You might remember that I had the pleasure of meeting Brian last week at the Groundhop As promised he has sent me the overview of his book.

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A Century of DERES

August 2022 marked the centenary of Erith and Belvedere FC.  It was on 26 August 1922 that the Deres played their first match, losing 3-1 at home to Chatham Town, and even in their first season they reached the quarter-final of the FA Amateur Cup, before being losing finalists to Clapton a year later.  To coincide with this landmark “A Century of Deres” looks back over the club’s first century, with its ups and downs,
Every season in the club’s history is featured: the story includes two Amateur Cup Finals (1924 and 1938), an all-conquering wartime team, the heyday of the Corinthian and Athenian Leagues, two thrilling Kent League titles and dark days when the club’s future appeared under threat.

There are also profiles of 100 major figures in the club’s history, from record-breaking strikers to loyal club men, from the club’s most successful managers to players who made a single appearance but had a great impact on football elsewhere.  Plus a look further back to the origins of football in Erith, when two Victorian working men set up a lasting tradition.

And you can find out the only person to have both played against the Deres AND appeared in “Blackadder”!

“A fabulous historical account charting the last 100 years. What an unbelievable feat of research and dedication to produce this fantastic piece of work. I would urge everyone who has Erith & Belvedere FC in their blood to buy one…” – Tony Beckingham, former Erith & Belvedere manager.

“Brilliant memories … not put it down since receiving it” – Gary Groom, ex-Dere.

“Brilliantly put together and the 100 profiles are great” – Phil Nourse, Charlton Life.

“Detailed and extremely well researched” – Non League Paper.

Available for £10 at the ground on matchdays or from ACoDbook@gmail.com

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