• 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 afternoon and welcome to Rakesmoor Lane for today’s opening North West Counties Football League fixture against Nelson FC.
Pre-season’s been a valuable few weeks for us – a mix of tough sessions, proper minutes for the lads, and the chance to start bedding in a slightly new-look squad. It’s been a period of real graft, and credit to the group for how they’ve applied themselves. We’ve had some really useful fixtures too, so a big thanks to Barrow, Dalton, Ulverston and Millom for either hosting us or making the trip. Games like that give us the kind of test we need to sharpen up and push us closer to where we want to be by the time the season kicks off.
There’s no hiding from the fact we’ve lost a few key players over the summer, but that’s part of the game. It’s also an opportunity – and it’s been good to see a number of lads stepping up and showing they’re capable of filling those gaps. We’ve brought in players who add energy, pace and a real willingness to work, and with a couple of experienced heads back in the fold too, there’s a healthy balance in the squad. If we keep learning, working hard and building together, there’s real potential for an exciting season ahead.
Our aim remains the same – we want to be up there, competing at the right end of the table. But that only happens if we maintain our standards every single week. We’ve seen signs of character and togetherness already, but we know it’ll be consistency that counts over the long run. If we stick to what we know works, stay grounded and push each other, we’ll give ourselves every chance of achieving something again this year.
KEVIN WATKIN
Today’s going to be a tough test. Nelson are a very good side with real quality throughout, and we know we’ll have to be at our best to get something from the game.
Both games against them last season were entertaining – we won both, but it took big performances, especially defensively, to come out on top. I expect more of the same today.
It’s been a challenging pre-season after losing five key players, but we’ve brought in lads with energy, pace and a great attitude. We’re confident they can step up. Great to have Brad Hubbould back fit too – he brings real quality and experience in the middle.
Let’s get the season off to a good start.
DAVE ROUND
It’s fair to say it’s been a pre-season of change for us. We’ve not had loads of games, but the ones we have had have been a real mix. Some where we’ve had plenty of the ball, and others, like against Barrow, that were more about digging in and testing our fitness. With a few key lads moving on, it’s shaken things up a bit, but it’s also given others a chance to step in and take that opportunity. We’ve got young players who are hungry, and for a club like ours, that stepping-stone pathway is something we should be proud of.
We know today won’t be easy. Nelson are no mugs and they’ve probably kept hold of a lot of last season’s group, but being back at Rakesmoor gives us a boost. If we’re fit, switched on, and play the way we know we can, we give ourselves every chance. It would be great to start the season on the front foot.
The aim is still the same for us – to be up there challenging. We’ve come a long way over the last few years, and there’s a real desire to go and win something as a group. People are starting to take notice of what we’re building here, and rightly so – but we’re not settling for just that.
Since coming in last year, I’ve really enjoyed my time as a Stag. The lads are a great laugh – and a few can even play a bit too. I’m buzzing for the season to start now, and there’s no better way than a home game against a team who’ll be right up there again.
We’ll be tested in different ways this year. A few lads have earned moves up the pyramid – they’ve been great – but we’re gelling well in pre-season and building nicely. Last year’s near misses still hurt, and we know what we’re capable of. With the right effort and attitude, we’ll be right in the mix again.
It’s been a solid pre-season so far – tough sessions, a few new faces in, and a proper shift from everyone. We’ve lost a couple of key players to moves higher up, but that’s part of the game at this level. They’ve done their bit for us and leave with respect. Now it’s about the rest of us stepping up and setting the tone for what’s to come.
There’s still a bit of frustration from last season. We were in the mix for play-offs and a cup run, but just came up short. It’s stuck with a few of us. But that’s also added motivation. If we get the basics right and push each other every week, there’s no reason we can’t go again and aim even higher.
Age: 26
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Sponsor: Unite The Union
Occupation: Electrician
How long have you been at Holker: 3 Years
Previous Clubs: Ulverston Rangers
Childhood Football Hero: Steven Gerrard
What is the best piece of footballing advice you’ve been given: Make every 50/50 a 60/40
What is the most memorable game you’ve played: South Liverpool away a few seasons ago because that was the last time I scored!
How do you stay motivated during injury: Fortunately I’m not particularly prone to injury, so a difficult question to answer!
Who at Holker brings out the best in you: Roundy when he plays me in Centre Midfield.
Describe the gaffers in one word: Unique
Home or Away Games: Home
Favourite Ground to play at: Darwen
Ronaldo or Messi?: Messi
Early Bird or Night Owl: Night Owl
A Night in or A Night Out: A Night Out
Favourite Film: Harry Potter
Favourite Holiday Destination: Ibiza
Karakoe Song: Take That - Shine
Nelson Football Club, founded in 1881 and nicknamed “The Admirals,” play at Victoria Park in Lancashire wearing blue shirts, white shorts, and white socks. In 1923, they famously became the first English side to beat Real Madrid away and also won at Manchester United. The club spent ten seasons in the Football League and now compete in the North West Counties League Division One North.
