Welcome to Through the Turnstile, the website which like to shine the light on Non-League clubs, this time we are heading to the West coast as we take a look at a club which is located just a stones throw (albeit a very long throw) over the water from Wales.

We are taking a look at Portishead Town FC!

A brief history of the club.

Originally known St. Peter’s Portishead until a name change in 1948, the club played in small regional leagues for years until joining the Somerset County League in 1975.

They won the Premier Division title four times in five years between 1993–94 and 1997–98. After their fourth successive runner-up campaign in the 2004–05 season, Portishead successfully applied for promotion to the Western League.

In Portishead’s first season of Western League football they finished in the top half of the table only to better their performance the following season.

In 2006–07 Portishead achieved their highest ever finish in the history of the club finishing runners-up to Truro City.

Although Portishead finished as runners-up they were unable to be promoted to the Western League Premier Division as their ground was not suitable, lacking (at that time) floodlights. The reserve squad plays in the Somerset County League Division one, while the ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘Colts’ teams all play in the Weston super Mare and District League.

The club finished this season with 91 points in first place and were crowned champions of the Jewson Western Premier Division, for the second year running! An amazing achievement for all involved with the club!

(Source: https://portisheadtownfc.com/history/)

Club legends (as told by fan Ben Davis)

James Clarke – The clubs all time top goal scorer and currently Portishead Town Vets most capped player.

James Hughes – Did very little as a player but has done a fantastic job as Director of Football getting the club to where it needs to be.

Kit

2024 /2025 Replica Kit – £36

https://www.macronstorebristol.co.uk/product/ptfc-1st-team-replica-shirt/

Stadium info

Bristol Road, Portishead (BS20 6QG)
Capacity – 1200 ( 50💺)
Number of stands – 2
Grass Pitch

Entry Price

Matchday Tickets

Adults: £10
Concessions: £5
Under 16’s – FREE

Season tickets
Adult – £180
Concessions – £90

Matchday Programme
£2 Printed

And with the above programme everyone got a printed team poster, not just any poster – a champions team poster!

Stadium Shop

Well first and foremost the club has a great offering online for anyone who wishes to grab some branded merchandise!

https://www.macronstorebristol.co.uk/portishead-town-fc/

The club also have a long-term desire of bringing a physical store to the stadium too which will of course help fans grab all of the items they want as well as helping the club improve their revenue to the club with the increase visibility and ease of which a physical store brings them.

Itssssss pin badge corner and the club do produce a pin badge which is on offer for just £3 inside the stadium.

Price – £3

Special Mention – Social Media

Now this is a bit of a niche special mention but I always like to celebrate those who are often not spoken about or forgotten about and this time for Portishead id like to highlight the lovely work that the social media team are doing.

The posts are clear and the graphics are really smart and easy on the eye.

Everyone seems to think that social media and content creation is easy, which it is if you want to produce any old end product, but to do it well and consistently well is not easy at all. So id like to say a huge well done to the team however big or small they are, I am a big fan, keep up the good work!

Drinks

The Clubhouse!

As you can see this a very popular destination even when its not a matchday, the clubhouse broadcasts all live sporting events meaning that those local to the area can pop in and enjoy a drink or two whilst the Lionesses are winning another trophy as well as many other major sporting events.

Although it is not a huge space, the chosen layout and positioning of the tables allows for a very respectable amount of supporters to take the weight off their feet and enjoy a drink and a nibble.

Food

The Food – now snacks are available from behind the clubhouse bar but if you are after something a little bit more substantial on your visit then you are in safe hands. Simply head on over to the large food truck – H & A burgers. They sell a plethora of goodies to feast on and i can assure you that you wont go hungry – Mega Hot Dog….yes please!

Anyway – let’s have a look at how Portishead fare!

The team have managed to enter the table in 3/4 of the fab 4 which at a first glance is very good but when you look into the figures and the actual prices/positions you can quickly see that a match day at Portishead brings with it some absolute bargains!

£1 for a cup of tea!

A burger and chips for just £5.50, is amazing value for money and means that you can go out and enjoy a game of football with some food and a drink of your choice all for less than £20!!!

Top 3 current players (as told by fan Jack Hennessy )

Ethan Feltham – one of the best strikers I’ve seen at the club. Has always gone out his way to thank me for the support I give

Jay Murray- having grew up watching his dad Scott Murray down Ashton Gate, watching Jay is a joy to behold.

Kyle Egan- what a player we have in Kyle, not much else to say. His passing is on point and his penalties aren’t bad either.

Press Play!

