Eastbourne Borough F.C.

History

:

Early years

They were formed in 1964 as Langney F.C., naming themselves after the Langney district of Eastbourne in which the club continues to play its home games. It all started when a group of friends had played for the Langney and Friday Street youth team were too old to carry on playing and decided to form their own team so they could continue to play football.{{cite news | access-date = 15 April 2009 | archive-date = 18 July 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080718110610/http://www.theargus.co.uk/mostpopular.var.2268902.mostviewed.boroughs_rise_is_the_stuff_of_dreams.php | url-status = live On forming in 1964, Langney FC entered the Eastbourne & District Football League, competing in Division 2. Despite forming in 1964, Langney only affiliated with the Sussex FA in the Summer 1965, which marks its first official season. Prior to the 1968/69 season there was a change of name to Langney Sports F.C. when the club affiliated to the Langney Community Association. At this time the club was playing on local recreation grounds before moving to Princes Park near the seafront, next door to Eastbourne United's ground at The Oval. At the end of the season 1973/74, the club won promotion to the Premier Division of the Eastbourne & Hastings League.

Sussex County League years: 1983–1999

In 1983 the club was elected as a founding member of Division 3 of the Sussex County League, minutely overshadowed by FA officials stating that the club was a "parks team" and not taking the club seriously.{{cite news | access-date = 5 September 2014 | archive-date = 5 September 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140905214125/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/football/eastbourne-borough/sir-len-of-the-lane-the-man-who-built-borough-1-6282047 | url-status = live

In 1986/87 Langney Sports achieved a treble by claiming the Third Division title, the Division 3 League Cup and the Eastbourne Challenge Cup. The Sports followed this with a second successive promotion the next season to Division 1. In 1992, Langney reached the final of the Sussex Senior Challenge Cup, losing 0–1 to the reserve team of Sussex's only professional club, Brighton & Hove Albion. Langney regularly finished in the top four in Division One; the manager, Pete Cherry, left the club on mutual grounds having brought Langney Sports up from the Eastbourne and Hastings league into the county league; for two years Steve Richardson took the reins followed by Garry Wilson in 1999. In his first full season in 2000 they finished the season as Sussex County League Champions, and were promoted to the Eastern Division of the Southern League.{{cite news | access-date = 2016-03-16 | archive-date = 22 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160322003516/http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/5163414.County_League___Snelgrove_seals_title/ | url-status = live

Climb to the Conference under Garry Wilson: 1999–2012

After their first season in the Southern Football League Eastern Division, in which they finished 9th in the table, the club chairman, Len Smith, announced on 26 May 2001 that the club was to be renamed Eastbourne Borough to reflect the town the team played in.{{cite news | access-date = 15 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926142309/http://www.theargus.co.uk/archive/2001/05/29/The+Argus+Archive/6779308.Football__Langney_taken_off_the_map/ |archive-date=2012-09-26}} In their second season they finished seventh and secured their first Sussex Senior Cup title in front of a record crowd, beating Lewes after extra-time in the final.{{cite news | access-date = 2016-03-30 | archive-date = 11 April 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160411132558/http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/5132248.Sub_wins_cup_for_Borough/ | url-status = live | access-date = 2016-03-30 | archive-date = 11 April 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160411122050/http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/5111936.Football__Borough_up_but_title_goes_west/ | url-status = live | access-date = 2016-03-30 | archive-date = 11 April 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160411150209/http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/6736915.Sussex_Cup__Reds_win_shoot_out/ | url-status = live | access-date = 2016-03-30 | archive-date = 9 April 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160409173730/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/news/borough-make-sure-of-conference-south-place-1-1437111 | url-status = live | access-date = 26 July 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170318002809/http://www.cambridgecityfc.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=1&num=583 | archive-date = 18 March 2017 | url-status = dead However, they were beaten 2–1 by Altrincham (who had won the Conference North play-offs) in the play-off final at Stoke City's Britannia Stadium, and remained in the Conference South.{{cite news | access-date = 25 July 2011 | archive-date = 26 April 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060426232327/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/4548795.stm | url-status = live

