Leatherhead ends 62-year title drought!

Photo Credit: Jon Couch via the non-league football paper.

The people in the town of Leatherhead and fans of the club were finally rewarded after seeing Isthmian South Central triumph. The league title was Leatherhead's first in 62 years, and this secured their promotion back to Step 3 football. Leatherhead Football Club. A 62-year wait. Champions. The Tanners are in dreamland!

Manager Ian Selley was appointed as Leatherhead boss in May 2024. Two seasons prior, this being the 2023/24 season, the Tanners were left heartbroken after missing out on promotion in the play-off final. Ian Selley arrived with barely being able to name any of his players as his own. Fethcham Grove, home of Leatherhead FC, was empty upon his arrival. However, this was only going to fuel the former Fulham midfielder as he and his current squad had their eyes set on redemption.

With over 60 years since their last title win and a decimated squad compared to the season prior following the play-off heartbreak. Manager Selley had what looked to be a 'mission impossible' in the context of winning the title.

However, fast forward to the 2025/26 season, Ian Selley and Leatherhead were not to be denied their redemption story. Leatherhead won the league emphatically with four games to spare with their 2-0 away win at Littlehampton.

Reflecting on the magnitude of what had just happened after the Littlehampton game, Selley was speaking with the non-league paper, 'We literally had no players when we went in; we had to rebuild from scratch.' This just further reflects the monumental achievement for the Tanners.

In a wide context, it is perhaps overlooked winning a Step 4 football league title.

However, Leatherhead Football Club and their story are not to be looked past at all. Forget rewards in terms of money and fame. To the people of Leatherhead, this is 62 years in the making. Pure joy and togetherness. Something money could not buy.

The Tanners ending their drought with their league win perfectly epitomises what non-league football is about. Real stories, people and just pure authenticity. Pure football.

A big 2026/27 season lies ahead for Leatherhead Football Club in what looks to be a very exciting spell for the club and the community. Can they maintain their Step 3 status? What is next for the Tanners?