A brand new channel has recently been setup by the club and the quality of the highlights already on the channel is certainly a sign of good things to come.

Video content is just another way of the club reaching out to a new audience, something that can help grow their fanbase and overall appeal.

Click the image below and drop them a subscribe!

Views from the Staff

Q) How did you come to become Director of Football?

When I realised I was coming to the end of my playing days I started asking questions about the future the structure and the plans. When I felt i could make a positive impact I asked to help out in certain areas to see first hand what happens I then build a plan, a strategy and a structure to improve and enhance all aspects of my home town club. All from the positive and negative things i had seen from the teams I had played for at much higher levels.

Q) What does your role entail?

Build a Plan, Build a strategy, empower and embody our culture of community with Elite and Football for all concept and make it reality!

Q) What is the one thing that you find the most difficult?

Everyone is a volunteer and that includes me, people can be fickle but it’s one of the best things but most frustrating things as we cannot run without the amazing and understated support of our volunteers but because we can’t afford to pay most people it’s their time. Time is the most precious commodity to anyone and everyone and I eat into their time with the demands and requirements we have as a club but as a club looking to improve ourself and enhancing our opportunities for success!

Q) What is a matchday like for you?

Match is more relaxed pre game as all the work from behind the scenes is done and it’s down to the management and players and of course not forgetting the volunteers. I like to go down, with my boy and enjoy the surroundings of the family / community culture we have built. My partner, (bet she curses me) helps out behind the bar but I go and watch the game and my heart rate is uo n down more than it ever was as a player!!

Q) What is your proudest achievement to date in your role?

I’ve had many of the years, the success it’s great but I suppose writing a business plan 6 years ago, having it hampered by Covid but then still achieving the 5 year plan of attaining promotion to the Southern League is the proudest moment there but aside from football, bringing what I remember as a child back to the club. A family feel, a community feel, a feeling of safety to allow our kids to come down and run free to enjoy the football or play with their friends as they see fit

Q) Over the years who has been your favourite player to watch play?

Without doubt, Kyle Egan. A talent I haven’t seen at Portishead Town ever. A talent I’ve not seen at this level or even the level we are at now. A naturally gifted footballer and a genuine great person at heart too. We are lucky to have secured his services and hope we have stood uo to the promises I made him as he continues to stand to the promises he made us.

Q) And what does Portishead mean to you?

My Home Town Club. My legacy and somewhere I hope my family and I hope my boys will benefit from being a club that was in the shadows to now being at the forefront of growth and success and give them as well as many other boys n girls the platform to achieve the best they can at the sport they love in the town they grew up in.
That’s what I felt I had, we lost and now we have it back again!

Q) How have you found your role so far with the Ladies 1st team?

I have thoroughly enjoyed being back as manager for my second stint so far. We’re currently in a place that I always envisioned for this team, so I feel a sense of pride and satisfaction in that. We still, however, need to keep driving forward in many technical areas in order to reach our goals this season.

Q) What challenges do you face and how do the club help you overcome them?

The main challenges we face are the level, and backing of our opponents. We have always been the smallest club in terms of stature and financial backing in our league, and that gulf continues to grow year on year. The club has supported us this year by putting us on equal footing with the men’s first team with regards to use of club facilities, sharing resources and backing us to compensate the players for the first time.

Q) Womens football is on the rise – how much have you witnessed this change?

The change in my 5 years here has been huge. It used to be 1-3 people in each dugout on a Sunday afternoon, now it’s 8-12 for every team. The level of detail required for every training session and every game to even stay competitive compared to 5 years ago is incredible. It’s like a second full time job for all involved, but it’s only a positive for the women’s game. The pool of talent is growing year on year as more girls get involved in the sport from the grassroots level, which is in turn grown in quality due to the added investment that has been flooding into the womens game

Q) The success of the Lionesses has definitely helped with this rise – have you seen your own team increase their own fan base off the back of this increased awareness and support?

Absolutely, the women’s game in this country has been riding a wave for the last 4 years. The success of the Lionesses has gotten more eyeballs on the sport, and with that comes added investment. The leads to a trickle down through the pyramid – which everyone has benefitted from.

Q) If you could change one thing in women’s football, what would it be?

The respect shown to it. It isn’t for everyone, and if that’s the case, ignore it as the negativity helps no1. The sport is decades behind the men’s game, so it will take time to grow organically, which it is doing in a very healthy way right now. There are so many dedicated girls and women who have a love and passion for this sport, so give them the respect that they deserve.

Q) What does working for Portishead mean to you?