The next season they finished in the bottom half of the table in 17th place and in the 2006–07 season they just missed out in the play-offs finishing in 7th place.{{cite news | access-date = 2016-03-17 | archive-date = 23 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160323233341/http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/1363333.Football__Tired_Borough_s_play_off_dream_dies/ | url-status = live | access-date = 2016-03-30 | archive-date = 11 April 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160411153150/http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/1935971.Drury_inspires_Lewes_to_derby_win/ | url-status = live

Eastbourne beat Braintree Town 5–0 over two legs in the play-off semi-finals, before winning promotion to the Conference National on 8 May 2008 with a 2–0 win over Hampton & Richmond Borough in the Conference South Play-off final at Broadhall Way, Stevenage.{{cite news | access-date = 25 July 2011 | archive-date = 9 October 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121009073522/http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/2258429.wilson_thrilled_as_eastbourne_borough_promoted/ | url-status = live

At the start of their 2008–09 campaign in the Conference they were struggling outside the relegation zone, however after a few loan players were brought in, including Dan Smith and Ashley Barnes from Plymouth Argyle,{{cite news | access-date = 26 July 2011 | archive-date = 5 December 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081205023508/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/e/eastbourne_borough/7752823.stm | url-status = live | access-date = 26 July 2011 | archive-date = 19 December 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191219031341/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/e/eastbourne_borough/7715881.stm | url-status = live | access-date = 25 July 2011 | archive-date = 11 December 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081211080309/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7763398.stm | url-status = live | access-date = 25 July 2011 | archive-date = 25 November 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201125110807/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/7844365.stm | url-status = live | access-date = 26 July 2011 | archive-date = 23 September 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210923213529/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/8002689.stm | url-status = live | access-date = 25 July 2011 | archive-date = 9 October 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121009073607/http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/3749917.print/ | url-status = live Eastbourne also completed the 2008–09 season by winning the Sussex Senior Cup beating Brighton & Hove Albion Reserves 1–0.{{cite news | access-date = 25 July 2011}}

The 2009–10 season saw Eastbourne struggle from 'second season syndrome'. After a bright start, beating A.F.C. Wimbledon and eventual FA Trophy winners Barrow at Priory Lane,{{cite news | access-date = 25 July 2011 | archive-date = 23 September 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210923213531/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/8192457.stm | url-status = live | access-date = 25 July 2011 | archive-date = 23 September 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210923213604/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/8207992.stm | url-status = live | access-date = 7 July 2010 | archive-date = 23 September 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210923213533/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/mobile/football/eng_conf/8620906.stm | url-status = dead

Eastbourne were relegated back to the Conference South in 2010–11. Having beaten both Hayes and Yeading and Altrincham 5–0 at home early in the season,{{cite news | access-date = 25 July 2011 | archive-date = 23 September 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210923213533/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8898609.stm | url-status = live | access-date = 25 July 2011 | archive-date = 23 September 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210923213534/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/8989529.stm | url-status = live | access-date = 22 May 2011 | archive-date = 23 September 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210923213535/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/9401941.stm | url-status = live | access-date = 25 July 2011 | archive-date = 9 October 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121009074024/http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/8978894.Borough_relegated/ | url-status = live | access-date = 26 July 2011 | archive-date = 23 September 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210923213535/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/9465658.stm | url-status = live

The end of the 2010/11 season was marked with the first competitive game ever to be played at Brighton and Hove Albion's new Falmer Stadium, contested between Eastbourne and Brighton & Hove Albion Reserves in the Sussex Senior Cup Final. Eastbourne lost the game 2–0 with Gary Hart scoring the first goal at the new stadium.{{cite news | access-date = 25 July 2011 | archive-date = 24 April 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160424184445/http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/albion/9144064.Hart_so_pleased_to_score_Amex_opener/ | url-status = live

