The Red Rose County’s most successful club………..ever
128 years or 118 seasons (taking seasons lost to war years into consideration) is a massive length of time over which to compare performances but the table below lists all the clubs from the historic county of Lancashire that have played in the four professional divisions. If each season we compiled a list of our clubs and positioned them in a league table at the season’s end, the results would be as below,
Columns 1, 2 & 3 refer to the number of times the club has finished as the 1st, 2nd or 3rd highest rated Red Rose County club at a season’s end.
The “Tier 1, 2, 3, 4” columns refer to the number of seasons that club has played at that particular level.
Note that the Third Tier began in 1920-21 and the Fourth Tier in 1958-59
League Performances of the 23 Red Rose County Clubs to play in Tiers 1-4,
Seasons 1888/89 - 2015/16 based on a hypothetical Red Rose County League
Club
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
Last year in Tier 1
|
Last year in League
|
Tier
1
|
Tier
2
|
Tier 3
|
Tier
4
|
Total
|
Liverpool
|
35
|
28
|
19
|
Currently
|
Currently
|
102
|
11
|
0
|
0
|
113
|
Manchester United
|
33
|
18
|
15
|
Currently
|
Currently
|
93
|
22
|
0
|
0
|
115
|
Everton
|
19
|
18
|
28
|
Currently
|
Currently
|
114
|
4
|
0
|
0
|
118
|
Manchester City
|
13
|
14
|
12
|
Currently
|
Currently
|
89
|
25
|
1
|
0
|
115
|
Preston North End
|
7
|
6
|
6
|
1980
|
Currently
|
46
|
44
|
23
|
5
|
118
|
Burnley
|
5
|
9
|
3
|
Currently
|
Currently
|
54
|
46
|
11
|
7
|
118
|
Blackburn Rovers
|
4
|
10
|
13
|
2012
|
Currently
|
72
|
41
|
5
|
0
|
118
|
Bolton Wanderers
|
3
|
9
|
15
|
2012
|
Currently
|
73
|
32
|
12
|
1
|
118
|
Bury
|
1
|
3
|
4
|
1929
|
Currently
|
22
|
39
|
28
|
23
|
112
|
Blackpool
|
0
|
3
|
4
|
1977
|
Currently
|
28
|
50
|
23
|
8
|
109
|
Oldham Athletic
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
1994
|
Currently
|
12
|
36
|
44
|
7
|
99
|
Wigan Athletic
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
2013
|
Currently
|
8
|
5
|
15
|
11
|
39
|
Accrington
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1893
|
1893
|
5
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
5
|
Darwen
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1894
|
1899
|
2
|
6
|
0
|
0
|
8
|
Nelson
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1931
|
0
|
1
|
9
|
0
|
10
|
|
Bootle
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1893
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
|
Rochdale
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Currently
|
0
|
0
|
41
|
48
|
89
|
|
Southport
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1978
|
0
|
0
|
34
|
16
|
50
|
|
Barrow
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
172
|
0
|
0
|
34
|
11
|
45
|
|
Accrington Stanley 1891
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1962
|
0
|
0
|
33
|
2
|
35
|
|
Fleetwood
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Currently
|
0
|
0
|
3
|
2
|
5
|
|
Accrington Stanley
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Currently
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
11
|
11
|
|
Morecambe
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Currently
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
10
|
10
|
Statistics are there to be argued
about but to a neutral, it appears that Liverpool just has the edge over their
rivals from 30 miles up the East Lancs Road. This is only taking league
performances into consideration and Evertonians could possibly have a case,
arguing that years spent at the highest level should be a serious consideration.
Interestingly there have been three incarnations of professional clubs from the
relatively small town of Accrington.
Performances of last week
Manchester City 3 Barcelona 1 (Champions’ League group match)
Barcelona has almost become a synonym for unbeatable, such has been their brilliance over the last six years. So when a local side beats them (and reasonably comprehensively at that), it becomes a victory worth celebrating. The Catalans were lacking several stars and had sufficient chances to earn a draw, but City showed us what we have known for a while; namely that if they can keep possession long enough, they have a range of attacking options to scare the living day lights out of even the best teams. It is also worth noting that one Sergio Aguero was not on the scoresheet this time.