It means a lot to me and I do not take my position in the club lightly. Although the Women’s First Team compete with lots of big names, we are proud of our grassroots background. This is a true community club in every sense of the word, with well over 1,000 members, and sponsors from all around the local area. The club is passionate about growing the game in our community and making this wonderful sport available for anyone that wishes to play it. It also backs and supports it own in moments of triumph, as well as adversity and has a ‘one club’ mentality. The club never wants to sit back and admire its good work, and is constantly looking at ways to grow and innovate for its members. I am proud to be associated with such a club and long may it continue.

Q) What is your main goal for this season?

My main goal for this season is for the team to secure its 6th season in the national league and to create a foundation to build on over the next 3 years and climb up the table year on year.

Q) What is it that you love about your role?

I love hosting officials and sponsors at PTFC, and making them feel welcomed. It’s good to hear how other clubs work & chat about the football. I also like to ensure they enjoy our food.

Q) Are you busiest before, during or after the game?

I’d say Im busiest before the game as I help prepare food but after the game is always busy too.

Q) What is your recommended food and drink order…?

I’d definitely recommend a PTFC sausage roll together with a pint of Thatchers

Q) What kind of hospitality options does the club offer?

Club officials are welcomed with a light buffet of sandwiches & sausage rolls, post match they are served with hot food. Sponsors are usually served with hot food pre match and we offer various sponsorship packages and are happy to discuss any particular requirements or wishes, the menu can also depend on seasonal produce.

Q) Away from a matchday what other functions is the club used for?

The club itself can be hired for parties & gatherings plus it hosts outdoor concerts, barbecues etc. We are lucky enough to be in the Gordano Valley which is very picturesque & we have a great outdoor area.

Q) What has your journey into football been like?

I’ve been kicking a ball since I can remember and was signed by Bristol Rovers aged 11. I was there for almost 7 years, playing as a pacy forward or winger. I was lucky to have played under some great coaches as Bobby Gould, Gerry Francis and Kenny Hibbitt to name just a few.

I played around non league for a while after, also playing a short time in Scotland and Ireland over the years but a series of injuries put a stop to my playing career quite early. I did manage to play locally into my 30’s but this was as a goalkeeper which I thoroughly enjoyed. I started coaching and managing around 2012/13 and have been every season since.

Q) What does your day-to-day role entail?

As well as being Head of Football I am also Assistant Manager for the 1st team. The Assistants job takes most of my time working with Kye and the rest of the management team. We talk every day and prepare meticulously for our upcoming fixtures. We train 2 hours in the week and are constantly looking at where we can improve individuals and the team as a whole.
The Head of Football role means I make sure that all the senior teams are being run properly and that they have support if needed. The main part is to ensure that we install the right people in the right places and that everyone buys into our philosophy of continual development and progression for our young players coming through.

Q) Was this a role you were always keen on pursuing?

In all honesty probably not but since coming to the club I have worked very closely with James Hughes (Director of Football) in making gradual improvements in all sectors of the football club. He was part of my management team when I was first team manager and his infectious enthusiasm for this football club has carried me along.

Q) What is your biggest achievement to date?

I think the most stand out is being an integral part in taking Portishead Town from perennial Western League Division One strugglers, staving relegation off most years to back to back titles getting into the Southern League, the highest level the club has ever been. Whilst being 1st team manager I managed to turn the team into a solid mid table side backed by my ever present number two David Hewitt and with the appointment of Kye Mountford firstly as a player and then assisting him as first team manager we have progressed brilliantly under Kye’s outstanding leadership.

Also from the very start of my time here, myself and James identified a lack of young lads coming through and staying with the club, so we have spent many years developing the pathway between junior and senior football via the Under 18’s. We decided to make the Under 18’s managers job a steady position and not to change every two years which is what was happening. This was a huge turning point and the pathway has gone from strength to strength under the management of Ash Clemence & Ed Geary.

Q) What is the most difficult part of the job?

The most difficult part is putting the right people in the right jobs. We don’t always get it right and have made mistakes along the way. Learning from these mistakes is the most important thing and I think as a club we have never been stronger than we are now. I’m delighted with the management teams in place and we are showing improvements at all levels.

Q) What are your hopes for the club in the next few years?

To continue striving forward in all areas on and off the football pitch. It has taken a lot of people and a number of years to get where we are but we have worked hard in ensuring it is sustainable progress.

View from the fans

Q) What has your journey been like becoming a Portishead fan?

