A BRIEF HISTORY OF MOTORMEN….

Vauxhall Motors F.C. was founded in 1963, shortly after the opening of the new Vauxhall Car Plant in Ellesmere Port. Early in its history, they played in the Ellesmere Port League and the Wirral Combination, but soon grew too strong for those leagues. In 1987 the motormen opened its own ground, Rivacre Park, where theclubplaystoday.

On the pitch, the club also started finding some success, winning its first West Cheshire League championship in the 1985–86. Soon after, they reached their first Cheshire Amateur Cup Final and triumphed in the Wirral Senior Cup.

In 1994–95, the club won both divisionsoftheleague,onlythe third time any club had achieved that in the 125-year history of the league and accepted back into the North West Counties League.

The next season was even better, with the team reaching the FA Vase semi-finals and winning the NWCL title, thus earning a spot in Division One of the Northern Premier League. The club enjoyed considerable success in the Northern Premier League as well, earning promotion to the Northern Premier League Premier Division in their first season, and finishing in second place in that division.

The team continued to play well, with its high point coming when they defeated QPR in their first appearanceintheFACupfirst before losing in the next round in a televised match against Macclesfield Town in November 2002.

In the 2009–10, the club finished 20th However, due to the earlier resignation of Farsley Celtic and the to financial troubles, Northwich Victoria, the club was again given a reprieve.

In March 2014 the club announced its intention to withdraw from the Conference North due to "ever-increasing costs" leaving the club with no alternative but to return to the West Cheshire League to stabilise and rebuild the club once again.

Taking over the reins at the Syncreon Arena as the club re-joins the NWCFL was Mick McGraa.

THE MOTORMEN: SIXTY

Second Guide

Ben Tollitt

Former Portsmouth and Oldham player, Ben Tollitt once featured for Vauxhall Motors.

Steve Mcnulty

Also featuring for Vauxhall Motors was former Fleetwood’s Steve McNulty.

Media Memoirs

Fa Cup 1st Round

Vauxhall Motors beat QPR in the first round of the FA Cup in 2002/03.

From The Press Box

Alex! Thank you for taking your time out to speak to us. Firstly, how did you get involved with Vauxhall Motors, and could you give us a rundown of your role at the club?

Dan, thank you! I first got involved with Vauxhalls in 2021 as we entered the first season back after COVID. Prior to this I was at Cammell Lairds and Tranmere Media, and came over toVauxhallsthatsummer.

My role at the club is to do matchday programmes and graphics, as well as organise a team of photographers, videographers, presenters, commentators, reporters - all of which help to produce the best content possible.

What is your matchday routine? Do you prefer home or awaygames?

With Alex Garbe

I prefer home games... I think it's easier from a media view as everything’s organised and you don’t have to rely on late arrivals etc and rush to organise! But I do love visiting new groundsespecially that trip to the Isle of Man!

It's been a fantastic season for Vauxhall Motors. Do you fancy your chances to go up? What do you think has been the main motivation behind the success this season? It's obviously going to be tough now until the end of the season.

At the time of writing, we've got 2 games against Bury and a game against Avro which will be crucial - but it's in our hands and the lads need to keep performing at the levels which we have done so for so long this season, and hopefully it comes with a reward.

We're up there with 5 or 6 teams who have challenged and I think that's why it will be so good when play offs come in next season.

I think a stronger squad and when we look at players which we have Lewis Buckley, James McCulloch, Adam Hughes, Sam all who have played at much higher levels have really pushed us to the position which

Who is the one to watch for

I think the main one to watch is Lewis Buckley. Any one of the front three which starts today can be lethal at times but Lewis with 22 goals this season is still in the race for NWCFL Top Goalscorer, but Lewis is a great talent!

Working on the media side of the club, what makes a good social media platform to you? Which clubs inspire you and are there any that impress you in the NWCFL?

I think that a good media platform is one who mixes the general style 'marketing' to promote games, with a bit of an insight to the club which fans wouldn’t usually get to see on a matchday - behind the scenes, extended highlights and more - and more inside of a non league club - from the fans, players, volunteers and more.

Bury's is very good and the Isle of Man - but your programme has got to be up there with one of the best in non league!

Footy scran now. What is your go to matchday scran? Who has the best in the NWCFL?

Footy Scran - I dont think we can say anyone but Avro. Last season was belter - think we had 3 burgers each!

But usually away from Avro I think the classic pie peas and gravy. I couldn't make Gate away last season so will be looking forward to trying it there - but Charnock Richard do a great pie aswell.

In terms of matchday programmes, again are they any that have stood out to you? What makes a good programme?

A Matchday Programme I think again has to link in with those who make the club - fans, volunteers etc. - who can give more of an insight. I think it also has to be 'personal' - with interviews where the reader thinks that they are talking to the interviewee. As I said, I think yours does that perfectly!

Your all time 5 a side for VM?

All time 5-a-side - I think our co-commentator would be fuming if I didn't put him in there from his Vauxhalls 'glory' days so Steve Hilton in goal.

Danny Collins and Steve McNulty at the back, Mark Duffy in midfield and Paul Mullin up top. All of which have played in the EFL!

The best match for VM in your time at the club?

Best match for Vauxhalls. A few are up there - the weekend in the Isle of Man this season, as well as the game at home to Runcorn season. Although losing 5 was a great day and a great experience for the lads in front of such a big crowd.

Any memorable moments?

Memorable moments as mentioned above - Isle of Man, Winsford, Runcorn Linnets and also Tranmere Rovers away in the CSC last season where we won 2-0 at Prenton Park, once again as underdogs.

How do you prepare your weeklycontent for the

We usually put together our Next Graphics for the following month at the start of the month, and then Patrick prepares his commentary notes the week prior to the match, and I also do the programme the week before the match. Ethan, our reporter, will do a preview piece too, but the big pieces of content come after match report, match gallery, Match Coverage (highlights, commentary, interviews, talking points etc.), and our TikTok Match in a Minute which is a mini highlights package.

Prediction for the game?

Coming towards the business end of the season now, hopefully we can get another 3 points so I'm going to have to go with 2-0 Vauxhalls - a win and a clean sheet.Sorry!