Scarborough Athletic

Scarborough Athletic FC is a football club who were formed on June 25 of 2007 following the liquidation of Scarborough FC. The Seadog Trust had been formed in the previous year to seek representation on the board of Scarborough FC. 

When the old club went out of business, the Trust acted quickly to ensure a club could be formed to compete in the 2007-08 season. The formation of the club wasn't popular with some fans of the former club who had a season out before forming Scarborough Town FC.

In the week following the birth of the club, Brian France was named as team manager as the directors led by Chairman Simon Cope worked wonders to have everything ready for the new campaign. 

A deal was made with Bridlington Town FC to play home matches at their Queensgate Stadium, 18 miles down the coast, owing to the lack of a suitable venue in Scarborough, as the McCain Stadium was in the hands of the liquidators.

Athletic played their first game on a rain soaked Hunmanby Sports Field against Edgehill FC in July 2007 in front of over 500 fans. The clubs first competitive game was a 2-1 loss at Teversal on the 13th August 2007. Local lad Dave Thompson scored the 'new' Boro's first goal to the joy of 300 or so away fans.

Scarborough Borough Council bought the old McCain Stadium from the liquidators for £1.2 million in late 2008. Unfortunately the ground had been vandalised so severely since, it laid empty with estimates quoting a minimum of £500,000 just for basic repairs.

SBC announced that they hoped to build a community sports village to encompass other sports and to include a stadium for Athletic and hopefully Town to use. Weaponness Valley Coach Park, a few hundred yards from the old ground was suggested as a possible location. 

However, the credit crunch of 2008 came just at the wrong time for Athletic and SBC. They looked to sell the old site on Seamer Road to free up cash for any new development along with the towns' Sports Centre on Filey Road. 

In the meantime, SBC originally intimated that they may be able to assist if the development at GPCSC (see Scarborough Town page) could be utilised for the use of both clubs as a temporary solution, but this plan was abandoned owing to the planning difficulties and a change of direction at the college.

After a decent debut season, the Division One title was lifted in 2008-09 after a fine campaign of free flowing football, meaning promotion into the NCEL Premier Division. The game that won promotion was aptly away to Teversal. The club also embarked on a fine FA Vase run before going out away to Bideford in round four.

Unfortunately, soon after the triumph the assistant manager and boss's son Darren France was diagnosed with leukemia and had to step down from his role. Former Scarborough FC midfielder Paul Olsson came in as assistant boss.

In September 2010 manager Brian France suffered a serious injury after being struck by a ball in an away game at Liversedge. This led to him eventually stepping down from the role to be replaced by his assistant Olsson.

There was also talk led by Boro Chairman and life long fan Richard Adamson to get involved in merger talks with those at Scarborough Town FC. Adamson had taken up the position in November 2009, with the majority of Athletic fans and the vast majority of lapsed fans of Scarborough FC.

Those involved in the game in the town were also very much in favour of his initiative. Tentative talks began between the two clubs from July 2010. Unfortunately Adamson became seriously ill, with Dave Holland taking over as chairman.

The progress of Scarborough Town was adding additional pressure to the board regarding the proposed new stadium as well as results on the pitch. After an indifferent set of results Olsson was relieved of his duties to be replaced by Rudy Funk in March 2011. 

The new boss quickly instilled his enthusiasm while bringing in several new signings for the start of the following campaign as well as a new backroom team including the recovering Darren France.

In June 2011 the Weaponness development plans were opened to public consultation as SBC whittled down the list of potential contractors so that a partner could eventually be chosen. Wrenbridge would eventually be the approved company. 

Sadly the club suffered a tragic loss when Chairman Richard Adamson; who had been diagnosed with cancer lost his greatest fight in May 2011. After Richard's sad death the attempted merger talks were continued by Holland and Community Director, Wendy Danby.

The club gradually built up its status within the community and added many under age teams as the FA Charter status was granted, as well as a continual stream of willing volunteers coming forward to assist with duties, to raise the clubs profile and to create continual income streams. 

Boro were struck with another tragic blow in December 2012 as Brian France failed to recover from illness and passed away. 

Meanwhile, Scarborough Town resigned from the Humber Premier League and disbanded during the 2012-13 season, to bring full focus on Athletic during a tough period for football fans in the town.

