Welcome to the Berry Street Garage Stadium for this Pitching In Northern Premier League Game vs Colne FC
Don’t miss any action if you can’t get to the match! Keep updated with live commentary on purps FM & Purps TV.
City of Liverpool Football Club is a registered society under the Cooperative and Community Benefit Societies Act
2014. Our Registration Number is 7231. We are a supporter owned football club, with all shareholders owning 1 share each and operating on a 1 member 1 vote basis.
Chairman: Paul Manning
Deputy Chairman: Peter Furmedge
Club Secretary: John Lavin
Club Welfare Officer: Mike Caulfield
COLFC Community: Sean Lindblad
Club Directors: Paul Manning, Peter Furmedge, Earl Jenkins, John Lavin, Mike Caulfield, Sean Lindblad, Thomas Keiner, Amanda Manning
Volunteer Co-Ordinator: Mike Caulfield
Charity & Mascots Co-Ordinator: Amanda Manning
Programme Editor: Sean Lindblad
Gatehouse: Peter Furmedge, Howard Klarfeld
Hospitality: Amanda Manning,
Stewards: Peter Manning, Lee Thwaite, Howard Klarfeld, John Lavin.
Website: Sean Lindblad
COLlotto: Paul Manning
Purps TV: Jason Morland
Purps Matchday: Michael Meadows, Sam Pearson
NLP Correspondent: Michael Meadows
Club Graphics: Sean Lindblad
First Team Staff - Michael Ellison, Mathew Cross, Chris Lawton, Ryan Brookfield, Georgia
Dutton (physio)
Junior Section - Earl Jenkins / Sean Lindblad
In 1966 a group of friends were playing mainly friendly games on a Sunday based at The Trumpet Public House in Hanley. (The building is now occupied by McDonalds, facing the Wetherspoons pub).
The friends decided to join a Saturday league (Longton League) and changed their name to Hanley Town (Owen Rhead took on the mangers role in 1966). That very first season the club won the Longton League and the Longton Charity Cup. The team were playing on a pitch rented from a local engineering firm Copestick & Farrell on Victoria Road just outside Hanley.
In the 1967/68 season the club moved up to the Staffordshire County League (North) and were placed in Division 2, a reserve team was formed and replaced the first team in the Longton League. The season was one of the most successful – the combined teams winning six trophies and were runnersup in two others. Washing and changing facilities were built at the ground making the club one of the first in
the area to have touchline facilities.
1967/68 season Honours:
Staffs County League (North) Division 1 Champions; Longton League Champions; Longton League Cup Winners (vs Meir CA)
Hanley Cup Winners (vs Burslem Albion)
May Bank Cup Winners (vs Milton United)
Longton Charities Cup Winners; Staffordshire County League Cup Runners-Up (vs Cowlishaw Walker)
Leek Cup Runners-Up (vs Milton United)
The success continued for the ‘68/69 season with the first team becoming Division 4
1 Champions and the reserves retaining the Longton League title. Also won were: Longton League Cup (vs Fenton BL); the May Bank Cup (vs Wereton QP) and the Hanley Cup (vs Wereton QP). The first team were also runnersup in the Staffordshire Junior Cup (vs Pelsall Villa).
In 1971 the club lost its ground on Victoria Road to developers and so the club moved into a groundshare agreement with neighbours Eastwood Hanley, who were playing in the West Midlands League at the time. The reserves were able to continue to rent a ground from Johnsons nearby. Both Hanley teams were now playing in the Staffordshire County League (North), the first team in the Premier Division and the reserves in Division 1.
The ‘72/73 season saw the first team became Premier Division Champions, with the reserves finishing third in Division 1. The Staffordshire FA Challenge Cup was won beating Roebuck in the Final. With Eastwood wanting to increase the rent for the 1974/75 season to an unacceptable level the club agreed a groundshare with Leek Town. It was a disappointing season on the field, the first team finishing
5th in the County Premier Division, with the reserves finishing 12th out of 14 teams in Division 1. The club were runners-up in two cup competitions the Sentinel Cup and the Roger Lomas Trophy.
For the 1976/77 season under the managerial reins of Joe Wills, Hanley Town moved into their present ground on Abbey Lane where the club started to develop the facilities. The club also took the plunge into joining the Mid-Cheshire League Second Division which was in its second season.
A 4th place finish in the MidCheshire League Second Division and winning the Second Division cup, beating Knutsford 1-0 in the Final was not a bad first season in the new league.
