Ramsbottom United

Ramsbottom United FC were formed by Harry Williams in 1966, playing in local Bury and Bolton football leagues, before moving into the Manchester League in 1987.

Promotion for "The Rams" into the North West Counties League was secured in 1994 after substantial ground improvements were carried out. Within a couple of seasons they had lifted the second division title and moved to the top flight were consolidation was gained. he 2011-12 season saw the club lift the Premier ivision title and clinch promotion to the Northern Premier League.

In season 2011-12, Ramsbottom United will be playing in the Northern Premier League Division One North.

My visit

Wednesday 21st July 2010

I was in the Greater Manchester area for a few days enjoying the sights, good living and visiting football clubs. I had just visited Radcliffe Borough and took the bus to Bury where I was looking forward to my next form of travel.

I had read all about the East Lancashire Railway, which is a heritage line run by volunteer enthusiasts. I was extremely keen to take a journey on it as it offered the chance of a ride on a steam train! I just made it to Bolton Road station and got down to the platform to find an old diesel was pulling the train. There was consolation on finding the carriages were of old stock which took me back to my childhood.

The train was full of pensioners enjoying an excursion. I got sat next to one of the volunteers and had a lovely chat as we passed through the stunning countryside. Before long we were pulling into Ramsbottom station. I said my good byes and went on my way.

My first impressions were very good. The approach road and signposts were all neat and tidy, with the ground sitting alongside the very impressive Ramsbottom Cricket Club who are proud members of the Lancashire League.

The football ground is now named The Jack Williams Riverside Ground, in honour of the man who made it all possible. The entrances were all pristine and some gents were working on the ground and were welcoming when giving me permission to go inside. I was so pleased I made the effort.

The near Cricket Side was open with the dug outs on the half way line. The clubhouse and changing rooms stood back from the pitch with smart benches and gardens sitting on a lawn in front. Even a little wheelbarrow in the garden had been neatly painted in club colours. The Railway End was a narrow strip of open terrace. The far side consisted of the main Harry Williams Stand with blue seats including some recovered from Maine Road after demolition. Alongside is the small covered terrace called The Ellis Timlin Stand. The far end has a long narrow covered terrace called The Jack Wolfenden Stand, named after a hard working stalwart of the club. The floodlights came from Boundary Park, Oldham.

It really was a stunning sight and a ground I'd love to visit for a game, hopefully against my beloved Scarborough Athletic.

I spent a few minutes having a look inside the cricket ground before I walked into the picturesque market town with its stunning surroundings. I had time to kill so I decided to go and sit in the homely pub adjacent to the station to listen to locals enjoying each others company. The train took me back to Bury, where just to round off a wonderful couple of hours, I spent time in the station buffet which proved to be a haven for real ale.

If you are in the area, I highly recommend a visit to the railway and maybe a Ramsbottom United game.