1905-1906
A successful season, with Knutsford again competing in the Cheshire Amateur Cup.
On 18th November 1905 in round 2 vs Oldfield – match report available
TEAM: SIMPSON, BENTLEY, WALKER, CUMMINGS, A. WYCH (CPT) FLETCHER, BOWEN, RICHARDSON, EDWARDS, COX, F. WYCH.
They won a hard-fought victory 1-0 “without their star forward E.G. Bracegirdle” (he played for Knutsford Wednesday Cub in 1902 aged 16) who days before the match amid much controversy had been ‘poached’ by Northwich Vics for their Manchester & District League campaign and went on to play for Blackburn Rovers in May 1906 (vs Burnley).
EG Bracegirdle (Ernie) a local Knutsford man was born in 1886 and was the star player in the district during the mid-1900s – described as “a small man, but quick and with an eye for the goal”
From Blackburn Rovers “Pep” moved to Crewe Alexandra and played with them for two seasons. During this time, they were in the Central League, Altrincham was his “next stop” and he joined Altrincham Cheshire County League team.
He returned to Northwich, later playing for Winsford. It was while he was with this team that he broke his leg, which finished his active career in football. He was held in high esteem by everyone and, after his accident, Blackburn Rovers played a benefit match for him. Just before he went in the army in the 1914-1918 War he played outside left for Manchester United and later for Oldham Athletic.
1910 marked the emergence of the mighty Cranford FC who went on to win the Lancashire & Cheshire League & Hospital Cup in 3 consecutive seasons: 1912,13,14 & were unfortunate in losing the Cheshire Amateur Cup final after a replay
March 24th 1914 page 6
Cheshire Amateur Cup final at the Drill Field Northwich in front of a large crowd
Cranford 3 Bromboro Pool 3 after extra time
With Bromboro leading 2-1 at half time and putting Cranford defence under much pressure to make it 1-3 after 70 minutes, there was a sensational finish with Dean scoring 2 in the last 3 minutes to take it to extra time where Cranford had the better of exchanges but couldn’t find the winner.
Team: Bracegirdle, Cragg, Capper, Gibbons, Jackson, Newton, Bentley, Kempt, Drinkwater, Dean, Davies
(In these days there were 2 full backs, 3 half backs and 5 forwards incl. 2 wingers)
Capper & Dean were very good. Goals from Jackson 1 and Dean 2
Unfortunately, Cranford lost the replay 0-1 in a poor game
1914/1915
With the ‘call to arms’ by Lord Kitchener and with many young men in the Territorial Army, apart from League Division 1 and 2 plus a few other leagues – local football was cancelled due to the war and the fact that fit young footballers were the first in line to join the army. A circular from the FA in 1914 appealed “to the patriotism of all who are interested in the game to support the Nation in the present serious emergency … Players and spectators who are physically fit and otherwise able are urged to join the army at once.
1914-1918 – Billy Bracegirdle, Arthur Sumner, Harry Cragg and Daniel Caulfield died in the Great War – it is reported in the History of Lancashire & Cheshire League that the heaviest casualties suffered by one club was understood to be Cranford who lost 8 of their team killed in France.
1920s
Youth football flourishes but adult is football at a low ebb in the town during the 1920s, Cranford disappear and then reappear in the 1930s
In 1922 Cranford disappear from the Mid Cheshire League in February without completing their fixtures – no explanation is given
1932 the Club moves to their new ground – Friday 25th November 1932 Knutsford Guardian article:
“Cranford open new ground”
“A crowd of 400 witnessed the opening game on the new ground recently acquired by the Cranford amateurs in Manchester Road – on Saturday 26th November 1932 vs Wilmslow Albion – Colonel T Blatherwick kicked-off and the Cross-Town band were playing” Lord Egerton (who became the Club Patron) gifted the ground to the Club for football, in perpetuity at a peppercorn rent.