In his second full season in command Funk led Boro to the Northern Counties East League title as the forward partnership of Ryan Blott and Tony Hackworth proved too hot for defences to handle, while the majestic midfield mastery of Pete Davidson saw him set up plentiful chances. 

Former Premier League star Bryan Hughes contributed in midfield towards the end of the championship campaign. Several new players were signed for life in the Northern Premier League, where the club were surprisingly placed in Division One South. 

The former North Ferriby United trio of Gary Bradshaw, Paul Foot and Chris Bolder played important roles throughout the season. John Reed had joined the backroom staff at the start of the season but left in November along with Darren France. 

The team ended the season just outside the play off places. Boro were transferred to Division One North for the 2014-15 season. Gates at Bridlington suffered while the fans awaited news on the new ground in Scarborough as part of the Weaponness Valley Sports Village.

The team had an inconsistent start to the 2014-15 campaign, leading to Funk resigning in early November. Players Paul Foot and Bryan Hughes were put in temporary charge, which was made full time after a fine start in their roles.

Goals from Bradshaw, Jimmy Beadle and Ryan Blott and fine contributions from promising youngsters all over the pitch eventually saw Boro finish just outside the play-off places once again.

In the summer of 2015 several signings came in such as Leigh Franks, Nathan Peat and keeper Ben Simpson. However, injuries and a lack of form led to a bad run of form after a four match unbeaten start without conceding a goal.

However, promising news off the pitch continued to come in as the plans for Weaponness were passed, alongside educational facilities for Coventry University and Scarborough University Technical College. The ground was broken on the development on the 5th October 2015. 

The 2015-16 season saw a very poor return in the league, which saw Foot and Hughes being replaced by Steve Kittrick; who led the side to eventual safety and the final of the NPL League Cup, where they were defeated by Colwyn Bay at Farsley.

Finances at the club had become a severe concern towards the end of the season, as fans were asked to raise a £25,000 shortfall, as the overstretched commercial department continued to perform near miracles.

Boro had a disappointing first half to the 2016-17 campaign before the club was hit by further tragedy in March 2017 as chairman Holland passed away after a sudden illness, just as the new stadium at Weaponness was really taking shape. Trevor Bull was appointed as the new chairman.

Boro reached the play-offs at the end of the 2016-17 season after a tremendous set of results, but went out in the semi-final at Queensgate against Ossett Town. Despite the setback of the result, an attendance of 1,004 offered much hope for the future.

Meanwhile the club announced that the Weaponness Sports Village would open in June 2017, with Boro's opening game being against Sheffield United on July 15th. Tickets for the showpiece occasion were quickly sold out.

History was made when two time world champion hurdler Colin Jackson opened the Scarborough Sports Village on Saturday 10th June 2017. The open day attracted huge crowds of Boro fans keen to see their new facility.

A week later former Scarborough FC manager Russell Slade attended a fans evening at Weaponness when the 2017-18 playing kits were unveiled. Season ticket and merchandise sales went beyond early expectation.

On the 4th July 2017 Boro announced that a deal had been forged to call their Weaponness base The Flamingo Land Stadium with its owner Gordon Gibb. The six figure deal signed for five years deal would see money ring fenced for stadium improvements.

Scarborough Athletic lost 4-1 to the Sheffield United under 23 side on the 15th July 2017 on a highly emotional and proud afternoon, both for the town and football club in front of a capacity crowd of 2,038.

The inaugural season at the Flamingo Land Stadium was one of great success as the Seadogs were promoted as runners-up to the Premier Division; back to the same status as Scarborough FC when they folded.

2018-19 saw the Seadogs pushing towards the play-offs before falling away, leading to Kittrick being replaced by John Deacey as manager. The team lifted the North Riding Senior Cup for the first time in May 2019 and a new stand was opened for the beginning of the 2019-20 season at the Flamingo Land Stadium.

The 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons were both aborted early owing to the Coronavirus pandemic with Boro sitting in eighth and then eleventh. Deacy had been replaced by Darren Kelly in December 2019, who in turn announced his resignation in May 2021.

The club quickly appointed the locally born former Premier League star Joanthan 'Jono' Greening as the new manager.

Scarborough Athletic FC will play in the Northern Premier League Premier Division in the 2021-22 season.


