Marc White is the kind of charismatic figure football rarely produces. His outspoken rants have often gone viral, giving him a reputation as a one‑of‑a‑kind personality on social media.
Yet his fame is eclipsed by the fact that, in 1999, he and a group of friends founded Dorking Wanderers from scratch, and 27 years later he still wears the three hats of chairman, manager and public face of the club. After a recent FA Cup second‑qualifying‑round victory over Southall FC, White took to the club’s X account to thank the fans, reminding everyone that the team’s roots lie in the Crawley & District Division 5 (Step 17).
The journey from that humble beginning to the National League has been long, costly and spectacular, involving twelve promotions and millions of pounds of investment. In the 2022/23 season Dorking Wanderers achieved their highest ever league finish – 16th in the National League – edging ever closer to the English Football League, the club’s ultimate ambition.
Although they have since slipped back into the National League South, the club now enjoys fresh financial backing that could accelerate its ascent. U.S. entrepreneur Frank Villares first became involved with Dorking in 2024 through the “Rise With Us” share‑sale campaign, which invited supporters to purchase club shares. The target was £180,013, but the campaign raised £333,180 from 746 investors, far exceeding expectations.
Over the summer Villares and his wife Debra Tucker were announced as co‑owners and growth investors. White explained to Sky Sports, with Meadowbank Stadium in the background, that Villares and Tucker are passionate English‑football fans who see the English pyramid as something money alone cannot buy. He recounted how they had visited several clubs before the deal fell through, only to be reminded of Dorking Wanderers as a fallback option.
Their enthusiasm turned into commitment when they declared their love for the club and decided to invest. "Both are in their forties, financially secure and looking for a project that brings joy and success," White said. "Frank even has a picture of the team at Wembley on his vision board. They trust us to run the club but also want to be involved.
This is just the beginning." In addition to the Villares‑Tucker partnership, a consortium led by former professional ice‑hockey player James Sixsmith bought a shareholding during the summer. White praised the new partners, noting that as the club climbs the divisions their involvement will deepen. He outlined a vision where further capital injections could push Dorking into the Championship, fund a new stadium and create a sustainable growth model.
"The legacy of Dorking Wanderers is about finding a way to progress," White said. "People love the underdog story of a club rising from nowhere.
We must keep that narrative alive." The practical impact of the investment is already being felt. While football expenses are high both on and off the pitch, the new funds allow the club to enhance off‑field infrastructure, which in turn can generate additional revenue to be reinvested in the squad.
White emphasized that most football clubs operate at a loss; the key is to create a virtuous cycle where on‑field success drives fan growth, which fuels further investment. Off‑field, White is a central figure on the YouTube channel "Bunch of Amateurs," which offers an inside look at Dorking’s daily operations.
The channel boasts over 200,000 subscribers and a global audience, delivering half a billion unique views last year – a figure ten times higher than the average Premier League club’s YouTube reach. White believes that each promotion will amplify this exposure, attracting fans from Australia, New Zealand, the United States and beyond.
He recounted a recent encounter in Costa Rica where two American fans wearing Dorking shirts recognized him instantly, highlighting the club’s unexpected international reach. "It’s surreal but positive," he said. "People appreciate the hard work behind the scenes, not just the occasional rant." White frequently refers to the club’s next phase as "V2." The first version took Dorking from a local park to the National League; the second version will build on that foundation with better resources, professional structures and a clear pathway to the Football League. He aims for promotion within the next two seasons, followed by a push for a double promotion into the EFL.
One hurdle remains: White does not hold the UEFA coaching licences required to manage at EFL level. He is confident the club will address this, stating, "We’ll take care of that. The dream is to be there, and I’d love it." Beyond the English leagues, White envisions Dorking as "the world’s local club," a community that feels personal to fans even if they live half a world away.
He credits the club’s relatable content for creating that sense of belonging, noting that American fans often approach him on the street to express their support. As the current season unfolds, Dorking sit eighth in the National League South, three points shy of leaders Maidstone United, with an upcoming away match at Dover Athletic that could tighten the race. White summed up the club’s mindset: "Standard modern football – stressful, injuries, everything.
We’re always in the mix and we’ll be there again." There is little room for nostalgia; the focus is squarely on the next challenge and the long‑term vision of turning a small Surrey club into a globally recognised, locally cherished football institution.