Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[bighairedmike]

The "End of an Era" makes pretty remarkable reading.






"Nick Greenwood had been a coach under Steve Richardson at Langney Sports in the late 1990's. When 'Rico' left Nick remained and a few months later in January 1999 Garry Wilson joined the Sussex County Division One side following a break from the game after leaving Hastings Town. The partnership would produce a fairy story rise up through the football pyramid.

The pair won the County title at a canter in their first full season in charge and The Sports made the step up into regional football. Each season saw the side move from strength to strength with cup giant killings, big name scalps, and ever improving league placings. Promotion followed promotion and Silverware arrived with a coveted first Sussex Senior Cup victory, a title that would be repeated some years later. The club change of name during the duo's reign helped raise the clubs profile, but the progress on the pitch continued ever onward with a narrow play-off defeat at Stoke City FC followed by a never to be forgotten 1st round FA Cup tie against League opposition that saw the club appear on national television for the first time.

Promotion to the pinnacle of non-league football was eventually achieved, again in thrilling fashion, in front of a satellite tv audience, to cap the incredible journey from parks football to the verge of the football league. Three seasons in the Blue Square Premier saw this small self funded football club, still part-time, compete with and beat famous, big name opposition both home and away, all under the management of the same team that conquered the County League just a few short years earlier.

To maintain the 'Premier' status proved too much for the part-time training and self funded budget, but the duo remained at the club to stabilise after the clubs first ever relegation but this season has proved a challenge so far.

The above is the football, but what anyone connected to the club will also remember is the openness of both Garry Wilson and Nick Greenwood. The relationship with a fan base that grew from less than a hundred to regular attendances of over 1000 remained the same. Always happy to talk before or after a game, encouraging words to youngsters, and attendance at club functions. Both have played a huge part in the history of Eastbourne Borough. Anyone that has witnessed the clubs rise, enjoyed the games, cheered the goals, travelled the length and breadth of Sussex or England wishes both the best of luck with whatever they choose to do next and hopes to see them at Priory Lane as the next chapter unfolds. Their place in the history of this club, and in the hearts of many who have shared their journey as they took the club on an incredible journey, is assured.

Thanks must also be given to Steve Eke who has also left the club at this"