Herne Bay
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Wikipedia - Herne Bay F.C.
Herne Bay Football Club is a football club based in Herne Bay, Kent, England. Affiliated to the Kent County Football Association, they are currently members of the Isthmian League South East Division and play at Winch's Field.
History
The club was established in 1886. The first league they played in was the East Kent League, before joining Division Two of the Kent League in 1896. They finished bottom of the division in 1896–97 and 1897–98, before returning to the East Kent League. They went on to win the East Kent League title four seasons in row between 1901–02 and 1905–06, before rejoining Division Two (East) of the Kent League in 1909. However, they left the league after a single season. They later folded in 1913.
After reforming, Herne Bay joined Division Two of the Eastern Section of the Kent County League in 1934. They remained in the division until World War II, playing in the North Division in 1939–40 and the East Division in 1945–46, a season which saw them finish bottom of the table. They were then placed in the North Division in 1946–47, again finishing bottom, and continued in the division in 1947–48 until league reorganisation saw them placed in Division One for the 1948–49 season. In 1953 the club returned to Division Two of the Kent League after moving to their Winch's Field ground, although they were one of only two first teams playing in the division.
Herne Bay were Division Two champions in 1954–55 and runners-up the following season, but were not promoted until the end of the 1956–57 season. Their first season in Division One saw them finish bottom of the table. When the Kent League folded in 1959, the club were founder members of the Aetolian League, joining Division One. At the end of the 1963–64, the Aetolian league merged with the London League into the Greater London League, with Herne Bay leaving to join Division Two of the Athenian League instead. They were Division Two champions in 1970–71, earning promotion to Division One. However, after finishing bottom of Division One in 1973–74 the club left to join the reformed Kent League.
The 1988–89 season saw Herne Bay finish bottom of the Kent League, but in 1991–92 they were league champions. They were runners-up the following season, before winning a second league title in 1993–94. The club went on to win back-to-back championships in 1996–97 and 1997–98. They finished as runners-up in 2000–01, 2004–05, 2009–10 and 2010–11 before winning the league again in 2011–12, this time earning promotion to Division One South of the Isthmian League. The 2011–12 season also saw the club reach the semi-finals of the FA Vase, eventually losing 4–3 on aggregate to West Auckland Town. In 2021–22 they finished third in the South East Division, qualifying for the promotion play-offs. After defeating Haywards Heath Town on penalties in the semi-finals, they beat Ashford United 2–0 in the final, earning promotion to the Premier Division. However, they were relegated at the end of the following season.
Founded in 1886, Herne Bay FC has a rich history and a strong fan base. The team plays their home matches at Winch's Field, a picturesque stadium located in the heart of Herne Bay. The team's colors are blue and white, and their mascot is a seagull named Sammy.
Herne Bay FC has a talented squad of players who are dedicated to achieving success on the pitch. The team is known for their attacking style of play and their never-say-die attitude. They have a fierce rivalry with local teams such as Whitstable Town and Canterbury City.
Off the pitch, Herne Bay FC is actively involved in the local community, hosting events and initiatives to engage with fans and support charitable causes. The team also has a strong youth academy, nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for aspiring footballers to develop their skills.
Overall, Herne Bay FC is a proud and passionate soccer team that embodies the spirit of English football. With a loyal fan base and a commitment to success, they continue to strive for excellence both on and off the pitch.