• 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 MSB Woolton.
Finally, we’ve managed to get a game on – welcome back! It’s been a stop-start few weeks with the weather and postponements, and that’s made it difficult to build any rhythm or talk about form. But we’ve trained well, stayed focused, and now it’s about being ready to go again.
We know how important our home games are, especially at this stage of the season. With a run of fixtures coming up, it’s vital we start making the most of them. That means putting in the effort, showing the right attitude, and hitting a level of performance that gives us the best chance of taking something from the game.
Today won’t be easy. We’re up against a side who will fight for everything and won’t make it comfortable. They’ll press, commit bodies forward, and look to unsettle us – so we’ve got to stand up to that and make sure we’re ready from the first whistle.
The message to the players is simple: this is the period where we can make real progress. The games are coming thick and fast, and that brings a chance to build momentum and start climbing the table. If we do the right things, stay consistent, and use these home fixtures properly, we can put ourselves in a good position by the time March comes around.
The hard work has to start this afternoon – and it starts with setting the tone here at home.
KEVIN WATKIN
It’s been a frustrating spell with the weather –we’ve not been able to get going properly and we’ve played the fewest games in the league so far. It’s just good to be back playing again.
We’re still a bit light today. Tyler Wood and Joe McGladdery are suspended, Mitch is still injured but hopefully back in training next week, and Cal Baynes is away skiing with his Mrs.
That said, the lads are desperate to get back out there and hopefully we can start putting a run together.
MSB Woolton are flying in their first season at this level and sitting 4th in the league, so we know we’ll need to be at our best to take something into Tuesday night.
DAVE ROUND
It’s been a frustrating couple of weeks with games being called off due to the weather, which can’t be helped. But with other teams getting games played and points on the board, we’ve now got a bit of catching up to do.
The reverse fixture against MSB Woolton was a tight one, with both sides having chances in a game that finished goalless. We’ve still got a couple of lads missing through injury or suspension, but the squad is more than capable and we’ve got players ready to step in and do a job.
With a busy run of fixtures coming up, we’ve got to be switched on. The focus has to be on performance levels and making sure we’re turning those into results.
It’s been a bit stop-start lately with the weather, but there’s no time to dwell on it. We’ve got a tough run of fixtures ahead and the only way to stay in the mix is to put points on the board quickly.
We know MSB Woolton are a decent side, and they’ll want to make it difficult for us. The last meeting could have gone either way, and we’ve got to be sharp at both ends if we want to come out on top this time.
We’ve trained well, and the group is in a good place. Even with a few bodies missing, we’ve got plenty of players ready to step up. Now it’s about raising our levels and getting the results we need.
It’s not been ideal with a few games getting called off, but we’ve used the time to keep ourselves right. Now the fixtures are coming thick and fast, and we’ve got to make sure we’re ready for the challenge.
The last game against MSB Woolton was tight and could’ve gone either way. We know what to expect and we’ve got to match their energy from the start. These are the types of games that can set the tone for the next few weeks.
We’ve got lads out, but the squad’s strong and there’s enough quality in the group to get the job done. We’ve got to turn up, do the basics well, and take our chances when they come.
Age: 27
Position: Defender
Sponsor: Abbey House
Occupation: Site Engineer
How long have you been at Holker: 15 Years
Previous Clubs: None!
Childhood Football Hero: Stevie G
What is the best piece of footballing advice you’ve been given: You can’t control the weather, but you can control your attitudes
What is the most memorable game you’ve played: My first trophy in senior football and it was special to win it for groundsman and club legend Al Wilson.
How do you stay motivated during injury: The hunger to get back out onto the pitch is the main thing that keeps me going.
Who at Holker brings out the best in you: Paul Southward - he gave me lots of advice coming through at Holker as a young lad and even though most of it wasn’t great he tried his best. Although now he’s too busy golfing or watching Barrow.
Describe the gaffers in one word: Passionate
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: Liverpool
Early Bird or Night Owl: Early Bird
A Night in or A Night Out: A Night Out
Favourite Film: Goodfellas
Favourite Holiday Destination: Las Vegas
Karakoe Song: David Gray - Babylon
MSB Woolton FC is an FA Charter Standard Community Club based in South Liverpool, with roots dating back to 1930 and its modern formation established in 1994. One of the UK’s largest grassroots clubs, Woolton combine elite youth development with senior success, earning promotion to Step 6 football after multiple league titles and sustained pathway growth across men’s, women’s, and junior sections.
• Community Roots Since 1930 – Originated as Woolton Boys’ Club before reforming as MSB Woolton FC in 1994.
• FA Charter Standard Club – Recognised for high standards in coaching, safeguarding, and club development.
• Huge Grassroots Operation – Operates over 250 teams from Under 6s to Under 18s across boys’ and girls’ football.
• Clear Player Pathway – Structured progression from youth football into open-age and Step 6 senior football.
• Men’s First Team Success – Liverpool County Premier League champions in 2023 and 2025.
• Cup Double – Back-to-back I Zingari Premier Cup winners in successive seasons.
• Women’s Football – Women’s first team compete in the North West Regional League Division One Central.
• LCFA Club of the Year – Awarded in both 2014 and 2024 for outstanding club contribution.
• Inclusive Football Growth – Expanded into walking football and early-stage disability football programmes.
• Youth Milestones – Entered the NWYA Under-17 competition for the first time, strengthening the elite pathway.
The club will always prioritise providing an opportunity for our youth players to develop and progress into Adult football and remain with us as long as they wish, this is a proven model for us shown by players in our 3 vets teams (O35’s, O45’s & O50’s) that have followed the same pathway.
Adding the vets sides with the youth, open age & inclusion teams we now operate a 3 Star FA Accredited club with over 50 affiliated teams, one of the biggest in the region, and our aim is to continue this growth and keep providing a pathway for the people in our community to enjoy Football at every level of the game.
Holker’s Digital Media Team hand-picks their favourite photo this week.
DATE 10.04.23
A proper full-blooded header at home. Cold, damp day but no one’s backing out. Bodies flying, faces grimacing, and the ball right in the thick of it. That’s the kind of effort you want to see.
Photo: Steve Miller
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.
