Eastbourne Town FC Renews Partnership with Coleman Plant Hire". Eastbournetown.com. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
    44. Unknown (10 September 1930). "Supporters club activities" . Eastbourne Gazette. p. 11 via British Newspaper Archive.
    45. Unknown (1 September 1937). "More valuable work" . Eastbourne Gazette. p. 7 via British Newspaper Archive.
    46. Unknown (6 June 1951). "949 Members" . Eastbourne Gazette. p. 4 via British Newspaper Archive.
    47. "Eastbourne Town's 'ultras' are game for a laugh and making football welcome to all". 16 November 2017.
    48. "Ultras". 2 March 2017.
    49. ""Non-league football is our punk rock" – Alex Brown's work for Eastbourne Town FC". It's Nice That. 24 April 2017. Retrieved 25 July 2017.
    50. "Eastbourne Town FC – Alex Brown « The Modern Game". www.themoderngame.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2 May 2017. Retrieved 25 July 2017.
    51. "Sussex football's best supported sides: Which non-league teams have the highest average home attendance this season?". Worthing Herald. 6 March 2019. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
    52. "Eastbourne Town Men's first team". Eastbourne Town FC. 25 July 2024. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
    53. "Eastbourne Town Contact". Eastbourne Town F.C. 18 May 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
    54. "Past Managers". Eastbourne Town FC. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
    55. unknown (15 September 1906). "Eastbourne Football Club Secretaryship". Eastbourne Chronicle. p. 5.
    56. "1931-1932". Southern Amateur Football League. Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
    57. "Awkward Questions". Eastbourne Gazette. 22 July 1953. p. 12.
    58. Winger (17 February 1954). "New Manager May be Ex-England Player". Eastbourne Gazette. p. 12.
    59. Winger (24 February 1954). "Eastbourne's New Coach(1)". Eastbourne Gazette. p. 13.
    60. Unknown (3 July 1954). "Eastbourne's New Coach(2)". Eastbourne Herald. p. 24.
    61. Unknown (22 July 1959). "Eastbourne's New Coach(3)". Eastbourne Gazette. p. 1.
    62. 1 2 Unknown (30 August 1960). "Players return to Town". Eastbourne Herald Chronicle. p. 16.
    63. Unknown (16 May 1964). "Club manager asked to resign". Eastbourne Herald Chronicle. p. 1.
    64. Unknown (4 July 1964). "Soccer club manager". Eastbourne Herald Chronicle. p. 1.
    65. Unknown (1 June 1966). "Town appoint Bill Booth as manager". Eastbourne Herald Chronicle. p. 26.
    66. Don Wright (19 April 1972). "Town players say: We quit". Eastbourne Gazette.
    67. Ken McEwan (18 October 1986). "Back to form". Eastbourne Gazette.
    68. Legg, Mike (21 May 2001). "Football: Eastbourne boss offers to resign". The Argus. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
    69. "Reds blast for league snub". The Argus. 29 June 2001. Retrieved 14 November 2019.
    70. 1 2 "BOROUGH COACH IS TOWN'S NEW MANAGER". Eastbourne Herald. 22 January 2005. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
    71. "Former Worthing boss Bloor takes over at Eastbourne Town". Worthing Herald. 30 December 2009. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
    72. 1 2 "Reid quits as Eastbourne Town manager". The Argus. 10 January 2014. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
    73. "Lambert and Podmore step down". Eastbournetown.com. 23 April 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
    74. "Other Teams". Eastbourne Town F.C. Archived from the original on 18 April 2016. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
    75. "1922-1923". Southern Amateur Football League. Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 27 December 2018.
    76. "1925-1926". Southern Amateur Football League. Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 27 December 2018.
    77. "1921-1922". Southern Amateur Football League. Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 12 May 2019.
    78. "1929-1930". Southern Amateur Football League. Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 12 May 2019.
    79. "1938-1939". Southern Amateur Football League. Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 27 December 2018.
    80. "1919-1920". Southern Amateur Football League. Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 27 December 2018.
    81. "1911-1912". Southern Amateur Football League. Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 27 December 2018.
    82. "R.U.R. Cup Final Results – Sussex County Football Association". Sussexcountyleague.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2010. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
    83. "1921-1922". Southern Amateur Football League. Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 27 December 2018.
    84. "1924-1925". Southern Amateur Football League. Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 27 December 2018.
    85. "International Tournaments (Paris) 1904-1935".
    86. "Challenge International du Nord".
    87. "1931-1932". Southern Amateur Football League. Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
    88. Winger (14 October 1953). "No, history did not repeat itself on Saturday". Eastbourne Gazette. p. 10.
    89. "Ipswich Town v Eastbourne Town". EastbourneTown.com. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
    90. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Eastbourne Town - Club Records". 9 September 2021.