Welcome to Through the Turnstile, this series of features are intended to shine the light on some of non-leagues leading stars. This time we are heading to the coast to cover Deal Town a club with a rich history and a very passionate fan base and a real desire to have a positive impact on their local community area.

So lets get it started!

A brief history of the club.

Originally known as Deal Cinque Ports FC the club was formed in the early 1900s, changing its’ name in 1920 to Deal Town FC. Deals’ first matches were played in the Thanet League and the East Kent League.

In 1909 they joined the Eastern section of the Kent League. Following the disbanding of the Kent League in 1959, Deal became founder members of the Aetolian League. 1963 saw Deal elected to the Southern League, but after a torrid three seasons they moved onto the Greater London League. The 71/72 season saw the club return to the Kent League. Deal’s first Kent League championship came in 53/54, then after a long wait, the second was achieved in 99/00. They have been runners-up on two occasions, 88/89 and 98/99.

The club has reached the Kent League (now Southern Counties East Football League [SCEFL]) cup final on five occasions. Their first Final appearance came in 57/58 when they overcame Margate. Deal won their second League Cup in 81/82, this time defeating Erith & Belvedere. Their third appearance in the Final was 93/94, when they lost to Ramsgate. The Club lifted the cup for the third time in 98/99, defeating VCD Athletic. In 99/00, they reached the final, but did not contend it.

The club has also made five appearances in the Kent FA Senior Trophy Final. Deal were beaten finalists in 82/83, going down to Southern League Fisher Athletic. There was further heartbreak in the 90/91 final, this time having to settle for second best against Hythe Town. However, it was a case of third time lucky in 94/95 as Deal finally captured the trophy, defeating Folkestone Invicta in a penalty shoot-out following a 2-2 draw. 99/2000 saw Deal lift the trophy for the second time when they beat Chatham 5-1. The club also reached the final in 2023, but lost to Punjab United.

1997 saw the appointment of a new Chairman, in Roy Smith, whose ambitions both on and off the field lifted the Club. His decision to appoint a full-time manager in Tommy Sampson for the beginning of the 1998 season soon bore fruit. 98/99 saw the club achieve their best season. Apart from the successes of the first team, the Reserves won the League championship for the first time and were beaten finalists in both the League Cup and the Kent FA Intermediate Cup; this was, however, surpassed the following season. As well as their domestic achievements, Deal Town become the first team from Kent to lift the FA Vase, with their 1-0 victory at Wembley Stadium against Chippenham Town in front of a crowd of 20,083; the second biggest in the history of the competition. Before the start of the 00/01 season, Tommy and the Vase winning players left the club and so it was a case of rebuilding the team and consolidating under new manager Dave Dadd. Dave stepped down to become assistant manager after one year to be replaced by Simon Bryant, who led the team to creditable third & fourth place finishes in his two seasons in charge, before moving to Herne Bay. 

With an average crowd of 630 now coming through the Charles Ground in 23/24, the club have experienced one of their best seasons to-date. Having started poorly, with just one point from a possible nine, Deal Town went on to clinch the SCEFL title at home to near-by neighbours Lydd Town on the 13th April 2024 with a 3-1 victory (and four games to go). The turning point, undoubtedly this season, being our 4-2 away victory over pre-season favourites Faversham Town, just before the turn of 2024. Notwithstanding an impressive FA Vase run which saw us defeat Bridgewater United on penalties, we took in excess of 400 supporters to Lincoln United. Unfortunately, we lost the quarter-final tie on penalties but performed heroically on the day. Impressively, the club broke its’ home league attendance record three times this season; 1,086 vs Glebe (23/03/24), 1,422 vs Lydd Town (13/04/24) and finally on the last game of the season as we welcome 1,598 vs Stansfeld (27/04/24)

The 2024/2025 season has seen them return to Step 4 of the National League System, for the first time since 1963.

