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{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox football club
{{Infobox football club
| nickname = The Whites
| nickname = The Black & Whites
| ground = [[Halton Stadium|DCBL Stadium]], [[Widnes]], [[Cheshire]]
| ground = [[Halton Stadium]], [[Widnes]], [[Cheshire]]
| capacity = 13,350
| capacity = 13,350
| season = {{English football updater|Widnes2}}
| season = {{English football updater|Widnes2}}
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| pattern_ra1=
| pattern_ra1=
| pattern_ra2=
| pattern_ra2=
| pattern_sh2 =_
| pattern_sh2 =
| pattern_so2 =
| pattern_so2 =
| leftarm1=FFFFFF
| leftarm1=FFFFFF
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| chairman = Ian Ross <ref>All change at Widnes FC {{cite web | url=http://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/news/all-change-at-widnes-fc-1616881.html | title=All change at Widnes FC|work=Widnes Football Club|access-date=18 May 2016}}</ref>
| chairman = Ian Ross <ref>All change at Widnes FC {{cite web | url=http://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/news/all-change-at-widnes-fc-1616881.html | title=All change at Widnes FC|work=Widnes Football Club|access-date=18 May 2016}}</ref>
| manager = Michael Ellison
| manager = Michael Ellison
| league {{English football updater|Widnes}}
| league = {{English football updater|Widnes}}
| position = {{English football updater|Widnes3}}
| position = {{English football updater|Widnes3}}
| website = http://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/
| website = http://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/
Line 41: Line 41:
The club was founded in February 2003 as The Dragons A.F.C. by former secretary Bill Morley as a local junior football club. In 2008, the club was awarded the FA Charter Standard Development award for its continuous development of grassroots football.
The club was founded in February 2003 as The Dragons A.F.C. by former secretary Bill Morley as a local junior football club. In 2008, the club was awarded the FA Charter Standard Development award for its continuous development of grassroots football.


===2012 to present===
===2012 to 2018 - Back to Back Promotions===
In March 2012, Widnes Dragons began a consultation process with [[Widnes Vikings RLFC]] to become part of the Vikings Sports Brand, a partnership that was agreed to enhance the club's community status.
In March 2012, Widnes Dragons began a consultation process with [[Widnes Vikings RLFC]] to become part of the Vikings Sports Brand, a partnership that was agreed to enhance the club's community status.


Line 48: Line 48:
In March 2014, the club's committee called an EGM for its members to decide on the future of the club. A unanimous vote was made that the club was to move away from the Vikings brand and to restructure the club to secure its own identity and long-term future. Subsequently, the club parted ways with the Vikings brand and became known as Widnes Football Club, which was symbolic in representing where the team and its fans came from whilst recognising that a new club needed to be built to establish confidence in the local community and support young local talent in Widnes.
In March 2014, the club's committee called an EGM for its members to decide on the future of the club. A unanimous vote was made that the club was to move away from the Vikings brand and to restructure the club to secure its own identity and long-term future. Subsequently, the club parted ways with the Vikings brand and became known as Widnes Football Club, which was symbolic in representing where the team and its fans came from whilst recognising that a new club needed to be built to establish confidence in the local community and support young local talent in Widnes.


In 2016, a change in board structure lead to the appointment of Ian Ross as Chairman with a Board of Directors being established.<ref>All change at Widnes FC {{cite web | url=http://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/news/all-change-at-widnes-fc-1616881.html | title=All change at Widnes FC|work=Widnes Football Club|access-date=18 May 2016}}</ref> Danny Meadowcroft and Brian Pritchard were appointed joint managers, replacing previous manager Steve Hill who left the Club following the end of the 2015-16 season.<ref>New Management Team at Widnes FC {{cite web |date=18 May 2016 | url=http://www.hallmarksecurityleague.com/news-articles.php?id=5169 | title=New Management Team at Widnes FC|work=Hallmark Security League|access-date=24 November 2016}}</ref> However, following an indifferent start to the season, Meadowcroft and Pritchard left the Club and were replaced by Joey Dunn, who was subsequently appointed manager.<ref>Announcement {{cite web |date=22 September 2016 | url=http://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/news/announcement-dunn-deal-1695416.html | title=Announcement: Dunn Deal!|work=Widnes Football Club|access-date=24 November 2016}}</ref>
In 2016, a change in board structure lead to the appointment of Ian Ross as chairman with a board of directors being established.<ref>All change at Widnes FC {{cite web | url=http://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/news/all-change-at-widnes-fc-1616881.html | title=All change at Widnes FC|work=Widnes Football Club|access-date=18 May 2016}}</ref> Danny Meadowcroft and Brian Pritchard were appointed joint managers, replacing previous manager Steve Hill who left the Club following the end of the 2015–16 season.<ref>New Management Team at Widnes FC {{cite web |date=18 May 2016 | url=http://www.hallmarksecurityleague.com/news-articles.php?id=5169 | title=New Management Team at Widnes FC|work=Hallmark Security League|access-date=24 November 2016}}</ref> However, following an indifferent start to the season, Meadowcroft and Pritchard left the club and were replaced by Joey Dunn, who was subsequently appointed manager.<ref>Announcement {{cite web |date=22 September 2016 | url=http://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/news/announcement-dunn-deal-1695416.html | title=Announcement: Dunn Deal!|work=Widnes Football Club|access-date=24 November 2016}}</ref>


