Welcome to my blog covering clubs and stadiums in the English League System along with the wonderful people responsible for keeping them going and their maintenance.

Since I was a little lad, I've been fascinated in football and more so where games are played. With my love of travel and curiosity of the game I wanted to visit as many grounds as possible and see games wherever I could.

I was fortunate that my dad also loved the game and spent so much of his spare time taking me to matches. As I got older the boundaries widened owing to my location and increased wages to Europe and indeed the world. The sight of a stand or a floodlight pylon in the distance immediately heightens my senses and eagerness for a closer look.

I hope this site gives you the chance to share in my pleasure and experiences and set you on the road to adventure. If you get half as much out of the hobby as I've done, I can guarantee some great memories, good friends, and stories to pass on to future generations. Give your local club a try today. They'll be delighted to see you!

Everlasting thanks primarily to my late and very much missed and dearly loved parents; my dad, Bob Bernard, and my mum; Ann, who put up with endless years of football chat and my brothers Nick and Paul. Thanks to all my friends who offer encouragement along with my wonderful wife, Taew.

Please feel free to post any comments (please use sensible language - I want everyone to be able to enjoy reading) or ask any questions relating to visiting grounds or events. Make sure you keep having a look as the site is continually updated.

If you click on a lot of the pictures, you will get a larger version on your screen. I have also added links to video clips on YouTube where appropriate for those of you who are bored of reading or are filling in time at work. I haven't always gone for the most obvious choices, but items that will be in some cases unusual but always historically interesting.

Rob Bernard Sisaket, Thailand, May 2024

Saturday 25 September 2010

Irlam



Irlam Football Club, from Greater Manchester was formed as Mitchell Shackleton Football Club in October 1969 by a group of employees working for Mitchell, Shackleton and Company Limited, an engineering company based in Patricroft, Eccles.

Irlam played local football before joining the Manchester League in 1989 before changing their name to Irlam Mitchell Shackleton in 1992 as they moved to the town from their original area. In 2006 they became Irlam FC.


I laughed my head off when I saw the sign for the ground with the one underneath.
I hope it isn't a reflection on the players!



In 2008 the club progressed into the North West Counties League as the club looked to continue their progress as players came in from further afield.

In season 2012-13 Irlam FC will be playing in the North West Counties League Division One.







My visit

Tuesday 20th July 2010















The kind gent gave me the invitation to go onto the pitch for better photo opportunities. I told him of my tight schedule and he laughed as he told me that Flixton FC was only ten minutes away on foot as the crow flew. It was just a shame the River Irwell was in the way!
I headed back to Liverpool Road where fortunately a bus arrived to take me back to the station in time for my connection. Ironically it turned up late and the rain started to fall. It was about to be a very damp evening for me.





























I was in the Greater Manchester area for a few days to quench my inquisitive nature and visit football clubs in the area as well as enjoying the social delights that the city had to offer. I had been to eight clubs already on the eastern side of the conurbation before taking the train back into Manchester.














The packed commuter train from Oxford Road station took me westbound on the Liverpool line to Irlam. I had limited time before my return back up the line to Flixton so I had to get a move on. I was quite dismayed to find the station down quite a long lane from the main road. Luckily a bus soon picked me up and I was on my way.

The ground was right at the far end of Silver Street. The gate was opened and as I went in i was met by a club official who also doubled up as the groundsman. It would appear the club were doing the right things in the community as there were decent facilities and practice pitches. The main ground consisted of changing rooms and a clubhouse near the entrance in the corner of the ground. Further up that side was a
seated stand with a covered shelter behind the near goal. The rest of the ground consisted of flat open concrete and grass.

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