Halfway through the 2011–12 Conference South season, after a poor run of results, Eastbourne parted company with Garry Wilson and Head Coach Nick Greenwood.{{cite news | access-date = 19 January 2012 | archive-date = 12 April 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160412013935/http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/9476655.Wilson_and_Greenwood_sacked_by_Borough/ | url-status = live | access-date = 19 January 2012 | archive-date = 22 January 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120122025351/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/eastbourne-borough/we_are_very_proud_to_have_been_part_of_borough_s_history_1_3437432 | url-status = live | access-date = 19 January 2012 | archive-date = 22 January 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120122025311/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/eastbourne-borough/a_13_year_romance_1_3437455 | url-status = dead | access-date = 19 January 2012 | archive-date = 20 April 2013 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130420004143/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/eastbourne-borough/skipper_austin_to_take_charge_at_tonbridge_angels_1_3437418 | url-status = live

Eastbourne appointed Tommy Widdrington as their new manager on 1 February 2012. With the team lying 18th in the Conference South, chairman Len Smith outlined the aim to avoid relegation and rebuild for the 2012–13 season{{cite news | access-date = 1 February 2012 | archive-date = 20 April 2013 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130420083113/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/eastbourne-borough/widdrington_i_want_to_be_part_of_another_successful_era_with_eastbourne_borough_1_3476277 | url-status = live

The Sports secured their safety on the 41st and penultimate matchday, despite losing to a 3–0 scoreline away at Basingstoke Town. Results elsewhere meant their Conference South status was retained for the 2012–13 season.{{cite news | access-date = 23 April 2012 | archive-date = 1 May 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120501123000/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/eastbourne-borough/borough-avoid-drop-despite-basingstoke-defeat-1-3761574 | url-status = live

Mixed fortunes: 2012–2023

Widdrington's arrival signaled a move towards a new look Eastbourne team, with the last few members of the 2007–08 promotion winning team leaving the club at the end of the season. Matt Crabb, Matt Smart and Ben Austin departed,{{cite news | access-date = 4 June 2012 | archive-date = 20 June 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120620092840/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/eastbourne-borough/boro-shake-up-has-just-begun-1-3811560 | url-status = live | access-date = 4 June 2012}} leaving Darren Baker as the sole survivor of the team that won promotion at Stevenage in 2008.{{cite news | access-date = 4 June 2012 | archive-date = 21 June 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120621080044/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/eastbourne-borough/baker-signs-on-for-boro-again-but-crabb-and-smart-released-1-3796452 | url-status = live

The 2012–13 season was Widdrington's first full-season in charge and was a season of transition. In total 41 players pulled on a Borough shirt as the new manager tried to find the right mixture. Borough ended the season as the team having scored the fewest goals, but having one of the tightest defensive records, which contributed to their finishing the season in 12th place.{{cite news | access-date = 15 May 2013}}

In the spring of 2013, Eastbourne were in talks with Kuwaiti European Holdings (KEH) over a potential take over of the club.{{cite news | access-date = 26 April 2014 | archive-date = 26 April 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140426234127/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/news/local/eastbourne-borough-s-takeover-talks-with-wealthy-kuwaiti-investment-company-collapse-1-5022164 | url-status = live | access-date = 26 April 2014 | archive-date = 26 April 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140426233732/http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/10963267.Borough_ensure_future_looks_bright/ | url-status = live | access-date = 26 April 2014 | archive-date = 26 April 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140426233618/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/football/eastbourne-borough/manager-of-the-month-tommy-wanted-a-clean-sheet-1-5522284 | url-status = live | access-date = 26 April 2014 | archive-date = 26 April 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140426234739/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/football/eastbourne-borough/boss-plans-to-add-mature-heads-to-squad-after-watching-his-young-chargers-fall-just-short-1-6021722 | url-status = live

During the early stages of the 2014–15 season, Len Smith, who had served as chairman of the club for more than 40 years, stood down from his position with Eastbourne sitting at the top of the fledgling Conference South table after 6 games.{{cite news | access-date = 5 September 2014 | archive-date = 5 September 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140905213714/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/football/eastbourne-borough/len-smith-steps-down-as-eastbourne-borough-chairman-1-6272817 | url-status = live | access-date = 25 April 2015 | archive-date = 18 October 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141018143550/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28589474 | url-status = live | access-date = 25 April 2015 | archive-date = 16 April 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150416230420/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/football/eastbourne-borough/eastbourne-borough-set-for-370-000-3g-pitch-at-priory-lane-1-6603710 | url-status = live

