Steve King has returned as manager of Eastbourne Borough with the goal of restoring the club’s former standing following their relegation from the National League South last season. Having taken over in March when the team’s drop was already confirmed, King has been tasked with rebuilding the squad and preparing for a campaign in the Isthmian League Premier Division, with ambitions to secure promotion back to higher levels of non-league football.
King, a longtime resident of Eastbourne and familiar figure within the local football community, emphasized his personal commitment to the club. “It’s my hometown club, and getting them back into Conference football has been a long-term ambition,” he said. Following a difficult previous season that saw Eastbourne’s form decline sharply after a near escape the year before, King has overseen a significant overhaul of the playing staff, releasing 22 players and transitioning the club from full-time to part-time status.
The shift to part-time football has factored heavily into Eastbourne’s recruitment strategy, allowing King to attract players suited to the demands of the division. Notable new signings include midfielder Josh Rees, attacker Darren McQueen, and defender Giles Phillips. Experienced goalkeeper Lewis Carey returned after helping Horsham gain promotion, and striker Liam Nash, with past spells at Dartford, Hornchurch, and Billericay, also rejoined. The squad balances seasoned campaigners such as Max Sheaf and Elliot Johnson—both with promotion experience—with younger prospects like Brighton & Hove Albion’s Matthew Hayden and winger Tyano Wilson, who was scouted from Eastbourne United.
King highlighted the importance of recruiting players with a winning mentality and prior promotion experience. “Nearly every player we’ve signed has won a league or been promoted,” he noted. In addition to player selection, operational adjustments were made to support the part-time model. Training sessions were relocated to Tonbridge, roughly an hour’s journey for most squad members, to facilitate attendance and broaden recruitment options. King cited this as a crucial factor in assembling the current team.
Ahead of the new season, King acknowledged the competitive nature of the Isthmian Premier Division. He pointed to a challenging opening stretch that includes fixtures against last season’s second-place finisher Aveley, promoted Three Bridges, and play-off finalists Brentwood. “The first ten games are unpredictable, but after that, the table starts to settle,” King said. Despite the challenges, he expressed confidence in the squad’s quality and readiness to compete.
King’s return to Eastbourne completes a period of anticipation; he had previously sought the managerial role on multiple occasions, only to miss out due to timing or club decisions. Now, with alignment between his ambitions and the club’s direction, he is determined to mount a promotion challenge and re-establish Eastbourne Borough as a contender in non-league football.