South Liverpool FC (England)
Most of the
clubs were dissolved because of financial reasons or merged with other clubs to
try and compete at a higher level or to try and survive. But this next club
became a Forgotten Football Club because of their decision to relocate and
change their name. It is a rare occurrence that this type of thing happens in
the UK or Ireland and is more common in places like the United States of
America, were football clubs are seen as franchises and can be moved to
different area’s by their owners. The only modern-day example that this next
club can be compared to is the Wimbledon AFC and MK Dons situation. South
Liverpool FC went through a similar situation, and on numerous occasions saw
the club relocate and change name. However, this is the story of South
Liverpool FC.
South Liverpool
FC were a club that were formed back in 1890’s, with an official founding date
not confirmed. They were originally known as African Royal up until 1897. The
club wore white shirts with black shirts and red socks.
The club changed its name to South Liverpool FC in 1897 when they relocated to
Dingle in South Liverpool. They played in The Combination League and the
Lancashire league at first before moving to the Lancashire Combination in 1911.
They started to build momentum and gained promotion to the First Division in
1913. However, their progress was halted when World War I started, and so all
(competitive) football in England was suspended.
The club continued to play friendlies against Chester, Tranmere Rovers, Barrow,
and Accrington Stanley, all clubs close to them. Interestingly, the Secretary
and Managing director of South Liverpool FC became Hon. Secretary of Everton in
1918.
South Liverpool FC once again relocated in 1921, moving to Wallasey and
changing their name again to New Brighton. This was due to the club falling
into debt.
Whilst New Brighton took South Liverpool’s’ place within the Lancashire FA,
some people have disputed that they are the same club. However, here at
Forgotten Football Club, we deem them a totally different club. (People are
free to disagree)
A phoenix Club, named South Liverpool FC, was founded in 1935, and they
currently play in the Northwest Counties League. They have had some relative
successful, most notably winning the Welsh Cup in 1939.