Taking a Bostik bow: Bognor Regis Town

We asked supporters from our new or returning clubs to write an introduction to the footballing love of their lives. Here's Tommy McMillan on a club many will know well, Bognor Regis Town.


With the expansion of our League (and the alterations which the FA have made to the pyramid) we have a number of clubs who are entirely new to us, haven’t been part of our setup for rather a long time, or are returning to us after some time away. We decided that the best way to introduce- or to reintroduce- them to Bostik League supporters was through the eyes of one of their own.

Here's Tommy McMillan to reintroduce us to the wonders of Bognor Regis Town.

How long have you been a supporter of Bognor Regis Town?

Bognor club shop- image by Tommy McMillan

Bognor club shop- image by Tommy McMillan

I have been club photographer since 2012 so have followed the club since then.

Tell us how you became a fan? What attracted you to the club initially?

I was originally a local football referee, gave up referring and took up a camera and have been with the club ever since.

And what is it about the club that has kept you there since?
I follow the club home and away and I also have a good connection with other people who follow the club.

Bognor taking on Sutton United in the FA Trophy- image from Tommy McMillan

Bognor taking on Sutton United in the FA Trophy- image from Tommy McMillan

What does a typical home matchday look like for you?

I leave home about 12, get to the ground around 12.30, taking photos of match ball sponsors and match day mascots then taking in the game. After the match photographing the man of the match then coming home, have a cup of tea and edit all the photographs for the club website.

Is there a moment in the history of your club that supporters always talk about? What would it be- and why is it important to you all?

There are two. The 1984 FA Cup win over Swansea City- which was a great day for the club- and also winning the playoff final against Dulwich Hamlet to win promotion to the Vanarama National League South.

Bognor scoreboard- image by Tommy McMillan

Bognor scoreboard- image by Tommy McMillan

For the benefit of those who haven’t visited before, describe your ground.

The club has a club shop, club bar, a good match day programme, reasonable admission charges for supporters, and there is no segregation unless authorised by the police. There is one main stand and three standing areas.

If an away fan was travelling to your ground for the first time, how would you recommend they got there? Tell us about parking and public transport.

Most away fans either come on their club supporters bus or travel by car as there is parking nearby. If travelling by train the main railway station is about a 20 minute walk with good connections to Brighton, Portsmouth and London Victoria.

Are there any local sights or amenities you’d recommend they visit? Tourist attractions, pubs etc?

There is a Butlins on the seafront at Bognor. There are two good pubs within a 10 minute walk of the ground on the seafront; the Navigator Hotel which also does food and there is the Waverley.

There is also a pub about 5 minutes from the ground called the Wheatsheaf.

Finally, pie, burger or pint? What would you recommend, and why?
At the ground I would recommend pies, burgers and a pint. They offer 4 pints of Carling for £10.

All of the images here were taken by Tommy, but you probably worked that out!

Where next?

A Tudor and a Crow for United Hayes and Yeading bring in two- including a former Wembley winner

Bognor Regis Town Video playlist

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