THEIR shirt was worn by a certain Brian Clough, they once went a full season without conceding a goal at home, they came within a kick of being the first North East and non-league side to play at the new Wembley before facing a desperate fight for survival - Billingham Synthonia have quite the story to tell.

And as the famous non-league club celebrates its 100th birthday, volunteers and supporters are looking back on the past with pride and the future with excitement.

Synners are back on steady ground after a turbulent few years in which they were first forced out of their Central Avenue home and then appeared destined to disappear after losing their main source of income. But they were rescued thanks to donations from local businesses as well as supporters. They now play their home games at Stokesley, who "played a major role in helping Synners stay alive", says secretary Jay Wathey.

The aim, though, no matter how long it takes, is to head back 'home' to Billingham.

"If we were to come back to the town I think that would be massive - that is the dream," says Jay.

"We've had various meetings seeing what we can do."

Billingham Synthonia have a rich history. Formed in 1923, they initially played in the South Bank and District League before joining the Teesside League. Synners joined the Northern League in 1945-46 and have remained members ever since.

"I don't think people realise just how much history we have, the players we've had and how far we've got in certain competitions," says Jay, who is organising a string of events to celebrate the club's centenary.

"I don't think I'm going too far in saying we're one of the most famous non-league clubs in the North East."

Among the long list of players to have worn the green and white are some very famous names.

"Brian Clough had a little stint with us before he went on to sign for Boro, then look what he went on to do," says Jay.

"Curtis Fleming, Craig Hignett, Bernie Slaven, Terry Cochrane - my dad loved him! We've had loads of top, top local lads as well.

"I got the chance last season to meet Tony Hetherington, our all-time top scorer. I'm a huge Synners fan so that was like being a Manchester United fan and standing in front of Ronaldo!"

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More recently, Synners had Macaulay Langstaff on their books, the prolific Teessider who won promotion to the Football League with Notts County last season and has been linked with a string of clubs higher up the ladder.

"He played over the course of two seasons," says Jay.

"He played 78 games and scored 37 goals. When we were watching him play on BT Sport last season it was surreal."

The club's best achievement?

"The year after I was born under the late, great Tony Lee we won the treble in 1989/90," says Jay.

"That was a fantastic achievement and I wish I could have been part of it in those years."

Synners last week unveiled their new kit for the coming season. The shirt features the club's iconic green and white quarters on the front, and the back is fully green in tribute to Lee and his treble-winning team. Lee, a legend in the local non-league scene, died earlier this year, aged 75.

There's been plenty of other memorable campaigns for Synners.

"There was one season where we didn't concede a goal at home all season - and we didn't even win the league,” laughs Jay.

“That's North East non-league football for you, it's absolutely brilliant.

"I know it was 15 years or so ago now but it still hurts when we played AFC Totton in the Vase semi-finals. We lost on penalties. We would have been the first North East and non-league team to go to the new Wembley, it was absolutely heartbreaking."

On the pitch, Synners are now preparing for their coming Northern League Division 2 season; off it, events are planned to celebrate the centenary - including a sportsman's dinner in October, details of which will follow.

For more information about upcoming events or to pledge support to Synners, email synnerssecretary@gmail.com.