Jump to content

Blackpool Borough: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
24marbles (talk | contribs)
No edit summary
 
(36 intermediate revisions by 23 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{About|a rugby league club|the local government district of the same name|Blackpool}}
{{short description|Defunct English rugby league club}}
{{About|a rugby league club|the local government district|Borough of Blackpool}}
{{about|the club called Chorley Borough in the years 1988–89|a separate club of the same name in the years 1989-1995|Chorley Lynx}}
{{redirect|Trafford Borough|the local government district|Trafford}}
{{redirect|Chorley Borough (1988–89)|a separate club of the same name 1989–1995|Chorley Lynx}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{no footnotes|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox rugby league club
{{Infobox rugby league club
| clubname = Blackpool Borough
| clubname = Blackpool Borough
| image =
| image =
| emblem = Blackpool-crest.jpg
| emblem = Blackpool-crest.jpg
| fullname =
| fullname = {{nowrap|Blackpool Borough RLFC}}
| nickname =
| nickname =
| short name =
| short name =
Line 13: Line 16:
| colours = Tangerine, black and white
| colours = Tangerine, black and white
| founded = unknown (reformed 1982)
| founded = unknown (reformed 1982)
| exited = 1997
| exited = {{start date and age|1997}}
| readmitted =
| readmitted =
| ground = The Mechanics, [[Blackpool]], 1992-97<br />[[Moss Lane]], [[Altrincham]], 1989-92<br />[[Victory Park (Chorley)|Victory Park]], [[Chorley]], 1988-89<br />[[Springfield Park (Wigan)|Springfield Park]], [[Wigan]], 1987-88<br />[[Borough Park, Blackpool|Borough Park]], [[Blackpool]], 1963-87<br />[[Blackpool Greyhound Stadium|St Anne's Road Greyhound Stadium]], until 1962
| ground = The Mechanics, [[Blackpool]], 1992–97<br />[[Moss Lane]], [[Altrincham]], 1989–92<br />[[Victory Park (Chorley)|Victory Park]], [[Chorley]], 1988–89<br />[[Springfield Park (Wigan)|Springfield Park]], [[Wigan]], 1987–88<br />[[Borough Park, Blackpool|Borough Park]], [[Blackpool]], 1963–87<br />[[Blackpool Greyhound Stadium|St Anne's Road Greyhound Stadium]], until 1962
| chairman =
| chairman =
| ceo =
| ceo =
Line 64: Line 67:


===Blackpool Borough===
===Blackpool Borough===
A Blackpool club were members of the [[Rugby Football League|Northern Union]] Lancashire Second Competition in 1898–99. The first unsuccessful application for a Blackpool team to join the Rugby League was made in December 1950. Blackpool Borough were accepted into the Rugby League for the 1954–55 season. In their early days, they were known as "the Babes". Their first ever league match was played at The Weaste, Salford 14 August 1954. They were defeated 24–13 with a young Wigan lad, Roy Thornley loose forward, scoring their first ever try in the league. The first ever victory was over [[Hull Kingston Rovers]] at [[Blackpool]].


Borough played at [[Blackpool Greyhound Stadium]] in St Anne's Road but larger fixtures were played at [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool F.C.'s]] [[Bloomfield Road]] stadium. Their record attendance was 12,015 on 10 September 1955 when they drew with the [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]] tourists 24–24 at Bloomfield Road. The record attendance was set in 1957 at 22,000 for the third round [[Challenge Cup]] match against [[Leigh Centurions|Leigh]].
A Blackpool club were members of the [[Rugby Football League|Northern Union]] Lancashire Second Competition in 1898–99. The first unsuccessful application for a Blackpool team to join the Rugby League was made in December 1950. ''Blackpool Borough'' were accepted into the Rugby League for the 1954–55 season. In their early days, they were known as "the Babes". The first ever victory was over [[Hull Kingston Rovers]] at [[Blackpool]].

Borough played at [[Blackpool Greyhound Stadium]] in St Anne's Road but larger fixtures were played at [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool FC's]] [[Bloomfield Road|Bloomfield Road Stadium]]. Their record attendance was 12,015 on 10 September 1955 when they drew with the [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]] tourists 24–24 at Bloomfield Road. The record attendance was set in 1957 at 22,000 for the third round [[Challenge Cup]] match against [[Leigh Centurions|Leigh]].