The season ended on a highly successful note as under Dunn's management, Widnes were crowned [[North West Counties Football League Division One]] Champions with a game to spare after a 5-1 win at [[A.F.C. Blackpool|AFC Blackpool]].<ref>Champions! {{cite web |date=25 April 2017 | url=http://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/news/champions-1791567.html | title=Champions!|work=Widnes Football Club|access-date=28 April 2017}}</ref>
The season ended on a highly successful note as under Dunn's management, Widnes were crowned [[North West Counties Football League Division One]] Champions with a game to spare after a 5–1 win at [[A.F.C. Blackpool|AFC Blackpool]].<ref>Champions! {{cite web |date=25 April 2017 | url=http://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/news/champions-1791567.html | title=Champions!|work=Widnes Football Club|access-date=28 April 2017}}</ref>


In summer 2017, the club began to re-establish a youth section with the introduction of a development squad<ref>Development squad launched {{cite web | url=http://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/news/development-squad-launched-1848374.html | title=Development squad launched|work=Widnes Football Club|access-date=2 August 2017}}</ref> and two junior teams at Under 7 and Under 9 age groups.<ref>Junior Setup Launched {{cite web | url=http://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/news/junior-setup-launched-1859556.html | title=Junior Setup Launched|work=Widnes Football Club|access-date=2 August 2017}}</ref>
In summer 2017, the club began to re-establish a youth section with the introduction of a development squad<ref>Development squad launched {{cite web | url=http://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/news/development-squad-launched-1848374.html | title=Development squad launched|work=Widnes Football Club|access-date=2 August 2017}}</ref> and two junior teams at Under 7 and Under 9 age groups.<ref>Junior Setup Launched {{cite web | url=http://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/news/junior-setup-launched-1859556.html | title=Junior Setup Launched|work=Widnes Football Club|access-date=2 August 2017}}</ref>


Despite Dunn's resignation early in the 2017-18 season,<ref>Club Statement: Joey Dunn departs {{cite web | url=http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/widnesvikingsfc/news/club-statement-joey-dunn-departs-2007426.html| title=Club Statement: Joey Dunn departs|work=Widnes Football Club|access-date=16 May 2018}}</ref> the club enjoyed yet another highly successful season. Senior players Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey were appointed joint player managers,<ref>Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey appointed joint managers {{cite web | url=http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/widnesvikingsfc/news/steve-akrigg-and-kevin-towey-appointed-joint-manag-2018808.html| title=Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey appointed joint managers|work=Widnes Football Club|access-date=16 May 2018}}</ref> leading the club to promotion to the [[Northern Premier League]] and victory in the final of the [[2017-18 North West Counties Football League|North West Counties Challenge Cup]] against [[Burscough F.C.|Burscough]].
Despite Dunn's resignation early in the 2017–18 season,<ref>Club Statement: Joey Dunn departs {{cite web | url=http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/widnesvikingsfc/news/club-statement-joey-dunn-departs-2007426.html| title=Club Statement: Joey Dunn departs|work=Widnes Football Club|access-date=16 May 2018}}</ref> the club enjoyed yet another highly successful season. Senior players Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey were appointed joint player managers,<ref>Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey appointed joint managers {{cite web | url=http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/widnesvikingsfc/news/steve-akrigg-and-kevin-towey-appointed-joint-manag-2018808.html| title=Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey appointed joint managers|work=Widnes Football Club|access-date=16 May 2018}}</ref> leading the club to promotion to the [[Northern Premier League]] and victory in the final of the [[2017-18 North West Counties Football League|North West Counties Challenge Cup]] against [[Burscough F.C.|Burscough]].


