The History of Marske United Football Club

(Founded 1956)

Marske United played in the local leagues until they joined the Teesside League in 1976 where they won several titles and cup competitions. In 1985 their title win gained them promotion to the Wearside League via the non league pyramid system.

Throughout this time Marske also enjoyed a fair amount of success in the North Riding County and Senior Cup competitions. They were soon in the hunt for honours in the Wearside League and in the following years won the league title twice and were runners up on numerous occasions. They also won many cup competitions and it was decided that the club was ready to make further progress in the pyramid.

The 1995/96 season saw Marske prove that they were indeed ready when a remarkable clean sweep of Wearside League silverware was achieved. The League Title, The League Cup, The Sunderland Shipowners Cup and The Monkwearmouth Cup all took up residence in the Marske United Clubhouse. They also added their name to the winners of the North Riding Senior Cup for the first time to join a list that includes Middlesbrough F.C, Scarborough, York City and Whitby Town.

They were accepted by the Northern League for the 1997/98 season joining the second division and after another great year gained promotion at the first attempt. A season of consolidation saw Marske finish 12^th and in the following year 4^th place was achieved along with a North Riding Senior cup semi final appearance. The third season proved to be a memorable one with a 3^rd place finish as well as a League Cup final defeat by the mighty Bedlington Terriers. A great run in the F.A. Vase also ensued during which a record crowd of 1359 attended a quarter final tie when a very late equaliser by Bedlington, and defeat in the replay  deprived us of a semi final place.

Season 2001/2 started badly when long term sponsor Arnott Insurance pulled out followed shortly by our inspirational manager Charlie Bell and his team. Mick Hodgson and Peter Bell stepped in and guided us to a very respectable finish but the following year with many players being lured away on better deals the club were relegated. In 2003 a new sponsor, Car Care of Marske came on board and Darren Trotter was appointed as manager from H’pool F.C. Academy where he gained his EUFA coaching badges. His aim was to produce a young team but after 18 months following a run of poor results and performances it was decided that an experienced leader was required and former management duo Charlie Bell and Steve Dowling were asked to return in the hope that they could repeat the success achieved first time round.

However, January 2008, after a further 113 games in charge it was decided that another change was necessary so former Northallerton pair Paul Burton and Mark Riley were appointed. They came in and steadied the ship with the team finishing in a creditable 8th place. The acquisition of some more experienced Northern League players resulted in the 2008/9 season being our most successful for many years. After a disappointing start a long unbeaten run left us in contention for promotion and a brilliant run in the F.A. Vase took the club on a journey all over the country as we were drawn away in all but one of the eight games played before eventually losing to Glossop F.C. in the quarter final. However our success in the cup resulted in a massive backlog of league games to be fitted in at the end of the season and with the games coming thick and fast during March and April we lost some crucial mid week away games to finish the season in 5^th place, ironically having beaten all four of the teams above us.

The 2009/10 season had a similar feel with a long FA Vase run ending in defeat to Whitehawk of Brighton, and the build up of games towards the end of the season taking it's toll. With just 7 games remaining Marske were 1st in the Division and their fate was in their own hands entirely. They had to face rivals Stokesley twice and Jarrow Roofing, both competing for promotion. Having lost only 2 league games all season, Marske lost 5 of the last 7 games and ended up in 4th position, narrowly missing out on promotion once more.

Whilst cup runs can be very exciting it is promotion to Division 1 that is the clubs main aim for the 2010/11 season.