• 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 North West Counties Football League fixture against Squires Gate.
It’s been a little while since our last game, and like most in the group, I’m looking forward to getting back to it. The last few weeks have been frustrating with the stop-start fixture run, but the lads have trained well and kept their focus. That’ll be important tonight – we can’t afford to ease into the game or start slowly against what will be a tough opponent.
While the break has been disruptive in some ways, it has also brought a few positives. Most notably, it gave Cal the time he needed to recover fully from his hamstring injury. Having him back involved is a massive boost – he’s a key part of how we play and gives us balance and quality in midfield.
We’ve spoken about how important this period is. The run of games through December and into January often shapes what you’re playing for in the second half of the season. We want to be in a strong position come March and April, and that only happens if we stay consistent, pick up points, and build a bit of momentum now.
It’s a good group, with the right attitude, and they’re ready to push on again. We’ve shown we can perform, now it’s about doing it more regularly.
Today will be a tough test, especially after two weeks without a game. Last time we faced Squires Gate it was a tight one that could’ve gone either way, but we managed to take the points. They’re a solid side who work hard for each other and have a real handful up top.
It’s a big boost to have Cal Fawcett back from injury, and we also welcome Tyler Wood and Joe McGladdery back into the squad. Unfortunately, we’re without Luke Davey (suspended) and Brandon Collins (away with work).
We need to get back to winning ways at home –results here haven’t been where we want them, but hopefully a good start today sets the tone and we take our chances.
We’ve had a couple of weeks without a game now, which has given us a chance to reset and get a few good sessions in. Training has been sharp and it has been important to keep ticking over and stay focused with a busy run coming up.
Having played Squire’s Gate recently, we know exactly what to expect. They’re direct, they get runners in behind, and they’ll definitely give us plenty to think about. It’s up to us to manage those moments and make sure we impose ourselves on the game.
With the schedule potentially getting quite full in the run up to Christmas, it would be ideal to kick this spell off with a win and set the tone for the rest of the month.
It has been a couple of weeks without a game, but we have trained well and kept standards high. Everyone’s ready to get back to it now and we know how important it is to start quickly, especially after a bit of a layoff.
We’re familiar with Squire’s Gate, and they’ll be up for it. They like to play direct, get numbers forward, and can cause problems if you switch off. We’ve got to manage those spells properly and try to control the game as much as we can.
There are some big fixtures coming up in the next few weeks, so this is a good chance to get back into rhythm and hopefully put together a strong run through December.
It’s been a bit stop-start recently, but we’ve made the most of the break and had a couple of solid weeks of training. The lads are sharp, and now it’s about taking that onto the pitch and setting the tone early in this next run of games.
Squire’s Gate gave us a good test last time and we know they’ll be direct and look to play forward quickly. We’ll need to be organised at the back and win our battles across the pitch.
We’ve got a chance to put a strong run together over the next few weeks, but it has to start here. A good performance and three points would be the perfect way to get that going.
Age: 25
Position: Midfield
Sponsor: Ruined Football Shirts
Occupation: Pipe Fitter
How long have you been at Holker: 7 Years
Previous Clubs: Swarthmoor
Childhood Football Hero: Fernando Torres
What is the best piece of footballing advice you’ve been given: Stay Local
What is the most memorable game you’ve played: The play-off semi-final at home against Nelson. A big win in front of a huge local crowd.
How do you stay motivated during injury: The motivation to get back in the side and score goals keeps me going!
Who at Holker brings out the best in you: Club Chairman, Maurice Watkin. Legend.
Describe the gaffers in one word: Miserable
Home or Away Games: Home
Favourite Ground to play at: Darwen Ronaldo or Messi?: Messi
If you could play for one team in the world, who: Holker Old Boys, UTS!
Early Bird or Night Owl: Early Bird
A Night in or A Night Out: A Night In
Favourite Film: Longest Yard
Favourite Holiday Destination: Turkey
Karakoe Song: Jason Mraz - I’m Yours
Squires Gate FC, formed in 1948 (originally as Squires Gate British Legion), are based in Blackpool and play at the The Skiddle Community Stadium (School Road). Their home strip is royal blue; their nickname is “Gate” or “The Blues.” Over decades they have climbed from local amateur leagues into the non‑league system, and remain a steady presence in the Northern tiers.
• Founded 1948 – Began as Squires Gate British Legion, entering local amateur competition immediately.
• Early Success in Amateur Leagues – Won the Blackpool & District Amateur League’s Rawling Shield in first season; league champions in 1955‑56 and 1956‑57; won the Blackwell Cup in 1958‑59 and 1959‑60.
• Step Up to West Lancashire League (1961‑1980) – Spent two decades in Division Two, then promoted as champions in 1981; won the Richardson Cup in 1986‑87.
• Joined North West Counties Football League (1991‑92) – Became members of NWCFL Division Two as part of the non‑league pyramid.
• Promotion to Division One – Won the Division Two Trophy in 2001‑02; promoted to Division One (now Premier Division) the following season.
• Peak League Finish 2005‑06 – Recorded highest league placing and reached the quarter‑finals of the FA Vase that season.