My journey started off watching Bristol City for 25 years, with the odd Portishead game in between. In 2024, I decided not to renew my season ticket. With the Euros being in Germany of the same year, I got a Portishead Town/ England flag made up, took it out with me. It got coverage on Radio 5 and the odd appearance on TV which the club and players loved so when I got back that’s when I decided to head into non league and follow the Portishead team home and away.

Q) What do you feel the main difference is between supporting a non-league club in comparison to a premier league side?

Supporting a non-league side, I feel like they appreciate you more for turning up week in, week out even if the performance wasnt great.. you can share a drink with them after each game, they take the time to ask your opinion on how you felt the game went.. there’s a close bond between everyone

Q) What does a matchday mean to yourself?

It means an escape from the working week, a chance to meet up with mates, have a few drinks and enjoy 90 mins of football..

Q) Is there a spot inside the ground you would recommend a newcomer to enjoy the game from?

There’s a place for everyone. If they’re looking for atmosphere, there’s a stand where the drum is situated. If they’re after a quiet sit down to watch the game, we have covered seating, otherwise there’s plenty of places to stand around the pitch.

Q) What is your favourite chant?

For me it’s just Posset Army.. we need to work on our chants a bit more haha..

Q) Would you say a matchday is value for money?

Absolutely, I’ve spent less watching Portishead if you include entrance fee, food and drink then I would if I was still watching Bristol City. And having the club on my doorstep, there’s no travelling costs. Just a 5 min walk for me, no waiting for buses which may or may not turn up.

Q) Why should someone come down and give a Portishead match a go?

It’s a club in the heart of the community.. everyone is friendly and welcoming and your guaranteed to see goals. Just make sure you’re dressed appropriately, the weather can be unkind sometimes, we are open to the elements especially when it’s wet and windy

Q) How much does football mean to you?

Football means passion to me—it’s the emotion, the energy, and the way it unites people like nothing else.

Q) Can you describe what a home matchday looks and sounds like?

I always start the day sat on the Ollie Hatfield memorial bench with a cold pint taking in the smell of the local chemical works. That’s enough to get heart rate going ready for the beat of drums that accompanies a kick off rendition of the Posset Allez Allez Allez from the Hatfield terrace.

Q) Most exciting player you’ve ever seen play for Portishead?

I have to mention Kyle Egan, without a doubt the finest player I’ve ever seen grace the fields of Bristol Road (Including anything on display in a recent visit of Bristol City) but if we’re talking in terms of pure excitement, it’s hard to look past the prince of flair Sam Ewing.

Q) Any player you wish you could resign for the club?

I did try to get in the Les Phillips Cup final squad last season but Mounts and I couldn’t agree on personal terms unfortunately. Realistically though, I’d give anything to see wing wizard Mark Mapstone back in the number 11 shirt.

Q) What are you hopes for this season?

Main hope is that Falmouth Away midweek gets rescheduled to a Saturday so we can take the Ziggy Army down in full force. Bigger picture wise, rumour on the High Street is that the management would be content with a top half of the table finish but the stands are anticipating the play offs with the talent we have.

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Future plans as told by Director of Football – James Hughes

Do you have a 5 year plan?

Yes!

We have a plan in place for both senior set ups and the junior set up. Heavy focus on the the Player Pathway from our juniors to our seniors. Establishing a solid position for the men’s in thr Southern League and rekindling high level football for the ladies football in National League South and a focus on a route to promotion and competing with the pro clubs.

And what are your future plans for:

Stadium – expand and enhance – Seating and standing areas with new changing rooms to accommodate new hospitality and Tea Hut with changing room access for the wider pitches.

Academy – all part of our Player Pathway Progression.

Recruitment – 99% of our staff are voluntary. We are always looking to recruit new coaches and club support staff. We hope in the years to come we can employ a lot more.

Community projects – as a community club we are fully focussed on everything we do, being done to enhance and build our relationships with the community be that the wider residential or business community. This club has been here since 1912. We have another 97 years on the lease and want to be the hub of the sporting community.

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Now this was a club feature which was scattered with some sprinklings of really special people and very special ideas and work.

The more clubs which I feature on the website the more and more I am hugely impressed by the people that give up their free time week in and week out to make the clubs they love run the way they do, that is evident with abundance once again with Portishead.

If you haven’t been to see them play I can assure you that you would be walking into a stadium full of people who would welcome you with open arms and allow you to have a day out watching a game of football with any food or drink you want for less than £20 which you cant turn your nose up at.

Love everything the club is doing and the plans they have in place are sure to continue them on a path to further success both on and off the pitch!

Until next time!

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