Sixth-tier club contemplates second doc series
BBCA sixth-tier football club's owner says he is "very close now to agreeing on series two" of a documentary about his Sussex team.
Eastbourne Borough Football Club has released the seven-episode Owning Eastbourne series on its YouTube channel.
Cameras followed the club through the 2024-25 season, when the team lost in the National League South play-off semi-finals to Maidstone United.
The club's owner Simon Leslie claims the first series of the documentary has "had some really good interest" from broadcasters since its release.
It was broadcast on ReachTV, a channel shown in US airports, and the club is close to a deal to show the programme in China, according to Mr Leslie.
'It's an expensive business'
The club owner told the BBC the documentary "gives us an opportunity to share with people who want to get involved in what we're doing".
"It's a very expensive business owning a football club," he said. "I've had very broad shoulders for nearly three years and I need people to come in and support me, and help me, and be part of this journey."
He said viewers get "a full, unfiltered view of behind the scenes, in the changing room, in the boardroom of what it's like in non-league football".
"What's been really great over the last couple days is some of the comments have been incredibly positive," Mr Leslie said.
"There have been some less so comments as well, but it is like nothing else."
So far this season, Eastbourne have struggled in the National League South and currently find themselves in the relegation zone.
Matt Gray, who was appointed in the summer, was sacked by the club in October and replaced by Tommy Widdrington for his second spell as manager of the club.
Mr Leslie said the season so far had been "a rollercoaster arc of emotions" but he felt the team was "on the up".
Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
