Chadderton

Chadderton FC, from the town that is part of Oldham, were formed in 1947. The club were originally called Millbrow FC and then North Chadderton Amateurs before becoming Chadderton in 1957.

“Chaddy” played local league football before joining the Manchester League in 1962. They remained there until 1980, when they tried their luck in the Lancashire Combination, moving as founder members into the North West Counties League in 1982.

Chaddy won one promotion, but were later relegated for not having the required ground facilities. In 2007 they sold out to two local businessmen and their company, The HB Property Group Limited. However in 2009 the arrangement ended and Chaddy became a members club, run by the people for the people.

In season 2012-13 Chadderton FC will be competing in the North West Counties League Division One

 

My visit

I had just visited Boundary Park, home of Oldham Athletic on Tuesday 20th July 2010 as part of a three days groundhop around Greater Manchester. I set off in what I thought to be the correct direction, only to get lost in a maze of streets heavily populated by local Asians, with the strong aroma of curry in the air.

Eventually I got back on track and was outside the gates of the Andrew Street ground. The gates were locked but I could see inside. A clubhouse and changing rooms were in a brick building at the near end. Apart from a path around the pitch the vast majority of the rest of the ground was open grass. A bank at the far end offered an elevated view. The only covered accommodation was down the Broadway side which was a long low stand for seats and standing.

 

I walked round that side to hopefully get a shot of the Clubhouse End and found an open gate. Two youths were using the stand as protection to the elements while smoking a joint. No wonder so many non league grounds fear vandalism.

I was soon down to the crossroads and on board a bus towards Oldham Bus Station as the weather started to close in.