===2018 to Present - Northern Premier League===
Widnes' first season at Step 4 brought mixed success. Early exits in the [[FA Cup]], [[FA Trophy]] and League Cup meant The Whites only had the league to focus on. Joint managers Towey and Akrigg guided Widnes to a solid mid table finish, despite ending the season as one of the leagues form sides.
Widnes' first season at Step 4 brought mixed success. Early exits in the [[FA Cup]], [[FA Trophy]] and League Cup meant The Whites only had the league to focus on. Joint managers Towey and Akrigg guided Widnes to a solid mid table finish, despite ending the season as one of the leagues form sides.


The next two seasons were affected by the turmoil caused by the [[COVID-19 pandemic|Coronavirus Pandemic]]. Widnes finished the abandoned 2019-20 season in 12th, as well as the curtailed 2020-21 season in the same position.
The next two seasons were affected by the turmoil caused by the [[COVID-19 pandemic|Coronavirus Pandemic]]. Widnes finished the abandoned 2019–20 season in 12th, as well as the curtailed 2020–21 season in the same position.


As football returned to normal in the 2021-22 season, Widnes endured a poor start to the season, resulting in the club parting company with Managers Kevin Towey and Steve Akrigg. Former [[Ashton Town F.C.|Ashton Town]] manager David Dempsey was hired, and not only guided Widnes to safety, but turned the side into one of the form teams in the second half of the season, boasting an impressive unbeaten run at home. Dempsey also led his side to the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy, where they were beaten on penalties by [[Bootle F.C.|Bootle]], this being the clubs best run to date. Success under Dempsey was short lived as Widnes began the 2022-23 season in very poor form, failing to win any of their first five league games and seeing their FA Cup run ended by [[North West Counties Football League|North West Counties]] side [[Bury A.F.C.|Bury]]. Subsequently, Widnes and Dempsey went their separate ways. Widnes moved quickly to hire Michael Ellison,<ref>MICHAEL ELLISON APPOINTED AS NEW WIDNES MANAGER {{cite web | url=https://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/news/michael-ellison-appointed-as-new-widnes-manager-2730247.html| title=Michael Ellison appointed as new Widnes manager|work=Widnes Football Club|access-date=15 Nov 2022}}</ref> who began the season with [[City of Liverpool F.C.|City of Liverpool]]. Performances under 'Ello' quickly improved, and Widnes were able to pick up their first league win of the season away to newly promoted [[Hanley Town|Hanley]].
As football returned to normal in the 2021–22 season, Widnes endured a poor start to the season, resulting in the club parting company with Managers Kevin Towey and Steve Akrigg. Former [[Ashton Town F.C.|Ashton Town]] manager David Dempsey was hired, and not only guided Widnes to safety, but turned the side into one of the form teams in the second half of the season, boasting an impressive unbeaten run at home. Dempsey also led his side to the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy, where they were beaten on penalties by [[Bootle F.C.|Bootle]], this being the clubs best run to date. Success under Dempsey was short lived as Widnes began the 2022–23 season in very poor form, failing to win any of their first five league games and seeing their FA Cup run ended by [[North West Counties Football League|North West Counties]] side [[Bury A.F.C.|Bury]]. Subsequently, Widnes and Dempsey went their separate ways. Widnes moved quickly to hire Michael Ellison,<ref>MICHAEL ELLISON APPOINTED AS NEW WIDNES MANAGER {{cite web | url=https://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/news/michael-ellison-appointed-as-new-widnes-manager-2730247.html| title=Michael Ellison appointed as new Widnes manager|work=Widnes Football Club|access-date=15 Nov 2022}}</ref> who began the season with [[City of Liverpool F.C.|City of Liverpool]]. Performances under 'Ello' quickly improved, and Widnes were able to pick up their first league win of the season away to newly promoted [[Hanley Town|Hanley]]. Despite spending a lot of the season rooted to the bottom of the table, Ellison and Widnes picked up a number of crucial wins towards the tail-end of the season, ultimately finishing in 17th place. Due to [[Skelmersdale United|Skelmersdale]] not meeting Northern Premier League ground grading requirements, Widnes received a reprieve in the step 4/5 inter step playoff, thus securing their Northern Premier League Status for the 2023/24 season due to their superior points per game ratio compared to other teams around the country.


