Canvey Island Football Club, nicknamed “The Gulls,” is a non-league football club based in Canvey Island, Essex.
Established in 1970, they currently compete in the Pitching In Isthmian League Premier Division, which is part of the seventh tier of English football. The team calls Park Lane their home ground.
At the time of writing, Brad Wellmen is the current manager.
History
Canvey Island FC, founded in 1926, lost early records to the 1953 East Coast floods. After thriving in local leagues, the club faced a decline by the late 1980s. Revival came under Jeff King, a local businessman and former player, leading to remarkable progress from 1993, including winning the Essex Senior League and reaching the FA Vase semi-final.
Promoted to the Isthmian League in 1994, Canvey Island swiftly climbed divisions, reaching the FA Cup First Round Proper in 1995/96 and winning two trophies. The late 1990s brought further success, including the Division One championship and the Essex Senior Cup.
The early 2000s were highlighted by winning the FA Trophy in 2001 and notable FA Cup runs against Football League teams. Despite cup triumphs, league titles eluded them. The mid-2000s saw Canvey Island reach the FA Cup’s 3rd Round Proper and become Ryman Premier League runners-up twice.
After financial issues led to a return to the Ryman League, the club achieved promotion in the late 2000s via playoffs. Under managers like Mark Bentley and Brad Wellmen the club enjoyed memorable FA Cup runs and won the Isthmian Charity Shield in 2018/19. In the most recent seasons, Canvey Island achieved promotion to the Isthmian League North after a dramatic playoff final victory against Brentwood Town.
Staff
Current management and coaching staff