Cranford appear in the Wilmslow & District League and a Cuddington League is featured
Knutsford Parish Church, BWW & Knutsford Hightown are mentioned
During this period, the top local Amateur League is the Palatine Amateur League – which is featured heavily in the football reports
1935 a mention of a Knutsford Ladies Team losing 1-4 to Witton Ladies on Nov15th
1938-39 Competing again in Division 2 of the Altrincham & District Amateur League were: Knutsford Athletic who were top of the table until March 17th but trailed off & finished 3rd for the 2nd consecutive season
Following the 1939-1945 War, big crowds started returning as football was back on the agenda
First record of Knutsford Football after the War, is from FEB 8th 1946 when a Sports Meeting was called at the Cross Keys for Monday 10th February – Subject “a revival of football is a matter of considerable importance to the town. It was quickly decided to set the Knutsford Athletic Club on its feet again – with an approach being made to the County Council to use the Church playing fields. Everyone interested was asked to get in touch with Secretary Mr. W. (Billy) Hamman of 5 Coronation Square.” and so, on
10TH FEBRUARY 1946 KNUTSFORD FOOTBALL WAS REBORN AFTER THE WAR
Feb 22nd “Knutsford Athletic are back on their feet again & arranging a trial match for March 2nd “all players in the town and district are welcome”
Knutsford Guardian – Friday August 16th 1946 – “40 Players signed Knutsford Fc confident”
Knutsford. Football Club, formerly “Athletic,” hold their first trial match at their Manchester Road Ground, tomorrow (Saturday), in preparation for the season’s fixtures in the Northwich & District League, writes “Ernie Bees.”
First League game since the war – September 7th 1946
Knutsford FC 7 Norley Utd 0
Knutsford entertain Norley for their debut on their new ground at Manchester Road which is in perfect condition.
Article from Nov 1946
“History made in Knutsford football – first dressing rooms provided for the players”
“Knutsford senior team for the first time in the history of football in the town, dressed for their match against Nantwich in their nearly completed dressing rooms, writes a Guardian reporter. No other Knutsford Club has ever had dressing accommodation.
In a recent appeal to town people, Councillor A.E. Perry Chairman of the urban council mentioned the progress made by the Club in providing accommodation for players. In company with Councillor Perry and an official of the Club, I saw the work progressing. On the roof ‘Gillie’ Williamson, captain and right back of the senior team was putting the finishing touches to the roof with a tar brush. The pavilion, which had been converted from a hut, once stood on a local estate. It cost the Club £45 and was 82′ in length. It was carefully dismantled but a certain amount of material was bound to be lost. It was possible however, to house shower baths, presented by Major C.F. Lewis. The baths were originally part of a mobile bathing unit used in the desert by British troops. The Council came to the rescue, and through the good graces of Councillor Perry, the Club were able to obtain and old fire-fighting shed. With these assets, workers were able to assemble what is now considered to be ‘admirable dressing accommodation’ The ‘Club’ he continued, was also fortunate in that the Military Hospital authorities required a ground for German prisoners to play on 2 days per week. The Club has a ground which was available and placed it at their disposal free because they had the interests of football at heart he said. The Club did not know then that Major Bert Mason commandant of the hospital would be so kind as to arrange for volunteer German labour to assist the Club. As the official added ‘the great interest Major Mason, Councillor Perry and Major Lewis have taken in the Club, and a hard-working committee have made these things possible. The Club has a 3-year lease on the Ground which includes 2 playing pitches and ample more room. The players are training at the YMCA, but it is hoped that when the light evenings return there will be training and ball practice on the ground. Plans to run water to the baths and electric light to the pavilion are prepared, beside some shelter to be erected for supporters. These things however depend on the response to the appeal by Councillor Perry, mentioned in the sports page and editorial column of the Guardian recently. As a sports writer I have visited many football grounds in Cheshire, but “I have yet to see an amateur ground with superior accommodation to Knutsford’s. The interior of the pavilion is painted in attractive colours and seating accommodation is fitted all round. Partitions divide the teams. A stove heats the building. The question of refreshments brought this comment from the official “It is our intention in the near future to have a lady’s supporters committee who will assist in providing hot refreshments on the ground. These refreshments will be welcomed by supporters on cold afternoons”
