Grantham Town Football Club, nicknamed “The Gingerbreads,” is a non-league football club based in Grantham, Lincolnshire.
Established in 1970, they currently compete in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Division One East, which is part of the eighth tier of English football. The team calls South Kesteven Sports Stadium their home ground.
History
Founded in 1874, Grantham Town initially competed in the Midland Amateur League and Central Alliance, achieving early successes including league victories and strong finishes. Post-WWII, Jack Macartney became a standout figure, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer. The 1960s and 70s, under managers Jim Rayner and Terry Bly, were particularly fruitful, with multiple league wins and significant FA cup matches that attracted large crowds, setting the stage for a memorable period in the club’s history.
The club’s journey through the 80s and 90s saw various managerial changes and league reassignments, with notable figures like Martin O’Neil and player-manager shifts influencing performance and direction. Financial struggles and management changes, including the tenure of Gary Mills and the tumultuous Antrac year, marked periods of instability yet also highlighted resilience, with the club achieving league titles and memorable cup runs amidst challenges.
Entering the 21st century, managerial turnovers continued to shape the club’s trajectory, with periods of success, such as promotion and cup victories, interspersed with relegations and financial struggles. The club’s nickname, “The Gingerbreads,” ties back to a local culinary mishap, emblematic of the town’s history and the club’s enduring community presence despite the ebbs and flows of its footballing fortunes.
Legal
Grantham Town FC Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales under company number 00294783 .
Alumni
Former players and managers elsewhere in the non-league pyramid