2015–16 was Eastbourne's 50th anniversary season. Although they could only secure a 17th-place finish in the league, they won the Sussex Senior Cup for the third time in their history at the end of the season.{{cite news | access-date = 2016-05-21 | archive-date = 24 May 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160524042506/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/football/borough-lift-senior-cup-with-victory-over-worthing-1-7394372 | url-status = live | access-date = 2016-05-21 | archive-date = 31 May 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160531044811/http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/14507870.Pinney_hero_and_villain_as_Eastbourne_Borough_win_Senior_Cup/ | url-status = live

Widdrington resigned from his post in April 2017 to pursue an opportunity at Coventry City,{{cite news | access-date = 3 May 2017 | archive-date = 23 May 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170523115930/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/football/eastbourne-borough/coventry-city-role-for-ex-borough-boss-widdrington-1-7909586 | url-status = live | access-date = 7 April 2017 | archive-date = 8 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170408083237/http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39526481 | url-status = live

At the end of the 2016–17 season, Eastbourne appointed Bognor Regis Town manager Jamie Howell to take over the vacant managerial position, who had two days previously lead Bognor back to the National League South.{{cite news |access-date = 3 May 2017 | access-date = 3 May 2017}}

In Howell's first full season at the club, Eastbourne registered an 18th-place finish. The following season, Eastbourne started positively and found themselves in the play-off spots with 4 wins, 4 draws and just one defeat after their opening 9 games. However, their form dropped and Howell was sacked by the club on 16 February 2019 with Eastbourne in 15th place in the table.{{cite news | access-date = 5 May 2019 | archive-date = 5 May 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190505124758/https://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/football/eastbourne-borough/eastbourne-borough-sack-their-manager-jamie-howell-after-billericay-defeat-1-8813920 | url-status = live

Eastbourne appointed Mark McGhee to act as interim manager until the end season.{{cite news | access-date = 5 May 2019 | archive-date = 5 May 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190505124759/https://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/football/eastbourne-borough/former-brighton-and-leicester-manager-mark-mcghee-appointed-manager-at-eastbourne-borough-1-8816148 | url-status = live

The start of the 2019–20 season saw Lee Bradbury take charge for a very brief period until October 2019. In November 2019 Danny Bloor was announced as the new manager. In a season curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Borough finished 18th. The following season saw Borough flying high in the 3rd place, before the competition was prematurely cancelled for the same reason.

The 2021–22 season was Danny Bloor's first full season in charge, despite having been manager for almost two years. Borough continued in the same vein as the previous season, finishing the season in 6th position. They entered the play-off eliminator round but lost to Oxford City 2–0. Eastbourne followed this with an 8th-place finish for the 2022–23 season, narrowly missing out on the play-off spots.

Under new ownership: 2023–present

On 2 June 2023, the club underwent a takeover, being bought by the former owner of travel media company Ink, Simon Leslie.{{cite news | access-date = 6 June 2023}} Following the takeover Danny Bloor left his position as manager.{{cite news | access-date = 6 June 2023}} A few days later Mark Beard was appointed as the new manager.{{cite news | access-date = 8 June 2023}}

Following a poor run of results leading to Eastbourne sitting in 21st, six points into the relegation zone, Mark Beard was sacked on the 1 January 2024.{{cite news | access-date = 4 January 2024}} Adam Murray was appointed as new manager a few days later.{{cite news | access-date = 4 January 2024}} Eastbourne managed to turn their fortunes around, losing just once in their final 12 games. They secured safety on the penultimate game day of the season and finished in 19th place on 52 points.

During the 2024/25 season, under Adam Murray, Eastbourne performed much better, with lengthy time in playoff positions. They managed to achieve the previous season's goal record (53) with 8 games still to play. On the 18 April 2025, Eastbourne broke their record for league home attendance, with 3622 spectators during a 1-1 draw against Worthing.{{cite news

At the start of the 2025/26 season, Adam Murray left Eastbourne for Kidderminster Harriers, stating familial matters. Matt Gray replaced him, who himself was sacked after failing to win any of his first 10 games. On the 16th of October, he was replaced by former manager Tommy Widdrington.