• Strong Volunteer Legacy – Several long‑serving club members have been honoured for decades of service to the club, underscoring community roots.
• Resilient Recent Years – Despite on‑field challenges, the club has maintained stability, improved facilities, and continued competing.
• Current Leadership – Managed by Luke Evans as of the 2025‑26 season.
• Community Club Identity – Still firmly rooted in local grassroots football while competing within the structured non‑league system.
Squires Gate were formed in 1948 as Squires Gate British Legion FC and competed in the Blackpool & District Amateur League. They won the leagues Rawling Shield in their first season. The name of the club was changed to Squires Gate FC in 1953. They won the leagues First Division in 1955-56 and 1956-57; also the Blackwell Cup in 1958-59 and 1959-60. They spent the 1960-61 in the Fylde District League, winning the Fylde Cup and losing finalists in the Bannister Cup.
The following season they moved up to the West Lancashire League where they spent the next thirty years. From 1961 until 1980 they were in Division Two and were promoted in 1981 as champions. In the 198687 season they won the Richardson Cup.
They were elected into the North West Counties Football League for the 1991-92 season, joining Division Two for the 1991-92 season. They won the 2001-02 season Division Two Trophy and then the following season they missed the runner-up spot on goal difference but were still promoted to Division One following the demise of Stand Athletic who had originally been promoted as Division Two champions. They reached their highest league placing in the 2005-06 season also reaching the quarter finals of the FA Vase.
To cap a very impressive 2007-08 season, Squires Gate were delighted that no less than nine of their members were honoured with long service awards: Albert Hamer, George Diggle, Roy Westhead, Brian Hugill and Brian Addison all collected Football Association Order of Merit mementos for 50 years service; and Steve Bellamy, Mick Farrer, John Maguire and Tony Hornby received 30 years awards from the Lancashire FA. Groundsman Brian Addison was judged the best at our level in the Northern Region, and a magnificent third nationally at the FA Groundsman of the Year presentations in London last September, and his pitch is clear evidence of his commitment.
Due to an indifferent start in the 2015/16 season, club captain Danny Penswick took over as player manager and ensured survival with a memorable last game victory at Ashton Athletic. Danny also ensured Premier Division status in 2016/17 thanks to a late surge including a victory at home to Runcorn Linnets. Andy Clarkson took over in October 2017 and guided the club to a creditable 8th place finish and improved again in 2018/19 season with another 8th place finish.
After a difficult start to the 2019/2020 season Luke Evans was appointed manager by Chairman Tony Jo, assisted by Shane Hudson. Evans led the club up the table, with Gate sat in 9th place before COVID-19 struck the nation, cutting the season short in March.
The time away allowed the committee to look at how to move the club forward off the pitch, with much needed improvements made across the board. New changing rooms were implemented, with various other improvements made around the stadium.
A new media team was also appointed, with James Ashton, Dan Hayden and Jay Hayden heading up a new look social media, programme and graphic design, with Ian Moore coming in as the new Club Photographer, taking over from the irreplaceable legend Albert Cooper. Andy Baker also came in as the new Assistant Manager.
The 2020/21 season only saw nine league matches take place for Gate, before COVID struck once again to cut the season short after December. Again though this allowed time for Luke Evans to keep moving the club forward, as strong partnerships with Talented Player Development and Global Football Network were made. Meanwhile, a new Under 23’s team was formed, led by Liam Robinson of Talented Player Development.
Forward to the start of the 2021/22 season, a decent start in the league coincided with Gate putting together a good run in the FA Cup, reaching the 2nd Qualifying Round - matching their best run in the club’s history. The highlight of this run came in the Preliminary Round, as Gate hosted newly formed Macclesfield FC at The Brian Addison Stadium. A record crowd of 738 watched an incredible match, as Gate came away 6-4 winners to progress into the next round. After knocking out North Shields, Gate were narrowly beaten 3-2 by Pontefract Collieries to end their run. Gate kept ticking in the league too, finishing 17th with safety confirmed comfortably by the start of March.
Unfortunately during the 21/22 season, the club had the devastating passing of beloved chairman Tony Jo. Luke Evans and the rest of the club committee now had the club in their hands. It made for a difficult summer in 2022, with the club only just surviving, but the committee and its volunteers pulled together to keep the club afloat and put together a new young and hungry squad for the 2022/23 season. While the previous season’s FA Cup achievement couldn’t be matched, an excellent run was put together in the FA Vase, with Gate reaching the Third Round.
The summer of 2023 saw more off the field changes, with club legend John Maguire stepping down from his role as Secretary, ending 48 years of stellar service. James Ashton and Alan Davis were elected onto the club committee, as well as Ian Moore who became the new secretary. Hayden Moore was appointed Head of Recruitment, while a new chairman was also appointedhead of Global Football Network, John Pladas.
Holker’s Digital Media Team hand-picks their favourite photo this week.
DATE 02.07.22
DARWEN FC
At home to Barrow AFC in pre-season - but you wouldn’t think it’s a friendly from this. The corner’s coming in, the header’s flying, and there’s that look of pure panic across our back line. Says a lot about the standards we set. Photo - Ian Allington
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.