Bradford
City 1 Accrington Stanley 2 (FA Cup Round 1)
The West Yorkshire side, 29 places above their cross-Pennine
rivals was the firm favourite but Stanley led twice in pulling off an upset
which gives the side a place in Round 2. Accrington remained unfazed by
Bradford’s current form despite the Bantams equalising mid-way through the
second half. This cancelled out the headed opener from veteran Benin
international Rommy Bocco but Jordan Clark fired in the winner with 10 to go.
 |
| Rommy Bocco |
Liverpool
6 Watford 1 (Premier League)
Watford is not known for a propensity to fold under pressure so
Liverpool’s victory is even more noteworthy. Sadio Mane may also turn out to be
the signing of the season. £34 million for the Senegalese international
initially seemed like good business for Southampton but with 6 goals in 10
Premier League starts, Klopp must also be gleefully rubbing his hands. It is 30
months since the Kopites were last at number 1 (remember Gerrard’s slip v
Chelsea). Can they stay there?
 |
| Sadio Mané |
Brighouse Town 0 Lancaster City 1 (Northern
Premier League Division 1 North)
Brighouse
had come from virtually nowhere to top the Northern Prem North Division, but
Lancaster has had a magnificent last month and this away win has been the
cherry on the cake. It took until the 67th minute for Billy Akrigg
to net the winner and now City are astonishingly in a five way tie at the top
of the league along with Brighouse, Scarborough Athletic, Farsley Celtic and
Glossop North End, all on 28 points. It’s all to play for as the battle for the
top two promotion positions continues.
Games
to look forward to this week
It’s the International Break and the game we all ought to be
looking forward to is England v Scotland at Wembley on Friday evening. It will
be interesting to see how many players from Red Rose County clubs make
Southgate’s starting X1, but I suspect that our expectations for thrills and
excitement have been somewhat dampened by previous qualifying games. The Scots
are unlikely to turn up with a Denis Law, a Kenny Dalglish or a Jim Baxter so
it will probably be a torturous 90 minutes before England eke out a boring
victory. Will we still be awake at the final whistle is the big question?
No top 2 tier games in English football but there will be
excitement lower down the pyramid?
Padiham v
Bootle (FA Vase Round 2)
Padiham spent two seasons at Tier 8 but this is their second
season back in the North West Counties League. Until recently their
performances have been somewhat sluggish but in recent weeks they have begun to
flourish and are now in the top half of the league. Bootle has been absolutely
on fire recently and are challenging strongly for top spot, but this game at
the Arbories could be extremely close as both sides battle for a place in Round
3 of this prestigious national competition.
Bradford
City v Rochdale (League 1)
If Accrington Stanley is the miracle club of League 2, then Rochdale
must hold that title for League 1. Although it averages fewer than 3,500
spectators per home game, there is an extremely experienced manager in Keith
Hill at the helm. His loyalty to the Rochdale is beyond question and it is once
again in a position to challenge for a play-off spot. Bradford is having a
successful season and, backed by a 15,000 plus crowd, they have the wherewithal
to gain promotion. Even without the suspended Calvin Andrews, Rochdale will
still be a gritty outfit and this ought to be a very close encounter.
Sutton v
Barrow (National league)
Barrow
spent 45 seasons in the Football league until failing to seek re-election in 1972.
Sutton was renowned as an FA Cup giant killer in the 1980s, once beating high
flying Coventry City of the old Division 1. Both sides faded over the years but
have had recent resurgences and are competitive in the National League. It is Barrow
however that is really motoring at the moment. The “Seagulls” will be looking
to win in Surrey to push for second place and really cement their play-off
spot.
Darlington
v AFC Fylde (National League 1 North)
Is this English football’s game of the day? Darlington was cruelly
demoted down to Tier 9 for the transgressions of a previous management, losing
their ground and having to re-invent themselves as Darlington 1883. They have
thundered back up the leagues and are now on the tail of AFC Fylde, currently
leading the table by 4 points. Two ex-league clubs, Halifax Town and
Kidderminster Harriers are beginning to mount a challenge, but the money is on
one of Fylde or Darlington clinching the automatic promotion spot at the
season’s end. Much to play for in the north east!
Quiz
of the Week (Answers at the bottom of the post)
1 Who
did Manchester City pay £21million to for the transfer of Ilkay Gundogan this
summer?
2 Which
Red Rose County club defeated Derby County 6-0 to win the FA Cup in 1903, a
competition record?
3 Which
local town/city has 4 clubs (each a member of the North West Counties League)
all beginning with the letter A within the Borough boundary?
4 Who
scored the winner for the 10 man Manchester United in extra time to clinch the
2015-16 FA Cup Final at Wembley?
5 Which
Blackburn Rovers player gained the last of his 17 England International caps in
their catastrophic 6-3 defeat to Hungary in 1953, their first defeat at Wembley
to a Continental side?
6 Which
Red Rose County club played its only year in the Premier League in the 2010-11 season?
7 Which
Liverpool player in June 2006 became the last man to score a hat-trick for
England (v Jamaica) whilst playing for a Red Rose County club?
8 Liverpool’s
James Milner scored for which team in a Premier league match when he was just
16 years of age?
9 Which club did Nigerian legend Jay-Jay
Okocha play for between 2002 and 2006?
10 Which Northern Premier League North team
play at Shawbridge?
Decline and fall. Oldham post Joe Royle
Between 1989 and 1994, the Latics were capable
of taking on any side. However, two FA Cup semi-finals and a League Cup Final
plus promotion to the Premier League only heralded a false dawn. They were
literally seconds away from reaching their first ever FA Cup Final in 1994 when
Mark Hughes scored a last gasp equaliser but Oldham was crushed in the replay.
