• West Lancashire League Champions: 1986/87
• Lancashire FA Amateur Shield Winners: 1988/89, 1990/91
Chairman Maurice Watkin
Vice-Chairman David Smith
Treasurer Paul Muspratt
Club Secretary John Squire
Matchday Secretary Gary Fawcett
Manager Kevin Watkin
Manager Dave Round
Safeguarding Officer Steve Thomas
Head of Digital Glen Ritchie
Groundskeepers Alan Wilson & Ian Littlehales
Bar Manager Sam Trewin
Good evening and welcome to Rakesmoor Lane for today’s North West Counties Football League fixture against Droylsden.
Tonight could be our final home fixture of the season. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster since my last notes. At times we’ve shown exactly what this group is capable of, but we’ve also had spells where results haven’t gone our way. The spirit and effort are still there, but the schedule has made things unpredictable.
There’s no hiding from the fact the fixture congestion has caught up with us. Playing three times a week at this level is a huge demand and you can see the physical toll it’s taken. A lot of the lads are turning up with knocks, carrying injuries and still putting themselves forward just to pull the shirt on. You can’t question their commitment.
Unfortunately, that fatigue has shown in a couple of games we probably should have managed better. We’ve dropped points late and those moments may end up being the difference between reaching the playoffs or just missing out. That’s the reality of such a long and demanding season.
But there’s still plenty to play for. We want to finish the season strongly and show the character this group has built all year. Droylsden are a very strong side and will provide another tough test, but if we bring the same determination and stick together, we’ll give ourselves every chance.
Let’s make some noise and give the lads that extra push this evening!
KEVIN WATKIN
It’s our last home game of the season and it’s a big one. Droylsden are a top side with plenty of quality, so we know we can’t perform like we have in the last couple of games. Those displays have been disappointing.
I do feel for the lads though – it’s been a long season and injuries have stretched us. You could see the fatigue on Monday with players carrying knocks and games coming thick and fast.
The good news is we should have a few bodies back with Patty Allington and Cal Fawcett returning, while Dicko and Sol are available again after work commitments. Luke Davey’s injury on Monday is a big blow.
Playoffs are a big ask now, but the lads still believe.
DAVE ROUND
This looks to be our last home fixture of the season, so I’d like to start by thanking everyone who has come up to Rakesmoor Lane to support us this year on behalf of the team. Your backing really does make a difference and hopefully you can all rally behind the lads one more time today against a strong Droylsden side.
The Easter fixtures didn’t go the way we wanted, which means we’ve got a bit of work to do in the final games if we’re going to sneak into those play-off places.
All we can do now is focus on the job in front of us. The lads will give everything over these last fixtures and then we’ll see where it leaves us when the final whistle goes.
It looks like this could be the last home game of the season, so a big thank you to everyone who’s come down to support us throughout the year. The backing from the sidelines has been brilliant and hopefully we can finish strongly in front of you.
The results over Easter were frustrating because we know we’re capable of more, but the situation is still in our hands if we finish the season well.
Droylsden will be a tough test because they’re a strong side, but games like this are why you play football. If we approach it the right way and give everything, we’ll give ourselves the best possible chance.
First of all, thanks to everyone who has supported the lads at Rakesmoor Lane this season. The atmosphere has been great and it always gives the team a lift when the place is busy.
The Easter weekend didn’t quite go to plan, which means the pressure is on a bit now if we want to push for the play-offs.
Droylsden will be another big challenge, but these are the sort of games you want to be involved in. The lads know what’s at stake and the aim is to leave everything out there and see where it takes us.
Age: 27
Position: Defender
Sponsor: Abbey House
Occupation: Site Engineer
How long have you been at Holker: 15 Years
Previous Clubs: None!
Childhood Football Hero: Stevie G
What is the best piece of footballing advice you’ve been given: You can’t control the weather, but you can control your attitudes
What is the most memorable game you’ve played: My first trophy in senior football and it was special to win it for groundsman and club legend Al Wilson.
How do you stay motivated during injury: The hunger to get back out onto the pitch is the main thing that keeps me going.