My first 'home' games:

Bridlington

Scarborough Athletic 2 Tadcaster Albion 2 (Saturday 7th October 2007) Northern Counties East League Division One (att: 486)

I travelled up to Bridlington on Saturday 7th October, 2007 on the train from Kings Cross full of excitement before Athletic's home game in the NCEL with Tadcaster Albion. I'd already been to three away games but I wanted to see how the club were doing in the tricky task of making Queensgate feel like home. 

New surroundings, same fans.

So many hours, cash and beers all over the country with these fellas supporting The Boro

A year or so earlier if someone told me that Boro would be involved once again in a North Yorkshire derby, but it would be against Taddy, I would have been horrified. However, all things considered with the formation of the new club and the positive vibes along with the superb way that Chairman, Simon Cope, and the rest of his excellent board of Directors were running things, I was more than happy.

There was an air of optimism and freedom from the debt and the previous directors who had overseen the old clubs demise among the fans. Many fans had given the new club a go and more were joining the club as equal members by the week. 

Karl and Baz put up with the inconvenience of the train journey to our temporary home

If you would like to join and become an equal member of an open, transparent, progressive non league club, please download the form, fill it in and send your cash! For a minimum of £15 a season it offers excellent value and gives any of you fans of big clubs a second side to support. All are welcome. You maybe our Chairman one day!

http://www.scarboroughathletic.com/files/trust_membership_form_v2.pdf

I arrived with Butch at midday and went to sample some fine John Smith's before I went in search of some lunch. The Queensgate Fisheries could not have been bettered. The portions were big and freshly cooked while the proprietor welcomed my trade. 

The sun was shining and things were looking good. I had some beers in the well furnished Brid Town clubhouse, in which Boro had set up a souvenir stand on the pool table, before paying my admission of £5 and going inside.

There was a queue at all times to sample the excellent refreshments all the game. I met up with my Dad who was delighted with the setting up of Athletic, despite him being a lifelong fan of the old club.

Boro fans enjoying pre match bonding before the Pontefract Collieries game in December 2007

The match itself was not bad. Obviously part time players at this level were prone to making errors but everyone gave 100% effort. It was no worse than some of the dross served up by the full time players at the old club. 

Another change was the crowds attitude. Boro fans in the past could be guilty of moaning too easily but I didn't hear one dissenting voice in the very healthy crowd of 486. I was most impressed with everything I saw on my first visit to a 'home' game, and consequently made it a fairly regular date. Obviously like all other Seadogs, I'd have preferred to be watching the club play in my home town, but this was the next best thing.

For a description of Queensgate please click here.

Scarborough

Scarborough Athletic 1 Sheffield United XI 4 (Saturday 15th July 2017) Pre Season Friendly (att: 2,038)

I was a very lucky person. I had travelled far and wide and seen football matches in three different continents. I'd attended games at little more than village recreation grounds all the way through to the biggest and most famous stadiums in the world.

This day was right up there with any of those occasions; despite my reservations until very late in the piece.

My story is a little bit complex and emotional. Apologies for the rather long monologue.

Since the loss of my parents; more so my Dad in April 2015, I'd struggled mentally at times. I'd received medical assistance, but I still struggled on visits to Scarborough.

One of the 'golden tickets'

I hadn't been able to contemplate going to any more 'home' games at Queensgate. I'd said goodbye to Dad at the home game v Bamber Bridge in March 2015 before I caught the train back to London and then headed away on holiday to Thailand, where I was when he passed.

Although we spoke on the phone, I never saw him again.

I'd returned to the final match of the season in Brid against Padiham, and had even continued in my role as programme editor for the 2014-15 season as well as Joint Owner/Membership Co-Ordinator, even while in South-East Asia. I just needed a break. I found it easier to watch lots of football elsewhere.

I'd become frustrated at the club's finances throughout the 2016-17 season. I was full of respect for the way the directors dealt with the awful situation following the death of Dave Holland. A couple of good pals had joined the board, who were doing a tremendous job in extremely trying circumstances.

While I closely followed news updates and chatted with friends and directors, I hadn't really got my buzz back. I tried to start posting updates on my Boro Facebook page; which can be followed here. I purchased four tickets through our family memberships for the big day.

Being closely involved with something you deeply care about can be mentally tiring; especially in the face of negativity and criticism. During my time serving the club, I'd become extremely sensitive and protective. Probably far too much so.

A week before the opening game I'd visited Scarborough for a County Cricket game between Yorkshire and Somerset. To be honest I probably hit the booze too hard each day and became tired. While at North Marine Road, it was great to hear from more volunteers of the positivity around the club.