1948 Knutsford join the new (re-formed) Mid Cheshire League
Friday 27th August 1948 – Knutsford FC open the new League programme (a big report in the paper)
Page 3 Column 1 & 2 incl. photo of Hughes & Burgess
Congleton Town Reserves 2 Knutsford 0
The players are all local Knutsford residents
Crowds of 300 are normal
Knutsford finish their 1st season in the new MCL in 12th place narrowly avoiding relegation by beating Barnton in one of their final games
History of the Mid-Cheshire Association
The Mid-Cheshire Football League was formally launched at a special meeting of the Northwich and District Football Association held at the “Cock Hotel” in Northwich, on 6 May 1948. There had been earlier similarly named leagues. A Mid-Cheshire League had been formed in 1906 but lasted just four seasons. Another had been established in 1919, but this too had been short-lived, and had disbanded in 1926, after only seven seasons.
1949-50
Bob Frith scores 49 goals in the season hitting the bar in the final game that would have made it the magic 50 goals
Jack Wilkinson joined Knutsford and made his debut on Christmas day 1951 vs Altrincham (Jack scored & Knutsford won) he left Knutsford in the summer of 1952 to join Witton. Knutsford received a cheque from Witton for £10 which was considered an insult and many of the committee wanted to send it back. Jack left Witton to join Arsenal.
ICI Alkali’s Ralph Hewitt became the first man in any grade of football to score over 100 goals in a season (101) He passed his century on 1st may 1953, by scoring 4 goals in the final match of the season against Altrincham reserves.
Manchester Utd sign 3 Knutsford boys
3 Youth Club Players; Harry Wragg, Geoff Eaton and Len Fulton sign Amateur forms For Matt Busby’s ‘Babes’
1953 “the Altrincham Amateur Cup went to Knutsford on Friday for the first time in the competitions 43-year existence, the first ever challenge cup trophy won by the Manchester road club. Friday’s game was the 5th since the war that they reached the final of a challenge cup competition. they have made 3 appearances in the Altrincham cup finals; 3 years ago, beaten by Altrincham reserves (1950), 2 years ago by Linotype (1951) and last year (1952) to Lostock Gralam in the MCL challenge cup. 1948 was another year.”
The late 40s – early 50s are described as the golden age of football
1955
Roger Hunt makes his debut against Knutsford…
Feb 10th 1955 Knutsford 7 Stockton Heath 5
“inside left hunt levelled the score at 4-4 but Knutsford came back to win 7-5”
playing inside left for Stockton Heath (later Warrington Town) his free-scoring performances soon began to attract the attention of several football league clubs.
He scored many goals against Knutsford. Roger did his National Service & then joined Liverpool
Knutsford Team: Beddard, M Gill, Platt, Bryning, Aldred, Booth, Battersby, Barclay, Prolze, Dennis, Eaton
Stockton Heath Team: Irons, Butler, Cleeton, Banner, Boardman, Martin, Bennett, Foster, Arnold, Hunt, Woods
57/58 best ever League placing of 5th P30 W15 D6 L7 F91 A63 Points 36
18TH April 1957 Wilmslow Albion 1 Knutsford 6 – with 3 new signings – Terry Jones, Pete Gregory and 17-year-old inside left Terry Murphy from ICI makes his debut scoring 2
58/59 current team considered one of the best –
finished 2nd to Runcorn Athletic and reached the semi-final of the Cheshire Amateur Cup
The death of the Club Patron Lord Egerton of Tatton was announced
1960
May 5th Knutsford 3 Linotype 2 after coming back from 0-2 down to win the MCL League Cup for the 2nd time in 3 years with goals from O’Hare, Dey and a penalty from Hewitt in the last 5 minutes. The team celebrated at the Con Club
Radcliffe again turns down the manager’s job at Northwich and Witton. Frank Rand has scored 40 goals for the season. Article “Terry Murphy the local lad with such a bright future at the Drill Field played as a guest for Hartford, and when the ball went into the river Weaver, he dived in in full kit to get the ball back.
