HERNE BAY FC – CLUB TIMELINE

A Journey Through the Years
1886 – Herne Bay FC is founded. Football takes root in the town and a community begins to grow around the club.

1902–1906 – Four straight East Kent League titles. Early proof of the Bay spirit.

1953 – Winch’s Field becomes home. Over 1,000 fans pack in for the first match.

1957/58 – Bay lift the Kent Amateur Cup.

1970/71 – Promotion in the Athenian League and an FA Cup run that brings a record crowd of 2,303 to Winch’s Field.

1978/79 – Kent Senior Trophy winners.

1990s – The glory years: four Kent League titles and unforgettable football.

1996/97 – The famous treble season — a moment supporters still talk about.

2011/12 – FA Vase semi‑finalists and Kent League champions; promotion to the Isthmian League.

2013–2017 – A period built on local talent and community pride.

2017/18 – A young, exciting side plays fearless, flowing football.

Modern Era & New Leadership
2019 – A new chairman arrives and brings in Ben Smith, who had led Canterbury City to the FA Vase Semi‑Final.
Two Covid‑disrupted seasons follow. Bay finish 5th with 51 points in 2019/20, showing clear potential for what was to come.

2021/22 – Under manager Ben Smith, supporters witness one of the greatest seasons in modern club history. A late surge, a dramatic play‑off run, and Herne Bay reach Step 3 for the first time ever. A landmark moment for the club and its fans.

2022/23 – A difficult season for everyone. Smith resigns after 13 games; Kevin Watson steps in, but the task is too high for the Club as a whole and Bay return to Step 4. A new 3G pitch is installed, laying foundations for the future.

March 2023 – The current chairman and the CIC Board of Directors part company.
Steve Lovell is appointed manager before the start of the 2023/24 season, bringing experience and stability that culminates in an impressive 8th‑place finish.

Recent Seasons
May 2024 – Matt Barman is appointed Chairman, following the recommendation of the CIC Members — a moment that signals renewed direction, unity, and ambition for the club.

2024/25 – The highlight of the season comes with a thrilling FA Cup run to the Third Qualifying Round, where Bay narrowly lose 0–1 to Maidstone United in front of 1,997 at Winch’s Field.
After the departure of Steve Lovell in January 2025, Bay finish a disappointing 16th in the league.

2025/26 – Liam Friend is appointed Player/Manager in the summer. After an encouraging start, results prove hard to sustain, and supporters are delighted to see Ben Smith return to the manager’s post in March, bringing renewed optimism for the future.