In the first eight years of their existence, they had never finished above 21st. Blackpool Greyhound Stadium was sold for housing and in April 1962. [[Blackpool Borough Council]] granted a 21-year lease on a new ground – [[Borough Park, Blackpool|Borough Park]] – on the former gas works and coach park site at Rigby Road and Princess Street. The first match at Borough Park was played on Saturday 31 August 1963 when Blackpool beat [[Salford Red Devils|Salford]] 36–16. The record defeat came on 26 October 1963 when [[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]] won 77 points to 8.
In the first eight years of their existence, they had never finished above 21st. Blackpool Greyhound Stadium was sold for housing and in April 1962. [[Blackpool Borough Council]] granted a 21-year lease on a new ground – [[Borough Park, Blackpool|Borough Park]] – on the former gas works and coach park site at Rigby Road and Princess Street. The first match at Borough Park was played on Saturday 31 August 1963 when Blackpool beat [[Salford Red Devils|Salford]] 36–16. The record defeat came on 26 October 1963 when [[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]] won 77 points to 8.


Rugby League [[Hall of Fame]] member [[Brian Bevan]] played for Blackpool Borough between 1962 and 1964 having retired from playing for [[Warrington Wolves|Warrington]]. In Bevan's first year Blackpool finished fourth in the Second Division. Fellow winger and Hall of Fame member [[Billy Boston]] also ended his career at Blackpool between 1969–71. Former Australian Representative Tim Pickup began his professional career with Blackpool, on loan from St.Helens. He was player of the year at Fullback for both the 1970 & 71 seasons. Pickup returned home and played for Australia as Five-eighth/Stand-off from 1972-75, returning to England as part of the 1973 Kangaroo Tour and was a member of Australia's victorious 1975 World Cup Squad.
Rugby League [[Hall of Fame]] member [[Brian Bevan]] played for Blackpool Borough between 1962 and 1964 having retired from playing for [[Warrington Wolves|Warrington]]. In Bevan's first year Blackpool finished fourth in the Second Division. Fellow winger and Hall of Fame member [[Billy Boston]] also ended his career at Blackpool between 1969 and 1971. Former Australian Representative Tim Pickup began his professional career with Blackpool, on loan from St. Helens. He was player of the year at Fullback for both the 1970 & 71 seasons. Pickup returned home and played for Australia as Five-eighth/Stand-off from 1972 to 1975, returning to England as part of the 1973 Kangaroo Tour and was a member of Australia's victorious 1975 World Cup Squad.


In 1978–79, Blackpool, coached by [[Albert Fearnley]], won promotion to the First Division for the only time by finishing fourth in the Second Division. However the next season, they finished bottom and were relegated back to the Second Division.
In 1978–79, Blackpool, coached by [[Albert Fearnley]], won promotion to the First Division for the only time by finishing fourth in the Second Division. However the next season, they finished bottom and were relegated back to the Second Division.
Line 78: Line 80:


===Springfield Borough===
===Springfield Borough===

[[File:Wigan athletic badge.png|left|65px]]
[[File:Wigan athletic badge.png|left|65px]]
Another consortium took over the club in April 1987 on condition that Borough left Blackpool.
Another consortium took over the club in April 1987 on condition that Borough left Blackpool.
Line 86: Line 87:


===Chorley Borough===
===Chorley Borough===

[[File:Chorley-crest.jpg|left|65px]]
[[File:Chorley-crest.jpg|left|65px]]
The club relocated to [[Victory Park, Chorley|Victory Park]] in [[Chorley]] and played as ''Chorley Borough'' in the 1988–89 season. The club's colours initially consisted of black and white hooped jerseys, which changed later to a primarily black jersey with irregular white bands around the waist and on the sleeves. The club ended up finishing sixteenth out of twenty teams in the Second Division.
The club relocated to [[Victory Park, Chorley|Victory Park]] in [[Chorley]] and played as ''Chorley Borough'' in the 1988–89 season. The club's colours initially consisted of black and white hooped jerseys, which changed later to a primarily black jersey with irregular white bands around the waist and on the sleeves. The club ended up finishing sixteenth out of twenty teams in the Second Division.
Line 93: Line 93:


===Trafford Borough===
===Trafford Borough===

[[File:TraffordFC.png|left|74px]]
[[File:TraffordFC.png|left|74px]]
Borough then became Trafford Borough when they moved to [[Moss Lane]], [[Altrincham]] (sharing with [[Altrincham F.C.]]) for the 1989–90 season. This, however, caused a boardroom split leading to five Blackpool-based directors resigning to form a new club initially based in [[Blackpool Panthers|Chorley]].
Borough then became Trafford Borough when they moved to [[Moss Lane]], [[Altrincham]] (sharing with [[Altrincham F.C.]]) for the 1989–90 season. This, however, caused a boardroom split leading to five Blackpool-based directors resigning to form a new club initially based in [[Blackpool Panthers|Chorley]].
Line 104: Line 103:


===Blackpool Gladiators===
===Blackpool Gladiators===

Blackpool Gladiators moved to [[A.F.C. Blackpool|Blackpool Mechanics FC]] ground in September 1992. In October 1992, the chairman Alan Sherrat put the club up for sale for £50,000. Once back in Blackpool the club colours were tangerine, purple and white jerseys, black shorts and socks.
Blackpool Gladiators moved to [[A.F.C. Blackpool|Blackpool Mechanics FC]] ground in September 1992. In October 1992, the chairman Alan Sherrat put the club up for sale for £50,000. Once back in Blackpool the club colours were tangerine, purple and white jerseys, black shorts and socks.


Rugby Football League chief executive [[Maurice Lindsay (rugby league)|Maurice Lindsay]] wanted to reduce the number of clubs in the lower division of the league in 1993. The three clubs finishing bottom of the Second Division would be demoted to the [[National Conference League]]. The season was a disaster which culminated in their final home game when they were beaten 90–5 by [[Dewsbury Rams|Dewsbury]]. Blackpool along with the other two expelled clubs, pursued legal action against the RFL decision, but to no avail. Their last game as a professional club was on 11 April 1993 when they lost again to Dewsbury 56–0.
Rugby Football League chief executive [[Maurice Lindsay (rugby league)|Maurice Lindsay]] wanted to reduce the number of clubs in the lower division of the league in 1993. The three clubs finishing bottom of the Second Division would be demoted to the [[National Conference League]]. The season was a disaster which culminated in their final home game when they were beaten 90–5 by [[Dewsbury Rams|Dewsbury]]. Blackpool along with the other two expelled clubs, pursued legal action against the RFL decision, but to no avail. Their last game as a professional club was on 11 April 1993 when they lost again to Dewsbury 56–0.


In November 1994, the club were on the receiving end of both a world record score and world record losing margin when they lost 4-142 to [[Huddersfield Giants]], this record stood for almost 24 years until April 2018 when [[York City Knights]] defeated [[West Wales Raiders]] by 144-0.
In November 1994, the club were on the receiving end of both a world record score and world record losing margin when they lost 4–142 to [[Huddersfield Giants]], this record stood for almost 24 years until April 2018 when [[York City Knights]] defeated [[West Wales Raiders]] by 144–0.


The following year, the club was relegated from the [[National Conference League]] Premier Division and left to join the Alliance reserve grade. After the 1997 Alliance season Blackpool Gladiators folded.
The following year, the club was relegated from the [[National Conference League]] Premier Division and left to join the Alliance reserve grade. After the 1997 Alliance season Blackpool Gladiators folded.

==Past coaches==
Also see ''[[:Category:Blackpool Borough coaches]]''

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[Stan Owen]] (1969)
*[[Joe Egan (rugby league)|Joe Egan]] (1970–1972)
*[[Cecil Mountford]] (1972–1973)
*[[Albert Fearnley]] (1978–1979)
*[[Geoff Lyon]] (1980–1982)
*[[Bob Eccles]] (1992–1993)
{{div col end}}


==Players earning international caps while at Blackpool Borough==
==Players earning international caps while at Blackpool Borough==
{{col-begin-small}}
{{col-4}}

* [[Lionel Emmitt]] won a cap for ''Wales'' while at Blackpool Borough in 1959 against France.
* [[Lionel Emmitt]] won a cap for ''Wales'' while at Blackpool Borough in 1959 against France.
* [[Graeme Johns]] won caps for ''Wales'' while at Salford in 1979 against France (sub), and while at Blackpool Borough in 1984 against England (sub)
* [[Graeme Johns]] won caps for ''Wales'' while at Salford in 1979 against France (sub), and while at Blackpool Borough in 1984 against England (sub)
* [[Donald Parry (rugby league)|Donald "Don" Parry]] won caps for ''Wales'' while at Blackpool Borough in 1980 against France, and England, in 1981 against France, and England (2 matches), and in 1982 against Australia. 6-caps 1-try 3-points Hooker.

