The original Hollands & Blair team started from a factory of the same name in 1967. The factory was sited in the Twydall area of Gillingham and the team obtained its players from the employees and local Youth teams including Tywdall Colts.

 Initial success led to the establishment in 1970 of a further team, which were initially named H & B United. They had similar connections to the original side but were run as a separate club. The two teams joined as one club in 1973 as First team and Reserves but subsequently following the disbandment of the first Hollands & Blair team, H & B United established themselves as the new Hollands & Blair team from 1974.

From 1976 they obtained Premier status after winning Runners Up to the Division 1 champions, Bowaters. (Another factory based side in the Gillingham area). To this date they have remained in the Premier Division and although occasionally threatened by relegation they have collected a number of honours in the top flight.

The reserve team has been established since 1983 and has been managed by various ex-players as they move from tired legs to become ‘bosses’, including one of the original members from 67, Jack Barlow. Other ex H&B players who have managed the Reserves includes Brian Wren, Dave Scott, Terry Browning, Kevin Chelton, Martin Folan and more recently Charlie Griffiths. One of the noticeable aspects has been the many family connections that have helped establish the playing members and administration roles for Hollands & Blair. Many names have regularly been part of the club including Barlows, Wrens and Goddens and various members of the different Smith families from the Twydall area. Combined with loyalty from various people from Royal Engineers and Dewdrop Public Houses the list of friends is too numerous to mention. Without this loyalty this club would not have succeeded with its many honours and contacts.

After a period of continual success in the Rochester & District League the club decided to venture to the Kent County League in 2004. Also to meet the County Ground criteria we moved to the Star Meadow Social Club.

Progress was made and the club has now reched the Premier Division of the Kent County League - a massive acheivement. The second string have continued in the Rochester & District Premier division and showing promise with a young team. 

Special mention should be noted on the loyalty of one in particular, our first team manager, Mick Moran, who has played in excess of 490 games for the club – a remarkable achievement. (Also scored 48 goals!!!)

Further developments include a Soccer School for Children as part of Football in the Community with current player Craig Harvey as Chief Coach and ex player Steve Waud as one of the qualified coaches.

 HONOURS

Kent County League

Division 2 East Champions        2004-05

Division 1 East Champions        2005-06

Premier Division Champions      2008-09           

Rochester & District League

Premier Division

Champions  1989-90, 1993-94, 2002-03, 2003-04           

Runners up  1987-88, 1991-92, 2000-01

Division 1 Runners Up  1972-73, 1976-77

Division 2 Champions   1971-72

Division 2  Runners up  1975-76, 1987-88 (Reserve Team)

Division 3 Champions   1969-70

Division 4 Runners up   1983-84 (Reserve Team)

Division 5 Champions   1968-69

Sportsmanship              1983-84, 1989-90, 1990-91

County Cups 

Intermediate Shield Winners 2005-06, 2008-09

Kent Junior Cups

Group A Finalist 2000-01, Winners 2003-04

Group B Finalist 1972-73

Group C Finalist 1973-74

Bill Manklow Inter Regional Cup

Winners 2008-09

Quarter Century Cup

Winners  1978-79, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1991-92,2002-03, 2003-04

Runners up 1969-70, 1987-88, 1990-91, 2001-02

 Harry Rigden Shield

Winners   1990-91 (Reserve Team), 1993-94

Runners up 1994-95, 1997-98, 1998-99

Gillingham Cup   Winners 1984, 1986

Sittingbourne & Milton Charity Cup Winners 1994-95, 2003-04, 2004-05

Rochester & District 7 a-side           Winners 2003  

                                                            Runners Up 2004

Medway 7 a-side                                Winners 1990              

Runners Up1983, 1984, 1991

Rusthall (Tonbridge) 6 a-side            Winners 2002

Ken Oasgood Memorial Trophy       Winners 1990              

Runners Up 1994

Malro Trophy                         Winners 1995

Sponsors

Many sponsors have helped Hollands & Blair maintains a financial footing to meet running costs and help its members socially and on the field.

In the early days of the club, the factory helped provide kit and then followed car sales companies including E.Jarvis Car Sales.

Minolta Cameras helped maintain the initial period of two teams in the 80’s period followed by others: - D & T Slate Buyers, Drivertime Medway, Headline Filters, Burley Decorators Denis Clarke Associattes and The Laurel Group (Hop & Vine PH).

 Plus now Lepsons, A a S Taylor Decorators, Twydall Tandoori, Viatex Fabricators, Wards Security, Raby Installations and Kent Heating