However, I also saw some real negativity in smaller doses. As ever it tended to be from folk who hadn't been since the previous biggest ever match, and just threw out what they heard while grafting in the town, often from agent provocateurs who enjoyed stirring people up.

Over the years I'd had countless bar discussions, phone calls, emails and arguments as I insisted that the new ground was coming, while experts told me that I was wrong. Some pretty nasty things were said during this time. I wondered if the opening game could be my last for quite a while? I'd basically had enough of the doom-mongers.

Then the day before the game I received a call from a current director and close pal who knew I was struggling, as he'd been alerted by another good friend and volunteer. It took a few hours to kick in, but it would help me no end.

The big day came around. I was up bright and early and headed to Kings Cross trying to pump myself up, but not quite succeeding. My mood hardly lightened when it dawned at me that my pre booked rail ticket as far as York had been booked for the 15th June!

After quite a panic, the kind ticket office clerk replaced my ticket free of charge. Sometimes it was very useful being a card carrying member of the Union, and working for London Underground!

My Twitter feed for the morning must have been interesting reading. I let rip with all my candid feelings at that time. It was quite cathartic, as was writing this piece a couple of days after the opener.

As we went through Retford, the previous day's phone call kicked in, and a huge smile came across my face. I'd been reminded about what been a Boro fan was all about, when a Joe Naylor goal in stoppage time had salvaged Boro a point on my visit there, which can be viewed here.

My plans had been a little vague on arrival in Scarborough. I'd considered visiting the cemetery for a few minutes of contemplation at the family grave, but decided that being positive was the way forward.

Seadog Ady Buck had travelled up from near Stevenage. I don't think I'd seen him since he and Paul Whelan took me back to London after a midweek FA Trophy replay at Dover Athletic many seasons previously. Someone had smashed Ady's back window while we were at the game. I had frostbite of the neck for following few days after the trip up the A2.

My old pal Carl Ellis, and his good woman Ali joined us at Malton. On arrival in Scarborough we took up the offer of a cheap pint in Scholars, before heading to Cellars and then The Valley; which was packed with fans heading to the game.

It was great to see friends of many years in such good spirits. Some of them deserved medals for their loyalty to the cause over the previous ten years. I met my brother Nick, who was with his kids Sally and Stan. We had a pint and then headed on a familiar route to the pair of us.

Ashburn Road and the whole university, college and sports village site was our playground as kids. We walked past the old family house at the foot of Ashburn Rise, and then showed Sal and Stan where Nick was born in Weaponness Valley Road, where their Uncle Paul rode BMX, and where we played football with their Grandad.

People of the church handed out literature on the sloping road up to the ground; a path that was once our short cut past the old Gas Works to the Athletic Ground. It was a real wonder just how the area had been landscaped. We walked past the main entrance down to the turnstiles.

Once inside we were directed to the extra turnstile at that end to collect our free t shirts which had been provided by former players Dave Thompson and Baz Gill through their multi million pound company; SilkSilk.

We wandered all the way around the wonderful little stadium, with its raised seated Main Stand, covered end and flat open standing; but with lots of scope for development, which would become easier thanks to the Flamingo Land tie up.

Our old pal Bunner had been awarded the catering franchise in recognition of his loyal support over the years. My cheeseburger was pretty decent for £3.50 from the smaller cabin on the far side. We went back round to look at the wall of bricks next to the stand.

Supporters had been able to buy commemorative bricks with inscriptions in advance of the stadium opening. Many had taken up the offer. It was very emotional seeing our family brick for the first time.

I'd been given a heads up, but it was even more tear jerking when I showed Nick that Steve Adamson had mentioned Dad in the programme as he listed some of the fans that had left us between the old club forming and the present day.

The sound system was not at its best; a fact later acknowledged by the club, but it was hair on the back of the necks stuff as chairman Trevor Bull made his announcements as the clubs junior sides formed a guard of honour to greet the teams.

Both sides came out to an amazing ovation. Fans were asked to join in a minutes applause for those connected to Boro but were no longer with us. Skipper Dave Merris walked to the centre spot where he received a wreath. He walked to the tunnel to hand it to Boro legend Harry Dunn, who in turn hung it by the wall of bricks; by where we were stood.