* [[Peter Rowe (rugby)|Peter Rowe]] won caps for ''Wales'' while at Wigan, Blackpool Borough, and Huddersfield 1969...1979 7-caps + 3-caps (sub), including while at Blackpool Borough in the 1975 Rugby League World Cup against Australia, England, and Australia.
{{col-4}}

* [[Donald Parry|Donald "Don" Parry]] won caps for ''Wales'' while at Blackpool Borough in 1980 against France, and England, in 1981 against France, and England (2 matches), and in 1982 against Australia. 6-caps 1-try 3-points Hooker.

{{col-4}}

* [[Peter Rowe (rugby)|Peter Rowe]] won caps for ''Wales'' while at Wigan, Blackpool Borough, and Huddersfield 1969…1979 7-caps + 3-caps (sub), including while at Blackpool Borough in the 1975 Rugby League World Cup against Australia, England, and Australia.

{{col-4}}

* [[Hugh Waddell (rugby league)|Hugh Waddell]] won caps for ''England'' while at Blackpool Borough in 1984 against Wales, won caps for ''Scotland'', and won caps for ''Great Britain'' while at Oldham in 1988 against France (2 matches), Australia, and New Zealand, and while at Leeds in 1989 against France.
* [[Hugh Waddell (rugby league)|Hugh Waddell]] won caps for ''England'' while at Blackpool Borough in 1984 against Wales, won caps for ''Scotland'', and won caps for ''Great Britain'' while at Oldham in 1988 against France (2 matches), Australia, and New Zealand, and while at Leeds in 1989 against France.