(Source: https://dealtownfc.co.uk/club/Deal-Town-FC-History.php)

Club legends (as told by fan Sid Bibby)

Macca Murray – (current captain) recently hit 250 club appearances on Saturday against AFC Croydon.

Tommy Sampson – the manager who helped us be the first Kent side to lift the FA Vase at Wembley with a 1-0 win vs Chippenham Town.

Kit

24/25 Mens Home Shirt

2024/2025 Replica Kit – £37

Stadium info

The Charles Ground (CT14 9AU)
Capacity – 1000 (175💺)
Number of stands – 3
Grass Pitch

It is worth noting that there is Limited parking is available at the ground. The club also ask all who visit to be mindful if you are not able to park within the grounds and show respect to their neighbours when parking. Community spirit!!

Entry Price

Matchday Prices:

Adults £10
Concessions £6
Under 18s-U15s £4
U14s Free.

Season ticket prices 24-25 season (Early bird)

Adult – £135
Concession/Student – £95
Youth (15-17) – £50

A season ticket allows you access to all 21 league home fixtures + Admission to all U23/Women’s/U18 home league games.

Matchday Programme
£3

Stadium Shop

Now the club have just integrated their club shop as part of their website and it looks incredible, there are some amazing items available on there. A section dedicated to their merchandise shows you items such as a branded umbrella, travel mug and even an air freshner in the shape of the home kit – the first club I have covered which has that on offer, very clever I like it!

And of course you can also visit the Club shop inside the stadium which is open on matchdays, it doesnt stock all of the same items as shown online but does have some other products that aren’t available online, such as old programmes, t-shirts, kits etc. Well worth checking out!

Website – https://shop.dealtownfc.com/

Itssssss pin badge corner…and here we have a lovely little pin badge!

Price – £5

Special Mention – News Page

Now I am a big believer in communication being the absolute key to success for a club feeling connected to their fans.

Deal Town are an excellent example of this with a website littered with some amazing updates on their club news page and an example of this is the below article directly from the Gaffer. There is no better feeling than being a fan of a club and being updated on what is going on and that the club care about you even when the whistle blows.

Drinks

The main clubhouse is a large spacious space with an amazing view of the pitch, you can grab yourself some drinks and snacks from here! (Unfortunately there wont always be some fancy balloons out on the chairs, unless of course you book it for a private function)

On the opposite side of the pitch is where you can find the club shop cafe and bar, grab yourself some merchandise and a drink! During the summer you can also head to the Shed bar to grab yourself a refreshing beverage. The club have really made a concious effort to spread out the options and therefore the demand/queues and I am a personally a big fan of the shed bar!

Food

Well as I will again mention later in the Fab 4, the club outsource their food offering to Burger Box Kent, so lets give you a little sneek peek at what they offer shall we !

WOW……now if you have read previous articles on the page then you will know that I am personally a massive foodie (a nice way of saying chunky and loves his food too much) but my my what a wonderful selection of food on display we have here!

We have seen some pretty incredible food on these club features to date, Fisher being one of the standouts for me personally but I have to say the ‘Burger Box’ certainly push them for competition.

Great Football and Great Food = Win

Gather round as we see how Deal Town fare in the Fab 4!

So as you can see they make it onto 3/4 of the tables but only just!

Beer and Cider tables they are on there by a whisker and also joint on the Tea table with the ever so popular price of £1.50. Not terrible but not great either, a steady performance!

So as I mentioned beforehand, Deal Town outsource their food to Burger Box Kent with a 6oz cheese burger with bacon, Chips and Salad being £9.50 – now whilst that sounds and looks lovely, it is not enough to make it into the Fab 4 on price im afraid!

Top 2 current players (as told by fan Alan Garrett)

Tom Chapman & Macca Murray

Press Play!

The club do not currently have a Youtube channel and this could be an avenue for growth for them, of course this requires manpower so if you want to offer your media services to the club to help with this or with other jobs, drop an email here: chair@dealtownfc.co.uk

Views from the Staff

Q) What does being a fan of Deal Town mean to you?

