It is fair to say that the 2019 -20 season was a challenging one both on and off the pitch for the Tons!

As we go into a new season Clapton would like to thank all of our loyal supporters, both existing and new ones, for all the help you have given this club.

We started last season with a spring in our step as we began the refurbishment of the Old Spotted Dog Stadium – with the ground verti-drained, re-seeded, fertilised and the grass looking good, a new welcome sign, ladies’ toilets and changing rooms refurbished, clubhouse all re-painted. 

All was well until July 16th when Heineken, the landlord, came and repossessed the ground. Clapton then had to find another venue straight away, with the majority of venues that were acceptable to the FA already fully booked.

With a lot of communication and co-operation of many people, we did it and must say a big thank you to the Essex Senior League and Averley Football Club, especially Craig, for all the help they provided to us. We finally arranged a ground-sharing agreement with Southend Manor and played our home matches there.

It was quite surreal! Players were training in London and playing in home matches in Southend. This was a steadfast commitment by management, players and officers, so really well done! 

Then the Coronavirus outbreak curtailed all football! At that time Clapton had already secured its position in the league, around midtable, which was, in itself remarkable considering we were second from bottom for much of the season. This is a testament to the level of commitment made by all concerned – Qayum, Julian, Arron, Jet, Butler, Kenroy, and Shirley.

Like most clubs, we have waited with baited breathe over the past few months to see whether we would be able to play any football this season, and now very happy that this has become a reality.

For the 2020/21 season, we have secured a new home venue at the Terrance Mcmillian Stadium in Plaistow, E13, which has a running track and the facility to accommodate an Essex Senior League team. We are working alongside the venue to make this a great venue for the Tons, certainly for the foreseeable future.

We would have loved to have our “Paint Clapton Red” event, with the usual barbeque but I’m sure you will understand that it is not possible at the moment.

We do have a new Kit, and kit sponsor, which will be unveiled to you soon.

The biggest change has arisen after a long hard look at a number of things within Clapton. The club logo has been redesigned to reflect the changing club. We have continued with our predominantly red, black and white colours but with a fresh look and feel – watch this space for more on the logo design.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 has had us all in lockdown, we have still managed to do a lot of work behind the schemes to secure additional assistance and expertise. Everything we are doing is designed to stabilise our club and prepare us in moving forward – you, our supporters, are our eleventh man and the final piece in the jigsaw, and we can only give you a big clap and say a bigger thank you for being there.

We are starting to get some pre-season friendlies organised, corona restrictions permitting, and will keep you updated on the dates.