The 1980/81 season was a disappointment as the club finished in its worst league position. The cup competitions though were a success however – the new Staffordshire FA Vase was introduced by the Staffordshire FA to replace the Intermediate Cup, 16 clubs from North and South of the County were invited to take part. Hanley Town had the honour of being the first winners defeating Chasetown over two legs, the
first-leg away at Chasetown ended 0-0, with the return leg at Abbey Lane, in front of 1,000 spectators ending 2-1 to Hanley. The League Cup was also retained after beating Linotype 2-1.
In the 1981/82 season the club finally became Mid-Cheshire League Champions by a six-point margin and only two defeats in the league all season. The clubs attempt to defend the Staffordshire FA Vase was almost successful as we reached the Final again, only to lose over two legs 2-0 to neighbours Eastwood Hanley.
The following three seasons were mediocre, but in the 1986/87 and 1987/88 seasons under the managerial reins of Peter Ward – the seasons provided the club with some success. Two third place finishes in the MidCheshire League; League Cup success beating Kidsgrove Athletic 3-1 after extra-time; winning the Leek Cup; the Newcastle Charities Cup and the club were also inaugural winners of the Congleton Floodlit Cup. The reserves during this period were Staffordshire Alliance League Premier Division RunnersUp and Premier Division Cup winners. The club started a youth team, the team playing
in the Staffordshire County Minor Youth League – they finished Runners-Up in the league, won the Subsidiary Cup and won the Sentinel Shield.
In 1988 the club applied for membership of the North West Counties League, but with new ground grading being introduced at the time, the club failed in its application. With the club’s application turned down, the first team left to play at a higher level for Nantwich Town who were in the North West Counties League at the time. In 1988/89 exStoke City, Port Vale and Crewe Alexandra player Terry Lees was given the task of rebuilding an entire new first team, and over the next few years began to assemble a team that was gradually climbing the table. Terry had to step down in 1993 due to other commitments outside of football.
Thereafter, in this period, began a slow decline, to which the club nearly folded in 1995.
Then ex-Port Vale player
Neville Chamberlain, first as manager, then as chairman steadied the club. The club returned to the Mid-Cheshire League for a season and then in 1998 joined the Midland
League (Staffordshire County Senior League).
Under the managerial reins of Darren Stair and Dave Price, the Midland League Cup Final was reached in 2003/04, unfortunately losing to Norton/Adderley Green in the final. The club had had to wait till the turn of the millennium to reach a major cup final (15 years).
Success was finally achieved the following season when Darren and Dave guided a young Hanley Town side to a treble of titles: Midland (SCSL) Champions; League Cup Winners (vs Hanford 2-1); Staffordshire FA Vase (vs Audley 1-0) and the reserves won the Leek Cup (vs Audley 4-2).
The following season the club retained the league title, losing just once in the league, however losing to Ball Haye Green in the Leek Cup Final.
Between 2006 and 2011 Steve Norris (FA Trophy winner) and then Dave Wooliscroft took on the managerial reins – consistently keeping the team in the top five of the league and onto a number of cup semi-finals.
For the 2011/12 Darren Stair’s brother, Colin Stair took over as first team manager after a successful few seasons
as reserve and youth team manager – he was assisted by Dave Price and Glen Parkes.
That season the team won the Staffordshire County Senior League Premier Division title and the reserve team managed by Mark Giblin and Steve Harrison won the Division 1 title.
The 2012/13 was a season of joy and sorrow – Colin Stair and Dave Price guided the first team to a memorable quadruple of titles. That season the first team became Staffordshire County Senior League Premier Division Champions; League Cup Winners (vs Wolstanton Utd 2-1); Staffordshire FA Vase Winners (vs Wolstanton Utd 3-1) and Leek Cup Winners (vs Audley 4-3 on pens,2-2 after extra-time).
With four league games remaining in the season, first team manager Colin Stair suddenly passed away, the lads brilliantly saw the season through to win the fourth title for ‘Codger’.
It was Colin’s ambition to get the club and manage at a higher level starting with the North West Counties Football League, which the club achieved by being accepted into the First Division of the
North West Counties League for the 2013/14 season. The first season at a higher level resulted in a fourth place, with Hanley also reaching the final of the NWCL First Division Trophy, unfortunately losing on penalties to Formby.
The 2014/15 season saw the first team reach the NWCL Division 1 play-off final against AFC Darwen after beating Holker Old Boys at Abbey Lane 3-1 in the SemiFinal. Unfortunately, Hanley went on to lose the final at Darwen’s Anchor Road ground in front of over 900 spectators.
The 2015/16 season saw the first team banish the disappointment of missing out on promotion the season before by becoming the North West Counties League First Division champions under the new management team of Dean Owen and Wayne Johnson in their first season in charge.
Hanley’s first year in the NWCL Premier Division (2016/17) saw them finish in a respectable 10th place. In the 2017/18 season, Hanley finished in 8th place in the NWCL Premier Division.