It means alot. Yes, I may have been keen on Chelsea in my youth but my desire is at Deal Town. I use to love the days being a little gang following Deal around the old Kent League and had some fun times trying to get into the ground via the former waste ground now a housing estate. I recall one season turning up at the ground in my 20s and there was black and white everywhere…sadly not all Deal fans but Dartford fans. Of course the greatest moment was going to Wembley and witnessing Deal win the FA Vase. Roly Graham scored the winner in the 88th minute against Chippenham and those 8000 – 9000 spectators that went to cheer on Deal were singing “We shall not be moved” for a solid five minutes. I even wrote a poem about that day. I even blogged about Deal and made my bobble hat, a Toby Trice Racing big orange bobble hat, rather famous across Kent football where apon Sheppey United supporters were singing my name.

Q) How much do you enjoy a matchday?

Matchdays are brilliant, especially so when I have gone away with other Deal Town Oldtras. Our run in the FA Vase last season was just fantastic. Of course the biggest shock was losing to Punjab 6 nil in the final of the Kent Senior Trophy two seasons ago. Winning promotion last season was tremendous and I’m glad that I can say that … really didn’t see that happening in my life-time with Deal often being in the shadow of Dover.

For the last two season I have volunteered at Deal as a matchday steward. The best thing I enjoy about is talking to the fans as they make their way into the ground. A hello here and there, chatting to away fans, ground hoppers, asking the little ones with mum and dad questions about their favourite players and brings a smile to their faces. I believe that a positive welcoming and engaging friendly makes a lasting impression.

Q) Non-League football is special because…

That’s easy to answer…one can simply stand where they want and talk to who they want…it would be a dream if that could happen at every level of football.

Q) What is the biggest misconception of both Deal town and Non-League football?

A difficult question. I assume it would be money and I think we are all guilty of accusing those clubs whom we’d think were moneybags because maybe they are running away with their league or are knocking on the door of Wembley. Be nice to have a big backer but honestly Deal are run now with a great Chair-person and honestly they are no money bags and the player’s budget comes from the club’s income. It’s so important to run a club with the right application of business acumen.

Q) Who is your favourite player to watch this season?

I’d have to say for Deal it would be Ifi Oni. But then the whole team when at their best are a joy.

Q) What are your hopes for the coming seasons?

To stay up in the Isthmian League as there are some very fanciable true old fashioned Kent Derbies and some great away days to Sussex too.

Q) What made you want to be a Kitman?

Well I never thought that I would a kitman to be completely honest, I wanted to work in football for my gap year to gain as much experience as possible before heading off to uni this September and when the opportunity arose here at deal town I jumped on it as fast as I could.

Q) Why Deal Town…?

Well Deal Town has always been a local club to me and it always pits the community first, it’s a proper non league club that know how to do things right and after their incredible scefl league title winning campaign it would of been too good of an opportunity to turn down.

Q) What does the role overall?

Well we have two kitmen (me and another) so I’m sort of there just to help around with whatever I can. I have also packed up the kit a few times for some away games and set it up for some home games when the other kitman hasn’t been around.

Q) How does it make you feel when your work is appreciated?

The sense of togetherness of the team is the main factor, no matter if we win or lose the vibe around the team is great and the lads get on brilliantly. Just feeling like part of the team and being able to do all of it at a fairly young age is amazing.

Q) What does a matchday look like for you specifically, when does it start and end?

I usually arive at the ground at about 12:30, although its now latwr because of work commitments. Start with water bottles and setting out the cones for the pre match warm ups. Also I have done the goalkeeping warmup before (I am a goalkeeper myself, just not quite that level.) Also most importantly during the game I man the electronic board for out substitutions and added time.

Q) What’s your favourite memory from working in your role?

