Rye United FC was formed in 1938, and Iden FC in 1965. Rye United (an amalgamation of local clubs) joined the Sussex County League Division Two in 1952, and in their first three seasons finished third, second and third again before winning the championship and promotion to Division One in 1955/6.

The club finished as runners-up to Chichester City in 1959/60, and remained in the top flight until relegation in 1973/74. United duly bounced straight back as runners-up to Burgess Hill the following season but struggled thereafter, finishing bottom in 1979/80 with just seven points. The club spent just three more seasons in the County League until moving into the wilderness of Intermediate football in the neighbouring Kent County League in 1983/84.

Rye United returned to the Sussex County League in 2000/01, winning Division Three at the first attempt before amalgamating with Iden for their return to Senior football as Rye & Iden United FC.

Iden had been formed in 1965 for the youth of the village (a couple of miles north of Rye). The club steadily progressed through the ranks of junior football & competed in the East Sussex League and Kent County League at intermediate level, punching well above their weight for a village of that size.

The new club maintained the proud traditions of both predecessors - the first team strip including the red and black of Rye, whilst the reserves & thirds in the tangerine of Iden. Football was maintained at Iden with the presence of the third team (East Sussex League).

Rye & Iden United took Division Two by storm, taking the championship and divisional cup double in 2001/02. Unfortunately, the floodlights couldn't be raised in time for the league deadline, so the club couldn't take their place back in the top flight. The club finally took its deserved place in Division One after winning the League-Cup double again the following season, although once again they were almost denied entry once again (see Description of the Ground, below).

Rye came close to achieving a remarkable third successive ‘double’ in 2003/04, although ultimately had to settle for runners-up spot behind Chichester City United in the League; and runners-up again, this time to Arundel, in the League Cup. Even had they won the cup however, Rye would have been disqualified for fielding defender Steve ‘Sticky’ Willard, who was suspended at the time.

2004/05 saw Rye finish as runners-up for the second time in succession, albeit 15 points behind champions Horsham YMCA. Once again, they reached the Final of the John O’Hara League Cup and by an ironic quirk of fate given their infringement of the rules the previous season, were awarded the Trophy despite losing a tremendous game 3-4 to Whitehawk ... after the Hawks were found to have fielded an ineligible player!

The departure of the club’s major benefactor resulted in a wholesale loss of the playing staff and from being one of the leading sides in the Division, Rye were being strongly tipped as hot favourites for relegation in 2005/06. As is so often the case in County League football the pundits were absolutely correct as the club finished 14 points adrift in one of the relegation places. Ironically, given the club’s own problems with floodlights four years earlier, the failure of St. Francis Rangers to erect theirs in time to to take promotion, ultimately spared Rye the drop.

The 2006 close season saw many changes at the club, most notably the reversion back to the previous name of Rye United, along with the old colours. There was also an unusual new nickname: “The Quarterboys”: a reference to the "boys" in the medieval church clock that chime every quarter. Meanwhile Iden FC teamed up with AFC Peasmarsh to form Peasmarsh & Iden FC, in the East Sussex League. With the nearest County League club, Westfield just over 10 miles away; and their Div One 'derby' game at Sidley a 17.5 mile journey, a move to the Kent League has been rumoured. But for now at least, Rye remain a Sussex County League club.

Despite the above changes, 2006/07 proved very much a case of deja-vu at The Salts. Rye once again finished in the relegation zone but were again spared the drop by virtue of Eastbourne Town gaining promotion to the Isthmian League, and only two of the three clubs in promotion places from Division Two having floodlights. However, with former Eastbourne United Association and (briefly) Bexhill United manager Dave Shearing in charge for a full season, Rye will be hoping to capitalise on their good fortune in 2007/08.

Description of ground
The most easterly in the County League, Rye’s ground at The Salts, which is shared with the local cricket club, was upgraded during the club’s rapid climb up the Sussex County League. The stand and dugouts which straddle the half-way line on the far touchline have been repainted to blend in with the surrounding scenery; and there is also a perimeter rail around the pitch that is partially removed during the cricket season. The current stand provides the only cover. This is only very basic and with the exception of the front panel having been removed (see photographs) has changed very little in recent years. Unfortunately, given the open nature of the ground, it is the obvious target for the local vandals and, as can be seen, the dugout roofs and seating are removed when not in use.

Floodlights, were erected in 2002 with the aim of allowing the club to take its place in Division One, after finishing as champions of Division Two. Although erected in time, the lights were not functioning by the deadline set by the County League. This meant that Rye could not be promoted. Because of cricket, one of the floodlights has to be taken down during the summer months.

A similar scenario followed at the end of the 2002/03 season, when there were concerns regarding the ease of unpaid access into the ground (which in fact, is clearly visible from the pay & display car park nearby). However, it this obstacle was overcome by judicious use of tarpaulin as a ‘temporary’ measure, which the SCFL evidently continues to tolerate. The Salts is very susceptible to waterlogging and before embarking on a long journey to the 'far east' it is worth telephoning ahead after a spell of wet weather.

As mentioned above, parking is available in the pay & display car park, whilst the club has use of the pavilion behind the near goal.

Directions
From Hastings follow the A259 through Rye to junction with A26 on other side of town. Turn off onto the A26 and ground will be visible on your right.

Nearest railway station: Rye (5 minutes).

Map (link to www.streetmap.co.uk)