The 2018/19 season was a
turbulent one for the club, both on and off the field, with Hanley needing (and getting) a win on the last game of the season in order to secure safety in the NWCL Premier Division. Hanley ended the season having had three different managers throughout the season, with former player Mick Morton being the latest recruit in January 2019. Mick successfully kept the club up, turning the clubs form right around towards the end of the season.
The 2019/20 season was cut short and later voided due to the Coronavirus pandemic. With eight games still to play, Hanley were sitting bottom of the table, and in the sole relegation spot, but were only one point behind the team above and with a game in hand on them – everything still to play for. Sadly, 2020/21 also went the same way with few games played.
In 2021/2022 the club made it as far as the FA Third Qualifying Round bowing out to National League North Brackley Town after a replay 1-0. The icing on the cake though was winning the Midland League Premier Division earning promotion to the NPL West Division for the 2022/23 campaign.
Highly rated Ryan was spotted playing for Winsford United in the North West Counties Premier Division when FC United took an interest in him.
Hamer joined the Broadhurst Park squad in 2021-22 and made a debut as substitute in the Fenix Trophy fixture against Brera in Italy in April 2022.
Ryan made the switch in pre season 22/23 to City of Liverpool FC as the purps manager Michael Ellison looks to build his squad ahead of an exciting season.
The 24-year-old defender came through the youth ranks at Tranmere Rovers, spending 10 years with the Prenton Park outfit up to the age of 16.
He then had spells at Cammell Laird, Marine, Warrington Town and also represented Vauxhall Motors who were at the time in the National League North.
In the summer of 2019 Hughes spent a period on trial with TNS, suitably impressing enough in a number of pre-season fixtures to earn a contract with the full-time club.
The 35-year-old custodian is no stranger to manager Paul McNally, having captained his Skelmersdale United side to promotion to the NPL after a play off against Cinderford at the end of last season.
Rejoining Skem in 2019, Barnes was a key figure as Macca slowly transformed their fortunes.
Adam picked up the August 2019 goal of the month award for TNS, for a fine right footed strike against Aberystwyth Town who he later went on to join on loan.
Jack Walls is a 20-year-old right back who joined the purps in November. Jack is a product of the Liverpool FC Academy.
Progressing up to Liverpool FC U23 football before leaving the Reds at the end of the 2020-21 season and being snapped up by the purps.
An impressive first season with the club came to fruition with Jack receiving the coveted young player of the season award for 21/22.
The 26 year old defender came through the youth ranks at Tranmere Rovers before leaving at the age of 18.
Shaw played 92 times for Marine across two spells before leaving at the end of last season, and has also represented Llandudno, Airbus UK and Widnes.
Blackburn Rovers and got to the FA Youth Cup final in 2012 with the Ewood Park side, eventually beaten by a Chelsea side featuring future Premier League stars Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Nathaniel Chalobah and Nathan Ake.
The experienced Wylie has played National League football for Stalybridge Celtic, featured in the NPL Premier Division with Marine and Warrington Town and also represented Skelmersdale United.
Our new signing is no stranger to manager Michael Ellison, who signed him for his Linnets side in 2018 from Marine, with the defender later going on to be appointed captain.
The 25 year old left back joins from Skelmersdale United where he was originally signed by Purps manager Paul McNally.
Hont has impressed this season in a Skem shirt, not least when his former side won 2-1 against his new team in August.
Jack has also previously represented Prestatyn Town, Burscough and AFC Liverpool.
The 28-year-old centre-back came through the youth ranks at
The 31 year old defender has previously represented a host of local clubs across the non league pyramid, including Marine, Burscough, Cammell Laird and Skelmersdale United.
Hollett rejoined Cables in October 2021 and was a pivotal figure for Kevin Lynch’s side with his leadership skills and no nonsense defending.
The experienced centreback became a real fan‘s favourite across two spells at the IP Truckparts Stadium, where he
was well known for committed displays and being immersed in the club both on and off the pitch.
The experienced defender joined the purps from Longridge Town in the NWCFL Premier Division and has previously played against his new club when representing Charnock Richard.
Schofield has experience of playing in the Northern Premier League for Burscough and had impressed as a trialist in a number of friendly fixtures for Michael Ellison’s side during the 21/22 preseason before committing to the purps .
winners against Litherland Remyca and Burscough in the title run in, as well as scoring “The Goal That Went Viral” by lobbing Hanley Town’s keeper with a first time effort from his own half in March 2019.
Michael Simpson –MidfielderSimmo was a key part of Michael Ellison’s Runcorn Linnets side which won the NWCFL Premier Division title.