Joe Royle left to manage Everton and this started the slow decline as they
finally settled into a mid-table League 1 club. Under the tempestuous management
of Paul Dickov, there were moments to feel optimistic but since then the fall
has really accelerated with 7 different managers in three and a half years.
From their current 22nd position in League 1, relegation to the
graveyard division seems a distinct possibility.
Much to be delighted about at Deepdale
Six league games since October 1st, four against the top 4 ,have yielded a total of 13 points. Translated over a full season, that is table topping form. Yes the Championship is competitive and every club has a bad run, but to beat Norwich, Villa and Huddersfield, draw at Brighton and be desperately unlucky not to gain a draw at least against the high flying Toon smacks of the form of their lives. Simon Grayson has been around the block a few times and he has a raft of players in form, including Paul Gallagher, a Championship player of the month nominee and in-form striker Jordan Hugill. It was in 1962 that PNE were relegated from the top tier of English football. Can a Yorkshireman steer this traditional red rose club back to where it all began way back in 1888?Abbey Hey
Deep
in “City” territory in the Gorton area of Manchester is Abbey Hey FC.
Originally a successful Manchester League side, they built their own ground and
entered the North West Counties League where they have stayed (mainly in the
Premier Division) since 1998. They have a highest finish of 10th
last season when they also reached the 2nd qualifying round of the
FA Cup and are on target to beat that this season.
The magic of the FA Cup is back again
Eleven of our clubs played in Round 1 and none
of them lost over the weekend.
Well done to those going through at the first
time of asking. These are Bolton
Wanderers, Blackpool, Accrington Stanley and Oldham Athletic
Fingers
crossed for Bury, Rochdale, Morecambe, Barrow and Curzon Ashton in their
replays plus it’s another 90 minutes of Fleetwood and Southport. We need a goal
a goal this time in the Highbury replay
Post Weekend Musings
Let us all wish the very best of luck
to Warren Joyce, the new manager of Wigan Athletic. The son of Walter Joyce who
played in both Blue and White halves and Claret and Blue in the 1960s, Warren is
well known in the area, having played with distinction at Bolton, Preston and
Burnley. Noted for his aggression and never-say-die approach, he will need these
qualities a plenty in his new role, particularly following his debut defeat at
home to Reading. He has been managing Manchester United Reserves so the
ultra-competitive Championship will be a culture shock
Sergio Aguero scored for City v Middlesbrough on Saturday,
his 110th league goal in 159 Premier league games. It is a fantastic
record, taking him above Ryan Giggs into 20th place in the all-time list with
the likes of Emile Heskey, Dion Dublin and Ian Wright just a hat trick away. At 29, it will be interesting to see how far
he can climb up the list and equally interesting to see how long he will stay
in English football. When you realise that he also scored 54 league goals at
Independiente and 175 at Atletico Madrid (both in strong Premier Leagues), you
have to admit that he is a goal machine.
Jeff Stelling, anchor man for the Sky Sports Saturday
football marathon is a bright and extremely personable man with a wealth of
knowledge about the game. He is also tremendously witty and he claimed on
last Saturday’s programme that the Rochdale – Oldham derby was known
locally as El Flatcapico. I don’t know if this is correct but it ought to
come into common usage, for without a hint of disrespect to the long time,
long suffering spectators of the two fine clubs, it somehow reflects the
culture, style and tradition of these two ex-cotton mill towns.
In the spirit of competitive football, no-one wants to find
a pointless club in November. You could also argue that teams with 100% records
indicate a less than competitive league. This blog covers 15 leagues and close
to 120 clubs and only 3 teams meet the above criteria; all from the same
league. Aigburth Peoples Hall has 27 points from 9 games and Waterloo Dock 21
points from 7 games. Sadly MSB Woolton has lost all 8 so far. The competition
in question is the Liverpool County Premier League, normally renowned for its……..competitiveness. I suppose this is just one of those years.
We all thought that last year’s Premier League was fascinating and romantic (c’mon we all loved Claudio Ranieri), but is this year’s not even more interesting? No-one has a clue who will win, not even the “Einsteins” (not my words but Jose Mourinho’s) of the Fourth or is it the Fifth Estate. Liverpool has joined the party this season and there is a different table topper each time we look. Chelsea, followed closely by Liverpool, topped the bill this weekend but it could all change when they come out to do battle again in a fortnight.
Quiz Answers
1 Borussia Dortmund 2 Bury 3 Wigan
(Ashton Athletic, Atherton Collieries, Atherton LR, Ashton Town) 4 Jesse
Lingard 5 Bill
Eckersley 6
Blackpool, 7 Peter
Crouch (playing for Liverpool) 8 Leeds United, 9 Bolton Wanderers, 10 Clitheroe,
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