Formed in 1890 as East Grinstead FC, the club joined the Mid Sussex League in 1900 and were founder members of the Sussex County League upon its inception in 1920/21. In the years immediately following the 1914/18 Great War, crowds at the club’s old home at West Street would reach four figures. In 1947, a crowd of just over 2,000 watched an Amateur Cup tie against Lancing (see photograph - link above).

East Grinstead only remained in the County League for two seasons. They then rejoined for a couple of years before transferring to the Southern Amateur League. However, they returned to the County League for good in 1937. The club’s best performance in the County League has been third in Division One on three occasions: 1946/47, 1954/55, and 1972/73.

The Wasps were relegated for the first time at the end of the 1978/79 season, and played in Division Two until 1988/89 when they were relegated to Division Three. After two seasons in intermediate football however, they returned to Division Two in 1991 after finishing third behind Ifield and East Preston.

Two years later, promotion to the top division was achieved after again finishing third, this time behind Crowborough Athletic and STAMCO (later St. Leonards FC - now defunct). The return to Division One however, was short-lived and in 1994/95 the club was relegated once again. The following season almost saw an immediate return - failing only on goal-difference. Ironically, third-placed Chichester City were unable to go up because of floodlight problems. In 1997 the club added the Town suffix to its name.

In 2001/02 a strong finish just saw East Grinstead lose out on promotion on the last day of the season, but in 2002/03 they made sure of a top division place some way before the end of the campaign, after finishing third (again), this time behind Rye & Iden United, and Eastbourne Town.

The club consolidated their position in 2003/04, with a mid-table finish; but won the RUR Charity Cup with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over arch rivals Three Bridges. 2004/05 by stark contrast was disastrous, and a catastrophic 3-3 draw at already relegated Sidlesham, after leading comfortably saw the Wasps relegated back to Division Two on the final day of the season.

The club was strongly fancied to make an immediate return to the top flight but 2006/07 proved to be a major disappointment. The club remained easily the best supported in Division 2 however and, with major improvements to East Court (see below) the Wasps will be looking  to secure promotion and put an end to their yo-yo existence of the past.

Description of ground
East Grinstead FC moved to East Court in 1967, after being given notice in 1958, to quit their previous ground at West Street, home of the town’s cricket club. The last game at West Street was played on Easter Monday 1962 rendering the club homeless, with East Court nowhere fit for football. Fortunately however, a temporary home was found by the local council at King George’s Field, where East Grinstead played until the mess at East Court was sorted out.

One of the major problems was one of drainage. As recently as the beginning of the 2002/03 season, the club was forced to play early season matches away from home as a result of ongoing work although it now appears that the problems have been resolved.

Despite all the problems in the past, East Court is a charming ground, tucked away down a long access road just after the entrance to the East Court area proper (which houses council offices) and being screened by trees, invisible from the main road which runs adjacent to the ground. There is a good-sized car park in front of the main entrance.

The main feature is a large bank running along the near touchline, which until the end of the 2006/07 season boasted a covered terrace bisecting the half-way line. This provides one of the best views in the County League, although plans to add 72 tip-up seats, with the back row remaining for standing spectators, were unfortunately shelved as the club was unable to secure the necessary funding. ‘Plan B’ was to erect two 50 seater stands either side of the floodlight pole on the opposite side of the pitch, with the help of Football Foundation monies; however, this idea was also kicked into touch.

Undeterred, the club persevered and was finally rewarded with a grant of £45,623 by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF). The award has enabled the club to upgrade its facilities to meet the FA's ground grading criteria for SCFL Division One football - this includes a new 100 seater covered stand with wheelchair spaces, a new terraced stand, new pitch perimeter barrier, new dugouts, fencing, hardstanding and paved access. The total project is budgeted to cost £107,000 and is due to be completed by the start of the 2007/08 season.

This work continued other improvements to the ground, including upgrading the floodlights and further major work was carried on the pitch during the summer of 2005 & 2006. The clubhouse opened in 1971, and new dressing rooms have also been added, replacing those that originally stood behind the stand.

Directions
Traveling towards East Grinstead from Eastbourne on A22, carry on over roundabout and proceed towards Town Centre (do not turn right onto Beeching Way bypass) and soon afterwards turn right into College Lane and Blackwell Hollow. At bottom of Blackwell Hollow, turn right and then right again at first mini-roundabout opposite Mount Noddy Cemetery and enter East Court on right. Turn immediately left and lane leads to ground.

If traveling from the M25, proceed along A22 past Homebase on left and turn left into Moat Road (signposted Hospital). Mini-roundabouts opposite East Court are at the bottom of Moat Road.

Nearest railway station: East Grinstead (approx. 30 mins walk).

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