A midfielder who is also capable of operating in defence, Simpson started his career at Bury before playing over 200 times for Linnets across a couple of spells.
Karl Clair – MidfielderClair came through the youth ranks at Liverpool FC and was part of the young reds side which got to the final of the 2009 FA Youth Cup, where he played alongside another former Purp in Michael Roberts.
Karlo originally joined the Purps from Marine in the summer of 2018 and made an immediate impression by slotting on his debut as his new club started the season by routing 1874 Northwich in their own back yard.
Clair went on to score crucial
Our new signing may be remembered by fans for scoring a spectacular brace as Linnets secured a resounding 5-1 win against Simon Burton’s Purps on their way to the 2018 NWCFL Premier Division title.
Since leaving the APEC Taxis Stadium, Simpson has recently represented NPL West champions Warrington Rylands and Step 5 play off winners Skelmersdale United.
Michael Grogan – DefenderAn experienced defender who
is also capable of operating in midfield, Grogan was a trainee at Manchester United before going on to represent a number of clubs across the Non League pyramid.
Mike has previously played for Warrington Town, Burscough, Cammell Laird and Telford United, where he was an important part of Liam Watson’s side as the Bucks won the 2013-14 Conference North title.
He notched an impressive 13 goals in 34 league appearances from a defensive midfield role, after joining from Cammell Laird in 2013.
Rylands earlier last year and now joins Michael Ellison’s Purps.
The winger returns for a fourth stint at the club, having initially signed from Liverpool Football College in 2017 and has made 101 appearances for the Purps to date, scoring 33 goals.
John was a key part of the side which won the 2018-19 NWCFL Premier Division title and scored the winner in a man of the match display as the Purps won the Reusch Champions Cup in July 2019.
Max Allen – MidfielderThe 24-year-old spent the summer of 2020 on trial with the Purps, impressing as “Trialist #1” in a number of pre-season fixtures before moving to America to play for College side San Jose State University Spartans.
A classy left-footed midfielder, Max started out at Liverpool Academy before moving to Bolton Wanderers at the age of 10, where he stayed until he was 18.
As a youngster he had a spell on loan in the NPL Premier Division with Skelmersdale United in 2017, featuring 16 times for Alan Rogers’ side.
After returning home from San Jose recently, Max signed for
Since leaving the club in 2020 John had a spell at NWCFL Premier side Lower Breck before moving to Widnes in September 2021.
McGrath hit fine form with Widnes, notching 12 goals in 23 appearances last season and became a real favourite at the DCBL stadium.
John now makes the return to his hometown club where he has always been held in high esteem for his energetic displays, creativity, and penchant for important goals.
JackJack, 22, signed from Liverpool
Hazlehurst –MidfielderFootball College in 2017 and has gone on to play 112 games, scoring 38 goals for the club.
The tricky attacking midfielder has become a firm fans favourite and has scored some memorable goals along the way.
The midfielder was a key part of manager Paul McNally’s side at Skem, making well over 300 appearances for the club across a couple of spells, and is now reunited with Macca and former team mate Danny Mitchley at Purple Hub.
Strickland represented both Manchester United and Chelsea at youth level, turning out for the London club up to the Under 18 age group.
Our new signing also spent a number of years at Marine where he made over 130 appearances for the Crosby club.
A versatile operator, Kenny is highly adept in a number of positions and will add to the strength in depth and leadership attributes Paul McNally is steadily building at the club.
The experienced forward had a stellar career in the professional game, amassing over 800 appearances in his career to date and left League Two side Newport County at the end of last season.
Ellison started his career in Non League with Southport and also turned out for Chorley and Conwy United before joining Altrincham.
After 23 goals in 51 appearances for Alty, Ellison attracted the interest of Peter Taylor at Leicester City, signing for the Foxes in 2001 and making his debut off the bench against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Kev has represented a number of clubs during his professional career, including Stockport County, Chester City, Hull City, Tranmere, Rotherham United and Bradford City.
Ellison is perhaps best known for a long spell at Morecambe, where he is a bona fide legend, scoring 81 goals in 352 appearances for the Shrimps.
The 32-year-old forward brings with him a wealth of experience which has seen him represent Blackpool, Southport, Mansfield, Wrexham and Altrincham amongst others.
Danny also had a fruitful spell with Marine during which time he scored 81 goals in 178 appearances and captained the side before leaving for Radcliffe in June 2019.
Mitchley is no stranger to Purps manager Paul McNally, for whom he has starred in recent years and leaves Skem after three spells at the club.
Our new forward has been a key player for Macca and was a pivotal figure in Skem’s promotion from the NWCFL Premier Division last season.
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