From the brink of extinction to the verge of glory - Hebburn Town ready to make history this weekend
Mark Carruthers reflects on Hebburn Town’s remarkable journey from the brink of going out of business to the verge of promotion to the National League North.
Make no mistake about it, Hebburn Town were on the brink.
After over a century in existence, crowds plummeting below 30 during the second half of the 2016/17 season and placed the club’s future under immediate threat.
At the same time, neighbours South Shields, recently boosted by the investment of local businessman Geoff Thompson, were piecing together a history-making season that brought four trophies and culminated in an FA Vase final win against Cleethorpes Town.
With sizeable crowds making their way to Mariners Park and enthusiasm and attention increasing with every week, Hebburn could only look on with envy as short-term survival, rather than long-term progress, remained their priority in the most troubling of times.
A desperate appeal launched by then-manager Scott Oliver reaped immediate rewards as a crowd of over 450 witnessed a 4-1 win against Tow Law Town and a rejuvenation in fortunes was kickstarted.
Perhaps more importantly, Hebburn’s plight captured the attention of local businessmen and their investment and a restructure instigated the most successful period in the club’s history - and a new high point could yet be reached this weekend.
From on the brink of going out of business, Hebburn Town are now on the brink of history.
Since those worrying days back in 2017, the Hornets secured promotions under Oliver and successor Kevin Bolam, experienced an FA Vase final victory under the latter during the Covid period and landed a stunning Northern Premier League East title win under current boss Daniel Moore.
On-field success has been matched on off-field progress as their Trustmark Group Stadium home has transformed beyond recognition and has recently been given the green light to be further developed into one of the best non-league grounds in the region.
Expectations have been surpassed at every turn - and the same can be said of this season as Moore’s men sit just 90 minutes away from securing a Northern Premier League Premier Division title win that nobody, not even the more ardent Hornets fan, could have predicted.
The equation is a very simple one - beat Rushall Olympic at home on Saturday afternoon and the Hornets will be crowned as champions and will secure promotion into the National League North for the first time in their history.
From being overshadowed by events at South Shields not so long ago, it is not beyond the realms of possibility a South Tyneside league derby could be on the agenda next season - although we obviously hope the Mariners can take another step up the non-league pyramid and land promotion into the National League over the next few days or weeks.
Led by Hebburn-born captain Aidan Heywood, this Hebburn side are hardworking, they play with energy and passion and they run through brick walls for a manager and coaching staff that have guided them to the brink of glory.
They deserve the support of our local community, they deserve a record crowd and a full house to push them over the line - there is no doubt about that.