My favourite memory this season has to be playing against dover athletic at crabble In the kent senior Cup. We were beaten that night but the experience was amazing as dover was my boyhood club and I know alot of people at the club so it was quite nice to get a draw away to them. Was just an overall great evening and we played some really good football despite the loss.

Q) Why should people come to watch a Deal Town game?

Well where do I start, the sense of community around the club is amazing, the bar is lively during and after the game and our food for a non league ground is second to none. Honestly if you ever get the chance to come watch a deal town game then do come along, you’re guaranteed entertainment!!

Q) What does the club mean to you?

The club means a great deal to me. Over the last 29 seasons. Have met some marvellous people. And made some great friends old & new.

Q) Having been involved in many roles at the club now, what would you say has been your favourite?

Have enjoyed them all. But especially being the Physio.

Q) Volunteering is the lifeblood of the non league scene, why do you personally give up your time for the club?

For the cameradie. The highs & lows. Some wonderful highlights. Being at Wembley when we won the F.A. VASE. But was topped last year winning the league with great friends. Management & all the. great lads. Memories that will always be with me.

Q) What does Deal town mean to you?

A great deal. Helped to keep me going when life sometimes wasn’t great. Can always rely on people to talk to in good and bad times.

Q) Why is non league football so special?

Non league the place where you meet truly devoted people. Who give up their so much for the clubs. With true loyalty & passion. Most for no reward being with people who have the same dedication & love for their clubs. Especially Deal Town & everyone players & staff & volunteers who do so much to keep the club running. From the Chairlady directors the fantastic supporters who have been there in good & bad times.

View from the fans

Q) First and foremost, why are you personally a Deal Town fan?

I personally am a Deal Town fan because they have been my local team for 15 years and for many more.

Q) What does a matchday look like and also mean to you?

On a matchday, there is always positive energy around the town and when the stadium is packed out the atmosphere is class.

Q) What is your favourite part of the non-league scene?

My favourite part about Non-League is how different it is from Step 1, and how it creates a path for young talents.

Q) Do you have a favourite chant?

My favourite chant is our chant for our manager Steve King and our black and white army!

Q) The one player you love to watch?

Ife Oni my favourite player

Q) Why is Non-league special to you?

It’s where your first football memories are made, your first heroes. For me it was watching the famous FA Cup game, Ashford Town Vs. Fulham, David Vs Goliath that sticks in my memory. It’s the closeness you have with the players and the manager to; you get to know them; they get to know you! You can’t get that at elite level. I guess it’s the honesty of the game, it’s football at its purest which is what we all love.

Q) What do you think is the reason for the rise in popularity?

The professional game changes every season and for many fans now it has changed beyond recognition. The expense is too much for most normal fans and the pro clubs seem to be disconnecting themselves with the fan base (I’m a Chelsea fan and that’s where my family are from) I don’t go to watch, it’s too expensive and impossible to get tickets. Do we bring up VAR? It’s certainly had an impact. Who wants to wait 5 minutes to celebrate a goal? Football has always been a working mans sport and at the elite level its getting further and further from that. So for me its no surprise that fans are seeking out their local clubs more and more. They get the connection back, they have change in their pockets after and most importantly they enjoy it!

Q) How did you become a Deal Town fan?

I’m originally from Ashford, so my local side had always been Ashford Town (Utd as it is now), I watched them a lot as a kid with my Dad, I even ground shared with them when I managed AFC Ashford Athletic. However, I had watched them less and less over the years the older I got. I moved to Deal in 2018 and living just a five-minute walk from the ground it became an easy football fix, particularly midweek. Over the last 6-7 years Deal has really become my home, and the football club is a huge part of that, it’s so important to the local community here, the fans really care about the team, the players and I believe the club really cares about its fans and the local community. It’s an easy club to bond with, not to mention being smack in the middle of town it’s so accessible for everyone, something my hometown club isn’t, and it makes a huge difference.

Q) Who has been your favourite player to watch this season?

