In photos: The death of a football club – VCD Athletic play their last ever home game after 110 years
VCD Athletic played their last ever home game on Saturday after their new landlord refused to negotiate a lease on the ground which has been their home for 110 years. …
Black News 
VCD Athletic played their last ever home game on Saturday after their new landlord refused to negotiate a lease on the ground which has been their home for 110 years.
The Isthmian South East club were served with an eviction notice in February 2026 after new stadium owners Oakwood Pavilion Ltd outbid the club to take over the site.
Companies House lists their business as “Construction of domestic buildings.”
The club was formed in 1916 by workers at the Vickers armaments factory at Crayford, and originally known as Vickers (Erith) FC. [—]
Chairman Gary Rump issued this statement announcing the death of the club:
“It is with profound sadness and the heaviest of hearts that VCD Athletic Football Club announces that, as of 17th May 2026, the club will cease operations.
“This decision has not been made lightly. Following the change in ownership of our ground, we have not been offered a new lease to remain at our historic home on Old Road.
“Despite sustained and genuine efforts by the club to engage in meaningful discussions and to find a way forward, regrettably, opportunities to enter into negotiations have not materialised.
“VCD Athletic has proudly been part of the Old Road community since 1916. For over a century, the club has been more than just a football team – it has been a cornerstone of local identity, bringing together players, supporters, volunteers, and generations of families who have shared in its history, spirit, and achievements.
“To reach this point, where we must accept that the continuation of the club is no longer viable, is deeply painful.
“However, in the absence of a lease and with no alternative resolution available, we are left with no option but to acknowledge that this outcome is now inevitable.”
Inside the clubhouse.
The last ever pre-match huddle for VCD at Oakwood.
The team had already been relegated from the Isthmian League South East Division and their opponents Eastbourne Town sat in 11th place.
A crowd of 210 were there to witness the death of a club that has been a part of the community for over a century.
VCD fell behind in the 10th minute, with three more goals – and a late consolation goal – making the final score 1-4 to Eastbourne Town.
Eastbourne’s second goal was a stunning thunderbolt of a strike.
Half time: VCD Athletic 0 – 2.
A young VCD supporter shows off his sign.
A burger awaits collection.
Tattered flag,
At the snack bar.
The ground is surrounded by suburban houses.
VCD totally dominated the second half, hit the bar several times, but couldn’t capitalise on their advantage.
Reece Deakin scored for VCD in the 89th minute.
Eastbourne wrapped things up with their fourth goal in the 91st minute.
Full time: VCD Athletic 1-4 Eastbourne Town. See match details here.
After the whistle was blown, Brixton Buzz was invited on to the pitch to take some photos.
A last look around the ground.
