Remember Thurrock Football Club? A name whispered in the annals of English football. Right here before us stands Ship Lane its hallowed ground. For years this was the heart of Thurrock FC a club with a history both triumphant and poignant.
Founded in 1984 as Essex Sports the club quickly evolved. It was renamed Purfleet in 1985. Then it rose through the ranks. Victories piled up league cups and promotions. They conquered the Essex Senior League winning the double in 1987-88. The Isthmian League beckoned. Division Two North was then Division One. A brief relegation didn’t break their spirit.
In 1991-92 they again claimed the Division Two title. The Premier Division awaited. A new era dawned. In 2003 the name changed to Thurrock FC marking a fresh start. Their success continued. They reached the Conference South. Play-off appearances followed. Essex Senior Cups added to their glory. But football is unpredictable.
Relegation loomed in 2008-09 and 2010-11. They avoided the drop both times narrowly escaping the axe. The 2011-12 season brought heartbreak. They finished bottom of the Conference South relegated. The following season saw a controversial three-point deduction. They were relegated again.
Yet the club fought on. Near misses in the playoffs marked their tenacity. In 2016-17 they finally secured promotion back to the Isthmian League Premier Division. It was a remarkable comeback. The end however was approaching.
On 27 August 2017 chairman Tommy South announced his departure. No buyer emerged. Thurrock FC formally resigned from the league on 31 March 2018. Their last home game at Ship Lane was a victory against Kingstonian. A fitting farewell. Their story a testament to a club that fought hard. Thurrock FC a legend in its own time.