The once flourishing holiday resort of New Brighton with its excellent beaches, now a housing dormitory for Liverpool, was a town day trippers would flock to just before the turn of the twentieth century. The Tower dominated the skyline, a structure that rivalled the Eiffel version in Paris and its attractiveness was added to with the provision of fairgrounds and amusement parks. Summer events were staged at the Tower Athletic Ground in the shadow of the impressive structure.In order to provide a winter attraction to New Brighton local businessmen clubbed together to launch their own football team early 1897 by the name of New Brighton Tower FC. Not formed for a change by a bunch of cricketers, rugby players or schoolboys, but by a business organisation with little more than pure commercial intents.
There was a certain degree of resentment towards New Brighton Tower, a club apparently intending to buy their way to the top. Therefore the team were accepted into the Cheshire League only, at the time considerably lower-rated than the neighbouring Lancashire League. Despite this setback, New Brighton Tower managed to attract first-class players to assemble a suitable team that soon became known as the ‘Team of Internationals’ in newspaper reports.
New Brighton Tower played their first Football League game in Division Two in 1898. The ‘Towerites’ as they were officially nicknamed, took on Gainsborough Trinity clad in white shirts with blue trimmings and blue shorts. Their League days were to be short-lived. The ‘Towerites’ were on the brink of promotion in 1899 but that was not good enough for our business friends who had demanded First Division football from the beginning. The 1899/1900 season petered away into indifference in front of meagre attendances. New Brighton Tower’s directors vowed to make one last determined effort for promotion in the next campaign.
The ‘Towerites’ kicked off their ‘do or die’ season in wonderful salmon pink shirts with black trimmings and white shorts. Rarely attracting more than 3,000 crowds to the Tower Ground the team again missed out on promotion. Alas, as a result English top-flight football has never seen salmon pink shirts. The business venture that was called New Brighton Tower finally folded in August 1901.
Senior football came back to the tip of the peninsula by the turn of the 1920’s. Just over on the other side of the Mersey, South Liverpool were struggling, who found themselves with no ground after having left the Dingle Park Ground and a full set of Lancashire Combination fixtures to fulfil. The club transferred across the Mersey to a willing set of football enthusiasts rather than commercial sharks. It was suggested that the club should be called Wallasey Town FC but in fact were renamed New Brighton. They inherited the first colours of their predecessor and played in white shirts with blue trimmings and blue shorts with a shielded ‘NBAFC’ monogram when they were elected to the Football League in 1923 along with Durham City to fill two vacancies in Division Three North. Heavy rain showed that the Wirral support was fickle with only 3,000 turning up for the first game at Sandheys Park. The location of this enclosure near Rake Lane inspired the nickname ‘The Rakers’.
Worthy of note was an FA Cup clash at this ground in 1927 against the illustrious Corinthians who sported gold, white and purple striped shirts due to a colour clash with ‘The Rakers’. When New Brighton reached a low ebb in 1936 they changed to red and white striped shirts with blue shorts in an attempt to change fortunes.
New Brighton’s future looked bleak after the hostilities of World War II ended. The club’s ground was taken over by the council to build houses to replace those lost in the war. They were also without any playing gear or any equipment and all the club had left was its precious Football League membership and a willing band of volunteers who managed to secure their predecessors’ Tower Ground and the purchase of maroon shirts with white shorts. Meanwhile they retained their nickname despite their geographical move. In 1947 they made the history books when a player shortage saw 52-year-old manager Neil McBain turn out in goal to become the oldest player ever to appear in a Football League match.
Yet another change of colour in 1950, this time to red shirts with white sleeves and white shorts, couldn’t prevent New Brighton from losing its League status one year later to Workington. Despite more financial problems and regular ground moves, the club survived through to the 1980s but shut down in 1983 when they were playing on unenclosed grounds in the Wirral League.
New Brighton FC have now started up again and play their games at Harrison Park, New Brighton.
They have won and been runners up many local cup competitions, and received an award for best programme in the regional football league. The club is making every possible step to find their own ground, and to be recognised as ‘The Rakers’ once were. With their history, however, it is perhaps surprising that they aren’t called “The Chameleons”.
Insertion 20-03-2017 as kindly requested.
why have you missed out the best era of the ‘rakers’ in the 50,s with the fantastic F.A cup run when we reached the 6.th round only to be beaten 9 1by league division 1 champions burnley
It’s not essential within the framework of my manuscript.
the cup run in 56-57 was ended at Burnley, but it was the 4th round and the score was 9 – 0 (burnley missed a penalty as well).
Stan Hurst saved the penalty! I think he saved 19 out of 23 that season.
I am trying to find out anything about a player of this club from the late 1920’s called George Sharples Howson, he could have been a goalkeeper and also plyed for Bristol City can anyone help \?
[…] A wonderful drawing of the salmon coloured shot worn by New Brighton Tower. Image found here. […]
At my local club – Bedworth United – they are selling non league football badges, there is one with NBFC with a crest as background. It’s definitely not Nuneaton Borough,FC, could it be New Brighton FC,as I cannot find any other clubs that could be NBFC..
Does anyone know anything about a football team called Wallasey, who applied for Football League membership in 1923 but got no votes? They were nothing to do with NBFC who were elected in 1923…..
There was a connection between New Brighton FC and Wallasey FC: Robert Alty, who left one club to form the other.
Thanks for that. I got my info from the ‘Story of the Football League’ book, published by the Football League in 1938 on their 50th anniversary, which just refers to the club as Wallasey. Since I posted the question, I acquired a copy of the Garth Dykes book which refers to a Wallasey United, and mentions the Bob Alty connection.
I was born in Wallasey in 1951 just after the Rakers lost their League place.
, and only attended the Tower Ground once, for a charity match in 1966 before we left the area for ever. My interest was kindled by my late father who was a lifetime Evertonian, but sport mad and he used to tell me of games he watched at Sandheys Park and South Liverpool in the late 30s and early 40s while he was still single, in the Home Guard and waiting to go into the Army.
He also mentioned a Liverpool baseball team of the mid to late 30s, quite a good standard apparently who used to attract decent crowds to a ground in Fairfield (?).
Incidentally, I’ve been trying to find a copy of your book on South Liverpool, without success. Any suggestions?
My grandmother’s brother Neil McBain managed New Brigton, but unfortunately he wasn’t a great success and got the heave ho at end of season 1948. He did break the record (it still stands) for oldest player in football league.
The 1956 – 1957 cup run is also a record, because New Brighton played in 9 rounds of the F A Cup that season , no other team has ever played in so many rounds in the history of the Cup
Remember 9-0 thrashing by Burnley. I went along with others from Greenwood Lane. Mrs Croston organised it. I was 17 at the time. Les Bunting
Nothing more to add except I’m sure Dick Kerr ladies played there during the war years bringing in massive crowds
my dad has a collection of new brighton programes from the 1950s he offered them up to the new museum in liverpool but they didnt wat them. I was thinking of getting them framed for him. I wonder fi he has that cup game?
When you say ‘collection’ would there be one spare I could buy from your father for old times sake. I was born just off Rake Lane in 1951, the year they weren’t re-elected.
I had a load of old Cobblers Programmes, I gave them away but on hindsight I should have got rid of them on ebay as you tend to gather so much clutter as you get older.
my dad Charlie Davenport played for the team in the fifties ,,I think he was in the squad and may have played in some cup games in their F A cup run,,,hes still going strong and recently showed me a programme with his name as sub.He later went on to play for some other great teams ,,Upton f c ..Poulton Vics…Heathbank,,,St Laurenc,,,es etc
Don’t remember him. The team in the cup run was Stan hurst in goal, Bill Heggie, Arnold, Mycock, Parry, Parr, Devine, Lewis, Johnny Vincent, Cambell Burgess and Willie Windell.
Why ruin the pic with your watermark when it’s not even yours? No watermark on this one, thank goodness. http://liverpool-photographer.co.uk/nb_tower_pier_1920/
I do not think you are in a position to question my integrity and good intentions.The photograph was reproduced and provided by the Information Officer of the Wallasey Central Library in January 2002 and I paid for it.
Can anybody out there supply a few brief details of New Brighton’s Liverpool FA Senior Cup win in 1934/35, ie opposition, score and date.
Many Thanks
Paul
Tranmere Rovers v New Brighton at Prenton Park on 6 May. Score 1-1.
Replay at Sandheys Park on 10 May when Tranmere won 2-0.
Apologies all, I should have said that New Brighton won 2-0 in the replay, Milligan scoring both goals in extra time.
I remember a freezing cold winters night round about 1961 when New Brighton played a Leeds United eleven, I stood behind the Leeds goal and chatted to Gary Sprake for most of the second half
The Rakers v Leeds game was played just after the Big Freeze on 27/2/63.Leeds won 3-0 ht2-0.Their team who won the runners up double in the 64/65 season was,Sprake,Reaney,Grenville,Bell,Charlton,Hunter,Henderson,Weston(1),Storrie,(2),Collins,Hawksby. Rakers,Dumbell,Johnson,Corke,Rea,Parkes,Findley,Daveis,Hill,Underdown,Disley,Flint.BIG???It was a night game,did Leeds stay in a hotel?in NB,or travel back home in those days ,would take hours!Does anyone out there know?? Ian H Carter.
I cannot answer your question about whether United stayed in NB overnight but there is no reason why they might not have returned to Leeds (via Liverpool) immediately after the match as train timetables were quite comprehensive in those days before Beeching took effect and the journey time would be similar, if not faster that today.
This match was arranged at 48 hours notice when United accepted a long standing invitation to play a friendly as they were in need of practice having not played since 22 December due to that season’s severe winter. Given the short notice and lack of publicity there were only about 500 spectators.
I have a photograph from the Wallasey News of Bobby Collins shaking hands with Bill Johnson the Rakers’ captain. Have bee unable to copy it here. If anyone is interested and can tell me how, I shall try to post it.
I cried when my dad read out the half time score from Burnley in Jan. 1957 – 5-0. It was in the old Liverpool Echo early edition. We called it “the Half Time Echo”. I was 7 and Rakers were everything to me and my brother. How could a team with the great Johnny Vincent (70 goals in one of those great 1950s seasons) lose to anyone by a score like that? How could Stan Hurst be beaten nine times, even by the future 1st Division Champs ? Bill Heggie – a giant of a Scotsman, right back and captain – used to deliver our coal.Great days.
Paul M.
I was at the match in Burnley (I was 17) and it wasn’t so much of shock on the day. Burnley were warming up before the kick-off and their practice shots on goal, long, low and straight, were in a class that we hadn’t seen before. We still cheered our voices away when Stan Hurst saved the penalty – 19 out of 23 saved that season.
Wonderful…
I am trying to find out about my Grandads role in the club, Robert McKenzie,
A player with this surname seems to have played for Rakers reserve team in the Liverpool County Combination during the 1953-54 season having signed from Bootle in November 1953. Could this be him?
Thank you John , no that doesn’t fit my dad John McKenzie was a goalkeeper but the years don’t fit although he did play at a high standard but my grandad was secretary it chairman time role I believe
I am currently researching Rakers history not covered by the Garth Dykes book. If you could let me know what years he might have been involved, shall let you know if I find anything.
Good Morning,
I played for Rakers around 1971 / 1973, and against Liverpool in a pre season game under lights at The Tower Grounds.
Regards
Joe Dodd
That would be the match on 13 August 1973 when Rakers lost 2-0.
There is a photo of you in the Wallasey News shortly after you signed
from Moreton with the caption: “the find of the season”.
I have not yet researched your era in detail as I am currently working
on Rakers’ reserves and non-league cup matches up to 1939. I would
though be interested to meet you next time I visit the Wirral and talk
about your time with the club.
Good Morning,
I played for Rakers 1971 / 1973, also played in a pre season game against Liverpool, got loads of history.
Regards
Joe Dodd
Hi John,
Correct it was 13 August 1973, yes 2-0 defeat, I still have the match programme, and the Wallasey News cutting.
Seems like yesterday.
Regards
Joe Dodd.
If you ever complete the book let know I,d like to purchase a copy.
Thank you I will do , and happy researching
Remember playing for Ellesmere Port at the tower in a friendly around the time of the freeze up.
I remember a charity/fundraiser match at the Tower Ground in 1965 or 1966, Rakers versus a Bill Grundy XI. Grundy was a Granada TV presenter, later famous for his TV interview with the Sex Pistols. Grundy played that day, pot belly and all. The stadium was in very poor condition by then, almost derelict.
I left Wallasey in 1966, never to return.
Re earlier comment about robert mckenzie I dont know whether its the same robert mckenzie but there was a bob mckenzie who was on the commitee of the supporters club in the 50s he might have even been the secretary.He later became the secretary of the seacombe conservative club in wallaseyr
Did you travel on the players coach with Dave O,Riley and Bill Clements.
Greetings Jackie McKenzie,Re Bob McKenzie:I have a Rakers team picture from the Wallasey News at the start of the 1963/1964 season.Bob McKenzie is on the left,he was a director at that time. Back copies can be viewed,I think at a reference library in Liverpool,good luck,you have to make an appointment. A warm hello to Robin Hender.Remember that Rakers 2-1 win Boxing Day 1963 at Droylesden on a frozen pitch!!!!!.I’m 67 now ,and never seen a greater goalkeeper performance than Jack Richardsons that day!!!,he was just outstanding.We were their.🗣🗣
A belated hello to ian carter.i remember that game as well as many others.do you remember charlie fazackerley.he was a defensive expert!! Do you remember the infamous 6-6 draw with bangor city in the fa cup and the man who always stood behind the goal at the tower and who always shouted at the opposing goalkeeper happy days we were definately there !!!!