===Season-by-season record===
===Season-by-season record===
Line 90: Line 91:
|[[2016–17 North West Counties Football League|2016–17]]||[[North West Counties Football League|North West Counties League]] Division One||42||30||6||6||117||50||96||1/22||—||Second qualifying round||Quarter-final||Promoted
|[[2016–17 North West Counties Football League|2016–17]]||[[North West Counties Football League|North West Counties League]] Division One||42||30||6||6||117||50||96||1/22||—||Second qualifying round||Quarter-final||Promoted
|-style=background:#90EE90
|-style=background:#90EE90
|[[2017–18 North West Counties Football League|2017–18]]||[[North West Counties Football League|North West Counties League]] Premier Division||44||30||6||8||102||52||96||2/23||Extra Preliminary Round||First qualifying round||Semi-final||Promoted
|[[2017–18 North West Counties Football League|2017–18]]||[[North West Counties Football League|North West Counties League]] Premier Division||44||30||6||8||102||52||96||2/23||Extra preliminary round||First qualifying round||Semi-final||Promoted
|-
|-
|[[2018–19 Northern Premier League|2018–19]]||[[Northern Premier League]] Division One West||38||15||6||17||60||61||51||12/20||Extra Preliminary Round||Extra Preliminary Round||Semi-final||
|[[2018–19 Northern Premier League|2018–19]]||[[Northern Premier League]] Division One West||38||15||6||17||60||61||51||12/20||Extra preliminary round||Extra preliminary round||Semi-final||
|-bgcolor="yellow"
|-bgcolor="yellow"
|[[2019–20 Northern Premier League|2019–20]]||[[Northern Premier League]] Division One North/West||31||9||10||12||47||49||37||12/20||First Qualifying Round||Extra Preliminary Round||First Round||Season Abandonded
|[[2019–20 Northern Premier League|2019–20]]||[[Northern Premier League]] Division One North/West||31||9||10||12||47||49||37||12/20||First qualifying round||Extra preliminary round||First round||Season Abandoned
|-bgcolor="yellow"
|-bgcolor="yellow"
|[[2020–21 Northern Premier League|2020–21]]||[[Northern Premier League]] Division One West||9||2||2||5||8||15||8||12/19||Preliminary Round||Second Round Qualifying||Competition not held||Season Curtailed
|[[2020–21 Northern Premier League|2020–21]]||[[Northern Premier League]] Division One West||9||2||2||5||8||15||8||12/19||Preliminary round||Second round qualifying||Competition not held||Season Curtailed
|-
|-
|[[2021–22 Northern Premier League|2021–22]]||[[Northern Premier League]] Division One West||38||13||8||17||47||46||45||13/19||||||Competition not held||
|[[2021–22 Northern Premier League|2021–22]]||[[Northern Premier League]] Division One West||38||13||8||17||47||46||47||13/20||Extra Preliminary Round||Third Round Qualifying||Competition not held||
⚫
|-
|[[2022–23 Northern Premier League|2022–23]]||[[Northern Premier League]] Division One West||38||12||8||18||40||66||44||17/20||Preliminary Round||Second Round Qualifying||First Round|||
|-
|[[2023–24 Northern Premier League|2023–24]]||[[Northern Premier League]] Division One West||17||7||4||6||20||13||25||8/20||First Round Qualifying||First Round Qualifying||Second Round|||
|}
|}


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|-
|-
| 2020- || Hallmark Security || None
| 2020- || Hallmark Security || None
|-
| 2024- || SLL Properties LTD || Sam's Diamonds Cancer Support
|}
|}


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{{main|Halton Stadium}}
{{main|Halton Stadium}}


Widnes moved into the [[Halton Stadium]] in 2012, ahead of their debut and so far only season in the [[West Cheshire Association Football League|West Cheshire League]]. They played their first home game at the stadium against Chester Nomads Reserves on 1 September 2012. The club's highest attendance at the stadium is 522 set on 18 December 2021 against [[Runcorn Linnets F.C.|Runcorn Linnets]].
Widnes moved into the [[Halton Stadium]] in 2012, ahead of their debut and so far only season in the [[West Cheshire Association Football League|West Cheshire League]]. They played their first home game at the stadium against Chester Nomads Reserves on 1 September 2012. The club's highest attendance at the stadium is 603 set on 2 January 2023 against [[Macclesfield F.C.|Macclesfield]].


