Intro
In 1997, an intriguing possibility emerged for Eastbourne’s football community: a merger between Eastbourne Town and Eastbourne United. The idea? To unite as a single club, potentially under the name Eastbourne FC, and strengthen Eastbourne’s representation in the football leagues. This wasn’t the first time the merger had been discussed—the notion sparked heated debates in the 1980s, but no agreement was reached. In this 1997 article, Eastbourne United’s Ian Botting and Eastbourne Town’s Kevin Moore share their perspectives, offering a glimpse into what might have been had the merger succeeded. So, let’s take a look back and wonder: what if these two historic clubs had joined forces?

1. The Background
Eastbourne had four senior football teams at the time, with Town and United as its longest-standing clubs, formed in 1881 and 1894. For a town with so many teams, the area hadn’t managed to establish a club above County League status—making Eastbourne the only major town in Sussex in this position, while nearby Hastings had two clubs ranked higher. Fans wanted to see “quality, not quantity,” as the article aptly put it. Kevin Moore, chairman of Eastbourne Town, expressed frustration with the club’s struggles to break new ground, saying that without change, “Town will not get any better—only worse.”

2. The 1997 Merger Talks
Both Moore and Botting were ready for change. Moore, three years into his position as Town chairman, openly supported a merger, despite his deep respect for Town’s rich history. His candid remarks in the article reflect a sense of urgency: “The bottom line is that Town will not get any better.” Botting, equally enthusiastic, echoed Moore’s thoughts, noting that Langney Sports (now Eastbourne Borough) was making strides, despite not being “a major town.” Both men saw potential in a unified club—a stronger team, bigger attendance, and a broader fan base.

3. Sentiments and Skepticism
However, merging two historic clubs wasn’t without emotional challenges. Moore acknowledged that merging wouldn’t be an easy sell to all fans. “While some would say ‘over my dead body,’ the attendances could only improve,” he noted. This “sentiment factor” was particularly delicate, given each club’s legacy and passionate following. Long-time fans at each club might struggle to embrace a new, unified identity, especially with issues like ground location and club name still up in the air. Botting, however, remained optimistic, saying, “I hope there are some individuals at Town who are as forward-thinking as I am.”

4. The Public’s Role and Reaction
Interestingly, the article mentions a unique way of gauging public opinion: a newspaper phone-in poll. Readers could call separate numbers to vote yes or no on the merger question, reflecting the strong interest and divided opinions within the community. This simple, direct approach illustrates just how deeply the town felt about its football clubs. We’re left to wonder—had the “yes” votes tipped the scales, could it have pushed the merger forward?

5. What Might Have Been?
Imagining an Eastbourne FC brings up some interesting “what ifs.” With the combined resources and talent of both clubs, could the unified club have reached higher leagues and attracted larger crowds? Moore believed that a “bigger Eastbourne team” could be a “dream come true” for players, and it’s easy to imagine that many locals shared this sentiment. Yet, the loss of each club’s individual identity might have changed Eastbourne’s football culture forever. The merger could have given the town a more competitive team, but it also might have softened the unique rivalry and passion that each club still brings to the community today.

6. Legacy and Ongoing Rivalry
In the end, the merger talks fizzled out, and Eastbourne Town and United continued on their separate paths. Both clubs still represent their own histories, rivalries, and local pride, giving Eastbourne’s football community the same distinct energy it had in 1997. It’s fascinating to look back and wonder what might have been, but we’re lucky to still have both clubs carrying on their legacies, each with its own story to tell.

Closing Thoughts
Mergers can be as complicated as they are enticing, especially with clubs that carry decades of history. As fans, we often find ourselves drawn to the “what ifs” in sports, and this Eastbourne merger that never was is one of those scenarios. We’re proud of the history each club has built and the vibrant football culture that has only grown since. Eastbourne football might look different today if this dream had come true—but maybe some dreams are best left as part of history.

Article written by: Josh Claxton
Original story written by:
Andrew Bennett