I played in game New Brighton v Liverpool to open new floodlights I scored winning goal 2-1 . Kevin Keagan made his Liverpool debut . I also was at the F A cup game when 17,000 was at the tower . Some players names I remember from 1950 and early 60s. Vincent , Green , Barr .
Is that Phil Wilson who was called an “epidemic” on the team bus by one of the Kings. I was the other epidemic
I remember the game against Liverpool when Keegan made his debut – as I recall he was shut out second half by Larry Madgin & Frank Gilmore!
Vic,did you previously play for Frickley Colliery?
Hang on, hang on! I’m Vic Thomson!….Charlie Fitch put me as sub at Horwich because rakers were short as the goalie didn’t turn up and Brian Felton went in goal. He told me I was Vic Thomson…..I’ve always been known as Vic ever since……
I think Frank Gilmore got sent off that game and it ended 0-3
Charlie Fitch – ex Gillingham!I remember him reporting to the Committee on a defeat on the previous Saturday,forget who against.When asked why he did not use the sub,he replied”we had eleven bad players on the pitch,I saw no point in making it twelve!”
I think Charlie Fitch was the trainer with Ritchie Calvert (Ellesmere Port ) as manager, and Charlie replaced Ritchie when he left. Alan Woan was the reserves manager at the time.
Now then Phil,are you sure you scored the winner.i know I scored the first a header from a corner despite big Ron Yates and Tommy Lawrence.
Have to ad it Phil you were done player
Hello to phil wilson i remember you playing for the rakers.DIdnt Wally Brown play alongside you.Also am i right in saying your dad had the Criterion pub in New Brighton.
Hi all! Quite a few comments on here that I can relate to. Bob Mckenzie was a director of the club back in 1960/4, he had his son with him, and they ran the rakers pools, the son was disabled, Tom I think his name was. I’ve a picture of him out of the Wallasey news at the time.
Charlie Fazakerley was a former player who became manager replacing Charlie Jones about 1961ish.
Ian Carter….I think I remember you standing behind the far goal along with Tony Faulds, Luke someone, Colin Galle,Gerry Mallon and a few others.i went to Bacup on the team coach and I’m sure you went too. Ronnie Hill scored two goals.
Bob McKenzie lived in Leopold street opposite the baths in seacombe.
Phil Wilson…..yes I remember playing for the Rakers, can’t think that he would have played with Wally Brown. Remember others who did….Billy Johnson, Albert Findley,Johnny Disley,Davie Hughes, George Davies, Stan Smith,Len Rowden, to name a few.
Phil Wilson, was star centre forward…..for the Perch Rock I think!
Ian Carter, is Arnie your younger brother?
The Bangor city game with Rakers winning 6-2 with twenty minutes to go?
Lennie Kay broke his leg?
They won the replay 0:1 I think.
William,
I went that day to Bacup Borough , there were traces of snow on the ground ,
I think it could of been on a day the Grand National was held.
Oh! It was Fred! Who stood between the far goal and the corner flag
(Come on Rakers)… And there was Brian up in front of the teas shouting
(Come on Brighton)
Remembering odds and sods…….a mid week game at the tower, Rotherham United against Barnsley, why?…Joey Farrell scoring with an overhead kick…..the Port Vale match all stars.johnny Williams hammering in a thunderbolt free kick against Macclesfield town.the Rakers return they called it, applying for election to the league each season…Ha!..Bill Baker, Ted Dutton, remember Johnny Weeler becoming manager and a load of names in the Wallasey news, Freddie Leeder, Bobby Reason,Stan Bennion, Graham Chadwick,….we had some great goalkeepers….Stan Hurst,Nigel Ogden, Jack Richardson (all with caps on) les Dumbell,.
Johnny Weeler didn’t even make the start of the season, as he had a better offer. At Bury, I think!
Managers I recall…Roy (lofty) lawrensen, Roy (pancho) Parnell.Albert Dunlop,Colin Welsh,Charlie Fitch.
What about the embarrassing episode with hypnotising the team before games ect..
Also remember the great Tranmere rovers centre forward George Yardley playing……in goal….another Rovers goal scorer Charlie McDonnell.
Player manager Stan Billington, scored more own goals than anything else.
Enough for now!
I was in the dressing room being hypnotised
The match against Hyde United!3-0 at half time,3-3 at the end.I rememember it well,as I drove to London and back in the morning first.
Do you think it had any effect Vic?
Vic, while you’re on, can you give us a run down of your playing career if you don’t mind. Who you played for and who you played with. We’d all like to know! Did you enjoy your time at new Brighton. Weren’t you there twice? Have you any photos….I’ve started a Facebook group new Brighton AFC (rakers)
Me too I remember being hypnotized. We hadn’t won for a while.we scored first and drew the game.in response to an earlier post I did play with Phil Wilson.He was z student at Hope at the time.himvanc Dave Elder,a six foot plus goalkeeper.
Phil was a great player very quick.
I also learned a lot from the players I that team.Bobby Reason, Freddie Leeder, John Disley, Ray Pionton, Dave Greenhalgh thd latd Colin Welshand of course my mate from Toxteth Billy Johnson.
Wally, Billy’s been on here! Phil Wilsons going to join our Facebook group too
Hello Wally
The last time I saw you was in a pub,I think in Burscough,when myself & the late Tony Faulds were talking to Colin Welsh about becoming Manager.You were with him.
Do you remember your hat trick against Llandudno in 1964?Billy scored 2 that day.
Please stay involved & join the Facebook Page!
Hi Luke
I do remember you,if I am correct you were on the committee.
Don’t remember the hatrick but I do remember scoring in the first 12 games in my first season at the Tower.wonderful times,hard to believe it was 50 plus years ago,
Hi Wally
Yes,I was Assistant Secretary to Gerry Mallon,the Secretary.When he moved to London,he was replaced by Doug Barrow,who is now deceased.I moved away in 1974,but stayed involved until 1980,when the situation at Hoylake had become terminal.
I remember you scoring the winner at Ashton in 1971 with a header as well!
Good to know we all remember you!
I remember going to many away games on the players coach, we sat at the back. I remember going to Droylsden on that Boxing Day ,Dave Hanlon . Dave O,Riley Billy Clements as well as Ian and all the regulars. I also remeber going to Fleetwood shortly after that and someone throwing a chicken leg through a window.. Many great memories.
Have you read the last comments Colin? You are mentioned!
I did read it, Luke,s Sir name I think was Arnett. I could not repeat what Fred would shout ” You are as poor as P– ref” I recall.
Thanks Bill
Hi Colin
Still about – remember all of it from 1962 on.You are right about Fred Waring,his choice of epithets was a bit limited!Great days – I remember the away game at Droylsden on Boxing Day 1963 like it was yesterday!
Luke Arnott
Luke,
Hope you are keeping well.
I remember the Boxing day Droylsden match like yesterday,
I also remember you like yesterday.
Hi Colin
Good to hear from you!
Luke
I remember a couple of older chaps standing in front of the rakers return, their names were Tom and Summy
My Father was know as Tommy, my Uncle,s nick name was Summy because his name was Sommervile , named I think after the School.
They both stood usually on the top of the track as you walked in the ground. I bought the photo of the ground because I am certain they are both standing together with some other blokes.
Two men I do remember standing on the line in front of the club were Granny a tall chap and Malcolm, both were postmen. Sometimes Dave Hanlon would be in their company
Malcolm parry,……do you remember the two ballboys in their red track suits?
One of the ball boys was Jimmy Innes ,I think he played in the youth team. Jimmy gave me his bugle which I attempted to blow. Many years later Jimmy moved next door to my parents house in Derwent Drive . My father on clearing out his shed found my old football rattle which he gave to Jimmy. I think I still have it.
You’re going to kick yourself in a minute, when you realise who you are talking to!!!!…haha!
Billy, I should of guessed , been tearing my hair out . haha
Greetings Colin,yes you are so right the away games were so good !!!!!.Fred ,what a character,he always enjoyed a few glasses of draft bass before the game.He told me that he had a newspaper report &picture of the ball 🏀 well over the goal line at Sand Hey’s park from the FA cup tie V Spurs 0-0 in 1936!Rakers lost the replay 2-5 in front of over 36,000 which must be the biggest crowd ever to watch a NBAFC game.Sir Stanley Bennion was my favourite player,a great football brain,if Stan had a extra yard of pace he surely would have played at a much higher level.He went on to play well into his 60,s in Chester local teams.Yes Arnie is my brother,known as Andy,lives in London.Will list all the supporters and their knicknames sooooon,Cheers
Hi Ian, I do remember you, and for some reason Wolves sticks in my head!
I remember most of the names mentioned.Billy Clements was my mate and we used to go to the games together.Dave O’Reilly was also a friend and he and i were invited to join the committee by Tony Foulds around 1970.Dave packed it in a few weeks later but i stayed on the committee until 1978 when my dad died.Tony Foulds was a good friend of mine but sadly passed away about 7 or 8 years ago.I met up with Luke Arnott at his funeral as well as Tom Sault who continued with his association with the rakers when a team was formed in the 90s and played at Harrison Park I used to sell ace tickets for the club.Does anyone remember them.Does any one remember Johnnie Johnston who used to live in Rake Lane opposite the cricket club.He always use to say ‘it will take 2 to beat us’ whenever we went 1 up To go back to Colin Galle’s remark about going on the coach to away games yes i went to most of them and i do remember you
I remember you well, I remember going to a way games on the coach. If I remember correctly you wore a white mackintosh.. Do you remember coming home from Stafford and we stopped of in a pub and Morris Setter was there with his bit of stuff, he came over and threatened to beat us up. haha
I have a copy of a book produced by Breedon Books called “New Brighton A Complete Record of the Rakers in the Football Leage” ISBN 0 907969 65 8
Yes! Tony Faulds, his mother made the teas in Vic haddens canteen along with Vera. He also had a younger brother Sam they called him but his name was Keith. Gerry Mallon was another supporter who went on to be a director.
Gerry Mallon, yes still got the semi-pro form I signed in 1971 with Gerry Mallon when he was secretary.
Good times, great comments, players I remember are :-,
Dave Greenhalgh, Brian ( Wessa ) Westlake, Kenny Jones, Wally Brown, Tony Hennitty, George Scott, Colin Welsh, Derek Partrige ( Manager ) Ray Pointon, Vic Thompson,( two centre halves not to be messed with ) George Yardley, John Ferguson ( goal keeper ) Billy Ward Trevor Finnegan ( Ended up at Blackpool )and many more.
John Armstrong had a short spell as manager as well.
All great memories.
Joe,
just meandering through Google and came across your message, which
brought some brilliant memories about some of the guys we played with !!
Vic Thompson and I played alongside each other for at least a couple of
years – at least. Some good lads among your list.
Happy days….
Kenny Jones
Hi kenny! Would you add any memories you have no matter how minor of your time with the rakers please!
Kenny, Good to hear from you, I hope you are well.
Not sure I have got it right but did we play at centre backs together for one game ?
It was a Monday night in February 1971 at the Tower against Marine, 0-2 defeat, John King was centre forward for Marine. He was a handful to play against.
Regards
Joe Dodd..
Kenny I am in contact with Vic Thomson the other half of your double act best central defender I have ever played with, he want to get in touch, he is in Norwich now.
Email me and I can pass on your details.
Thanks
Regards
Joe Dodd
Joe/Vic
Did you play at Burton Albion in the FA Trophy 1971?I hope to post the match programme and accompanying story once I’ve worked out how to do it on the Facebook page.
Sorry Luke before my time at Rakers.
Regards
Joe Dodd.
Tony’s mums name was Brenda.She and Vera were staunch rakers supporters.Gerry Mallon was secretary and his mother used to go on the coach to away games sometimes.He left to work in London as a civil servant.Luke also left the area.In the later years Tony kept the club going along with Tom Sault
Incidently and this is more for Joe Dodd,i bumped into Dave Greenhalgh about 10 ,11 years ago working in the construction industry.Great servant for the rakers and a good fullback.You werent bad either
I also bumped onto Dave at a youth football match last year we were both with our Grandson’s, Thank you for your comment but I was a flash in the pan, right place at right time player, as you have said Dave was a great player and great servent, ten times better than I was
Dave played for me at Moreton AFC when I was player manager, & was also a great player & servent to Moreton AFC.
We had some great times there as well.
.
Great names, remember Georgie Morton, he was heavily criticised, booed most weeks with us but he went on for greater things with Bangor.
I think Davie Greenhalgh played for the Cheshire league team, he was a joiner for cubits in bromborough.dont know all the last names but the likes of Wally Brown, Colin Welsh who was manager at one time,and Vic Thompson are household names for us, John Wignall who went to Austrailia,remember Richie Calvert becoming manager with people like Brian Felton,wally Lunt, Laurie Keogh,Tony Bimson,and a young Eric Potts who played for Brighton and Sheffield Wednesday.
Paddy Keegan in goal,when Albert Dunlop was manager,
Georgie Morton was a very slick skilful player! What about Joey Farrell? Brilliant player.
I remember Joey diving between the legs of a player and heading one in.
Remember the Dashing Daring Bundle of Tricks.
What about……Rotherham United v Barnsley midweek what was that about?
Another was Selima wanderers at the tower, borough United,and I bet we were all at the Port Vale match! Crewe Alex in the cup at Tranmere.
The Rotheram v Barnsley game was just after the match against Leeds in 1963.They wanted to use the Tower for a friendly and I recall someone broke their leg! It was a VERY cold evening.