==Current squad==
==Current squad==
{{updated|1 February 2022}}<ref>{{cite web|title=First Team squad|url=https://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/teams/82452/the-team|work=Widnes FC|access-date=1 February 2022}}</ref>
{{updated|23 August 2024}}<ref>{{cite web|title=First Team squad|url=https://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/teams/82452/the-team|work=Widnes FC|access-date=23 August 2024}}</ref>
{{Fs start|nat=|pos=|other=|no=|name=}}
{{Fs start|nat=|pos=|other=|no=|name=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Luc Rees|pos=GK|other= on loan from [[Fleetwood Town|Fleetwood]]}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=[[Mark Halstead]]|pos=GK|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Josh McGreavy|pos=GK|other= on dual registration at [[Ashton Town F.C.|Ashton Town]]}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Cameron Terry|pos=GK|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Cameron Terry|pos=GK|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Kai Shorrock|pos=DF|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=SVN|name=[[Gregor Zabret]]|pos=GK|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Matty Rain|pos=DF|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Niall Battersby|pos=DF|other=}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Michael Burke|pos=DF|other=[[Captain (association football)|captain]]}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Owen Beamon|pos=DF|other= on dual registration at [[Litherland REMYCA F.C.|Litherland REMYCA]]}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Sam Bhatti|pos=DF|other= on dual registration at [[Litherland REMYCA F.C.|Litherland REMYCA]]}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Louis Isherwood|pos=DF|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Louis Isherwood|pos=DF|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Tom Stephens|pos=DF|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Matty Rain|pos=DF|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=James McCulloch|pos=DF|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Jack Walls|pos=DF|other=}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Steven Irwin|pos=MF|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Adam Bott|pos=MF|other= on loan from [[Chester F.C.|Chester]]}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Jordan Simpson|pos=MF|other=}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Nathan Caine|pos=MF|other=}}
⚫
{{fs mid|nat=|pos=|other=|no=|name=}}
⚫
{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Jordan Wynne|pos=MF|other=}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=KOS|name=Fisnik Hajdari|pos=MF|other=}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=KOS|name=Fisnik Hajdari|pos=MF|other=}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=George Hassall|pos=MF|other=}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=George Hassall|pos=MF|other=}}
⚫
{{fs mid|nat=|pos=|other=|no=|name=}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=[[Steven Irwin]]|pos=MF|other=}}
⚫
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Paul Kyffin|pos=MF|other=}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Sean Miller|pos=MF|other=}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Sean Miller|pos=MF|other=}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Stephen Rigby|pos=MF|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Brendan O'Brien|pos=MF|other=}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Jay Salkeld|pos=FW|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Harvey Roberts|pos=MF|other= on dual registration at [[Longridge Town F.C.|Longridge Town]]}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Keyni Mills|pos=FW|other= on loan from [[Mossley A.F.C.|Mossley]]}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Ben Rydel|pos=MF|other=}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Max Bardsley-Rowe|pos=FW|other= on loan from [[Macclesfield F.C.|Macclesfield]]}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=James Steele|pos=MF|other=}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Luke Sephton|pos=FW|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Kingsley Williams|pos=MF|other=}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Will Jones|pos=FW|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Nathan Corness|pos=FW|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Ethan Danku|pos=FW|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=DEN|name=Sharif Deans|pos=FW|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Joshua High|pos=FW|other=}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Jack McGowan|pos=FW|other=}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=ENG|name=Liam Paton|pos=FW|other= on loan from [[Marine F.C.|Marine]]}}
{{Fs end|nat=|pos=|other=|no=|name=}}
{{Fs end|nat=|pos=|other=|no=|name=}}


Line 176: Line 191:
| Bill Morley
| Bill Morley
|-
|-
| Youth Development Officer
| Lindsey Davies
|}
|}


Line 187: Line 200:
|-
|-
| Manager
| Manager
| Michael Ellison
| Dave Dempsey
⚫
|-
| Assistant Manager
| Karl Bell
|-
|-
| First Team Coach
| First Team Coach
| Tony Dunne
| Chris Lawton
|-
|-
| First Team Coach
| First Team Coach
| Lee Bignall
| Chris Stammers
|-
| Goalkeeper Coach
| Ryan Brookfield
|-
|-
| Kit Man
| Kit Man
Line 202: Line 215:
|-
|-
| Physio
| Physio
| Darren Berrill
| Ron Cook
|}
|}


==Managerial history==
==Managerial history==
{{updated|6 September 2022}}
{{updated|23 August 2024}}


