August 2022 marks 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, title campaigns, relegation battles and memorable matches.

 

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"!

 

The book is available for £12 from the author at Deres games or £14.99 incl p&p by sending your details to ACoDbook@gmail.com