Luke
OK William , reveal all.
Just one liners Col! Snippets of memories!
The dashing daring bundle of tricks was lennie rowden i think.i remember we all had a good laugh at that.I was with Billy Clements at the entrance of the tower grounds once when Len came out of the ground before the kick off of a match after presumably being told he wouldnt be needed that day.BIlly muttered to me ‘thank god hes not playing’ Unfortunately Lennie heard him and called him back to explain himself Could have got nasty but Billy just told him he didnt think he was good enough. Colin Welsh was building a good little team but the move to Hoylake proved to be a disaster and one by one the players started to leave Does anyone remember the away match at Stalybridge when it poured down all day and when we got there found that they only had 2 men working on the pitch.We lads volunteered to help out and got the pitch fit.We won 3-2 with a goal in the last minute when a back pass got stuck in the mud and one of our team (cant remember who) scored the winner.Roy Lawrenson was the manager and thanked us after the mstch..happy days
Robin,it was wait for it,,,,,,,,,,Stan Boardman,yes before he became famous,as a conmdien he played a few games that season and scored a few as well.He came to the Tower I think from Skem
Do you like CHORLEY CAKES ?
This one is for Col Galle.I think he might be thinking of Tom Sault as he always wore a white mac
Robin, must be mistaken about the mac, but I think Tom was a few inches taller than you. I do remember you , did you usually get on the coach at the bottom of Liscard Road.
Yes your right colin i did get on at Liscard Road and Tom is very tall
Ian you are probably right.I do remember StanBoardman playing for us but i thought it refered to some notes about Len Rowden in an away program.I think im getting old however !
Len Rowden must have been 45 at least when he played! How about this bunch of names….Albert Finlay, Jeff Davies, Arthur Thomas, Freddie Molyneux, Tommy Prior, Freddie Stroh, Georgie Cornah, jonnie Parks, Nigel Ogden, Billy Barr (still see him walking around Wallasey),Johnny Disley, I’d better stop for now…..but I do agree about Stan Bennion… Great great player!!
A name suddenly came to me last night.Does anyone remember Billy Beard.He used to stand behind the goal with the rest of us.Also Freddie Leeder who was a great left back
I went to school with Billy, I knew him quite well. Unfortunately Billy Died nearly two years ago. Billy was a Spurs fan. I think Ian knew him well.
Who is William James, I do have an Idea , are you quire near.
Colin i must admit i dont remember
Yes! Colin quite near! I read about Billy Beard nice lad, postman too I think
Are you Billy Clements
No!
William Arthur Beard ,was the funniest guy I have ever known.Should have been on the stage or TV a natural whit,a very kind and thoughtful man. His mother died when he was 8 and his equally very funny father,died when Billy was 15.He did work as a postman,for many years.Sadly Billy passed away on cup final day in 2014 17/5/.Always Always reminiscing about The Rakers to his end.He gave me a tea cup ,with NBAFC printed on it which I will always treasure.Ask any experienced postie in Wallasey,and they will tell you a very funny Billy tale .RIP Bill x
StanBoardman only played only 4 games scored only two goals both away at Staylbridge in the 3-2 win that Robin told us about.⚽️⚽️.!! Have you guys noticed we all need our daily feed of Rakers,how about a reunion in NB ,.???.We could advertise,or not,we could ask Billy Barr he lives in Vaughan Road??🍻🍷⚽️👍
I,m up for that Ian, count me in.
I remember Billy scoring against Netherfield from 30 odd yards.
Im up for that .Im sure Tom Sault who still lives on the Wirral would also be interested.He was supposed to be writing a book about the rakers in their non league days.I remember BillyBeard as being very funny.Does anyone remember the FA Cup game at Oswestry (the one before the 6-6 draw at Bangor) when a load of us lads were thrown out of the ground just before the end when a can of coke or something similar rolled down an embankment behind the goal and some Oswestry official took offence.
Dave Hanlon (Hank) always blamed me for that bottle incident,he even mentioned at dear Billy’s wake.It wasn’t me !!Remember Johny Williams scored a brilliant Hat Trick in that game ,one a sensational overhead kick, a few of us ran on the pitch after that one,⚽️⚽️⚽️…………then on to Bangor😩👤
Yes we were 2-1 down at half time and then Johnny Williams took over.
Colin whats this about chorley cskes
I remember we went to Netherfield , Richardson played a blinder but I think we got beat 2 nil, anyway we went into the club house and I am sure it was Ian that asked if they sold Chorley Cakes in a broad Lancashire accent. We thought it was funny at the time.
p.s. I,am watching city v stoke, but it s not real football is it ,,,,
Well I’ve seen Dave Hanlon, Malcolm parry, around plus the people on here so why not…I remember little Robbie Ford who used to go round selling programmes but now in Austrailia. Not sure about anyone else that I can think of. Don’t know Tom Sault.Billy Barr was playing right back but then had a few games at centre forward, can’t remember what happened yesterday but I do recall Odgen Jones Leeder Reason Parks Morgan Hill Ellis Brown Johnson Stroh.
Lenny Kay was magnificent until he broke his leg.
Its called old age it gets to all of us eventually
What about Mr Richard H Johnson head of NBAFC Development Assossion and his son My Lad (Keith), he always called him My Lad
It was DIck Johnson who shouted ‘leave my lads alone’ when that bottle rolled down the embankment.Wasnt it you Ian who wrote dick in the snow at Wrexham. He was a nice man however and looked after us
Dave Hanlon threw the bottle (my cousin Hank). I remember we were in a pub before the match, behind the bar was a poor chap with a hare lip. He spoke a bit funny and Hank kept pointing at a bottle and asking the poor chap what it was called, XL Bitter he said about a hundred times to which all us basta–ds were laughing our heads off.
Didn,t Freddie Stroh break his leg against Barrow Reserves at the Tower. I can remember Barrows goalie asking us pointing at the Tower Buildings what it was called.
If you google stan bennion footballer there are some lovely tributes to Sir Stan who sadly has passed on
Has he! It must have been very resent!
I dont remember Freddie Stroh breaking his leg but i do remember bumping into him at a darts match a few years after he had retired.i was playing for the seacombe cons and he was playing for a team from somewhere in the wirral
I am currently researching Rakers’ non-league history at the British Library and would be very interested to meet anyone officially connected with the club, especially during their latter days after they left the Tower Grounds and during their final two seasons in the South Wirral League.
Is this project likely to clash with work that Tom Sault may already be undertaking?
Sorry, I can’t think of anyone official that is left, only a hand full of supporters, Doug Barrow died, Lennie Ainscough (who was the chairman) went off to Austrailia I think…maybe Tony Nelson?
John, I don’t know if you’ve tried Earlston library, there’s tons of stuff in there.our old friend Peter Catchpoole is mentioned quiet a lot!
Thanks William. I am currently piecing together all 1st, Reserves and ‘A’ and ‘B’ team match results and team players. I will then move on to the administration and politics of the club. Unfortunately by the last few years of their existence the Wallasey News had all but given up reporting on them, possibly because nobody from the club was sending them any information.
I do plan to visit the Earlston as well as the Wirral Archives and Merseyside Record Office next time I am in the region. I have already managed to find a great deal of info about Mr Catchpoole’s involvement. It will be interesting to discover what else Earlston holds.
There’s a record of the infamous …extraordinary general meeting that took place, when Catchpoole and his henchmen started bullying the supporters who wanted to protect the club from an asset stripping bunch of fools.
I hope I’m not upsetting anyone when I say that the last two years of the clubs existence were not of the standard the Rakers we knew and loved
To Ian,
Did Ken Dodd turn out for the Rakers or is it one of those urban tales.
I did see his Diddy show at the Rakers return, but don’t think he got any closer to the pitch!
Stan Bennion died about four years ago
They had a ground share at Newton FC ground in Frankby for a season…Gordon Rowe ran the team,
Ian,
Thought it was not true. Did we once have a foreign player called Pereira,
Not foreign….joey pereira….little winger.
I think joey pereiras first game for us was at rossendale in a 6-0 win and he played under another name as he hadnt been registered in time and we didnt have anyone else on the coach.It was either that or someone played under his name,but i do remember him playingfor us
I went to Horwich RMI. On the team coach one season, and for whatever reason they were a man short and I sat on the bench as a sub. They told me I was Vic Thompson ….didn’t get on though and lost 3-0
Right winger, just remember Jeff Davis also on the right wing about 1960, now he did get a lot of stick…….Richard Johnson, my dad always said “call me Dick”
Can you put photos on here?
Ted dutton….Ray Williamson …Harry nutall…Laurie staniland….Bob Mckenzie..his son Tom (disabled)…here’s a name from the past…another dick….Whiby! Some say good some say bad?..I was told he was drunk when he went to the F A when we were kicked out of the league? Well my dad always says so!
Was Dick Whitby the first sponsor of the “Milk Cup”
Think so!
I can remember my father taking me to Anfield to see New Brighton play Wigan Athletic in the final of the Lancashire Junior Cup or the Liverpool Senior None-league Cup. I think Cyril Lello scored both goals in a two nil win.
Does anyone have any recollections.
None at all? That was a good result, did Summy go too?
I suppose you may of been a bit too young at the time.
Yes! Must have been, did you go to Burnley?
I was too young , but I did go to Wigan when they beat us 6-0 in the f.a. cup.
I think it was 6 – nil at half time. I also went to a 2ng leg match in a cup final at Springfield Park, think we got beat at home 3 nil in the first leg and drew 3-3- in the second . Anyone have any more dtails
Have you been doing all this from work Colin?
I am not aware that Rakers ever met Wigan in the F.A.Cup. The games you refer to may have been the Cheshire League match on 11 December 1965 which Wigan won 7-0 (5-0 at half time) and the two-leg final of the Liverpool Senior Cup which were played on 3rd and 5th May 1965. Your recollection of these scores is correct. Rakers’ scorers in the second leg were Barr 2 and Cornah.
Your earlier post about Rakers’ beating Wigan at Anfield; this may have been the Liverpool Senior Cup final on 20 April 1960 although I think Cyril Lello had left the club by then. The goals came from a Wigan OG (Connor) and Tony Almond.
Yes Jimmy.
I was quite young , I must be mistaken about the f.a cup match. Did you remember these or do you have a reference book.
Thanks
It took you a long time Col.
Haha.
EveningColin,Sir Kenneth Arthur Dodd never played for The Rakers ,however in the early seventies he was a director of Runcorn AFC.Love him or dislike him,he always stayed in his beloved Liverpool.Not like Cilla or Jimmy what’s his name,disappearing to the south ,and getting lost on the M6 north of Birmingham.
Evening Robin, your so right Joey Pereira was an amateur and played in that game at Rossendale6-0 under the name of Ronnie Hill !!!!.He came to us from South,played 9 com games 3 goals,3 cup games 0goals.Poor Freddie Stroh never played again for us again after breaking his leg0-3 Barrow at home great player,he was only 29.
William James are you NBAFC Wikipedia correspondent?????????????
No Ian, remember me? I was the ballboy!
Jeff Seddon….I went down yesterday to see him at St James church, the heritage centre. I have a photo of him as a supporter fixing a fence, I got out of Wallasey news.
Freddie Stroh I believe lived in leasowe.
I was right behind the goal when cyril lello who was by then playing centre forward for the rakers scored the 1st goal in the 2 nil win against wigan in the final of the liverpool senior cup at anfield.I was also right behind the goal when the wigan fullback tried to pass back to his goalkeeper and scored a great og for the 2nd gosl right at the start of the 2nd half.Cyril Lello i think was in his 40s when he signed for new brighton
There is a new brighton team photo somewhere on the internet with cyril lello on it.stan hurst and bill heggie are the only ones on it from the 56/57 season
I’ve got a few photos, I presume you can’t put the on here?
Jimmy , are they the photos of the the Swedish Olympic soccer team from 1958, featuring a future Rakers player.
Just got back from Goodison when I was honked.
Robin
Do you know what the gate was at Anfield . I was nine and I only have vague recollections of the day,, Did it rain..
What on earth did you go to Goodison for????….YNWA
Colin,if i remember right the gate was about 5,000 we had a good following and so did wigan
By the way i think it did rain
JImmy,
Jennys boyfriends family have 4 season tickets for Liverpool between them, If one of them drops out i go, I average about 10 games a season, Its difficult getting a season ticket, I want to go to see football regularly so I got myself a season ticket, I get a bus to Goodison from the Primrose so i,m back home for 5-30 ish. I still go to Tranmere now and again. To be honest i took janet to Anfield and she enjoyed the experience but thought there wasn,t much difference in the quality. haha
I had to give up my season ticket two seasons ago for Liverpool main stand it was £840 a season plus tunnel plus £10 parking ect too much for a pensioner, so I got virgin sports plus sky so I’ve seen all games this season
I’m never ever going to Tranmere!
My season ticket for the lower bullins is £299.00, thats cheap.
Yes, it is cheap, but for £299 you are only watching Everton!
True, By the way . I bought an Everton Shirt circa 1966 from the club shop , I had them put KLOPP on the back. If you can find a way of putting photos on here I,ll show all readers.
I’ll have a try
I have been doing a bit more digging on Cyril Lello scoring twice in the LSC final at Anfield and I have now found reference to the match which Colin Galle and Robin Hender recall attending. This was on Wednesday 2 May 1962 so their memories are sill sound.
I left Wallasey in 1966, and have been watching from afar (well, North Yorkshire) with interest.I have a copy of the book that deals with the Rakers Football League history.
Is there any way a website could be created to hold all the info from the non league era that is appearing on here, plus photos. It worries me that all this could be lost unless someone does this.