{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center"
Line 229: Line 242:
|| 3 || 1 ||0|| 2|| 33.33
|| 3 || 1 ||0|| 2|| 33.33
|-
|-
|align="left"| Joey Dunn ||align="left"| {{ENG}} || style="text-align:center;"| 2016-2017
|align="left"| Joey Dunn ||align="left"| {{ENG}} || style="text-align:center;"| 2016–2017
|| 53 || 36 ||6|| 11|| 67.92
|| 53 || 36 ||6|| 11|| 67.92
|-
|-
Line 235: Line 248:
|| 1 || 0 ||0|| 1|| 00.00
|| 1 || 0 ||0|| 1|| 00.00
|-
|-
|align="left"| Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey ||align="left"| {{ENG}} || style="text-align:center;"| 2017-2021
|align="left"| Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey ||align="left"| {{ENG}} || style="text-align:center;"| 2017–2021
|| 147|| 66 ||26|| 55|| 44.90
|| 147|| 66 ||26|| 55|| 44.90
|-
|-
Line 241: Line 254:
|| 1 || 0 ||1|| 0|| 00.00
|| 1 || 0 ||1|| 0|| 00.00
|-
|-
|align="left"| Dave Dempsey ||align="left"| {{ENG}} || style="text-align:center;"| 2021-
|align="left"| Dave Dempsey ||align="left"| {{ENG}} || style="text-align:center;"| 2021–2022
|| 42 || 15 ||11|| 16|| 35.71
|| 42 || 15 ||11|| 16|| 35.71
|-
|align="left"| Michael Ellison ||align="left"| {{ENG}} || style="text-align:center;"| 2022-
|| 85 || 35 ||16|| 34|| 41.18
|}
|}


Line 266: Line 282:
** 12 games, 21 September 2019 to 1 January 2020
** 12 games, 21 September 2019 to 1 January 2020
* '''Best league performance''':
* '''Best league performance''':
** 12th [[Northern Premier League|Northern Premier League Division One West]] [[2018-19 Northern Premier League#Division One West|2018–19]]
** 9th [[Northern Premier League|Northern Premier League Division One West]] [[2023-24 Northern Premier League#Division One West|2023–24]]
* '''Best FA Cup performance''':
* '''Best FA Cup performance''':
** First Round Qualifying [[2019-20 FA Cup#First Round Qualifying|2019-20]]
** First round qualifying [[2019-20 FA Cup#First round qualifying|2019-20]] and [[2023-24 FA Cup#First round qualifying|2023-24]]
* '''Best FA Trophy performance''':
* '''Best FA Trophy performance''':
** Third Round Qualifying [[2021-22 FA Trophy#Third Round Qualifying|2021-22]]
** Third round qualifying [[2021-22 FA Trophy#Third round qualifying|2021-22]]
* '''Best FA Vase performance''':
* '''Best FA Vase performance''':
** Second Round Qualifying [[2014-15 FA Vase#Second Round Qualifying|2014-15]]
** Second round qualifying [[2014-15 FA Vase#Second round qualifying|2014-15]]
* '''Best Liverpool Senior Cup performance''':
* '''Best Liverpool Senior Cup performance''':
** Semi-final (3 times)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.liverpoolfa.com/cups-and-competitions/cups/2017-2018/lcfa-mens-senior-cup/results |title=LCFA Mens Senior Cup |website=www.liverpoolfa.com |publisher=Liverpool County FA |date=16 May 2018 |access-date=16 May 2018}}</ref>
** Semi-final (3 times)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.liverpoolfa.com/cups-and-competitions/cups/2017-2018/lcfa-mens-senior-cup/results |title=LCFA Mens Senior Cup |website=www.liverpoolfa.com |publisher=Liverpool County FA |date=16 May 2018 |access-date=16 May 2018}}</ref>

Latest revision as of 20:34, 28 November 2024

This article is about the association football club. For the rugby league club founded as Widnes F.C., see Widnes Vikings.

Full nameWidnes Football Club
Nickname(s)The Black & Whites
Founded2003 (as The Dragons A.F.C.)
GroundHalton Stadium, Widnes, Cheshire
Capacity13,350
ChairmanIan Ross [1]
ManagerMichael Ellison
LeagueNorthern Premier League Division One West
2023–24Northern Premier League Division One West, 9th of 20
Websitehttp://www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk/

Widnes Football Club are an English association football club, based in Widnes, Cheshire. They are currently members of the Northern Premier League Division One West, playing their home matches at the DCBL Stadium, Widnes. They are affiliated to the Liverpool County FA.

History

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Early years: 2003 to 2012

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The club was founded in February 2003 as The Dragons A.F.C. by former secretary Bill Morley as a local junior football club. In 2008, the club was awarded the FA Charter Standard Development award for its continuous development of grassroots football.