• Founded in 1881 – Inspired by watching a local derby between Burnley and Blackburn, locals formed the club which entered senior competition in 1889.
• Third Division North Champions (1922–23) – Nelson secured the league title in just their second Football League season, earning a short-lived but historic promotion to Division Two.
• Historic Wins in 1923 – On a post-season tour of Spain, Nelson beat Real Madrid 4–2 and also won away at Manchester United during the same campaign.
• Record Attendance – A crowd of 14,143 packed into Seedhill in 1926 for a league fixture against Bradford Park Avenue.
• FA Cup Pedigree – Nelson have played in many FA Cup proper rounds over the decades, including strong runs in the 1920s and 1950s.
• Victoria Park (“Little Wembley”) – Their current home since 1971, it features seating for around 150 and has become a well-loved venue in non-league circles.
• Lancashire Combination Success – The club were dominant in the post-war years, claiming league titles in 1949–50 and 1951–52 with impressive attacking records.
• League Ups and Downs – Since losing Football League status in 1931, Nelson have navigated several league changes, re-entries, and rebuilding phases.
• Promoted After 83 Years – After a long wait, Nelson were promoted in 2006 and again in 2014 under Mark Fell, scoring a remarkable 157 goals in the title-winning campaign.
• Modern Rebuild and Ambition – Now under the guidance of manager Gerry Harrison and a revitalised board, the club is pushing again for promotion while developing both facilities and local talent.
Think of a club that was the first English side to beat Real Madrid away from home. A side that also won away at Old Trafford in the same season. A side that has obtained positive results against six current Barclays Premiership clubs in league games (Manchester United, Crystal Palace, Hull City, Fulham, Southampton and Stoke City). A side that played in the Football League for ten seasons and has played competitive games against 34 current sides in the top four divisions. A side that has played many FA Cup ties in the competition proper with a record home attendance of over 14,000. All this, and more, has been achieved by ‘The History Boys’ of Nelson FC, also known as ‘The Admirals’.
The origins of Nelson FC can be reputedly traced to a group of townspeople who in 1881, on witnessing a local football match between Burnley and Blackburn, were inspired to form their own team. However, it wasn’t until 1889-90 that they competed in a senior competition, joining the Lancashire League upon its formation. The Blues started well, with a series of top six finishes, and claimed the title in great style in 1895/96, winning 22 of their 30 games and scoring 105 goals. However in 189899 the original club was disbanded.
Just a few months after their demise, Nelson were reformed and accepted into the North East Lancashire League, later joining the Central League. When football resumed after the First World War, Nelson embarked upon the most remarkable adventure of their history. In 1921 the thirteen non-reserve teams of the Central League were voted into the Football League`s newly formed Third Division North. The first league match, on August 27th 1921, brought a record attendance at Seedhill of 9,000.
The next season, 1922-23, saw the Blues lead a close race for much of the season, and five wins in a row during April saw them romp away to the title. One team was promoted from each of the Third Division North and South of the Football League at that time, and it meant Nelson were entering a nationwide league for the very first time.
On the back of their title triumph, and in preparation for life in Division Two, Nelson took the remarkable step of an overseas tour to Spain, in May 1923. They performed with some success, winning two of their four games - a 2-1 success against Real Oviedo and a 4-2 victory at Real Madrid.
Unfortunately Nelson`s time in Division Two was to be short-lived, lasting just the one season in which they finished second-bottom of the table. It was clear early on that they were struggling both on and off the pitch, but they achieved some remarkable feats on the way. They had a home victory over champions-elect Leeds United, one of only nine league defeats for the Yorkshire side. And their first away victory came at Manchester United. Few non-league clubs can claim to have won away at both Real Madrid and Manchester United!
A return to Division Three North brought a drop in attendances, though big games saw new records established, such as 13,500 for the visit of table-topping Darlington. That first season back in the third tier of the Football League saw a second-place finish to the NorthEastern side, hence no promotion, and was to be the last time the Blues seriously threatened a return to the national stage.
The next season brought a new and never beaten record attendance at Seedhill of 14,143 for the visit of leaders Bradford Park Avenue.
The home team went two goals down but came back to draw 2-2. Two seasons later Nelson became serious strugglers, finding themselves £6,500 in debt. A rockbottom finish meant a re-election application. They had conceded 136 goals during the season, and all the problems seemed to be down to insufficient gate receipts during difficult times for the area. Re-election was granted in 1928, but three seasons later Nelson were back in the same situation, and 1930-31 was to be their final season as a League club. Nelson struggled on in the Lancashire Combination without winning any honours, and things became much bleaker in 1936. A big loss was incurred that season and the club disbanded on 7th August.