Just as an aside, I have a copy of a Rakers programme from 26th March 1949 v Hull City, a goalless draw. The Hull inside left was Raich Carter, their player manager at that time. A candidate for the greatest player ever to appear in a New Brighton match? Coincidentally the Rakers inside left was also called Carter, the all time Rakers record signning, according to the Breedon book.
Ken J
Ken, i,d love to see a web site completely dedicated to the Rakers, all statts as a none leauge club, and a section for supporters. Maybe Tom Sault should be recruited.
What happened to Stan Smith and Frank Twist.
Does anyone know who The Rakers first ever substitute was.
I can remember an evening kick off when a local fireman played for us, his name could of been Copple , does anyone remember. It could of been against Staleybridge and I think we were beaten 2-3..
Chris Copple did play, didn’t think he was a fireman, drove a laundry van I think. Frank pumford was another local lad who played mainly for the reserves.Stan Smith was a big bustling centre forward and Frankie twist a winger from Tranmere rovers
Did Frank move on from the Rakers, as far as I can remember he was a class player.
Was Arthur Thomas the leading goal scorer in Europe the season before he joined the Rakers. There was another local player that played for a top Belgium team, think he came from Rappard Road.
Not sure what year you are talking about, but Brian ( Wessa ) Westlake was signed by Rakers in 1972/3 from I think a top Belgium side, he was from Wallasey.
It may have been him.
I did see Wessa at Brian Porters funeral a couple of months back
Did you see Alan Woans son Ian on telly with burnley at the weekend?
My Mum was born at 77 Rappart Road in 1921. Still with us, fighting fit at 96. My Dad who died last year, told me he watched the Rakers at Sandheys Park occasionally in the late 30s and early war years if Everton weren’t at home.
I never thought we would not have a Rakers football team!
I used to collect NBAFC pools for my dad when I was a kid.
I remember standing on railway sleepers all along the side line
In front of where the Rakers return would be built, as a kid there
Seamed to be thousands at the game.im glad there are a few more
Who felt the same way….anyone know “Horse”..les Bunting..life long
Rakers fan. I’ve spoke to him on Facebook about the FA cup run,
His picture was in the Wallasey news, he was wearing a tall hat and waving
A rattle!….Bill Baker,chairman and butcher, A E Chesters, Ben Usher, there’s
A scrapbook in the library by Harry nutall with loads of rakers info. Referee
Rogers a local bloke remember him and his son,Penalty Porter (Brian) good bloke who even ended up as a director….what was the John Anton thing?
They where even going to put a caravan site on the ground.anyone recall
Alan Favager of Marine being carried off on a door?
I hated Favager, he was too good.I also hated Harry Lyons, Dennis Fiddler and that bloke that played for Altrincham and scored 3 million goals. A little fat Ba—-d
Swindles ….Favager was a local school teacher.
Jackie
A name has just come to mind. Tony Wall.
Do you remember Tony Nelson becoming manager when they played at Hoylake and Ian Hughes played.
Brian porter was chairman when i joined the committee back in 1970,,tony wall married a girl i used to work with in liverpool and her uncle was albert finlay.frank twist played a blinder in the first half of the 6-6 draw at bangor until their goalkeeper went off and the substitute went left back and crippled him every time frank tried to take him on.As a result he didnt try to dribble past him again.To answer John Ellis,Catchpoole brought with him Bert Prescott who was John Prescotts dad and Trevor Atkinson who along with Len Ainscough was involved in the move to Hoylake.I dont know whether any of these people are still alive.Its a pity Tony Faulds is not with us any more as he wolud have given you all the relative info you are looking fot
Yes shame about Tony, he was a nice bloke and rakers through and through. Doug Barrow was also involved in some capacity, director? We went out to hoylake and joined a supporters group for a short while, mr and Mrs Clarke name rings a bell. Ainscough was a local taxi driver with no interest or knowledge in football and wanted to make money, and I don’t want to start on about Catchpoole! But if you google “idiot” I’m sure he would be the first name up!….can anyone smell burning!!!
Remember The Rakers⚽️👍.This is so good all this info from nearly 50 years ago!!.Jimmy has enough for an hour sic com.😩😄👏.Colin,,,,,,Arthur Thomas came to us from Linfield in 1967.He scored 5 goals for them 66/67 in the European cup.He was a teacher born in Birkenhead.Who remembers the goal he scored at Skem after 10 secs-/:;”‘”‘¥*^%#}{][¥”‘. We won 1-0 in Nov 1968,Skem had a Fab side at that time,Les Aston in goal was just brilliant ,keeping it out.Arthur emigrated to Aus and has sadly passed on .BUT Rakers had a player who after two seasons with us went later to play for his country the 1974 WORLD CUP who was he???????????
.
Was it Steve Woodin for Austrailia ?
Was he from the USA
Dave harding australia !!
Did we sign him from Wrexham.
Here is one for you Ian
In the late 60,s Alan Moss and I were staying in Bristol
we went along to watch Bristol Rovers paling Dallas Tornados, Bristol fielded a future Rakers player
Who was it and who was his famous brother.
I’ll have to think about that one
Was it Brian whittle?
Alan whittle brother?
No
His brother did play and manage Everton
What do you mean no! Brian whittle did play for the Rakers and Alan Whittle was his brother!…..Colin Harvey’s brother ?
Was he Brian
Inside forward
Billy Binghams brother,Howard Kendals brother, Gordon lees brother,Joe Royles brother,Peter reads brother?
William James,
I,m back in Rakerland.
It was Brian Harvey, he played Australian Rules football , also soccer with Dallas Tornadoes. I think he played a few games for Chester before he joined us for a short while.
Going back to the days in Hoylake, my Father and I attended the supporters club meetings on a Monday night , my Dad was made chairman of the supporters club (due to only us and a few locals attending) Doug barrow was also an ever present.
Because New Brighton were members of the F.A they were entitled to an F.A. cup final ticket. As we only got one it was only fair that we had a draw to see who would get it. I won so I got the ticket, it was for the Liverpool Man United game. As I wasn,t a supporter of anyone but The Rakers at the time, I gave it to a genuine Liverpool supporter.
After a week of getting the ticket the club got the bill for the ticket, I naively thought the ticket was free. I paid up but didn,t have the heart to tell the person I gave it to. She was in the Manchester end and said the Mancs treated her well.
Ha!HaHa! I’ve just spat half a glass of larger across the room!!!
Doug Barrow was chairman of the football side of the clubwhen it went to hoylake Catchpooles lot were the holding company who were only interested in making money and didnt support the football side of things in any way either financial or supporting the team.It was albert Clarke and his wife who went to all the matches and tried to rsise funds for the team.Albert used to run a small tote and his wife used to sell spot the balls and raffle tickets.They both meant well.The social club at hoylake started off well but i dont know what happened along the way.the football club never saw any money from the club and had to raise its own funds
I don’t know you by name Robin, but I must know you by sight. I’m sure you’re spot on with your comments. I can’t remember who the manager was at the time?
Colin Welsh was the manager when we first went to Hoylake.Frank Obrien was the trainer and his brother used to come to all the matches and raised money by various methods all of which went directly to the players.They had kit bags with new brighton on the side all to make them look a lot more proffesional and lots of other little things such as players nights out.We had a half decent team then but when they saw nothing was being done to improve thd facilities such as stands etc,one by one the players started to leave.Then Colin Welsh resigned and it all went downhill.I think various managers were tried but none of them could stop the rot
I did go to a game or two there. The players made a couple of large boxes as dugout, saw Macclesfield town hammer them 8-0 I think it was!. Len Carr just remembered him he used to play and was a director. Have to mention one name from the past who loved Rakers, and almost lived at the tower and that was Angus McKinnon he was at Sandhey park and the Tower!
I do wish we could put some photos on here!
William,
Try sending scans from photographs and I can see what I can do for you.
nostylenofinesse@gmail.com
Han
Author
Your pics have been included in New Brighton’s chapter.
The macclesfield game was in the fa cup. Len Carr was a hard tackling fullback (long before my time) but i remember him as a director st the tower and remember he had the key for the floodlights cupboard.We had a game against chorley one night and he seemingly had missed his bus up to the tower and kick off time was close snd chorley had in fact taken to the field in almost total blackness.i remember somebody shouting ‘kick the bloody door open’ in an effort to turn the floodlights on..You couldnt write the script .imagine that happening at anfield or old trafford.it could only happen with the rakers.you could write a book.Angus was connected to the rakers for many years
I used to watch Rakers regularly at the Tower in the sixties (from about 1962/63 onwards) with my dad. The players that made an impression were Wally Brown , Fred Leeder, the Molyneuxs, Joey Farrell, Stan Bennion, Bobby Reason etc. There was also I full back called I think Brian Jones who used to have a great sliding tackle. Very happy days spent with my dad. I remember a game were a Rakers player I think he was called David Hughes scored a penalty when the ball actually went through the net. My memory (always dubious) tells me the ref initially disallowed the goal, but when he saw the hole in the net changed his mind!!
Hello Brian! At this rate we can start our own team!
Chapter amended. Three photographs included, courtesy of William James
I remember all those players and the davie hughes goal.brian jones had a great sliding tackle.Davie hughes was our sustitute in the 6-6 bangor game.he came on for lennie kay when he broke his leg.Great to see those photographs !
There’s so much in the library Robin! I’ve got quite a lot from there.
I now live in leyland nesr preston and have no living relatives in wallasey any more,so i dont get back there very often.Incidently,my dad used to be secretary of the wallasey darts league and at the annual prize presentation dance back in 1957 we had a few of the players to present the prizes as well as the 4 cups that the rakers won that year all on display.we had a photo of it somewhere.i remember stan hurst was there and kenny parry.
Just a bit more about that,i was 10 at the time and i remember my job was to sit next to the cups with a bottle of pop in my hand, making sure no one tried to pinch them !!
I’ve got a photo of the team with the cups, the one from the paper
Were they the cups from China.
I remember going to Leyland to us win 4 nil, or 4-1 I remember winning two bob I n their club house on the fruit machine.
Do they still have a football team.
Leyland motors, I’m not sure!
Davy Greenhalgh was a good full back, think his dad played for Everton and it was said Stanley Matthews always feined injury when he came up against him.
Anyone remember GiIlmore, think his name was Frank.
I remember going to an away game when he was sent off for an innocuous tackle , he turned to the ref and said I should of killed the bas–rd,
Can anyone remember the game, could of been Droylsden.
If his father was Norman Greenhalgh, he played for Rakers then Everton just before the war. He was a member of Everton’s 38/39 Championship winning team. Like they did with Dennis Westcott and Jackie Stamps, Rakers let him go for less than they really should have, victims of perennial financial problems.
All three played for leading First Division clubs.
Norman was his dad, he lived in the pub in bromborough which Norman ran
Leyland motors fc packed in a few years ago when the company went under and the football team couldnt give any guarantees to the league they were in at the time that they could fulfill their fixtures.The ground is still there and used on tuesday and wednesday nights by blackburn rovers and bolton wanderers academy My daughters boyfriend is a blackburnfan and we havebeen to a few games recently
Frank Gilmore ! What shall I say erm about the worst player ever to play for new Brighton ! His brother also played at one time Vinnie…..didn’t we have two Wally Lunts playing?(that’s not an insult)
Does anyone remember stan harland.He was a no 10 for the rakers around about 1959.H was only 18 but he went to everton from us for £2,000 which was a lot of money then.Played for everton reserves most of time but later went to swindon town where he played regularly.He captained them at wembley when they beat Arsenal in the 1969 league cup final.He lated playedforBirmingham City in the old first division.I went to school with his cousin and played in same football team as him.Sadly i read in a football magazine a few years ago that he had died
Heavy tip of the cap Robin, ref Dave Harding 48 games for Aus 11 goals.Rakers stats,.66/67 22games 3 goals,cup12, 3 goals,67/68 30 games 5 goals cup 8 2 goals He then had a season with South,before heading to a great career down South!!!!!!Still with us at 76⚽️
Greetings Colin,That game at Leyland Motors was on16/11/1963,4-0 win,Brown2,Billy Johnson,&Bobby be Reasonable.Remember thick fog during the first half.I too got something from the club,a poster promoting that same game I still have it.Your father took me & Billy to the South away game by car,11/1/1964,lost 1-0!!!!!!!,Rakers should have won the league that season but threw away points to Rossendale Utd (3),missed a pen home to Chorley1-1( Brian Ellis) and Barrow Res (1)
Ian,
Do you remember going to Nelson when we won five nil, I had on a pair of new green jeans that day ,I thought it was a lucky omen at the time , now I realise I was just a pratt.
I could have saved you a journey Colin!
I remember a charity type game at the Tower when Tony Kay played. It must have been when he was accused in the bribery scandal but before any convictions. I am really certain I can remember this as I can picture him coming out of the dressing rooms and all us youngsters cheering him, Does anyone else remember this?
I remember him playing at the tower but cant remember the circumstances.I think he was convicted about 1962 but might be wrong as my memory isnt as good
When is the get together
Well count me in! Any time any place!
Im available any time
Evening All you Rakers⚽️.I have to tell you like Robin,I’m not on the Wirral,80 miles away up in Pennines in the beautiful area called Saddleworth.It rains often,but a wonderful place to live.Nearest clubs Staylbridge Celtic,Mossley,league clubs Oldham & The Dale.You Wallasey men set the time & place.
Trafford centre?…..give it some thought!