FA Cup history

During the 2005/06 season, the club reached the first round of the FA Cup for the first time in the club's history, when a battling performance saw them hold League Two club Oxford United to a 1–1 draw at home, winger Ollie Rowland, holding his nerve to score a 90th-minute penalty.{{cite news | access-date = 27 November 2008 | archive-date = 5 December 2005 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051205154947/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/4387918.stm | url-status = live

This match gained the club three milestones. These were:

• 1. The first time that Eastbourne Borough had played a competitive match against a fully professional league-side.
• 2. The first time that Eastbourne Borough were given national television coverage (highlights of the match at the Priory Lane ground were shown on BBC's Match of the Day){{cite news | access-date = 3 April 2016 | archive-date = 16 February 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090216090029/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/A-decade-of-success-from.4978559.jp | url-status = live
• 3. For the first time ever the home and away supporters had to be segregated due to the attendance of 3,770.

The East-Sussex side failed to win the replay at Oxford's Kassam Stadium on a cold mid-week November night.{{cite news | access-date = 27 November 2008 | archive-date = 23 September 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210923213538/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/4430970.stm | url-status = live | access-date = 27 November 2008 | archive-date = 8 February 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060208045432/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/o/oxford_utd/4654706.stm | url-status = live

Again the club reached the FA Cup first round in the 2007/08 season and played Conference National side Weymouth. Borough lost 4 – 0 in front of a crowd of 2,711 supporters.{{cite news | access-date = 27 November 2008 | archive-date = 23 September 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210923213539/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/7076510.stm | url-status = live | access-date = 27 November 2008 | archive-date = 23 September 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210923213539/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/7726866.stm | url-status = live

The club reached the FA Cup first round again in the 2016/17 season and played Conference National side Braintree Town. Eastbourne crashed out of the competition by losing 7–0 to the Essex club.{{cite news | access-date = 6 November 2016 | archive-date = 8 November 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161108175022/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37807034 | url-status = live

2020 saw the Sports grace BT Sports for a live FA Cup 1st round match versus Blackpool of League One. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic it was game played without fans. The Borough lost 3–0.{{cite news | access-date = 17 January 2021 | archive-date = 20 November 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201120050146/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54840208 | url-status = live

Crest and colours

Eastbourne's club crest was updated in the summer of 2023 to couple with the takeover of the club by Simon Leslie. It brings a modern take on the traditional club badge which dated from the 1970s, and the current version is its third incarnation. It represents a Martello tower, specifically the one at nearby Langney Point, with a cloud passing across it. The club had sought a crest that was identifiable with the local area and the initial choice was between two local landmarks: Langney Priory and the aforementioned Martello tower.{{cite web | access-date = 2016-03-30 | url-status = usurped | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060112041755/http://www.langneysports.co.uk/html/club_crest.html | archive-date = 12 January 2006}}

The club's colours have changed over time; originally they were maroon with an amber trim. However, since 1972 the club's colour has been red. Red has been combined with other colours over the years, including white and red, however in recent years the predominant combination has been red and black. The club have traditionally used various shades of blue for their away strip, but in recent years yellow has been used.

Borough's main shirt sponsors have included 1st Class Windows, Town Flats & Town Property, Hailsham Roadway, Best Demolition and Interlink Express. The Sports will be sponsored by Norwegian Cruise Line for the 2023/24 season.

Ground

Main article: Priory Lane

Since 1983, Eastbourne Borough have played their home games at Priory Lane, Langney, which has an official capacity of 3,622. Prior to this they had played on the playing fields at Princes Park. Many of the facilities on the Priory Lane site, including the clubhouse, were built largely by a handful of volunteers. Just two professionals, a carpet fitter and a plumber, were deployed for the construction of the clubhouse.

In 2006, Priory Lane hosted all three England fixtures of the Non League Four Nations Tournament. The ground also hosted the Sussex Senior Cup final from 2000 to 2010.

Eastbourne faced the possibility of losing their Priory Lane ground in 2007 due to a rent dispute with the local council. A petition was started to prevent this from occurring.

Between 1983 and 2016, the playing surface at Priory Lane was natural grass. Eastbourne announced that a FieldTurf surface would be installed over the summer of 2016.

