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IRLAM FC 36 THE TEAMS
from Squires Gate v Irlam
I R L A M F C
LAST SEASON Premier Division: 10th FA Cup: Preliminary Round FA Vase: 2nd Qualifying Round
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, IRLAM FOOTBALL CLUB began life as Mitchell Shackleton Football Club, founded in October 1969 by a group of employees working for Mitchell Shackleton Limited, a well established engineering company based in Eccles, which manufactured marine and diesel crankshafts. The founding members of Mitchell Shackleton Football Club were Bob Cowlishaw (Chairman), Bill Russell (Secretary) and Charlie Flynn (Treasurer, who served the Club also served as from 1981 until his death in 1994). They were ably supported by a Committee comprising of Alf Johnson (now Club President), Ged Moore (Kit Manager) and Stan Catlin (Team Manager). Although the Cub has been in existence for over 30 years, Mitchell Shackleton FC can trace teams playing under the Company's banner as far back as 1935.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF IRLAM…
Initially, the Football Club was financially supported through the Company's active Sports and Social Club, however the recession of the late 1970's led to the Company restructuring its business interests, and unfortunately a reduction in the workforce.
During this period, a re-structuring of the League saw Mitchells competing in the Industrial 'B' Division, in which the Club were runners-up in 1979-80.
In June 2000, Club Secretary Ian Street was named Premier Divison Secretary of the Year at the AGM of the Manchester League.
The new ground at Silver St was officially opened in 2003 with a visit from Brian McClair's Cup Winning Manchester United youth team. A further name change saw Irlam MS become Irlam FC, and the appointment of Warren Dodd as secretary of the Club, from Irlam Rangers Junior Club saw development increase at the ground
The 2018/2019 season was arguably the most successful season the Club has embarked upon since its entry into the national league system in 2008/2009. Although league position remarkably remained the same as season 2017/2018 (13th), it was in the national competitions where the young Irlam squad gave a glimpse of things to come in the future. An unprecedented FA Cup, surpassed only by an even greater campaign in the FA Vase, saw the side mentioned in dispatches up and down the country.
Looking ahead to the 22/23 season after a midtable finish in the previous campaign, manager John Main has sights set on improving further.
. IRLAM FC: THE SIXTY SECOND GUIDE
OLD TRAFFORD
The closest league ground to Irlam FC is Old Trafford, which is of course home to global football giants Manchester United
THE EARLY YEARS
Irlam FC began life as Mitchell Shackleton Football Club, founded in October 1969 by a group of employees working for Mitchell Shackleton Limited.
SILVER STREET
Irlam moved into their current home on Silver Street in 2003, with the record attendance of 903 watching the opening game against a young Manchester United XI