Oh , I forgot to mention my serious following of The Rakers was from 1962/63 season until 1968/69,and all the stats I have mentioned come from my scrapbooks.I then fell in love married & left Wallasey,and followed the results through the press only.Saw them at Accrington once & Preswich Heys ,lost both games!!
Thank you for sharing the information about New Brighton .I was fortunate to have played for a couple seasons .(around 1963)
( Stroh,Hill,Brown,Hurst,Ellis,where some of the players I was fortunate to have played alongside)I played inside forward.
I thought that the Rakers ground was one of the best I have played on.I was over in New Brighton a while back and went to see the area Rake Lane which is now has houses built were the ground used to be.
Billy Johnson
Thank you for sharing your kind words, mr Johnson.
I don’t think you were that old Billy, not played at rake lane, but at the tower, which is also a housing estate!……I would think that everyone in this group would know who you are Billy! I’ve got a photo of you in a team line up some where. I think we did have two Bill Johnsons at one time, a team captain at right back and yourself at inside forward …Hurst, Johnson,Sheperd,Reason Parks, Morgan, Hill, Ellis,Brown, Johnson, and Freddie Stroh….I hope I haven’t mixed that up?……oh, yes bill, a very good goal scoring footballer.
I well remember you Billy – a lethal partner with Wally Brown up front!Do you remember the goal you scored at Droylesden on Boxing day morning 1963?I do.
There’s a scrapbook in Earlston library which is a little earlier than your dates Ian. It’s a great read.
William ,Is that Norman Trafford,of Joytime .🗣🗣……..venue Vale Park?????
Uncle Norman! Ian, and Jimmy green, auntie Sarah.and auntie Dorothy ….you should be in Wallasey! Great place to live!
Does anyone know what became of the Dooleys ?.
Yes, I remember one of them! He hung his head down, i think his name was Tom?
My mistake, it was the Wooleys or something very similar , a Family that at one time seemed to be heavily involved in the club.
There was a young lad who was a mascot for a short spell. Robin Woolley, I think his dad was in the supporters club along with a daughter, that’s all I can think of.
What about Tappie,his first name was John,worked at a timber yard.He always got his tape measure out during games!.But he was a big fan followed The Rakers home & away .So did Rowley Cornah, if his brother George was in the first X1.George was a good strong player for his slight build,didn’t he become a legend at Poulton Vics???
Yes! Ian, I thought Georgie Cornah was a great player both for the Rakers and Poulton vics! I think his dad was a swimming instructor at Guinea gap baths. I don’t know a Tappie. Poulton vics are no longer a team.
I remember tappie.He was a happy chap who was always laughing..George Cornah also played darts for the poulton vics
Who was on the bus when it broke down on the way to Borough Unit , we had to get taxies to get to the ground.
I think we had more than 1 bus going to borough united and the one I was on didn’t break down but I do remember the hiatus.Didn’t some get a local bus to the ground and there was a joke going around that someone who was clearly over age had got away with a child fare on the bus
My first away game,ONE of the best!At least 3 packed Atlanteans headed to Llandudno Junction.Borough United had unbelievably won the Welsh Cup the previous season,and qualified to play in Europe.Billy the Beard got into the ground free,no turnstiles,he just crawled on the ground out of sight of the gatekeeper.The tiny ground was crammed people hanging from trees,1-1 Wally Brown,Jack the Cat in Rakers goal had another brilliant game ,what a season he had,outstanding!!We won the replay 3-1 ,Robins ……..,Lenny Rowden 2 & Wally hit the net,over 3000 watched,I think the return fare was 2/6.I do remember passing the broken down bus around the Colwyn Bay Area,they had to send a replacement from Seaview Road.
Borough beat us 3 nil a few years later then folded not long after that.i think they were the first non league team to win a tie in europe,beating sliema wanderers who played a friendly match against the rakers whilst they were over here playing the 2nd leg against borough
Wow,just google Wally Brown Liverpool .What a marvellous man and life he has enjoyed after football.It is the same man who played for us ?? Isn’t it??
Yes Ian, it is!
We must of got on the replacement going home after the match. I think Borough had played Sliema Wanderers the previous week and we played them in a friendly at the Tower.
I think the first fa cup match I went to was the replay with Stork at Prenton Park, think it was a second replay and we won 3-1
Sorry Ian, Just read your comments on Sliema.
Wally Brown was quite a prominent figure during the Toxteth Riots , I think he had a very important job as a peacemaker, used to see him quite a lot on t,v, and he never looked any older. Great Player , great man.
Billy Johnson was a favorite of mine as well.
I remember Wally Brown, played with him in the seventies, great player for New Brighton, did not know until now what he achieved later on in his life.
Didn,t Walley play for Kirby Town with Albert Finley, another great number 9 , great header of the ball.
During New Brighton’s last season in the Football League, New Brighton gained the double over Wrexham, my club. The Rakers won the home game 3-0, thanks to a hat trick by Jack Jones who hailed from Wrexham with Finley getting the only goal in New Brighton’s away victory at The Racecourse.
Bill Heggie and Stan Bennion also played for Wrexham.
The first thing I remember about Wally Brown was when he jumped to meet across, he had his hand behind his head so he could punch the ball in.
Was that the Hand of God in its infancy
We beat stork 3-0 in the 2nd replay at tranmere.My physics teacher at school played in goal for stork that night
Can you remember the gate, it seemed very big.
I can remember getting a football special train from New Brighton Station to Bangor, but it wasn,t the 6-6 game. I,m almost certain it was a steam train.
I went with my dad to bangor on a steam train special from new brighton station way back in 1959.We lost 3-2 afterbeing 3 nil down with 10 minutes left.Dont know if this is the one you are thinking about
I,m not sure what cup game it was , but i remember my dad saying (Dave Hanlon) hank cried all the way home.
I am after any New Brighton programmes for any games that George Morton appeared in.Of course I will pay for them.Can anyone help
Why Grant?
George was my boyhood hero when he was at Rochdale. Terribly underrated, with due respect to New Brighton he should have been playing in the 3rd division and not the Cheshire League. Showed his true worth at Bangor City, scored 100+ goals for them.
I’ve got one, v Colwyn Bay. Saturday 3rd September 1966.
Forward line…Twist,Bennion,Clark,Morton,lee(who ever that was)
There’s one on eBay now, £9.
Rembering Rakers.If you haven’t done already please google Sandheys Park New Brighton a great selection of information is available ⚽️⚽️Ta-Ra-A-Bit.👍
William,it was Garth Lee ,Sheffield man you know.I think he played for England ……………schoolboys ?.Chester was his only league club.28 apps 7 goals.He only one season for us 67/68 played mainly in the reserves,very fast but did not always take the ball 🏀 with him.7apps 0 goals 2 cup& friendly 2goals
I do not recall that name at all Ian?
Many thanks
What happened to Lofty Roy Lorenson when he left the Rakers
He went to Tranmere as Coach.
Luke
I’ve just come across a charity match programme dated 6th April 1966.
Alex cowboy maclellan arranged it…..it included in the starting eleven
Tony Kay.
Was the game v a Bill Grundy XI?
No Ken. It was a merseyside eleven against an international eleven in aid of disabled swimming. Or something like that.
Thanks for the info William. In retrospect it seems surprising that Kay was allowed to play as by that date he had been banned for life. He had been in prison for 8-10 weeks in 1965. Perhaps it was ok as this was a non-competitive charity game even though it was played at a club affiliated to the FA.
I was talking to someone a few years ago who said the signing of George Morton was Rakers last attempt at getting back into the big time as a non-league club.
George was a quality player, so underrated, I was amazed no league club came in for him when he was released by Rochdale at the end of 1965/66, his quality was recognised by Bangor City, where he became a cult hero, sadly George died in 2009.
Well I think he was very well respected player Grant! Even at New Brighton, I hadn’t realised he’d died, he wasn’t that old.
Yes I remember George Morton myself, definitely a good quality player. I suppose quite a few old Rakers will remember Alan Woan. I think he was getting on a bit when he arrived at the Tower. To my young mind he had nice touches but found it a bit tough physically.
Lovely bloke Alan, he came back a few years later when Ritchie Calvert became manager to run the reserves about 1969.
Hi Grant,George Morton played for NBAFC 66/67.Stats 30 apps 8 goals Cheshire League,18 apps 9 goals in cup matches.He appeared in every forward position except centre forward.Missed that vital pen in the FA cup replay v Bangor before it went into extra time,and we lost 1-0.Some supporters never forgave him.He appeared lazy in games,dispite his undoubted skills.Maybe that’s why The Dale released him.I think a Toffee fan told me he played for their reserves as a youngster.
Ian.
. I think you are right about George being a little lazy, that was the accusation some fans at Rochdale made of him, still he scored 51goals for dale in 143 appearances, not a bad return and of course his exploits at Bangor are legendary, I remember him missing a vital penalty for Rochdale against Newport, the only one he ever took.What was never in doubt was his immense skill.
I must admit I was only young when I was going to the Tower and so tended to take on many of my Dad`s views on players. He used to go to Sandheys Park as a youngster just before the war. He always referred to it as Osborne Avenue. One of his favourite players was Pongo Waring and often mentioned him as well as other great players he had seen eg Lawton, Raich Carter and T G Jones and many more. Dad reckoned Pongo was a genius!! This may have been just before the war or even wartime football.
Ian, thanks for the G Morton information. I was at that Bangor replay game at the Tower. I remember the night as being bitterly cold and that there was good crowd.
I was at the replay too Brian, as ballboy. Remember pongo waring, he spent a lot of time at the Cammell lairds club. But same as you, my dad told me things which I took as gospel, as in Pongo Waring was a superb player.
Here’s one .?? A lovely old Raker named Sam,lived off the top end of Magazine Lane,told me at the end of the great cup run season 56/57 Rakers played two league games on the same day !!!!.He said the full reserves X1 played one outstanding fixture,while the Ist team played the other.Is there any way of confirming this amazing fact or fiction???How do we get information of the Lancs Com results & dates that season?.Does anyone out there know.?
I’ll have a try to find out Ian!
It did happen i remember it well.It was the last 2 weeks of the season and we played every day except sundays to catch up including the 2 matches on the same evening.We were miles behind everyone else in the fixtures due to all the success in the various cups.We should have won the league that year but eventually finished a few points behind prescot cables.If you go back to August we knocked prescot out of the fa cup in the preliminsry round with a johnnie vincent goal in the lsst minute.if that hadnt have gone in it might have been prescot who went on a long cup run instead of us
Another thing that happened back in the 50s that wouldnt be allowed today.After we drew 0-0 with Bangor in the fa cup in 1958 the replay had to be played the following wednesday,but we were scheduled to play chorley on the tuesday in a league game,so we asked chorley to postpone the match.They wouldnt let us do that so we had to play on the tuesday and the wednesday.we put our entire reserve team out to play chorley and promptly beat them 7-1 !!.we followed that up by coming back from 2 nil down to beat bangor 3-2 in the cup match.
Excellent Robin!!!
A warm handshake Robin 👏👍,that’s serious football history,two games in one day………just incredible.Is there anyway of finding the apponents & results??
……
I remember the reserve team that played the away game lost 5 -0 but i cant remember who they played.Incidently Stan Hurst played right back in one of those games as they were struggling for players !!
Even excellenter Robin!!!!
Another bit of info about the 50s and early 60s.Tommy Saunders who was part of the Bill Shankley bootroom and who could often be seen in the dugout at Anfield amongst Joe Fagin,Ronnie Moran,Bob Paisley and Roy Evans and who later became a directot at Liverpool,played for the rakers.He in fact finished his playing carer at New Brighton and together with the then Liverpool chairman was mainly responsible for getting Liverpool to play pre season friendlies with us.Im pretty sure he was one of the reserves in the 56/57 cup season
We’re going to have to write a book!
Of all the friendlys v Liverpool FC,non bigger than the switching on the NEW floodlights,Monday 29/10/1962.Rakers,Dumbell,Johnson,Shepherd,Rea,Parkes,Evans,Rolfe,Tom Finney,Nat Lofthouse,Disley,Billy Liddell.Shanks team,Lawrence,Ferns,Moran,Milne,Yeats,Stevenson,Callaghan,Hunt,Lewis,Melia,Wallace.Score 0-4ht 2-5 ft.Rakers scorers Rolfe &Lofthouse.Remember the game was played in very heavy rain,but nearly 9000 fans turned up,the last big crowd at the Tower Grounds.What did it feel like for Jimmy Rolfe & Johnny Disley playing in a forward line with those three great International along side??? Incidentally an ad in the programme states the GEC new lights were installed by Ken Almond business 2 Zig Zag Lane,he was a director at the time.55 years ago this October ⚽️
Hi Ian, my Dad is Eric Shepherd who played in the 1962 match vs Liverpool that you wrote about. He has the programme signed by the Liverpool team and is very proud of it. We have been reminiscing recently as my dad is very ill. He has some great photos too if anyone is interested? It would be great to make contact with some of my dads old teammates if possible? Can you or anyone else help with this? He is in Fazakerely hospital ward 24 at the moment.
Jon Shepherd
I remember the game – it was a wet night and Les Dumbell played a blinder!
Team was :Dumbell,Johnson,Shepherd,Rea, Parkes,Evans,Rolfe,Finney,Lofthouse,Disley,Liddell..
I have a press cutting showing your dad with Roger Hunt looking on as Dumbell pulls off another fine save!
That’s brilliant Luke! Would it be possible for you to send me a copy of the clipping? My email is sshepo@hotmail.com my address is 107 Coronation Rd, Lydiate, L31 2NG
My mobile number is 07714755599. If you can text a photo of the clipping to my phone that would be great as I could show my dad in the hospital. Thanks for replying!
