The 70s and 80s

Chipstead began life in the 70s with their first team in the Premier Division of the Sevenoaks & District Football League. Season 70/71 was marked by the Reserves winning the Smith’s Junior Cup and 17 year old keeper Garry Allen (who had made his debut 2 years earlier at age 15) being selected to represent the Sevenoaks & District Under 18 team. Garry (pictured bottom right) is now one of our Youth Team Managers at the club.

Following relegation from the Premier Division at the end of season 71/72, Chipstead had to wait another 5 years for honours, winning the Smiths Intermediate Cup in season 76/77. The transfer of the striker Kevin Turner from local rivals Riverhead at the start of the season was a major coup for the club. Kevin had finished the previous season as leading goal scorer in the Sevenoaks League with 45 goals. Bill Fletcher is seen hoisting the cup and, if you look carefully at the photo, you may spot Club Secretary Dave Houston (far right), in the days when he had hair!

Chipstead’s next taste of success arrived in season 79/80 when they won the Smith’s Intermediate Cup (the clubs 4th consecutive appearance in a Smith’s final)

The 80s saw Chipstead dominate local football by winning the Premier Division 6 seasons in succession from 83/84 to 88/89, and also reaching the Smith’s Cup Final on 6 consecutive occasions, winning 3 of them. Season 84/85 also saw the Reserves finish as champions of Division 2. The treble of Premier Division, Smith’s Cup and Fisher Shield was achieved in 85/86.

The Manager during this very successful period was Brian White (back row, far right), who is now our Club President, whilst the team was captained by the inspirational John Berry (front row, centre), formerly of Sevenoaks Town.