Following the war, Nelson returned to action and to the Lancashire Combination. They were involved in some terrific tussles for the title with Wigan Athletic over the next few seasons, winning it twice in 1949/50 and 1951/52. In those three seasons of 42 league games apiece, Nelson scored 125, 120 and 139 goals respectively. The first title season also saw Nelson clinch the Lancashire Combination Cup to seal an historic Double in what was at the time one of the premier leagues in the country outside of the Football League.
The men at the forefront of this period of success were two young player-managers. Centre-half Bob Johnson moved from Burnley for the start of the 1949/50 season and, when his contract expired, the Blues landed a young man from Manchester City, 30-year-old Joe Fagan.
The team built by ‘Uncle Joe’ romped to the title in his first season in 1951/52. Joe left to join Liverpool`s boot room team in 1958 and 25 years later he was the manager who took the Reds to a European Cup, League Championship and League Cup treble.
As Fagan was beginning his long association with the Merseysiders, Nelson’s fortunes were to move, quite markedly, in the opposite direction. A third Combination Cup arrived in 1959/60, but a second place finish in 1960/61 was to be the nearest they came to winning the Combination title again. A third place was collected in the final season of that League in 1981/82 - which by this time had lost much of its former quality and statusbefore the restructuring of the non-league pyramid.
Nelson joined the Third Division of the newly created North West Counties League - an amalgamation of the Lancashire Combination and Cheshire County Leaguein 1982. During that era, Nelson also moved out of their old Seedhill ground, and it was sadly demolished to make way for the M65 motorway, although subsequently the route was tweaked and most of the original site is still intact, minus of course the stands and buildings. The club were transferred into the Second Division of the North West Counties League when the Third Division was dropped six seasons later.
However, after one more season, the club`s new ground was deemed not to be up to league standard, and the team were forced to play in the Second Division of the
West Lancashire League for four seasons. It was a tough period for the Blues, and they finished no higher than 15th in that time. After much hard work, the new ground at Victoria Park - known by the locals as ‘Little Wembley’Â - was brought up to scratch, and the club were re-admitted to the North West Counties League. In the years that followed, Nelson usually finished in the top half of the lower Division.
A cruel end to the 2000/2001 season saw Nelson finish above Atherton LR in the third and final promotion place on the final day of the season, only to see the latter granted a replay of their final game as their opponents had fielded an ineligible player. Atherton won the replayed game to snatch away third spot from the Blues.
Former Blackburn Rovers coach David Hall took over the manager`s role at the start of the 2004/05 season, and set about rebuilding a fresh young team. Hall was to leave after a poor start to the following season, but his assistant Graham Howarth took over and oversaw an incredible late run which propelled the Blues to a third place finish, bringing with it a first promotion for the club in 83 years.
The club fought off relegation threats and maintained a place in the Premier Division for four seasons before administrative troubles forced the club to resign from the NWCFL in the summer of 2010.
After a year out to regroup, Nelson rejoined the First Division under new ownership.
With a mixed board containing English and Asian board members that reflect the diversity within the town in the modern era, the club now aims to build a strong multicultural community club that acts as a bridge between diverse sections of the community uniting everyone under the common banner of football and providing a pathway into senior non-league football for any local players good enough, regardless of their race or religion or background. Longer term the club want to re-establish themselves as the leading non-league club in the region and eventually regain the Football League place they lost in 1931.
The first season back was a transitional one as the new owners learnt about life running a senior football team and a 15th place finish was achieved. The 2012/13 season started with a new young management team of Robert Grimes and Michael Morrison and things started well with The Admirals racing to the top of the table. However cracks soon started to appear and a couple of months in the management team departed along with most of the squad. Nelson limped along for a few weeks taking some heavy defeats due to fielding what was effectively the clubs reserve team before manager Mark Fell arrived. He immediately brought stability to the club and an upturn in fortunes along with a host of new signings.
Through his contacts he also established a permanent training ground and base for the club at Accrington & Rossendale College meaning the club now boasts exactly the same training facilities as League Two neighbours Accrington Stanley. On the pitch the side recovered to a mid table 10th position.
Fell’s first full season brought long awaited success back to the town, a first league title in 62 years. Fell’s Nelson were outstanding, scoring a remarkable 157 goals in 45 games and winning the NWCFL division 1 by 5 clear points. Nelson’s Peter Wright became the league’s top scorer with 38 goals.