Who at Holker brings out the best in you: Paul Southward - he gave me lots of advice coming through at Holker as a young lad and even though most of it wasn’t great he tried his best. Although now he’s too busy golfing or watching Barrow.
Describe the gaffers in one word: Passionate
Home or Away Games: Home
Favourite Ground to play at: Darwen
Ronaldo or Messi?: Messi
If you could play for one team in the world, who: Liverpool
Early Bird or Night Owl: Early Bird
A Night in or A Night Out: A Night Out
Favourite Film: Goodfellas
Favourite Holiday Destination: Las Vegas
Karakoe Song: David Gray - Babylon
Droylsden FC, founded in 1892, are based in Droylsden, Greater Manchester, and play at The Butchers Arms in red and white. Nicknamed “The Bloods,” the club adopted their colours early in their history and became a long-standing presence in northern non-league football. Their highlights include promotion to the Conference National in 2007 and an FA Cup run to the Second Round Proper in 2010–11.
• Founded in 1892 – Established after an invitation from the landlord of The Butchers Arms pub.
• Nickname “The Bloods” – Inspired by the club’s traditional red and white colours.
• Manchester League Champions – Won the title in 1931 and again in 1933 during a strong pre-war era.
• Prolific Goal Scorer – Ernest “Gilly” Gillibrand scored 275 goals in just four seasons in the 1930s.
• Lancashire Combination Era – Joined the league in 1936 and later became a nursery club for Manchester City.
• Manchester Senior Cup Success – Winners of the competition in 1973, 1976 and 1979.
• NWCFL Champions – Won the North West Counties League Division Two title under Mark Fallon.
• Conference National Promotion – Reached the top tier of non-league football in 2007.
• FA Cup Highlight (2010-11) – Took Leyton Orient to a replay in the Second Round Proper.
• Return After Hiatus – Withdrew in 2020 due to Covid-19 impacts but rejoined the NWCFL in 2023.
Droylsden FC were originally formed in 1892 at the invitation o f Joseph Cropper, the landlord o f The Butchers Arms public house, to play behind the pub. After 2 0 years of various ups and downs, the club emerged from World War as the sole survivors amongst the local village teams, and as members of the Manchester League. Around this time, the club also adopted their now traditional colours of Red and White, as well as the inspiration for the unusual nickname of ‘The Bloods’. They also use the name ‘The Butchers Arms’ for their ground, as a nod to that initial invitation in 1892.
The 1930s was the era of Droylsden’s record goal scorer, Ernest “Gilly” Gillibrand, scorer of 275 goals in just four seasons. Gilly’s goals saw Droylsden to the Manchester League Championship in 1931 and again in 1933. In 1936, the club successfully applied to join the Lancashire Combination League and, a season later, became a nursery club to Manchester City, whose A team also played at the Butchers Arms.
Following the 2nd World War, the lease on the Butchers Arms ground was sold to Belle Vue FC, who renamed themselves Droylsden United. All of which meant that the Bloods were forced out to the nearby Moorside Trotting Stadium. The town wasn’t big enough for two clubs, especially with bad feeling between them, and after the local council bought the ground, a merger was negotiated, and Doylsden FC returned t o The Butchers Arms in 1952.
Two decades in the Combination ended in 1968 with a return to the Cheshire League, after the formation of the Northern Premier League. The club won the Manchester Senior Cup i n 1973, 1976 and 1979 and enjoyed some FA Cup success, reaching the Fourth Qualifying Round four times in five seasons and the Cup proper twice.
When the late 1970s side broke up, Droylsden’s fortunes slumped, and they finished a distant bottom o f the First Division i n 1982. They were then placed in Division Two o f the new North West Counties Football League. The unstable period ended with the appointment of Mark Fallon as player-manager. In his second season Fallon guided the club to the Second Division Championship, which was Droylsden’s first senior honour.
The following years saw Droylsden FC pick up plenty of trophies and accolades, with the highlights being promotion t o the Conference National league i n 2007, and reaching the 2nd round proper o f the FA Cup in 2010/11, where they took Leyton Orient t o a replay following a 1-1 draw a t The Butchers Arms.
O n 6th August 2020, due to the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic, Droylsden withdrew from the Northern Premier League, and failed to field a team for the 21/22 and 22/23 seasons. For the 2023/24 season, Droylsden FC re-joined the league, and entered the NWCFL First division South, moving to the First division North in 2024/25.