2012 to 2018 - Back to Back Promotions

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In March 2012, Widnes Dragons began a consultation process with Widnes Vikings RLFC to become part of the Vikings Sports Brand, a partnership that was agreed to enhance the club's community status.

On 10 July 2012, at the club's AGM, the club's members unanimously agreed to become a part of the Widnes Sports Group and agreed on a 12-month transitional period up to the end of that current season (2012–13). The next step in the club's progression was made in season 2013–14 when Widnes Vikings FC was admitted into the football pyramid and placed within North West Counties Football League Division One.

In March 2014, the club's committee called an EGM for its members to decide on the future of the club. A unanimous vote was made that the club was to move away from the Vikings brand and to restructure the club to secure its own identity and long-term future. Subsequently, the club parted ways with the Vikings brand and became known as Widnes Football Club, which was symbolic in representing where the team and its fans came from whilst recognising that a new club needed to be built to establish confidence in the local community and support young local talent in Widnes.

In 2016, a change in board structure lead to the appointment of Ian Ross as chairman with a board of directors being established.[2] Danny Meadowcroft and Brian Pritchard were appointed joint managers, replacing previous manager Steve Hill who left the Club following the end of the 2015–16 season.[3] However, following an indifferent start to the season, Meadowcroft and Pritchard left the club and were replaced by Joey Dunn, who was subsequently appointed manager.[4]

The season ended on a highly successful note as under Dunn's management, Widnes were crowned North West Counties Football League Division One Champions with a game to spare after a 5–1 win at AFC Blackpool.[5]

In summer 2017, the club began to re-establish a youth section with the introduction of a development squad[6] and two junior teams at Under 7 and Under 9 age groups.[7]

Despite Dunn's resignation early in the 2017–18 season,[8] the club enjoyed yet another highly successful season. Senior players Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey were appointed joint player managers,[9] leading the club to promotion to the Northern Premier League and victory in the final of the North West Counties Challenge Cup against Burscough.

2018 to Present - Northern Premier League

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Widnes' first season at Step 4 brought mixed success. Early exits in the FA Cup, FA Trophy and League Cup meant The Whites only had the league to focus on. Joint managers Towey and Akrigg guided Widnes to a solid mid table finish, despite ending the season as one of the leagues form sides.

The next two seasons were affected by the turmoil caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic. Widnes finished the abandoned 2019–20 season in 12th, as well as the curtailed 2020–21 season in the same position.

As football returned to normal in the 2021–22 season, Widnes endured a poor start to the season, resulting in the club parting company with Managers Kevin Towey and Steve Akrigg. Former Ashton Town manager David Dempsey was hired, and not only guided Widnes to safety, but turned the side into one of the form teams in the second half of the season, boasting an impressive unbeaten run at home. Dempsey also led his side to the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy, where they were beaten on penalties by Bootle, this being the clubs best run to date. Success under Dempsey was short lived as Widnes began the 2022–23 season in very poor form, failing to win any of their first five league games and seeing their FA Cup run ended by North West Counties side Bury. Subsequently, Widnes and Dempsey went their separate ways. Widnes moved quickly to hire Michael Ellison,[10] who began the season with City of Liverpool. Performances under 'Ello' quickly improved, and Widnes were able to pick up their first league win of the season away to newly promoted Hanley. Despite spending a lot of the season rooted to the bottom of the table, Ellison and Widnes picked up a number of crucial wins towards the tail-end of the season, ultimately finishing in 17th place. Due to Skelmersdale not meeting Northern Premier League ground grading requirements, Widnes received a reprieve in the step 4/5 inter step playoff, thus securing their Northern Premier League Status for the 2023/24 season due to their superior points per game ratio compared to other teams around the country.

Season-by-season record

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Crest and colours

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Since its foundation, the club has always worn a white home strip. They currently play in black shorts and white socks. The club's away kit is all yellow.

Shirt sponsors and manufacturers

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Year Kit Manufacturer Main Shirt Sponsor Back of Shirt Sponsor
2013–14 O'Neills Stobart Polyblend
2014–2016 Investec Tax Architects
2016–18 Macron PolyParts.co.uk None
2018–20 Northern Premier League Football Academy None
2020- Hallmark Security None
2024- SLL Properties LTD Sam's Diamonds Cancer Support

Stadium

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Main article: Halton Stadium

Widnes moved into the Halton Stadium in 2012, ahead of their debut and so far only season in the West Cheshire League. They played their first home game at the stadium against Chester Nomads Reserves on 1 September 2012. The club's highest attendance at the stadium is 603 set on 2 January 2023 against Macclesfield.