I was glad I'd taken my dark glasses. I'd always promised Dad he'd see Boro play back in Scarborough. I'd been devastated since his passing that it wasn't to be. He'd kept the faith and loved the new club, but he forever mentioned he couldn't wait to walk to a match rather than drive to Brid and back.

The whole pre match routine had been superbly planned. The future was presented in the shape of the youth teams, with respectful memory and poignancy in a nod to our to history, followed by the kick off to a new and exciting beginning.

To have a look at the historic kick off, click here.

I'd seen and hugged so many friends, some of whom I knew had given beyond the call of duty for the Boro cause. Some, such as Wendy Danby had lost people very close to them. I tried to thank every director and every volunteer I saw; not just for the day, but for the previous ten years.

Boro's Matty Turnbull scored the first ever goal at the stadium. Unfortunately he had inadvertently turned the ball into his own net after keeper Tommy Taylor fumbled a low cross, in the game's first real exchange.

I thought I recognised a face who kept looking at me a bit further along. It turned out it was former Boro keeper Ian Ironside, who used to sort me the occasional ticket and came to present the player of the year award for British Gas FC just before he left for Middlesbrough in a big money move.

He was with Jason Rockett and Adie Meyer, all three former players who gave nothing less than 100% in a Boro shirt. We had a good laugh for a few minutes about the old times. Funny as it was; the name of John Russell was one of the reasons we were where we were.

Boro equalised when Jimmy Beadle smashed home at the back post from a James Cadman flick on just before the interval. Local lad Beadle used to stand in The Shed at The McCain Stadium as a loyal fan, and scored the teams final ever goal at the venue, so the goal was very fitting.

At the break I ventured upstairs to the bar at the rear of the seating. A fellow Seadog was kind enough to let me in the queue. Service was well organised and friendly. I couldn't see any real ale so just plumped for a lager along with a cheese and onion pasty.

The bar area was packed and full of happy faces. Again I caught up with lots of pals and old faces. The view from the top of the seats was outstanding. I managed to catch up with Trevor Bull for a quick word. I was so proud of what he was achieving with the backing of his board. It was even sweeter as I'd proudly called 'Bully' a pal for many seasons.

While the match was somewhat of an irrelevance on such a momentous day; the Sheffield United youngsters were a pleasure to watch. They had some real promise in their ranks. They saw out the win with further goals from Rhys Norrington-Davies and a Jake Wright brace.

Boro had several moments of promise but couldn't breach a well marshalled Blades defence. The result was a little harsh on the Seadogs, but nobody was grumbling at the final whistle. It had been an amazing occasion.

It was somewhat surreal leaving the ground and walking down the lane with streams of red shirted Boro fans ahead. It was like an away game during an old successful FA Cup run. I had to keep reminding myself, that this is where we played.

Catching up with Carl and Ali, we headed back to The Valley for a quick pint where I caught up with even more mates and old faces. I just had time to grab a fine haddock from the Hanover Road chippy for the train.

The journey back dragged and it became a bit loud at times as the patrons staggered their way back to Leeds after York races. It had been a long old day. I arrived home at 11.15 and had to be back up at 5.30am for work. I couldn't have cared less, only in a positive way.

I'd had a wonderful amazing day. I knew it was always coming, even if it was a bit longer than expected. I was naturally devastated of those who never got the chance to see Boro back home, but hoped they'd approve and were having their own little party upstairs.

The club had done wonderfully well on the day. Suited directors and assistants never stopped ironing out issues while meeting and greeting. It was fantastic to see that older heroes such as Don Robinson, Colin Appleton, Harry Dunn, Dick Hewitt, Jeff Barmby, Alan Franks and Derek Abbey had been invited along; as well as Gordon Gibb of Flamingo Land.

It was also superb to see so many youngsters getting their first ever opportunity to support their home town club playing in their home town. Nobody can put a price on the value of that.

In some ways it was closure for me. In the lead up I thought it may even be full time regarding too many trips to my proper home town. Yeah right! The task after uploading this page was checking my days off against fixtures and train fares! It wouldn't be every week, but I'd do my best.

Thanks everyone who made the day possible, whether as a player, board member, volunteer or just a fan keeping the faith and staying positive. The biggest thanks go to my family and close pals who kept me plugging along during some extremely dark days. You know who you are. I'm forever grateful. Nick, you are a legend.

Up the Boro!

For further visits, click here.