Club History
Thurnham United FC was formed around the late 1960s, originally based in the parish of Thurnham, with initially all players residing in that locality, this policy operated for many years although it eventually became impractical. The club has relocated grounds many times over the years, originally sharing a pitch with Detling and local sheep, before moving to Mote Park, Parkwood, Giddyhorn Lane and later South Park our current home for the last 7 seasons.
Thurnham United F.C. won Division 3 of the Maidstone & District League in 1978/79 and enjoyed over a decade in Division 2. At this time there was both a first team and reserve side, which in the 80s consolidated into the one team within Division 2. In 1991-92 the team found itself in Division 5 for the first time and finished runners-up to Hunton that season. A couple of Challenge Cup Semi-finals are the best outside the league.
The club has also won Anglo-Irish Challenge cup on 4 occasions a joint competition with Irish club Seaview Celtic from Waterford. An annual event some years back, where one night it is alledged that Thurnham and Seaview drank 'The Bell' at Bearsted dry of beer! The French tour of 1998 resulted in another trophy beating Commune Manneville 1 - nil in the final. A Welsh tour several years later provided no more silverware.
Former famous players include Ron Hilllyard, 563 games for Gillingham FC as goalkeeper over 17 years, although he played somewhat less games for Thurnham and also Mel Sage of Derby County (140 apps) and Gillingham FC (135 apps).
In modern times, the club was going through difficult times at the end of the 1999/2000 season, but the appointment of Robin Ashford as manager and his enthusiasm and a much changed squad rebuilt the club. The club struggled in the league to convert ability into results, in 2000/01 and 2001/02 under Ashford and then Dave Shew.
However, the club has stabilised over the 2002/03 - 2005/06 due to great efforts from the various committee members. Andy Harrison was appointed as manager in 2002 and new faces were introduced into the squad. During this period at times defensively Thurnhams record was towards the best in the league, although lack of goals scored would cost the club promotion.
Andy stepped down as manager in 2008 when also a number of players retired or moved on. New manager Dan Beeson has taken the role with fresh ideas and vision, he has signed a number of new faces which are looking like excellent additions to the squad, this can only improve the playing side of the club and we all looked forward to a succesful season during 2008/09. Several impressive wins were achieved through the season 16-0 v Waitrose, 7-0 v Phoenix, 6-0 v Walnut Tree & 2-1 v Larkfield (runners up), however inconsistency, injuries and lack of goals restricted the club to 5th in the table. The club took points from all teams except winners Regal and 4th placed Malgo, unfortunately we dropped points against most clubs costing us a better placed finish.
With regard to the future Thurnham are an ambitious club, we are aiming to get out of the basement of the Maidstone Football League and also want to win a trophy to match the efforts of committee members and players. The division this season is very open, any one of 5/6 teams could make a challenge for the top spots, the opportunity is in our hands, so lets make 2009/10 even better.