Current squad

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As of 23 August 2024[11]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
— GK England ENG Mark Halstead
— GK England ENG Josh McGreavy (on dual registration at Ashton Town)
— GK England ENG Cameron Terry
— GK Slovenia SVN Gregor Zabret
— DF England ENG Niall Battersby
— DF England ENG Owen Beamon (on dual registration at Litherland REMYCA)
— DF England ENG Sam Bhatti (on dual registration at Litherland REMYCA)
— DF England ENG Louis Isherwood
— DF England ENG Matty Rain
— DF England ENG Jack Walls
— MF England ENG Adam Bott (on loan from Chester)
— MF England ENG Nathan Caine
— MF Kosovo KOS Fisnik Hajdari
— MF England ENG George Hassall
No. Pos. Nation Player
— MF England ENG Steven Irwin
— MF England ENG Paul Kyffin
— MF England ENG Sean Miller
— MF England ENG Brendan O'Brien
— MF England ENG Harvey Roberts (on dual registration at Longridge Town)
— MF England ENG Ben Rydel
— MF England ENG James Steele
— MF England ENG Kingsley Williams
— FW England ENG Nathan Corness
— FW England ENG Ethan Danku
— FW Denmark DEN Sharif Deans
— FW England ENG Joshua High
— FW England ENG Jack McGowan
— FW England ENG Liam Paton (on loan from Marine)

Club officials

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Boardroom

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Role Name
Chairman Ian Ross
Director David Day
Director Gareth Hartley
Director John McKeown
Club Secretary Adrian Bevan
Club Development Officer Bill Morley

Coaching staff

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Role Name
Manager Michael Ellison
First Team Coach Chris Lawton
First Team Coach Lee Bignall
Goalkeeper Coach Ryan Brookfield
Kit Man Craig Patterson
Physio Darren Berrill

Managerial history

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As of 23 August 2024
Manager Nationality Period Total
G W D L Win %
Paul Pennington  England 2012 7 2 1 4 28.57
Steve Hill  England 2012–2016 143 46 21 76 32.17
Danny Meadowcroft and Brian Pritchard  England 2016 9 5 1 3 55.55
Danny Salt (interim)  England 2016 3 1 0 2 33.33
Joey Dunn  England 2016–2017 53 36 6 11 67.92
Steve Akrigg and Nick Matthews (interim)  England 2017 1 0 0 1 00.00
Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey  England 2017–2021 147 66 26 55 44.90
Michael Burke (interim)  England 2021 1 0 1 0 00.00
Dave Dempsey  England 2021–2022 42 15 11 16 35.71
Michael Ellison  England 2022- 85 35 16 34 41.18

Records

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Team records

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Honours

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  • North West Counties League
    • Premier Division runners-up 2017–18
    • Division One champions 2016–17
    • League Cup winners 2017-18

References

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  1. ^ All change at Widnes FC "All change at Widnes FC". Widnes Football Club. Retrieved 18 May 2016.
  2. ^ All change at Widnes FC "All change at Widnes FC". Widnes Football Club. Retrieved 18 May 2016.
  3. ^ New Management Team at Widnes FC "New Management Team at Widnes FC". Hallmark Security League. 18 May 2016. Retrieved 24 November 2016.
  4. ^ Announcement "Announcement: Dunn Deal!". Widnes Football Club. 22 September 2016. Retrieved 24 November 2016.
  5. ^ Champions! "Champions!". Widnes Football Club. 25 April 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
  6. ^ Development squad launched "Development squad launched". Widnes Football Club. Retrieved 2 August 2017.
  7. ^ Junior Setup Launched "Junior Setup Launched". Widnes Football Club. Retrieved 2 August 2017.
  8. ^ Club Statement: Joey Dunn departs "Club Statement: Joey Dunn departs". Widnes Football Club. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  9. ^ Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey appointed joint managers "Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey appointed joint managers". Widnes Football Club. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  10. ^ MICHAEL ELLISON APPOINTED AS NEW WIDNES MANAGER "Michael Ellison appointed as new Widnes manager". Widnes Football Club. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  11. ^ "First Team squad". Widnes FC. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  12. ^ "LCFA Mens Senior Cup". www.liverpoolfa.com. Liverpool County FA. 16 May 2018. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
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