I can remember playing against a liverpool team when Kevan keegan played we beat them 2 1.Ron Yeats and Tommy Lawrence played for Liverpool. Keaganhad just been signed from Scunthorpe. Liverpool first team were on tour in Germany
Hi William,
Didn’t realise people still remembered my time at Rakers.
I was only 18 19 at the time. Learnt a lot from the old pros at the club.lovely memories
You are a cult figure wally, when anyone mentions rakers they always say I remember Wally Brown!….Hill Ellis brown Johnson and either Tommy prior or Freddie Stroh.
Thanks for that William.
You have made my day and brought a tear to my eye
My good lady will not hear or use the expression IF ONLY.BUT if only the directors at the time turned the pitch at the river end of the ground.Sold the Molyenux end for houses ,as the council did very easily!! Maybe our beloved club would still be there??I guess all they thought about was the revenue from the stock cars ,in the summer and did not have a contact in Wallasey Corporations planning office big enough to receive that brown envelope!!⚽️
The council offered to buy the river end of the ground and the rakers would retain the molyeneux end thus retaining the dressing rooms and the ‘tower theatre and restaurant’ and by turning the pitch round we would have had a much more compact ground..However Catchpoole and his mob wanted to sell the whole ground for private housing and not for council houses to enable him to make lots of money.The council got angry at his attitude and in the end made a compulsory purchase order on the whole ground which ultimately led us to going to Hoylake.This was the old Wallasey council not Wirral,and they came under fire for not providing us with a suitable site within Wallasey.All the sites we were interested in they knocked back saying they wanted them for school playing fields.Like you Ian i have always believed that if we had been allowed to stay within Wallasey the rakers would still be going today
Sincere aw – thang -yews Robin,your knowledge of TheRakers is outstanding .William is so right you should put all your memories in print for future generations to read.Hey Robin who was that fan who could not roll his R,s he always shouted COME ON YAKERS?⚽️
Keep these memories going lads! No matter how trivial, collectively they are magnificent…. As Someone once said….COME ON YAKERS!!!
Am I getting mixed up? Remember something about John Anton and plans for reducing the ground and turning the pitch round? Also plans to turn the whole ground into a caravan park, but that was about 1950.
I must admit Ian you’ve got me on that chap shouting ‘come on yakers’ I seem to remember it was a little old man but I haven’t a clue as to his name.Regarding John Antony William I will hAve to have a good think about that.I thing Malcolm Parry an old supporter who I briefly knew who was a good friend of Tony Fauld’s will remember more about this tale than me.I think it was about the time of the building of the Tower Theater Club and Malcolm was heavily involved in helping out on that bloody awful idea of converting the rakes return
I do speak to Malcolm parry from time to time Robin, on Facebook. Wallasey memories,it’s very interesting, some Rakers stuff on it. Recall a couple of names…Alan Edwards, he used to live in the Rakers return, a sort of groundsman. And Jimmy Boswell, anyone remember him, at one time a spunge man and supporter
Does anyone remember Stanley Matthews playing at the Tower in a charity game in the1960s? I am not talking about the Port Vale game when he played. I have a memory of having a programme from the charity game with his “signature” ( I think it was stamped or copied in some way,)
Alan Edwards used to live in the dressing rooms and drank in the perch rock.Knew him very well when i joined the committee.A real character and heres one for ian,he loved stan bennion.He was a sort of groundsman if you know what i mean but we couldnt afford anything else !!,Jimmy Boswell was another character.Dr Bos we all called him and whenever he ran on the pitch with his sponge and a player went down we all shouted ‘cramp’,.We all cruelly took the mickey in a lighthearted manner andhe got upset a few times.But like Alan he was loyal and a good servant to the club and we could have done with a few more like them
Regarding Stan Matthews.I dont remember him actually playing at the tower.He did however send a message of good luck to the club in the program notes when we played liverpool in the floodlight opener
I have a newspaper clipping showing Stanley Matthews with Angus, I’m sure it was at the tower.not sure of the date. It was to do with the cup run,
Thanks for the information guys. I think the Matthews “signature” might tie up with the programme for the Liverpool floodlight game. I was only very young at the time and it may even have been from another famous player who actually played in that game, even though I remember it as Sir Stanley. I do know however I did definitely see Matthews play once at Goodison against Everton. This was in the Autumn of 1963, one of the first Everton games I saw. Stoke had just come up from the Second Division. I can remember this as clear as day, and have the programme somewhere. Without being dramatic whilst even just one of us is left alive the Rakers live on, even if only in our memories.
Heres one-inthe mid 80s after the rakers had folded the wallasey news printed a story saying that a very wealthy man who originated from wallasey but who now lived in london was willing to pump a lot of money into resurrecting the rakers and he was looking for volunteers to help him keep the team in new brighton.The wallasey news was swamped with people offering to help then had to print an apology as it was all an april fools day prank.They went on to say that they didnt realise the extent of feelings towards the rakers.I wonder whether that was tha john Anton refered to by William but i dont think the wallasey news named him
Went to see halifax play chorley yesterday in national league north playoff final.2-1 to halifax in front of 8,000.I still take a big interest in non league football.Chorley took 2,000 with them.Very good atmosphere
I couldn’t follow another local team other than Liverpool! I know Colin goes to Tranmere sometimes but to me they where the enemy. I do follow the non league tables, and results especially old Lancashire com and Cheshire county league teams.there’s a south Liverpool who are in the west Cheshire league and I think they’ve just won the league. When you think of such teams like, fleetwood, Macclesfield, Wigan athletic. Haven’t they done well!
I enjoy going to football matches , Ive only missed one Everton home match this season. I go with the lads from the Primrose Pub. They take two double decker buses, both crammed full with many standing. It,s a good laugh,
Everton fans know they are not the best team in the world and its a bit like the old days , watching a match having a laugh.
I see Liverpool about ten times a season and I enjoy that as well, It doesn,t bother me if they lose but I do feel sorry for the people I go with, Liverpool fans are very serious about their football , they seem to take it personally if they lose, they don,t laugh about it.
Must admit though, had a day out in the part of the new -outstand called the dug-out, it is fantastic.
I had a season ticket for Tranmere for twenty years, we went home and away saw some great cup matches. If they lost I was disappointed.
On the other hand when I watched the Rakers I used to pray to God that they won , if they lost I felt suicidal , If I cried I am not going to admit it now.
I hated the big three I took up supporting Leeds United , after all the Rakers helped them on the way to being a top European Team.
Jimmy, do you remember we went to see Tranmere playing Exeter in that famous match , hoping they dropped out the league , isn,t it ironic that to-day they failed to get back in.
I dont go to many games these days but chorley is only down the road from where i live.Last year my son and my son in law went with me to wembley for the first non league day when the fa vase and fa trophy were played on the same day.We had a great day out My son in law is a Blackburn fan and i went with him recently to see them play Bristol City I used to go to every fa trophy final at wembley with Tony Faulds,Tom Sault and Jock Peden.I dont know if anyone remembers Jock.He was an unofficial ‘scout’ for the rakers but sadly like Tony is no longer with us
I didn’t know Jock personally Robin, but I did know of him. I used to play football myself, in local leagues. I did play for the rakers youth team under Jim smith, Tony Faulds brother Keith was in the team. I had a full season in the reserves, Alan Woan was in charge.but I was never at a good standard, I just loved playing.
I remember Trevor Cherry! Colin, I think he was your favourite player?
Trevor Cherry was the greatest fullback that ever lived.
I had forgot Jock, I can see and hear him clearly now, he was a lovely man
One of the best players i saw play for the rakers,apart from the 56/57 team,is a player most of you if not all of you will have not seen play.It was Trevor Finnigan and he played for us us mid to late 70s when the rest of the team were qite poor.He was a striker who came to us from Christleton in the west cheshire league having previously been on Evertons books.He seemed to be the only one in the team who could score and every other team in the league feared him.He went from us to Runcorn where he became a legend at the time they were winning the northern premier league.From there he went to Blackpool and apeared on match of the day a few times.Moved south to play forBournmouth and ultimately for Yeovil and Weymouth where he represented the England non league team.We all thought at the time that if he had had a bit more nouse about him hecould havedone even better,he was that good.
Incidently Finnigan was recommended to the rakers by a good supporter at the time by the name of Bob Fallon.I dont know whether any one remembers Bob but he helped out a lot at a time when we didnt have many supporters
Hello Rob – Glad all is well with you. I was Bob’s friend Ian and remember him well. We lost touch in the early 90s after he moved to Worcester to work for Exel Logistics. Sorry to hear about Jock and Tony. Have seen Tom Sault occasionally – his daughter was/is at Wirral Girl’s as is mine and glad to hear of his literary ambitions. When I moved house I found my old programme’s from the last days at the Tower Grounds then Carr Lane where we thought all could be rosy thanks to the income from the Social Club. I remember Colin and Luke – Bob’s mate who was in Milton Keynes (I think) at the time – and, of course Trevor Finnegan who Bob always took credit for as he think he worked with him and took him for a trial. I remember the coach from Stroud’s corner and you and Tony joining at Stroud’s Corner. Yep, happy days
Hello Ian,hope you are well?Bob Fallon was a good guy,haven’t seen him for 40 plus years.Happy days!
I remember the name Trevor Finnigan, a one man team, saw him play for Yeovil on the telly once regular goal scorer, wasn’t Paul Meachin in the same category a good player who went to Marine.
Meach came just after finnigan and colin welsh the manager always said he wanted to have both players together inthe same team but itnever happened.Finnigan went to runcorn amd meachin joined us just after.Meachin was good for us and spent a good few years scoring regularly for marine but wasnt as good as finnigan who had the hardest shot id seen for a long time.We were standing behind the goal atPrestwich once and his shot from the edge of the penalty area hit the top of the net with such force the goal nearly fell down!
Anyone remember Peter Bellringer
Yeh! I do scored plenty of goals, but mainly for the reserves. He stayed in the area and was a good local ref. I think but not 100% sure he married the tall blonde girl that hung around with the woolleys, who was also a friend of Freddie Leeder.
Peter Bellringer played for ‘New Brighton Reserves’ although they werent really our reserve team.They were called that so theycould play at the tower.He was a really good centre forward who scored lots of goals but when the first team tried to get him to playfor them,the manager of the ‘reserves’ blocked the move
Exactly right William, Trashmere Rovers were the Enemy!!! Went to many Friday night matches always supporting the away team,especially Chester, Wrexham,&Southport.Sadly none as you know are in the FL.But in those days no segregation you could join in with the away support good fun,oh Crewe fans were very vocal too⚽️Colin, Derek Parkin was the best fullback of that period.Never played for England,but never gave less than 100/0 superb,sorry far better than Trevor Cherry.Both Huddersfield men you know.
Derek Parkin! Oh yes, I forgot your a wolves fan aren’t you Ian!!!
Oh forgot Lofty Lawrenson went to be first team coach at Trashmere Rovers, 1970/ 74??I think Ron Yeats was the manager at the time.
Freddy Leader was the second best fullback ever.
Firstly, congratulations to Huddersfield town, Ian!.I don’t know this is totally correct Robin but I remember Peter Bellringer playing for the first team when he first signed but wasn’t good enough and was dropped. That’s when Jim Smith played him for the reserves for a season and he scored loads of goals. I don’t know if he ever played for the first team again, but I think Jim Smith had a spell as first team manager and played people like his own son Ian Smith, Colin Clements, and Jimmy Karney who I think did very well.as I say not too sure?
I accept your congrats on behalf of all Town supporters. Monday evening was a bit of a blur, but I’m told I had a good time on the way back from Wembley. I left Wallasey for Yorkshire in 1966 and they have been my team ever since. Saw Parkin and Cherry play for Town along with my boyhood hero Frank W. We had another potentially great fullback called Billy Legg whose career was cruelly ended by injuries sustained in a car crash
When i was on the committee we had a meeting in macs shack and called jim smith in to ask him if peter bellringer would be allowed to play for the first team as he was scoring a lot of goals for the ‘reserves’ but jim wouldnt allow it
Ken
I think Leeds Unt signed a centre half called Roy Ellam from Huddersfield, he must of played for Huddersfield when they were last in the First Division.
Frank Worthing ton was a great player that eventually managed Tranmere Rovers..
I remember Ian Hughes playing for the Rakers when Tony (the dude) Nelson managed the Rakers.
Hi Colin,
Yes, Roy Ellam was Trevor Cherry’s partner in central defence. We bought Roy from Bradford City, sold him to Leeds ( or the white scum as they are known in Huddersfield) and then bought him back again a year or two later.
We were solid at the back those two years we were in the top division, it was scoring goals that was the problem. Too tight to lay money out for someone decent to play alongside King Frank, who now suffers with Alzheimer’s I’m afraid.
Played under colin welsh at carr lane,with paul meachin, in 1976 77. Great team spirit there. dave greenall, brindle,langstaffe Wilson smith hanratty ohare ted Sutton frank leydon. Long way to training from bootle for me twice a week though lol
I remember Brindle being sent off at Chorley for stamping on someone – a “competetive” player shall we say?
Billy Brindle was at Everton – made the bench once or twice. Frank Leyden lived in Kirby and went to work in Australia, Mick Hanratty was a tall centre half – remember Rob Pender chuckling as Mick was booked once by a ref called Pierpoint (Google the connection). I remember Eddie Lonstaffe and Ted Sutton as our midfield engine under Colin Welch a year before we left the Tower. Mike Smith was a classy left back if memory serves and of course, the great Davey Greenhalgh. Whenever the coach driver would get lost to away grounds we’d shout “Davy, get up front and tell him which way – you’ve been here often enough……” Portmadoc away in the Trophy. We won and Frank Leyden had us all singing “I am the music man” on the way home. Bloomin song went on for 2 hours as he made us get out of our seats and impersonate the musicians during our solos!!! No Health & Safety then…………
When is the get together,
I now live in Bedfordshire,but would be interested if logistically possible.