In August 2022, Eastbourne Borough FC signed a stadium naming rights deal with SO Legal Ltd. The deal saw the ground's name changed to The SO Legal Stadium at Priory Lane. The deal will run until the end of the 2023/24 season.

Supporters

Eastbourne's attendances rapidly rose during the club's rise through the divisions. While in 2001–02 season they attracted an average crowd of 382, the attendance figures peaked during the 2008–09 season at an average of 1,344.

Eastbourne Borough have a Supporter's Club which liaises with the club on behalf of the supporters, arranges match day travel and social events.

Rivalries

Eastbourne Borough have shared a rivalry with Hastings, Lewes, Tonbridge, Whitehawk, Worthing and Folkestone in recent years, which developed during the time spent sharing the same division with these clubs. The rivalry with Lewes drew large crowds during the 2007–08 season title race. They have a lesser rivalry with the other two local clubs; Eastbourne Town and Eastbourne United due to not having shared the same league with either of them for a considerable time. Eastbourne Borough previously shared a rivalry with Crawley however this rivalry has also faded over time.

Mascot

Eastbourne's official mascot is Sammy Sunshine.

Organisation and community involvement

Eastbourne Borough has been a FA Chartered Standard Community club since 2002 and became a Community Interest Company (CIC) in July 2008. The club was the first senior football club in the country to have gained CIC status. A CIC operates as a limited company, yet must fulfill and abide by certain criteria which benefit the community, including an asset lock. Eastbourne Borough is a CIC limited by shares.

Next to football coaching for all ages, the club provides a variety of services for the community, including study support, indoor bowls, archery and social events.

Players

Current squad

Updated 22 January 2026.

Youth/U18s

The following players have made appearances or have appeared on the substitutes bench for the first team.

Out on loan

Notable former players

Coaching staff

Other teams

Eastbourne Borough have other teams which include:

• Eastbourne Borough Academy, currently playing in the Football Conference Youth Alliance
• Eastbourne Borough Ladies, formed in 2004 and currently play in the South East Combination Premier.
• Eastbourne Borough Youth.{{cite web | access-date = 22 February 2012 | archive-date = 20 June 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120620175926/http://www.ebyfc.net/ | url-status = live
• Eastbourne Borough Under 18's.

Management history

Below is a list of Langney Sports (1983–2001) and Eastbourne Borough (2001–Present) managers since 1983.

Stats as of 27 January 2026. League matches only.

Records

Player records

• Most appearances:
  • Darren Baker, 952 (1992–2013){{cite news | access-date = 26 July 2011}}{{cite news | access-date = 17 May 2013 | archive-date = 10 December 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191210124745/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/eastbourne-borough/legend-baker-calls-time-on-952-match-borough-career-1-5103078 | url-status = live
• Most goals scored:
  • Scott Ramsay, 135 (2002–2008)
• Most goals in a season:
  • Scott Ramsay, 38 (2002–03)
• Most league goals in a season:
  • Scott Ramsay, 30 (2002–03)
• First player to earn a full international cap while at the club:
  • James Walker for Antigua and Barbuda, September 2012.

Club records

• Highest transfer received:
  • £25,000 for Yemi Odubade, Oxford United, 2006
• Attendance:
  • 3,770 V Oxford United, FA Cup R1, 5 November 2005
• League attendance:
  • 3,622 V Worthing, 18 April 2025
• Biggest win:
  • 11–1 v Crowborough, Sussex Senior Cup Quarter-final, 13 January 2009.
• Biggest defeat:
  • 0–8 v Sheppey United, FA Vase Preliminary Round, 2 October 1993.

Best performances

• Highest League Table Position
  • Conference National: 13th, 2008–09
• FA Cup
  • First round: 2005–06, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2016–17, 2020–21
• FA Trophy
  • Third round: 2001–02, 2002–03, 2004–05, 2010–11, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2024–25
• FA Vase
  • Second round: 1990–91, 1991–92, 1997–98
• Conference League Cup
  • Fourth round: 2007–08

Honours

Achievements before 2001 were under the Langney Sports F.C. name; after 2001, under the Eastbourne Borough F.C. name.

