The Blues’ men and women’s teams achieved historic promotions in an outstanding first season under new ownership, with targets set even higher for the longer term.
The remarkable success marks a new era for the Teesside outfit, spearheaded by the dedication of board leaders Alison and John McGee, and the strategic vision of director of football Andy Campbell.
With the celebrations barely over, the club is already planning hard for next season in the hope that this season’s success is just the beginning.
The Thornaby men’s team, under the guidance of manager Bobby Coltman, overcame the odds to secure promotion to Northern League Division One via the play-offs by winning back-to-back away victories against strong opponents.
Campbell, the former Middlesbrough and Cardiff striker, said: “When you think about how hard we had to work on the Tuesday at Yarm and Eaglescliffe in the play-off semi-final, to then have to go to Jarrow and do it all over again days later, only this time with penalties, it shows we had to do it the hard way.
“There is no harder way than having to go to two of the best teams in the league’s backyard and beat them both over one leg to earn promotion.”
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Campbell acknowledged the tough decisions made throughout the season, including managerial changes, but ultimately success made things worthwhile.
He said: “It was the worst thing I had to do in my life having to let a manager go, but our success this season is what matters now. We are going in a direction that we all want to go and the hard work has already started. We will go again.”
The women’s team, under the leadership of Claire Streeter, also enjoyed an impressive, albeit different, path to promotion, remaining unbeaten throughout their North-East Regional Women’s League northern section campaign.
The double promotion is a dream come true for John and Alison McGee, who only took over at Teesdale Park last summer after a period as shirt sponsors with their company, Durata, the Middlesbrough-based critical power and data centre infrastructure specialists.
Alison, Thornaby’s CEO, said: “This season has been incredible. Both our men and women’s teams at Thornaby have earned promotion, marking a major milestone for the club.
“Witnessing the play-off final against Jarrow was a fantastic experience – the atmosphere was electric, with our supporters turning out in force, filling the ground with noise and passion. Moments like these remind us why grassroots football is so special.”
The McGees, long-time Middlesbrough season ticket holders, admitted that Thornaby FC has completely captured their hearts.
Alison added: “The community spirit, the warmth of the people, and the genuine grassroots atmosphere have made it impossible to resist. So much so, we’re giving up our Middlesbrough season tickets to fully commit to Thornaby!”
Their ambition extends beyond the senior teams and hopes are high that this is just the start of an exciting chapter having learned so much with the invaluable support of the local community.
John said: “As newcomers to managing a football club, this year has been a steep learning curve. The local community has embraced us and our vision wholeheartedly.
“Our ambition goes beyond just senior teams – we’re passionate about building strong pathways from youth football right through to senior squads.
“We’ve got three thriving girls’ teams and are keen to expand, introducing boys’ teams and inclusive programmes like walking football and disability teams. It’s essential to us that Thornaby becomes a community hub, welcoming everyone regardless of age or ability.”
The success this season was all the more special for Andy because his late brother Neil used to be assistant manager for the Blues.
With a tear in his eye, Andy said: “I was emotional after the play-off final, and to think we have celebrated promotion on both fronts this season has been extra-special for me.
“But I also said to John and Alison, ‘Enjoy this’. This type of moment was why I wanted to get involved at Thornaby. I had heard about what John and Ali wanted to do, how they wanted things to be done and the money they have spent to help the club turnaround. What they have done has been phenomenal.
“But I said to them, ‘Don’t expect this every year’. Promotion for men and women in their first season at Thornaby is some achievement.
“Hopefully, they have been shown why it can be so special to lead a football club and this is a special football club.”
And Alison knows that. She added: “Moving forward, we’ve got big plans. Improving our facilities, hosting community events, and engaging more deeply with local businesses and sponsors are all priorities.
“Thornaby FC isn’t just about football; it’s about creating a vibrant community space that brings everyone together. It’s an exciting journey, and we’re thrilled about what’s next.”