Luke
At this rate, we will have a new Rakers in no time!
I’m trying to lash together a few names and memories.
Eddie langstaff, was he a centre forward ?
Ted Sutton, a big powerful midfielder?
Hewitt?skillfull but slight.
Tommy barry i remember you playing.George O’Hare was a great little winger and Eddie Langstaffe was the first player to leave the rakers during the first year at hoylake.He went to burscough because they had better facilities and one by one the other players left.Hi to Luke.I havent seen you since Tony Faulds funeral.How are you.That chorley game we won 1-0
Hello Rob
Yes,we last met at Tony’s funeral.I still keep in touch with Gill,who’s moved back to Wales.Hope you are well,I’m ok,just old!
Does anyone recall the last game of the 62/63 season against Lytham St Annes.I think we won 5-1.The season was extended into May due to the big freeze.The other game that sticks in my mind was the FA Cup match against Llandudno in 1965 – was it 8-0?
Greetings Luke to Rakerland.Robin what was Rakers last game at the TG?? I know you will know!!!!cheers.
Hello Ian
Long time no see!As I recall,it was at Prestwich Heys,when Ray Parry scored the winner.What a good player he was,did we ever have any other ex-English Internationals play for us?
Hi Luke
Great to hear all well. I last saw Bob early 90s he was working for Exel Logistics in Worcester but had always wanted to move to Spain, run a bar that sort of thing. I had his address but no replies to letters so I assumed he’d left. His parents were still in Liscard and his sister was local so I always imagined a surprise visit one day…….. Good memories as you say – and thanks for getting me those Luton programmes all those years ago!!!
Good to hear from you!Was that when Luton were in Division One under Harry Haslam?Jack Weir’s dad was Archie – i remember him well.He walked out when the Catchpoole gang took over,and came back when they’d gone!
Luke,
I remember the cup game against Llandudno, I remember Ronny Hill scoring, My memory doesn,t serve me well but I thought it was 8-3 , I made a banner after that game and took it to the next match in the cup , I think it was against Ellesmere Port Town.
Colin
I think you’re right about the score.I was on holiday with my parents in Plymouth that week and persuaded them to come back early so I could watch the game,The alternative was a train ticket at £5!
Ronnie Hill – Millwall were going to make an offer for him.Didn’t happen.
Colin
Further – the Ellesmere Port game – 4-0 to them I recall.I remember Tony shouting “Cheshire League, filthy defensive stuff”.Bless.
Now I know you’ve lost the plot!
I remember there was an up and coming fullback in the youth team, I think his name was James Innes, think it was between him and Trevor Cherry for the England position.
Ronnie Hill lived on Mosslands drive, I wonder why he didn’t go on to bigger things as a footballer? Very skillfull, I thought.
My dad is Ronnie Hill he often tells me of playing for New Brighton
Ronnie HillWinger slight build very skilful. He and I were the youngest I think when we played Borough United in the F A cup at Borough. The full back marking your dad was ex Bolton Tommy Banks a real yard dog. Ronnie was giving him a hard time to quick He started kicking Ronnie. all over the place and our wing half cant recall his name, but he was an experienced pro said to Banks lay off Tommy he is only a kid. Banks reply was he may be a kid but he is on the Fu. g pitch. Isn’t he. We drew the game and i think we beat them 3 1 at the Tower. That team included John Disley what a player Bobby Reason the manager was Johny Wheeler. Not sure if Phil Wilson was there then, I think he came on my second spell at the Tower
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Thanks Wally just with my dad now reminising . Hes forgotton where boroughs ground was ?
On Wed, 16 May 2018, 09:42 The Beautiful History, wrote:
> Wally Brown commented: “Ronnie HillWinger slight build very skilful. He > and I were the youngest I think when we played Borough United in the F A > cup at Borough. The full back marking your dad was ex Bolton Tommy Banks a > real yard dog. Ronnie was giving him a hard time to quick” >
Hi everyone, my dad Eric Shepherd played for New Brighton in the early 60s. He captained the team that played against an all star Liverpool team in 1962 and still has the program that is signed by all the Liverpool players including Billy Liddle who made a guest appearance upfront for New Brighton. Does anyone remember playing with him? He is very unwell at the moment and it would be great to have a chat to any ex teammates of my dads from that era. He also played for Stoke & Wigan.
I do remember your dad Jon, he played left back and Bill Johnson was right back and usually team captain.tall slim fella your dad about 1960
That 8-3,was5/9/64.Hurst,Jones, Wilson,Reason Barr Cox Hill 1 Farrell 1 Brown 3 Johnson 2 Prior 1 .6-2 at ht.The report states Ronnie Hill ran from the half way line and smashed in an angled shot!!!!!!!!!!! About the Rakers Reunion how about you Wallasey guys placing an add in the local press ,let’s see who turns up?? We could all chip in on the day .
Sounds like a great idea Ian! Joey Farrell is also a good friend of mine and lives locally to me in Maghull. I will let him know if you arrange a reunion. He is still fighting fit and actually trained us younger lads for many years and was fitter than us well into his 70s! A great character and local legend!
Hi Jon, joey Farrell is a god in my eyes, I’d still want his autograph today
Hi William, if you arrange a reunion then I will make sure Joey comes and you can have a selfie with him! Ha! He is a massive legend and can still be seen going for a run around Maghull on Christmas Day in the snow every year!!! Ha!
There’s a couple of groups on Facebook. Wallasey memories, Wallasey uxb. And seacombe in old photos, as well as new Brighton, and liscard memories. Things come up quite often. Mal parry, Phil Wilson,Roy smith ant Pennington are on it…..just a note…next Tuesday evening there’s a programme on telly about ladies football and Dick Kerrs. Some of the footage is very clearly at the tower grounds. It’s Clare balding, but don’t let that put you off.
Ian’s line up in the 8-3 game! Who is Wilson, can’t remember him.
Stan hurst, Brian Jones,Bobby reason,Billy Barr,….. Cox?,Ronnie hill, joey Farrell,wally brown, Bill Johnson,and Tommy prior!
I think ians idea is very good,you never know what the response will be and who will crawl out of the woodwork !!
Thanks Jon, I’ll get straight on to it then!
William,make the venue big we may need it !!
It was Bob Wilson well in his 30’s,came from Trashmere,but had a long career with Tom Finney in Preston N E team in the old Div 1 for many seasons.
Thanks Ian!….how about the floral pavilion?
An evening with……Joey Farrell, Jeff Seddon, Phil Wilson,Joe Dodd and Tommy Barrie
What about contacting Wally Brown &Billy Barr,??
I’ve been told that Billy Barr has dementia and is now in a home Ian!
On Facebook, Georgie Cornahs wife mentions him a few times too.
In recent times Wally Brown became The Principal of the Community College in Liverpool.
My late father George Macaulay ,played for New Brighton during national service in the fifties.
Did he play much,,kept telling me he scored in FA Cup v Derby.
Bragging or telling white lie to impress son ??
I think it was the latter Gregor, new Brighton scorers against Derby county were Burgess, Lewis, and Jonny Vincent
Evening Rakers,Joey Farrell,1964/65:42 L,apps,26 goals,16 cup apps 8 goals.Came from Hyde Utd,went to South,??????????Why did the board let him go?Maybe he wanted to stay playing in the Lancs Com DIV1He was too good for non – league wasn’t he?????
Hi Ian, I’m going round to Joey Farrells house this weekend. I will pass on the messages that everyone has posted and tell him to get on the thread to say hello to you all. 👍
Jon,
I worked briefly with a lovely lady called Edna, she told me her husband played for Liverpool and New Brighton , can this be your Dad.
I remember eric shepherd scoring for the rakers with a 30 yard freekick in a match at prenton park.I think it was a 2nd replay of an interleague match (does anyone else remember them) against ellesmere port.I was behind the goal and the ball sailed over everone,hit the inside of the post and went in.I think we won 3-0 that night
No Rob,I don’t remember that.But you might remember this.Who was the player(can’t recall his name)who went to Sheffield United(?)and came back in the 60’s?He lived in Pickering Road,and I remember a very wet Saturday,when there was no First Team match,going to see the Reserves at Cammell Laird.He was playing at the age of 40 plus,The pitch was a mudbath.
I know Tony was there,were you?
Harry hitchen lived in Pickering road
If you type Harry Hichen footballer, Wikipedia ,it gives you good information.His son Harry jnr was a great player I think he had trials at Sheffield Utd,&at Liverpool.His best friend all those years ago was Lionel Batty,both big Pool fans,but followed Rakers too.
Yes,Harry Hitchen!He played at Cammell Laird – guess you were there too Ian.
I remember harry hitchen,he was a good player even at his age.i was at thst match at cammell laird (the ground behind the bus sheds) it ****** down all afternoon but at least they could play on it.Goingback to the inter league competition,it only lasted 2 years.I remember our first gamein it was against sankeys wellington anc we beat them 5-0.
I went to school with Harry’s son, Dave. He said he played at the very end of Rakers’ history. We called him ‘Arry out of respect. Dave will be mid 50s now. Used to live not far from Molyneaux Ave if i recall.
Hi Rakers,Robin I don’t remember the inter league games.Only followed the Rakers after the new lights in 1962.Luke I can’t remember the Lairds reserve match,but are you getting Harry Hichen mixed up with Ken Parry the old veteran centre half from the great cup run of 1956/57?? He played for the reserves for many seasons.Talking of the reserves what about Cyril Morrisey,My Lad,club official & Bob Arnold??
Hi Ian,I don’t remember Ken Parry,I’m sure it was Harry H that played at Cammell Laird(he must have been 45).Rob & Tony were there,and maybe Dave Reilly(?).I think we went in my car.As for My Lad,I recall him suffering an attack of peritonitis while we were playing football on a Sunday afternoon,and I also remember Dick’s dog “Rex”.On,on!
Hi all rakers men bob arnold and ken parry were both in the great team of 56/57 and like the majority of that team had gone within 2 years.It was basically an old team. I remember stan hurst,bill heggie and the great johnnie vincent staying around a bit longer and johnnie devine only lasted 1 season,but the rest disappeared.The interleague competition was ithink about 1960 and 1961,and introduced because of the rivalry between the cheshire league and the lancashire combination I think Chorley won it 1 year.I remember we knocked Bangor out in one round (great !!)..Cyril Morrisey,my lad, dick,all great memories from the past-arent we all getting old !!!!!…i remember well those games of football we played behind the goal on a sunday afternoon as well as the kick around we used to have before an away game
Incidently luke,have you hesrd snything of gerry mallon
Rob – I had lunch with him about 25 years ago.We kept in touch until a couple of years ago and I keep meaning to call him.He lives in Surrey.
Luke,
I bet you paid for the lunch.
I too remember those games on Sunday afternoon ⚽️.FAB memories ⚽️Dick was in charge !! Gerry Mallon ,because of his build & lack of speed , would kick lumps out of you if he could catch -up with you!!!Not that I was any good Billy Clements was very skill fulll,and fastHey didn’t My Lad get around on a moped???
Billy Clements played one game for the First Team,as we were short!He gave a good display.I seem to recall Tony Faulds being substitute as well.Not sure where it was – New Mills?My Lad had a moped,an NSU Quickly.
Cheers Luke,superb memory,remembering Dicks dogs name,and the make & model of my lads moped.👍I still can’t believe Harry Hichen snr played for the reserves in the early 60s?Was it Cyril Lello,player coach of the 2nd X1??,at that time.⚽️
Hi to ian cook-rob hender here-are you still working as a structural engineer in liverpool-i last saw you before i retired from ayrshire metals.hope you are keeping well.As you can see from all the comments theres a lot of memories here from the rakers days.Hope you can also make this reunion whenever it takes place It will be nice to meet up again.
Regarding various substitutes,Tom Sault was i think going to be the substitute at new mills once but they couldnt find boots big enough to fit him !!!
Hi Rob – that may be a different Ian, Ian Weir? He and I were classmates and started going to the Tower Grounds in the mid 70s. That’s where we met you, Tom, Tony, Bob – the gang behind the goal. Remember Brian too, the cleaner from Spillers/Ranks on the Dock Road? Ian Weir’s Dad had connections (I think) and experienced the famous Cup run. Had the programmes from every round.
Does anyone have any information on a goalie called Hawthorne circa 1937.please?
Wiilie Hawthorn,a Glaswegian,was listed in the squad 16/8/39,according to the Liverpool Daily Post.He was 5’11” & weighed 12 stone 7 llbs.Wonder if he played against Spurs in 1938?
Luke
He played 108 games for the first team, including the game against Spurs. Didn’t miss a first team match for two years after his death it v Oldham in August 1936. All this info comes from the Garth Dykes book.
Death should read debut!
There are a couple of photos of the Spurs game at White Hart Lane on the internet – they depict him in action!
William hawthorne is listed in garth dykes book-a complete history of the rakers in the football league-It says he didnt miss a game for 2 years,was injured saving a penalty against stockport in 1938/39 season and was out of side for 3 months.Recovered and completed over 100 games for the rakers.After the war he worked as a rep in scotland for a petro chem company.
