Skegness Town FC History: From Local Roots to Modern Success

Origins and Early Years of Skegness Town FC

Skegness Town FC was formed in 1947, rising from the legacy of the town’s pre-war clubs—Skegness United and Skegness Blue Rovers (the latter briefly competed in the Lincoln & District League in 1937–38). From its inception, the club embarked on a journey through local competitions, initially playing in the Boston & District League (at Wainfleet Road Recreation Ground) and then in the East Lincolnshire Combination at Richmond Drive (the former United ground).

In 1948, the club settled into Burgh Road and became a founding member of the Lincolnshire League.

League Moves and Competitive Highlights

Over the following decades, Skegness Town moved through various leagues as it sought success and stability:

• In the 1950s, the club spent time in the Central Alliance (South) before joining the Midland Counties League in 1958 (save for a short hiatus during 1960–61 when league operations were suspended). They remained in the Midland Counties League until 1982, finishing as runners-up in the 1978–79 season, narrowly missing the title on goal difference. 

• After a brief stint in its successor, the North Counties (East) League, Skegness Town returned to the Lincolnshire League in 1983. 

One memorable moment in the club’s early years came in pre-season 1977–78, when Skegness hosted a friendly with Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest. In a twist of fate, nine months later Forest went on to win the English First Division. 

Cup Ventures and National Tournaments

While the club’s main focus remained regional, Skegness Town made several forays into national cup competitions:

• The club entered the FA Cup regularly until 1985. Their most notable run came in 1955–56, when they reached the First Round Proper—defeated 4–0 at home by Worksop Town after navigating qualifying rounds. 

• Their final FA Cup appearance came in 1985 (a 3–2 defeat away at Goole Town in the first qualifying round). 

• Skegness Town were founding participants in the FA Trophy in 1969–70, though they never progressed past qualifying rounds. 

• Later, they competed in the FA Vase, reaching the 4th round in 1978–79 (losing to Shepshed Charterhouse) and the 5th round in 1981–82 (losing to Rainworth Miners Welfare). 

• Under evolving ground and competition regulations, Skegness eventually withdrew from national-level cups around 1990–91. 

On the county front, following a reorganisation by Lincolnshire FA in 2006, the club began entering the Lincolnshire FA Junior Cup (reaching the 2007–08 final, where they lost on penalties). Over earlier years, they had success in the Senior ‘B’ Cup and Senior ‘A’ Cup, amassing multiple victories.

Recent Success and League Promotion

Skegness Town enjoyed a strong spell in the Lincolnshire League, capturing county league titles in 2006–07, 2007–08, 2015–16, and 2016–17. 

A major turning point arrived in May 2018, when the club was promoted to the Northern Counties East League Division One, ending a 36-year absence from that level of the pyramid. 

Shortly after the promotion, the club appointed Martyn Bunce (formerly Boston United assistant) as manager alongside local Skegness physio Arun Gray. In November 2018, Nathan Collins joined as joint manager, and upon Bunce’s departure in January 2019, Collins became sole manager. 

Further progress followed: in 2021, with disrupted seasons due to the pandemic, Skegness moved up to the United Counties League Premier Division North based on results in the abandoned 2019–20 and 2020–21 campaigns. 

In 2023–24, under manager Chris Rawlinson (who had been assistant since 2019), the club claimed the United Counties League Challenge Cup.

New Home: The Vertigo Stadium

In 2016, plans were confirmed to relocate from Burgh Road to a brand new ground on Wainfleet Road, named the Vertigo Stadium, as the Burgh Road site was earmarked for a shopping redevelopment as the Quora Retail Park. 

The stadium was completed in time for the 2017–18 season. On 21 July 2017, the ground was officially opened by Mayor Danny Brookes, marked with a friendly against Lincoln City U18, ending in a 3–1 win for the Lilywhites. 

Ahead of the 2023/25 season, new sponsors MKM Building Supplies took over and the ground was renamed the MKM Stadium.

The club’s matchday programme, The Lilywhite, continues to be sold at turnstiles during home games.

Legacy and Honours

Over the years, Skegness Town has earned a strong reputation in county football. Their major honours encompass:

• Lincolnshire League championships (seven times)

• Lincolnshire Junior County Cup winner (2016/17)

• Lincolnshire League Cup – two wins

• Central Alliance South Division – three titles 

• Lincolnshire FA Senior ‘B’ Cup – four victories 

• Lincolnshire FA Senior ‘A’ Cup – six victories 

• United Counties League Challenge Cup (2023–24)

Skegness Town A.F.C. has navigated decades of change—rising from local roots, entering national competitions, enduring league reshuffles, and ultimately staking its place in the English football pyramid. The move to the Vertigo Stadium and recent cup successes speak to a resilient, forward-looking club still deeply rooted in its community.

If you're looking for things to do in Skegness and have a Saturday afternoon spare, a bit of local non-league football might be a great way to spend a sunny day out at the seaside!

Where to find Skegness Town FC

The MKM Stadium can be found on Wainfleet Road, just on the outskirts of the town centre, next to the Skegness Retail Park.