Club History

Gilbert and Doris Medcalf lived in the East End of London before, during, and after the Second World War. When Gil and Doris “emigrated” to Southend in 1955 they set up a boy’s football club, drawn mainly from young lads of 10 and 11 years of age living in the Southchurch Area of Southend on Sea. Gil had played his football both before and after the War for his local club, Eton Manor.F.C. so, as a direct result of this, his newly formed club carried part of their name and became Southend Manor Football Club.

In 1959 Manor entered the Southend Youth League in the lowest division and in their first year finished in bottom place. Steady improvements were made in the Youth league and when players became too old to play in Youth Football the Club applied for membership of the Southend Borough Combination and was accepted into division five in 1964, reaching the premier division of that competition in 1969. The Club made it’s mark in local football history during the 70’s and early 80’s by becoming one of the Borough Combination’s most successful clubs winning the Premier Division no fewer than six times, and runners up three times in twelve seasons.

Although with this pedigree the Club found it difficult to progress to a higher standard of football as it used Council pitches which were only available for a limited part of each season. In 1985, due largely to the enthusiasm and perseverance of it’s then Chairman, the late Malcolm Frost, the Club was accepted into the Essex Senior League where it has played since 1989.

The current Chairman has been in place since 1995 at which time the Club fielded only three teams. In the ensuing years the Club has grown to the extent that a total of twenty two teams take the field each weekend. This has been largely due to the collective decision which was taken at the end of the 90’s to establish a Youth Section. Full F.A. Charter Standard status was awarded to the Youth Section of the Club in 1995 and the Club continues to be a major player in the local football scene and in the Community in general.

In Season 2003 Manor formed an twinning association with Charleville Football Club and with Mallow Football Club in County Cork, a relationship which continues to exist with annual exchange visits taking place.

Southend Manor has made excellent progress from such humble beginnings, its Youth Policy is strong, and notwithstanding the ongoing financial constraints, the Club will continue to consolidate its position in the Essex Senior League and potentially beyond.