They had a famous FA Cup run in the early 1990s, eventually being knocked out by Crewe 3-1 in the 3rd round. Roly Howard was manager for a record 33 years (1972-2005), although he will always be remembered by some fans as Kenny Dalglish's window cleaner. TV presenter Ray Stubbs once asked: "How's business, Roly?" to which Roly replied "Oh you know - ups and downs."
Former players include Michael Ball (Everton and Rangers) and Stephen Wright (Liverpool and Sunderland). The club motto is 'To Enjoy, Not Destroy.'
JACK sat in the driver’s seat of the car, his stumpy legs protruding out of the door as I laced up his polished boots.
Over my shoulder there were perhaps a dozen matches underway. Jack strained to see what was going on. Shouts and whistles echoed in the crisp, January air.
I could tell from his worried look that this was bigger, far noisier and more serious than Jack had expected.
“Look Dad, referees. Will we have a referee? What about two halves? I mean, changing ends at half-time like on telly?”
Stepping out of the car was like stepping into a boxing ring.
Everyone around us – coaches, parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents - seemed absorbed in their respective matches, each barking orders and barely managing to stifle their frustration as chances were missed.
The lack of laughter was striking, especially as the players were no older than 11. On the schoolyard they’d be whacking the ball around and whooping with delight. But this was serious.
Greavesy said it’s a funny old game. Few of the players or supporters here, apart from our little group of novices, were smiling which was a pity. Hope the atmosphere warms up with the weather over the next few weeks.
Thankfully a sense of fair play prevailed courtesy of some straight-talking referees. It was also good to see handshakes between captains at the coin-tossing and, generally, the refs were quick to penalise bad tacklers.
Jack’s opponents – the Hesketh Sharks - were all a year older than his team and obviously more experienced.
But it was the youngsters who started best and they got to the break 1-0 up and looking comfortable. For six years old they showed some great teamwork and they've clearly got buckets of determination.
They understandably showed a touch of naivety (it was their first proper game), although no-one expected them to start the second half attacking the same way as they did in the first half!
Two late goals turned the game on its head as the older boys finished stronger.
A fair result and a fair game. It was only a friendly and the boys will have learned a lot as their league campaign gets underway in the next few weeks.
Jack’s career statistics to date? Played one. Lost one.
But, as one wag put it, at least they're unbeaten in the league.
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