Club History

Ferndown Locomotive, originally named with the suffix “Touch and Dive”, was so named after ex-Bournemouth player Steve Robinson, whose light-weight technique was something very similar to Jon Sharkeys teenage drinking habits. Also one of the players would only play if the word “Loco” was going to be used in the team-name.

The team started off a a 5-a-side team, which then developed into an 11-a-side outfit. Players were gathered through various sources, including the AFCB Internet Team, friends of friends, mates mates, and soon a side was ready to take on the Hayward League Sunday Division Seven.

After a first season where the side were finding their feet, managers came and went, but then it was a Mr Paul Phillips that stepped in to become the gaffa. Crap players were got rid off, the team was built up, and even newer players were drafted into the line-up.

It was the 2003/04 season where the Loco really “came into their own” - so to speak. After a strong end to the previous season, the form was carried through into the league - where the side remained unbeaten for long periods.

The side won the league convincingly by nine points, and not even an end of season debacle at home to Newtown Rovers (where the oppositions stuff was nicked), could put dampeners on the celebrations. It was a real memorable time, and the side were featured in the local press on numerous occasions for achieving the feat.

The following season, 2004-05, saw a couple of regular players depart, but we had many new additions to the squad which have considerably bolstered the size and strength of the team. Andy Smith, Ed Bradshaw, Kendall Mersh, Mark Weston, and Mike Brannan, have all joined the fray - and already have proved vital. Indeed, it was a side which consisted of all these players, that produced a major shock in the early season, as Loco beat Division One side Berrans Park Avenue, in the cup.

In 2005-06, the club was re-branded as Ferndown Locomotive. This was to reflect the natural roots of many squad players, the home venue where we played, and also to drop the comical ‘Touch and Dive’ from our name. Although it served much hilarity, the club was aiming to be the best side in Ferndown, and wanted to concentrate on getting a good bunch of mates and footballers together. Therefore, in line with the clubs expansion plan, Loco “planned” to have a transitional season which would see new players introduced, and older players depart. During the season, we not only held our own in the league, but we ended up getting promoted once again, for the second time in three seasons - a fantastic achievement.

So, the 2006-07 season now saw Locomotive competing in Hayward Sunday Division Four. Once again, Locomotive aimed to have another fruitful season, and with a batch of new players again on the books, it turned into more of a transitional season as we looked to build yet another committed squad which will be together for a number of years to come. Despite a rousing goal-filled final game of the season, Loco finished the league in the lower depths of mid-table. It was then announced soon-after, that manager Paul Phillips, who had been working tirelessly in the managers’ position at Loco for 5 seasons, was to step up as Chairman, in order to shake the team up a bit with a fresher faced manager. This position was taken up by current player Paul Cashmore, who was delighted to be given the responsibility of taking the club forward.

Loco play at King George V fields in the heart of Ferndown. They play in Red and Black stripes. The team is managed by Paul Cashmore, the Chairman is Paul Phillips, the Club Treasurer is Sam Davis, the Captain is Sean Barker, and Club Secretary is Ali Carmichael.