Osborne Coburg FC was formed in 1983 by Pete Slater, Paul Rann and Glenn Eklund for the youngsters of East Cowes. The name was chosen because of the royal connection with Osborne house and because the town of Coburg in Bavaria, was at the time twinned with East Cowes. With the likes of Mark Prince, Jurek Michalski, Neil Groundsell and Colin Tuckwell in the side, the club entered the league in Div 3 in 1983/84 and finished bottom, as they did for the following two seasons. Although the club had a secure footing off the pitch and played with spirit, they were building a deserved reputation as the whipping boys. In that 3rd season however a significant appointment was made.

Paul Sleep took over the managerial reigns and started recruiting talent from the West Cowes area. Dee Holmes (from Cowes FC) and Glyn Ash were his first signings. Over the next 2 seasons Paul built a team that went from rock bottom to league champions (87/88). Among the players tempted to the ‘Burg’ were Andy Flood (Cowes), Dave and Rich Baker (Cowes), Steve Clements (Binstead), Mark Wozencroft (Brading), Martyn Flood (Wootton), Rich Nasby (Havenstreet), ‘Ducker’ Vine (Ryde COB) & Tony Vine (Cowes).

Our first season in Div 2 (88/89) saw more signings to strengthen the squad. Steve Ward (Yarmouth), Dave Samuel (Sandown), and Glen and Roy Winnard (Sandown) played their part in the season that put the name Osborne Coburg onto the IW football map. Not only did the side just miss out on promotion to Div 1 by finishing 3rd, doing the double over Cowes Reserves on the way, but it was also the first season for our reserve side.

Under the manager-ship of club stalwart Les Bean, the reserves finished a creditable 10th with players like Martin Hillier, Shaun Woodford, Mark Freeman, Simon Wratten and Phil Gough.

The Chairman during the ‘Sleepy years’ was Glenn Eckland, whose tireless efforts both on and off the field helped to establish the club. Another valuable member of the club in those days was Adam Pearson, who during his time with the club was a player, supporter, linesman, as well as the club statistician.

The club has had six home grounds during its nomadic existence. The Klondyke in East Cowes, Three Gates Road, and Cowes High School in West Cowes, Carisbrooke High School, Seaclose Park in Newport and our current home, Medina High School. Since those early days both the first team and reserves have had their ups and downs, glories and disappointments.

The first team were relegated back to Div 3 for one season, then finished third in Div 2 the next season. 1997/98’s historic promotion to Div 1 followed 6 consecutive seasons in Div 2. After 2 seasons in the top division upsetting the leading teams on the Island the first team has been hopping between the second and third divisions. The first team have also played in 2 Junior A Cup finals, losing to Carisbrooke in 91/92, and beating Shanklin reserves in 95/96, & winning the Junior B Cup by beating Brading Youth in 01/02.

The reserves won promotion to Comb 1 in 94/95, were relegated the following season, gained promotion again as Champions in 98/99 and are currently back in Comb 2.

Paul Sleep managed the first team up until half way through the 94/95 season, when he took over the reserves so he could resume his playing career. Nigel Luter, who had run the reserves for 3 seasons, took the helm as first team boss. Nigel presided over the club’s most successful period winning promotion to Div 1 and the Junior A Cup, with the likes of Steve Quarmby, Andy Glaysher, Vic Sanders, Dave Gregory, James Luter, Jack Harbidge, Paul Shoulders and Kev Summers at his disposal.

At the end of the 95/96 season, Paul was made an offer he couldn’t refuse and took over as manager of Newport A. He has since had a stint as Cowes Reserves manager and is currently in charge at East Cowes Vic's. ‘Sleepy’s’ commitment to the club cannot be over stated and it is widely accepted that without his enthusiasm and dedication, Coburg would not be held in the high regard that it is today.

That good reputation was carried on by Martyn Flood, who also served the club as Chairman, player, treasurer, secretary, manager, club statistician and anything else asked of him. Martyn currently holds the top job in IW Football as Chairman of the leagues.

The reserves have also been managed by Bryan Wade, Nick Inett, Mike Harlow, Shaun Elvers, Mike Isherwood and Steve Forster, Paul Gilliam and are currently under the guidance of Shaun Hammond.

After Nigel, the first team was managed for a while by Steve Ward until Mike Harlow took the reigns following relegation to Div3. With an array of stars like Damo and Tim Taylor, Danny Goldsmith, Rob Steer, Shaun Kennedy and John Cook in the side Harlow’s men won the Championship without losing a game and picked up the Junior B Cup as well.

Following a season of transition that saw Rob Steer and Simon Wratten split the managerial duties, Shaun Elvers stepped up from the reserves to manage the first team and in his three seasons in charge he rebuilt a squad bringing some of the reserves with him and signing on some exciting young players in Dan and Jamie Moody, Levi Parkman, James Spiers, Malc Arnold, Tony Gulliver and Simon Johnson. Paul Moreton has now taken over the reigns as first team manager and as we approach our 25th season in Island football we are looking to build a squad of players that play good football with a will to win while retaining the comradeship and homely atmosphere the club has always had.