2014/15 saw the Admirals return to the NWCFL Premier Division with The Blues managing to finish a respectable 11th place, the club’s highest position in over 30 years. Last season ,despite a bright start, a run of 7 defeats in 9 games saw Mark Fell decide to step down as Manager and replaced by ex Nelson Striker Paul Fildes who guided Nelson to 16th by the end of the season. Just before preseason Fildes was offered the Manager position at Ramsbottom Utd and left Nelson looking for a new manager.
Ahead of the 2016/17 season ex Burnley player Phil Eastwood was appointed Manager however after only 1 win in the first 10 league games Eastwood stood down in October. The Admirals decided to promote Youth Team manager Alex Norwood to First Team Manager as the club look to avoid relegation from the Premier Division. Unfortunately relegation was confirmed and now the club are looking to bounce back and fight at the top end of Division One.
2023/2024 New Owners took over the club with the team in bottom place in the league And having to bring in a large number of players, Under manager Arron Ripley and his assistant Liam Lishman the team eventually came together and produced 3 wins and 2 draws from the remaining games but still finished in bottom place, as the new season draws near the ground is having a massive face lift new hospitality suite club house and stands We were given a reprieve by the F A so we will continue in the North West Counties League.
2024/25 Arron Ripley left to be replaced by Gerry Harrison who has overseen a 9-game unbeaten run. With just 4 league games left we are top of the league with 70 points. Having lost three of the last four games Nelson finished runners up in the league and entered the playoffs losing 10-9 on penalties to Euxton Villa who went on to gain promotion.
Holker’s Digital Media Team hand-picks their favourite photo this week.
DATE 17.01.23
BURY
An Ian Allington classic. Snapped after a snowy 4-0 defeat away at Bury in the FA Vase 4th Round back in 2023. The result wasn’t one to remember, but this shot perfectly captures the passion and commitment from the lads that day.
Ahead of the 2025/26 season, BBC Radio Cumbria’s Adam Johnson reflects on his connection with Holker Old Boys and the unique spirit that sets the club apart. From a freezing first encounter in 2018 to covering unforgettable highs and near-misses, Adam shares his admiration for the Stags, their resilience, and what lies ahead for this determined group heading into the new campaign.
My affiliation with Holker Old Boys started on a bitterly cold Saturday Afternoon in January 2018.
At the time, I was a volunteer commentator and presenter at Radio Lonsdale, Barrow Hospital Radio. Our Saturday sport show was thrown into disarray when Barrow’s National League game away at Guiseley was postponed, leaving us with a blank afternoon. Instead of just leaving the auto music play, I decided to look for a game I could commentate on to at least keep the sports show going; step forward, Holker Old Boys. The stags were due to play Bacup Borough at Rakesmoor Lane in the North West Counties First Division North –messages sent, press applications gratefully accepted, and away I went.
From the moment I arrived at the ground, I was given an amazing, warm welcome – tables, chairs, hot drinks – every request was catered to. Little did I know that a 3pm kick-off would be pushed back to about 5pm due to the most bizarre reason I had ever heard – the referee, having seen the weather forecast, assumed the game would be called off and had not set off! A few phone calls to the referee later, he eventually arrived at Rakesmoor Lane, and the game was underway. A sports show which usually runs from 2:30pm – 5:30pm ended up running until around 7pm with me sitting outside in the freezing cold for the duration, playing music, keeping the patients at the hospital updated with scores and anecdotes from the day and eventually the full 90 minutes of a 2-1 victory for Holker.
Despite the bitterly cold temperatures, one thing kept me extremely warm: the hospitality shown to me by everyone at the club throughout my stay.
For me, every time I come to Rakesmoor Lane, it’s the community feel that I enjoy. You’re not just a supporter or a broadcaster; you are treated very much like a part of the club.
The Stags consistently fight against the odds, being the only out-and-out amateur side in the division. Yet, they continue to place among the promotion contenders.
The season where they finished 2nd in the table to Bury only to fall short in the play off final to Golcar – any other season Holker would have ran away with the title – and to come so close but to fall in the final was gut wretching – but the scenes in the bar after the game were by no means a side in mourning, it was more like a celebration of what had been a fantastic season.
Since then, they have battled hard, coming closer and closer; last season, they lost on penalties to a Droylsden side who, 10 years previously, were playing in the top flight of Non-League football.
This season will certainly be an interesting one, with the departures of some massively key players. It’s a little bittersweet, really. With a stag’s hat on, it is very sad to see them go. But, as a proud Barrovian, it’s fantastic to see local lads doing well for themselves. It is also a testament to the work done by Kev and Roundy, giving them the stage and the coaching to perform.
What their departure does is give the next set a chance to perform, with the opportunity to emulate those who have gone before and progress themselves. If, come next summer, they have done that, then it will be because the side has been successful once again.
Best of luck to everyone at Holker Old Boys for the 2025/26 season.
Adam Johnson, BBC Radio Cumbria
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.