Thank you for the information
Hi again to ian cook and sincere apologies.i was getting you mixed up with ian weir (i couldnt remember his surname) but i do remember you very well now.Ian Weirs dad used to beon thecommittee but resigned the day catchpoole walked in Brian fromspillers started to go to all the away games on the coach and we all felt sorry for himas he never hadany money !!! Ian Weirs dad incidentlywas called archie,im sure theres a few people out there who will remember him i know Luke will.I hope you are well Ian and as i said earlier if this reunion does happen i hope to see you
Hi to billy johnson-i too remember you well.I remember being behind the goal at southport for a night game when you scored a goal.I hope you are well
Remembering the Rakers,⚽️Google Angus Mackinnon footballer with The Aresenal.Its all there,he could have written volumes on his life in Scotland,in London, at the Rakers.Didnt the club change their colours to The Arsenal because of Angus????
There was a suggestion that Angus & Neil McBain tossed a coin to decide who should play in goal at Hartlepool in 1947.Neil lost and achieved a certain immortaltity!
Marvellous reply Luke 👏👍.Sadly one day in our lifetime one of the so called big clubs will play a manager in a match to beat Neil’s record.So sad ,oh so sad but believe me it will happen!!
Greetings Billy Johnson,your Rakers play was so good but way too short.63/64L20 G5 cup8 G3……64/65L18G10 cup3G2 highlight a 1st half hat trick at Southport Reserves 17/9/64in a 4-2 win.Then you and Wally Brown disappeared down the A55 to Llandudno in Feb 1965.Who else did you play for Billy ??? Great memories of you and Wally at NBFC👏👏⚽️
Greetings William & Colin,you Wallasey men need to name a venue & date for The Rakers Reunion PLEASE👍📢⚽️🗣🗣
Is it worth starting a Facebook group dedicated to new Brighton football club?
There is so much to share it appears, is there enough interest? Are we all on Facebook? Will you all reply even if it’s no. I’ve just been looking at shares certificates dating back to 1922 and 1927 signed by Tom Martlew and given to then manager Bert Pelham. I really do like what we are doing here, but there’s more pictures to share! Let me know what you think?
Yes,I’m on Facebook.
I’ve sent you a friends request, Luke!
Thank you!
Let’s hope everyone else joins in Luke! Colin’s just replyed…..I’ve just seen some great photos of players at Sandheys park, I’ll send them to you Luke!
Thanks!
I’m on Facebook
Hi Ken! I’ll send you a friends request …..that’s five of us so far. Come on lads,if you say yes I’ll start a rakers group!
Hi William, can you please resend the friend request.
Thanks, Ken
Hi I’m Jon Shepherd son of Eric Shepherd. He sadly passed away this morning at age 80. How do I find you on Facebook? I found an official New Brighton FC embroidered badge in my dads house and thought one of you may want it?
So sorry to here about your dad Jon! Yes please I would like the rakers badge if you don’t mind…..where and when is the funeral?…I presume that’s a bit early to say
I’ve sent a friends request to a Jon Shepherd! I hope it’s you Jon?
I’m on FB.
I’ve just sent you a friends request Colin!
Im sorry im not on facebook
I’m not getting much of a response Robin anyway and I don’t want to spoil what we have here
Sorry William,I’m the same as Robin, N A,not available !!
Hi Ian, no problem,not a lot of interest really. I thought it would be more interesting with pictures……would you consider joining?
Hello Jon,sincere condolences to you and your family with your dads passing.
Dear Sirs, please be alerted I have to approve or forward your comments manually each time after they have arrived in my inbox. Please be notified there might be a delay in the near future for undisclosed reasons. Apologies for any inconvenience.
Yours sincerely
I just opened a group on Facebook ……new Brighton Afc (rakers)
Not sure I have got It right, but I am on facebook. Joe Dodd.
Hi Joe, I’ve sent you a request, hope I’ve sent it to the right Joe Dodd!
Yes Joe Dodd Rakers 1971/ 1973
Regards
Joe Dodd.
Yes all good, not sure I have got it right, but will try. Regards Joe Dodd 1971 / 1973.
Thanks Joe! No matter how trivial it’s pieces to a jigsaw
Hi all, I Remember going to Rossendale United at 8.00 am Boxing day morning in the snow for a 11.00 am KO, Dave Greenhalgh and me on the coach trying to get players, coach did not make it down the hill to the ground, think we all walked, not sure if we played the game, it would be Christmas 1971 / 1972.
Regards
Joe Dodd
Does anyone ever see Tony Clarke, he came from Skem and was our sub in the famous Bangor City cup replay after the 6-6 draw,
He lived in Dinmore Road off Mill Lane and was a teacher at the Technical Grammer.
I remember him.He had 2 spells with Rakers,the second under Albert Dunlop.Good player!
He was at Mosslands, I think?
Tony clarke played centre forward in the bangor game Davie Hughes was the sub who came on for Lennie Kay.He was a teacher at my old school The Tech Grammer which is now Mosslands.I met up with him at The tower hotel in liscard a few times in the late sixties early seventies
Dave Greenhalgh
Hi lads, what great comments about a great club,
I had the pleasure of playing for rakers for quite a number of years,
I played at the tower ground and at Hoylake.
I made some good friends and have some very fond memories
As you can imagine, there’s not a lot of rakers players or even less supporters left Dave, but we have managed to put together a Facebook page called New Brighton AFC (rakers) and we would be delighted if you could join us? We have Joe, Vic and Phil Wilson with us and on here we’ve had Wally Brown and Billy Johnson along with about a dozen or so fans all with great memories…we also hope that anyone left on here would join us, Ian Carter and Robin Hender especially
Well done William, Great comment, Dave was one of the best.
Hello Dave
I well remember you!Do you recall the inaugural FA Trophy game at Burton Albion in January 1970?We were short of players and Albert Dunlop nominated me as sub.You pulled a muscle after 10 minutes and spent the rest of the game limping on the wing.I told Dunlop I was nowhere near good enough to play at that level,and did not relish the idea of Burton’s team of ex Derby,Forest and Leicester players kicking lumps out of me anyway.It was a horrible wet day and we lost 5-0!
Do join our Facebook page please.
Luke
Dave, Did you play in the friendly at the Tower against Port Vale. I recall my dad telling me your father was Norman and he played for Everton.
Was he right.
Colin
Behind the goal,Dave Hanlon,always arguing with Alan Hess,Colin,Luke,Robin, The theeDaves,Brian Parsons,Billy the Beard,Don Ross,Harry Hichen,Gerry Mallon,Tappie,Fred,Lionel Batty,My Lad, (if available) ,Howard Smith, Johnny Fay,Alan Moss,then on big games , The one & only Gerry Towers,Peter Lee,Eric Hudson,my younger brother Andy,there are many more whose names Sadly I can’t recall,maybe you Rakers out there can add to the list.Hey Robin your so right Mr R H Johnson,DICK,he was a lovely man ,didn’t really appreciate him back in the day.His classic ,It’s quite all right offifcer I’m in charge.Told Billy & I he played football league games for Bradford Park Ave,&The Dale must check it out???⚽️
Hi Ian!….happy new year….please join our rakers group on Facebook….
My 2nd cousin Ernest Johnson signed for New Brighton in 1937, the Sheffield Independent newspaper article dated 10 Nov 1937 stated “Following a months trial Ernest Johnson the former Sheffield United left halfback was yesterday signed on professional forms by New Brighton FC. Johnson who is 20 years old played four seasons with United as an Amateur & Professional. He later had a spell with Notts Forest before moving to New Brighton. He stands 5ft 7in & weighs 11st 2lbs. He may play for New Brighton against Rotherham on Saturday”
Carol,ernest johnson is listed on page 131 of the new brighton book a complete record of the rakers in the football league.He did make his debut at home to rotherham on 13th november 1937 and made 8 appearances in all.Goes on to say he was a keen workmanlike young halfback who spent 2 seasons with the rakers.Hope this helps
My Dad, Doug Barrow was secretary and chairman of New Brighton for a number of up to and including the move to Hoylake.
Hi George! Yes you’re right he was! Think he lived in Bidston avenue. Was a local ref along with Bill Hines.
J
Back in 1962 after the new floodlights in October a group of us local youngsters youst to appear,playing football at the Rakers training nights.Just think about it. At the Molineux Drive end we enjoyed playing on grass under floodlights, amazing looking back,and fagging the training balls from the players if they came our way.I think some nights we could finish our games in darkness .Just imagine that to day.Anyone else remember great nights at the Tower Grounds⚽️⚽️ 55 years ago.??
My grandfather, George Doyle, often recounts a brief spell he had with New Brighton, memory is vague but we think in the late 50s. Does anyone here remember him, as I’d love to know more about his time with the club, I’m trying to document a family history.
I am currently researching the history of the Rakers post-1951 but so far I have not yet come across a George Doyle. The only Doyle I have recorded is “Jack” Doyle who joined Rakers from Scottish junior football in 1936. It is possible that your grandfather played for the Rakers’ reserves or ‘A’ team for which reporting was inconsistent to poor. Could it also be possible that he played for New Brighton Baptists rather than Rakers? If your grandfather can relate any further information I will try to help.
He certainly was,Rob.I think he arrived in 1965 – he played in the FA Cup defeat at Borough United that year.Last time I recall seeing him was at a Reserve match at Harrowby.
Happy New year Ian.A reunion would be good!
Look forward to seeing you again after a 47 year break!
Help Please! I’m trying to find two programmes to complete my collection of Football League club arrivals and departures since 1938. Both are 1950/51 New Brighton matches and one sold recently for £300. I’s happily pay that amount for either of the two.
They matches are New Brighton v Chester on 2 May and Shrewsbury v New Brighton on 5 May.
Perhaps someone’s grandfather or father still has them and would be willing to sell them.
I have copies of the first home league game programme of every team to come into the league since Ipswich Town replaced Gillingham in 1938 to today. If their first or last game was away from home, I have a copy of that programme too.
So all help, advice – and programmes gratefully received
Good luck!
Hi loved reading all about new Brighton just wondered if any of my old Teammates are still around really enjoyed my time playing for new Brighton It would be nice to hear from someone as I’ve lost touch with everyone there cheers Trevor Finnigan
Hi Trevor, You may not remember me I was only there for about 18/24 months, but we did play together, Where did you end up living, I am still on the Wirral in Moreton.
Have you been on Facebook there is a page for New Brighton Rakers. Take care & stay safe.
Good to hear from you.
JOE DODD info@jgdodd.com
https://web.facebook.com/groups/155156528407750
Hi Trevor….happy new year….you won’t know me….but we do have a Facebook group which we would love you to join? I have asked or sent you a request in the past, it’s called New Brighton Rakers afc….we do have some former players in the group including joe Dodd, Wally brown,Vic Thomson, davie greenhalgh, Paul meachin and Harry Trow….I hope you’ll consider joining?
Hi joe l do remember you l hope you are well it’s been a long time after this is all over l will get up there for a game l live in Sherborne Dorset take care son Trevor
Hi Trevor, Yes and it has only been 50 years, go to New Brighton AFC Rakers on facebook I posted a picture of you along with George Scott, Kenny Jones & Vic Thomson, how did you end up down there, Vic Thomson lives over the other side by Norwich.See you soon, Regards Joe Dodd. info@jgdodd.com
I’m trying to find out what my great grandfathers role at the club was. His name was Ben Usher. I was told when I was young that he was the chairman at some point but can’t see any record of his name anywhere ? I’m Not even sure what era it might have been in. Does this name ring a bell with anybody?
Ben Usher was a Director of NBAFC,He ran a Travel Agents in Liscard c1968.70.
Luke
Don’t think he was chairman, but yes, he was on the committee
I’m trying to find out about my grandads role in the club his name was John Disley (Johnny). I think he must of been at Brighton in the 60s he played for New Brighton and burscough He passed away last week at the age of 92 and I would love to find out more about his football past.
Hi Michelle!…very sorry to hear about your grandad….Johnny disley was a very talented footballer and greatly respected at new Brighton. We have a team photo with him on it, from around 1962. New Brighton AFC (Rakers)…on facebook
Sorry to hear of your grandfather’s passing Michrlle.I played with John as a youngsters at New Brighton.He gave me great support and a lot of advise.We sometimes use to have a pint afterwards at the Legs of Man.He was a great player and also a genuinely nice person.May he rest on peaceWally Brown. .
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Hi Michelle,
I have been trying to put together a full record of New Brighton’s non-league history for many years.
According to my records your father played for Formby before joining Burscough in July 1953 and then New Brighton in June 1958. The Wallasey News described him as the ace schemer of Burscough’s attack and rated by many as the cleverest inside-forward in the [Lancashire] Combination. He remained at New Brighton until March 1964 after which he seems to have gone to play for Stork football club in Bromborough for the remainder of the season. I have found nothing further, so he may then have retired from football.
Newspaper reports of semi-professional football were not always very detailed or accurate and there are a few gaps in my records. But I have him playing 233 matches for New Brighton, scoring 81 goals, mostly all in the first team.
There is a book about Burscough called ‘Green Village Heroes’ which contains seven team photographs including your father and records that he scored 79 goals for them during the period 1953-1958.
Not too much I’m afraid but I hope it helps show what a good player was.
Hi John and all New Brightonians,
Every now and again I come back to this site to renew my plea. Does anyone have a copy of New Brighton’s last home league programme against Chester on 2 May 1951, please?
I have copies of the last home – and away if that was their final game – programmes for every team to come in and go out of the league since 1938. With one gap!!!
Any help, guidance, advice – or programme – gratefully received.
Thanks for reading.
Best Wishes,
John Palmer
07881 738029