Holker’s Digital Media Team hand-picks their favourite photo this week.
DATE 08.08.24
Even on a brisk evening, they’re there. Lined up along the sideline, analysing every kick and backing the lads as always. Loyal Stags, whatever the weather.
Founded in 1936, Holker Old Boys AFC began as an under-16 side, formed by the former pupils of Holker Central Secondary School, originally located on Holker Street in Barrow-in-Furness. While the school has long been replaced by a bingo hall, the club’s legacy continues to thrive.
Founded in 1936, Holker Old Boys AFC began as an under-16 side, formed by the former pupils of Holker Central Secondary School, originally located on Holker Street in Barrowin-Furness. While the school has long been replaced by a bingo hall, the club’s legacy continues to thrive.
By 1939-40, Holker joined the North Western Open Age League, playing on local fields. Their commitment to youth football remained strong, with junior teams keeping their roots alive. The club expanded into the West Lancashire League in 1967, running teams in both leagues and later securing a permanent home at Rakesmoor Lane in 1971 - a site with a history as an isolation hospital and allotments.
The formation of the Furness Premier League in 1980 saw them enter two teams, with the Reserves progressing into the West Lancashire League Division 2. Success followed in the mid-80s, with a runner-up finish in 1985/86, before claiming the West Lancs League Division 1 title in their Golden Jubilee season (1986/87). The late 80s brought further glory, as Holker lifted the Adidas Lancashire Junior Shield twice, triumphing over Walkden Town (1988/89) and Park United (1990/91).
With ambitions to compete at a higher level, Holker faced the challenge of upgrading their Rakesmoor Lane ground. Through sheer determination and community effort, they expanded facilities, built new changing rooms, and enclosed the pitch. Their hard work paid off in 1991 when they secured a place in the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) Division Two.
Holker adapted well to the higher level, finishing third in 1993/94 and earning promotion to Division One. Their time in the top flight was mixed, peaking at 11th place in 1995/96 before a difficult spell led to relegation in 1998/99. This prompted a period of rebuilding, both financially and structurally. The club expanded its setup to include three open-age sides and a thriving junior section, covering ages six to sixteen, plus a girls’ team.
By 2002/03, Holker had regained stability, finishing fifth in Division Two. Off the pitch, significant investments followed, with £80,000 secured for stadium improvements, pitch drainage, and parking. Though the mid-2000s saw inconsistent league performances, there were standout moments: reaching the FA Cup’s Second Qualifying Round (2004/05) and hosting FC United of Manchester in 2005/06 before a record crowd of 2,303. These achievements provided vital funds for further ground improvements, including floodlight upgrades in 2006/07.
The club’s commitment to youth development was also recognised with the FA Charter Standard Development Club Award. This dedication bore fruit in 2006/07 when the U18s, featuring many future first-team players, won the LFA Furness Building Society Youth Cup. By 2008/09, the senior team had climbed to ninth in the renamed Vodkat League First Division.
Under Dave Smith and Maurice Watkin, Holker enjoyed a resurgence, finishing third in Division One in 2010/11. A managerial change in 2011/12 brought challenges, but Smith’s return helped steady the ship. The 2012/13 season was tough, with the club narrowly avoiding last place, though an FA Cup run provided a financial boost.
The 2013/14 season marked a turning point, with Gary Fawcett and Stuart Roberts leading the team to a respectable sixth-place finish and a semi-final appearance in the NWCFL Challenge Cup. Further improvements followed between 2017 and 2019, including pitch enhancements, bar refurbishments, and an extended kitchen. Chairman Maurice Watkin ensured a warm, modern club atmosphere.
Holker reached a milestone in 2018/19, playing their 1,000th NWCFL league game and receiving a commemorative trophy. Despite a challenging season, the team avoided relegation, with Kevin Watkin, Paul Southward, and Glyn Dixon taking the reins to guide the club to safety.
Through decades of highs and lows, Holker Old Boys AFC remains a club built on passion, resilience, and a deep-rooted community spirit - one that continues to shape its future with ambition and pride.