May 26th 1960 Headlines – Mark Radcliffe is off to Witton Albion “It’s more like losing a friend than a manager’ says Tickle. Mark has promised not to take any players with him and intends to contact them to get them to sign for Knutsford again. In his short stay he transformed the Club into one of the best amateur outfits in the country says a Club official. Mark made 207 appearances for Witton as a player
1960s
5, 5, 15, 7, 11, 8, 10, 14,13,7
Featured teams including 2 future Chairmen – Dickie Walker & Dave Roberts
Average League position 9th (highest 5th) won the MCL Challenge Cup in 1960 and the ADAFL Senior Cup in 1961
Brian Deeley joined the Club as a 16-year-old in 1966
1970s
16, 16, 15,14,13,7,12,15,11,8
A poor decade for the Club with an average League position of 13th (highest 7th)
JB Parker Trophy finalists in 1975 and the Div 2 League Cup finalists in 1977
In 1976/77 Knutsford were relegated to the second division, forcing the resignation of their reserve side that had joined Div 2 in 1975. When the second division was disbanded in 1983, Knutsford were elected to the new single division.
1980s
8, 7, 11, 11,6,10,14,18,8,4
Spent 4 years in Div 2 before returning to Div 1 – average League position 10th (best 4th in 1989)
ADAFL Senior Cup Winners in 1984 and 1988
Managers: Brian Deeley and Phil ‘Wimmer’ Chapman
The reserves returned to the league in 1987 after the second division had been re-formed.
Jimmy Evans joined the Club in January 1986 from Warrington Town FC looking for “one more season” and liked the Club so much he ended up playing regularly for 22 more years 1st, Reserves, A, Veterans (500+ games and 200+ goals)
1990s
11,3,2,5,9,1,5,6,2,4
Managers: Phil Chapman, Kenny Harrison
Reserves: Jimmy Evans
A Team & Vets: Brian Deeley
Chairmen: Jim Armour, Kenny Harrison
Secretary: Kevin Deeley
A good decade on the pitch with an average League position of 5th and 10 trophies including runners-up in the Cheshire Amateur Cup in 1990 under Phil Chapman.
In 1991/92 Knutsford, in Kenny Harrison’s first season as manager, ended their barren period by winning the Division runners-up trophy. The reserves under player/manager Jimmy Evans reached the Division 2 challenge cup final in the same season but lost to Broadheath Central. In 1992/93, their last season in the Mid-Cheshire League, they were again beaten finalists.
In the same season, the senior team beat Winnington Park to win the J.B. Parker Trophy and then, two years later in
1995, finally the Mid-Cheshire League championship, a feat they almost repeated in 1997/98, but in controversial circumstances finished as runners-up to Barnton to whom they also lost the Challenge Cup final.
The star player of the 1990s was Altrincham’s Chris Leigh (left back & captain) who attracted the attention of Northwich Vics but stayed loyal to Knutsford FC.
Knutsford again won the J.B. Parker Trophy in 1999/2000 and at that time the club’s Manchester Road ground and changing rooms were seriously vandalized, and it appeared that the club might fold. However, the persistent efforts of loyal core members enabled the club to stay afloat and under the direction of new Chairman and ex player Dave Roberts, returned their facilities to the league’s high standards. As an acknowledgement of the hard-work of the committee and supporters, Knutsford were presented with the Bill Gray Club of the Year Trophy, in 2001/02, to add to the J.B. Parker Trophy which they lifted by beating Padgate.