Founded in 1889 and known as ‘The Mullets’ (Arundel being renowned for its mullet fishing), Arundel FC played in the West Sussex League for some 50 years, until becoming a Sussex County League side immediately after the Second World War.

Arundel were County League champions two years running in 1957/58 and 1958/59, and again in 1986/87, when they also won the League Challenge Cup. However, the Club has yet to repeat that level of success and were relegated in 1997/98 after finishing bottom of Division One. Up until that point, Arundel had spent 46 seasons out of 49 in the top flight of the County League. After just two seasons in Division Two, Arundel gained promotion back to Division One, after finishing as runners-up to Sidlesham in 1999/00.

In 2003/04 the Mullets enjoyed their best season since returning to the top flight, finishing 6th in Division One; as well as lifting the John O’Hara League Cup by beating Rye & Iden United 2-1. The following season saw Arundel start as one of the pre-season favourites, only to suffer a rather scrappy and inconsistent campaign, arguably not helped by the sacking of manager Steve Johnson who was later appointed (and subsequently dismissed) by Conference South club Weymouth.

That season was particularly notable for some bizarre scorelines at Mill Road. These including a 7-1 win over Southwick, a 5-1 victory against Hailsham Town and a 6-1 thrashing of Sidlesham; but also heavy defeats by Eastbourne United Association and Littlehampton Town (0-5 & 2-6 respectively). If this wasn’t enough, Arundel supporters also saw their side finish on the wrong end of two seven goal thrillers, against Eastbourne Town and Pagham!

Season 2005/06 saw a marginal improvement in both League position and attendances under the management of former East Preston boss Vic Short. However, with hindsight this could be viewed as a season of consolidation as 2006-07 saw the the Mullets finish 3rd, albeit 10 points adrift of runners-up Whitehawk, their highest position since winning the title twenty years previously.

Description of ground
Mill Road is one of a number of County League grounds in a particularly attractive setting, nestling beneath Arundel Castle, close to the River Arun; and for this reason is arguably the most photographed ground in the county. However, the proximity to the river means that the pitch has been inclined to become very heavy in the past, although hopefully better drainage will remedy this.

Within the last few seasons the appearance of the ground has been improved considerably by the provision, with the aid of Football Foundation funding, of a new perimeter fence. In addition both the main stand and covered shelter on the opposite side of the pitch have been repainted. As can be seen from Bob Lilliman's archive photographs (link above) the stand replaced an earlier superficially identical timber construction in the same position (note from two of the photographs how the angled fascia was added later to the original roof). The dugouts, pictured in front of the stand are due to be demolished and new modern replacements erected on the opposite touchline, where the brook that runs parallel will also be filled in. There were originally plans for a covered area at the far end of the ground, but these have since been shelved in favour of a much more ambitious scheme.

The club is currently in negotiations with the Duke of Norfolk, to acquire land beyond the far goal. This would enable the development of further pitches and facilities for the community. In addition the current Mill Road pitch would be moved to allow for the building of an impressive community sports centre, complete with indoor facilities, at the current clubhouse end of the ground, complete with ‘living roof’ to blend in with the surroundings if viewed from outside of the ground. The estimated cost of the project is in the region of £1.9 million.

Entrance to the ground is gained at the far end of a pay and display car park, and this is often the best place to park on match days, although there is some provision for parking immediately outside the entrance to the ground and also on the grass behind the stand for early arrivals. The clubhouse is just inside the main gate, to the right, behind the near goal. This wooden building has been extended to the rear and is used for functions. To the left are the dressing rooms. Just around from the clubhouse is a small covered area. This is pretty basic but does provide respite from the elements when the weather is bad.

The main stand straddles the half way line on the far side of the pitch. This does not currently have fixed seating, although there are plentiful white plastic chairs. An interesting feature some of the previous honours of the club attached to the beams supporting the roof. Pasture borders the opposite touchline, where cows can sometimes be seen (and heard) grazing. There is hard standing on all four sides and, If one doesn’t fancy trekking ‘round to the clubhouse at half-time, pre-match and half-time refreshments are available from a small hut close to the main stand.

A fine Non League venue that should be on the itinerary for any self-respecting hopper. Arrive early and enjoy the town as well.

Directions
Traveling from Worthing on the A27, proceed over railway bridge (station on left) to roundabout. Take the 2nd exit into Queen Street towards the town. Turn right over the bridge. There is a Pay & Display car park leading to the ground is 100 yards on the right.

Nearest railway station: Arundel (approx 15 minutes walk)

Map (link to www.streetmap.co.uk)

©2009 Sussex County FC