I’m a big fan of Macca Murray, he’s such a tidy footballer with lovely technique. I always have a soft spot for a technician in the middle of the park. Tom Chapman has impressed again this season, such a hard worker, a fullbacks worst nightmare. It’s also been great seeing young lads like Zak Hammond and Jamie Kennedy really become part of the 1st team setup.

Q) Why should someone come and experience a matchday at Deal?

For many of the reasons I gave as to why I support Deal. The numbers are always fantastic at home games, out preforming many much larger clubs / towns. They pour a pretty good pint of Krombacher and the burgers are better than those served at most pro clubs! Overall, it’s the fans that make it, as I say the support is brilliant and the atmosphere generated is excellent. The players genuinely play for the badge and even when they aren’t quite at it, they give you everything they’ve got. It’s also a very welcoming club, safe and friendly. If you want to take the kids to a game, it’s a brilliant place to come.

Q) When did you start to follow Deal town?

I have supported the club since 1998 as a season ticket holder

Q) What does a matchday mean to you?

Match day is the highlight of my week not only being at the game but also the interaction with not only our own fans but those of our opponents teams.

Also non league football gives you the opportunity to be part of the footballing family of a forward thinking progressive community football club like Deal Town. Just
look at the attendance of non league football it’s on the up and long may it last.

Q) What is the best player you have seen play for the club?

Legend in my time was Connor Coyne

Q) What are your hopes for this season and next?

Hopefully we continue to grow as a football club and a hub for youngsters comng into the game.

Also in the future it would be fantastic to get a 3G pitch which not only would be good for the club but also the local community

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Future plans as told by Chairman Natalie Benville

Q) What does the 5 year plan for the club look like?

Our aim over the next five years would be to provide end to end pathway for both men and women to senior football. From next season we are introducing youth teams at U13, U14, U16 complimenting our already U18s and U23s, so it’s the first step in achieving that.

Q) What are the future plans for:

Stadium – We have just secured Football Foundation to upgrade our changing facilities. This will allow improved areas for officials as well as home and visiting teams. Alongside that, we also received funding to upgrade our floodlights to a more energy efficient product, which have actually been completed and signed off today!

Academy – Once our youth set up is fully embedded we would love to look into the possibility of setting up an academy, we’ve been approached on many occasions but have never felt the time has been right.

Recruitment – So recruitment wise, with us having half of our catchment area as the English Channel it’s always been a challenge, growing your own players is where we see a huge part of our future being, from next season we will have an U16s team, which then in turn feeds into our U18s, U23s and the first team. We’ve been lucky enough to keep a fantastic squad over the past few years which obviously led to us as being crown league champions last year, and we hope after our first year in Isthmian SE we can look to expand on that.

For the day to day running of the club, it’s always a challenge when it’s a volunteer run organisation, we are extremely lucky to have a basis of one in a million volunteers, but we are always on the look out for more! We hope with the community days we have planned it will open peoples eyes more to get involved!

Community projects – Community is at the heart of everything Deal Town FC do, we have an organisation that runs twice weekly from our clubhouse that offers opportunities for people with learning difficulties to meet and enjoy eachother as company, they are often seen at all of our home and away games as well. We work with local schools for community days and players often go into schools to give talks on football, which we would like to progress even further. We are always looking to expand our community engagement with local schools and the community, and welcome any requests or suggestions.

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So that brings us to the end yet another ‘Through the Turnstile’. Now I have got to mention the sheer amount of times that Macca Murray was mentioned throughout, clearly a very popular player and has already cemeted himself as a legend to some!

Now the club as a whole have been incredible for me. They have been welcoming, open and exceptionally giving with both their time and honesty.

The fans I spoke to were warm and friendly and made time for me and my questions which I am always grateful for. A lovely club, staff and fans!

If you cant get to a game this season – get planning for 2025/2026 and treat yourself to a trip to the Kent coast!

Until next time!

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Parks to Pitches (2nd edition) – a dedicated Non-league magazine brought to you by Through the Turnstile of Non-League Football! 

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