Source:

League

• Conference South (level 6)
  • Play-off winners: 2005, 2008
• Southern League Eastern (level 7)
  • Runners-up: 2002–03
• Eastbourne & Hastings League Premier
  • Champions: 1981–82
• Sussex County League
  • Division One champions: 1999–2000
  • Division Two champions: 1987–88
  • Division Three champions: 1986–87

Cup

• Sussex Division Three League Cup
  • Winners: 1986–87
• Sussex County League Cup
  • Winners: 1989–90
• Sussex Floodlight Cup
  • Runners-up: 1997–98
• Sussex Senior Challenge Cup
  • Winners: 2001–02, 2008–09, 2015–16
• Roy Hayden Memorial Trophy/Sussex Community Shield
  • Winners: 2002, 2009, 2016

Awards

• Non-League Directory's Club of the Year Home Counties South: 2000
• Sussex County FA Community Club of the Year: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
• FA Community Club of the Year South East Regional: 2006, 2008

References

References

1. "Club History". Eastbourne Borough F.C..
2. Bauckham, David. (2015-10-30). "Sports Day".
3. "SSC Final". Langney Sports.
4. Gurney, Tom. (2008-05-03). "Borough reach play-off final". The Argus.
5. (July 2001). "Len Smith interview". Langney Sports.
6. Griggs, Howard. (2014-09-06). "Golden memories for Borough chief Len".
7. "Eastbourne Borough name new management team with Bloor at helm".
8. "Club Statement".
9. "Widdrington Appointed First Team Manager".
10. "Latest News: Wednesday 2 November 2005". Eastbourne Borough F.C..
11. Bauckham, David. "Blue is the colour... or red etc.".
12. (2015-11-16). "50 years of football at Priory Lane". Eastbourne Herald.
13. (2002-08-15). "Borough completes another first class deal". Eastbourne Herald.
14. (2008-07-18). "Borough land five figure windfall".
15. (2011-04-30). "Five-figure deal as Demolition continue to back Boro". Eastbourne Herald.
16. (2015-05-03). "New Sponsors for Season 2015/16". Eastbourne Borough F.C..
17. (2006-05-26). "Borough so proud". The Argus.
18. (2006-03-09). "England to host Four Nations cup". BBC Sport.
19. (2011-07-16). "Sussex Senior Cup Final Official Programme 2011". Sussex County Football Association.
20. (2006-03-09). "Petition over football club rent". BBC Sport.
21. "European Football Statistics". European Football Statistics.
22. Griggs, Howard. (2007-12-26). "Borough comeback denies Lewes". The Argus.
23. "Community Club". Eastbourne Borough F.C..
24. (2009-05-29). "Annual Report 2008-09". Regulator of Community Interest Companies.
25. (2010-12-20). "Three businessmen join Borough team". Eastbourne Herald.
26. "Community Interest Company". Eastbourne Borough F.C..
27. Pratt, Tom. (2009-12-01). "Q&A: Setting up a Community Interest Company". The Guardian.
28. McEwan, Ken. (2004-07-01). "Community Champions". Eastbourne Herald.
29. "EBFC Squad". Soccerway.
30. (2008-05-15). "Management and Squad 2007/08". Eastbourne Borough F.C..
31. "Player Statistics 2002–03". Eastbourne Borough F.C..
32. "Goal Scorers Season 2002–2003 plus Career Goals to date". The Borough.
33. (2012-09-14). "Walker makes World Cup qualifier debut". Eastbourne Herald.
34. Rundle, Richard. "Sussex Senior Cup 2008–09".
35. "Sheppey United 8–0 Langney Sports". The Results Archive.
36. Rundle, Richard. "FA Vase 1993–94".
37. Skraff, Ludwig. ""Sussex Tables from 1960"".
38. "Pre-season results". Eastbourne Borough F.C..
39. (2009-09-03). "Boro cruise to Roy Hayden Trophy". Eastbourne Herald.
40. (2016-08-03). "Impressive Borough sink Horsham to land Sussex Shield". Eastbourne Herald.
41. (2000-10-06). "Langney's rise rewarded". The Argus.