{{col-end}}


==Other players==
==Other players==
{{col-begin-small}}
{{Div col|colwidth=18em}}
{{col-4}}
* [[Bak Diabira]]
* [[Bak Diabira]]
* [[Norman Turley]] circa 1978/79 (ex-[[Rochdale Hornets]])
* [[Norman Turley]] circa 1978/79 (ex-[[Rochdale Hornets]])
Line 149: Line 144:
* [[Piers Bent]] 1991–93
* [[Piers Bent]] 1991–93
* [[Brian Bevan]]
* [[Brian Bevan]]
* [[Geoffrey Bimson|Geoffrey "Geoff" Bimson]] {{rlp|sh}} circa-1987/88
* [[Geoffrey Bimson|Geoff Bimson]] {{rlp|sh}} circa-1987/88
* [[Tommy Bishop]] circa-1961
* [[Tommy Bishop]] circa-1961
* [[Dave Bolton]]
* [[Dave Bolton]]
* [[Billy Boston]]
* [[Billy Boston]]
* [[Steve Brennan (rugby league)|Stephen "Steve" Brennan]] circa-1985-88 (ex Wigan RLFC 1981–1985)
* [[Steve Brennan (rugby league)|Steve Brennan]] circa-1985-88 (ex Wigan RLFC 1981–1985)
* [[Carl Briscoe]] circa-1987/88 {{rlp|pr}} (ex-[[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]])
* [[Carl Briscoe]] circa-1987/88 {{rlp|pr}} (ex-[[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]])
* [[Paul Broston]] circa-1987/88
* [[Paul Broston]] circa-1987/88
Line 161: Line 156:
* [[Mark Daniels (rugby league)|Mark Daniels]] circa-1992/93
* [[Mark Daniels (rugby league)|Mark Daniels]] circa-1992/93
* [[Tony Daniels (rugby league)|Tony Daniels]] circa-1992/93
* [[Tony Daniels (rugby league)|Tony Daniels]] circa-1992/93
* Allan Blakeley circa-1992/93
* [[Stan Davies 1956/58]]
* [[Steve Donlan]] circa-1987/88
* [[Steve Donlan]] circa-1987/88
* [[Ian Duane]] circa-1987/88
* [[Ian Duane]] circa-1987/88
* [[Mick Ducie]] ex-Barrow
* [[Mick Ducie]] ex-Barrow
* [[Bob Eccles]] {{rlp|PR|SR}} circa-1987/88
* [[Bob Eccles]] {{rlp|PR|SR}} circa-1987/88
* [[Clifford Eccles|Clifford "Cliff" Eccles]] {{rlp|sr}} circa-1987/88
* [[Clifford Eccles|Cliff Eccles]] {{rlp|sr}} circa-1987/88
* [[Tony Feasey]]
* [[Tony Feasey]]
* [[Dave Hewitt (rugby league)|Dave Hewitt]] circa 1991/92 (ex-[[Salford Red Devils|Salford]])
* [[David Hewitt (rugby league)|Dave Hewitt]] circa 1991/92 (ex-[[Salford Red Devils|Salford]])
* [[Peter Hilton]] circa-1990 - 92 and 1994
* [[Peter Hilton (rugby league)|Peter Hilton]] circa-1990 92 and 1994
* [[Allan Fallah]] 1993
* [[John Emson]] circa-1987/88
* [[John Emson]] circa-1987/88
* [[Peter Fearis]] circa-1956/67 later of St. Helens
* [[Peter Fearis]] circa-1956/67 later of St. Helens
* [[Gary French]] circa-1987/88
* [[Gary French]] circa-1987/88
* [[Thomas Frodsham|Tommy Frodsham]] {{rlp|so}} circa-1987/88
{{col-4}}
* [[Thomas Frodsham|Thomas "Tommy" Frodsham]] {{rlp|so}} circa-1987/88
* [[Paul Gamble]] ([[Testimonial match]] 1982) circa-1987/88 on
* [[Paul Gamble]] ([[Testimonial match]] 1982) circa-1987/88 on
* [[Chris Ganley]] {{rlp|ce}} circa-1987/88
* [[Chris Ganley]] {{rlp|ce}} circa-1987/88
* [[Stephen Garner|Stephen "Steve" Garner]] {{rlp|hk}} circa-1987/88
* [[Stephen Garner|Steve Garner]] {{rlp|hk}} circa-1987/88
Paul Garnett 1990/94 (player and player coach)
* [[Paul Garnett]] 1990/94 (player and player coach)
* [[Jimmy Green (rugby league)|James "Jimmy" Green]] circa-1987/88
* [[Jimmy Green (rugby league)|Jimmy Green]] circa-1987/88
* [[Denis Gregson]] circa 1956 ex Salford
* [[Stephen Griffiths (rugby league)|Stephen "Steve" Griffiths]] circa-1987/88
* [[Stephen Griffiths (rugby league)|Steve Griffiths]] circa-1987/88
* [[Tracey Grundy]] circa-1987/88 (ex-[[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]])
* [[Tracey Grundy]] circa-1987/88 (ex-[[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]])
* [[Harry Gerrard Hall]] circa 1966 until 1976 (ex-Warrington Academy)
* [[Jimmy Hamilton (rugby league)|Jimmy Hamilton]] [[Cumbria rugby league team|Cumbria]] {{rlp|pr}} 1977 [[League Cup (rugby league)|Player's No.6 Trophy]] final
* [[Jimmy Hamilton (rugby league)|Jimmy Hamilton]] [[Cumbria rugby league team|Cumbria]] {{rlp|pr}} 1977 [[League Cup (rugby league)|Player's No.6 Trophy]] final
* [[Paul Hankinson]] circa-1987/88
* [[Paul Hankinson]] circa-1987/88
* [[Anthony Hodson|Anthony "Tony" Hodson]] circa-1987/88
* [[Anthony Hodson|Tony Hodson]] circa-1987/88
* [[Keith Holden]]
* [[Keith Holden]]
* [[Roy Howarth]] circa-1987/88
* [[Roy Howarth]] circa-1987/88
* [[Jon Hughes]] 1991–93
* [[Jon Hughes]] 1991–93
* [[Bob Irving (rugby league)|Robert Irving]]
* [[Bob Irving (rugby league)|Robert Irving]] 1981–82
* [[Denis Jackson]] ex-Barrow
* [[Denis Jackson]] ex-Barrow
* [[Geoffrey Jamieson|Geoffrey "Geoff" Jamieson]] circa-1987/88
* [[Geoffrey Jamieson|Geoff Jamieson]] circa-1987/88
* [[Jimmy Johnson (rugby league)|Jimmy Johnson]] {{rlp|wg}} early-1970s
* [[Jimmy Johnson (rugby league)|Jimmy Johnson]] {{rlp|wg}} early-1970s
* [[Frank Jones (rugby league)|Frank Jones]] ex-Barrow
* [[Frank Jones (rugby league)|Frank Jones]] ex-Barrow
* [[Graham Karalius]] circa-1987/88
* [[Graham Karalius]] circa-1987/88
* [[Joe Lewis (rugby league)|Joe Lewis]] circa 1972-76
* [[Joe Lewis (rugby league)|Joe Lewis]] circa 1972–76
* [[Denis Litherland]] circa-1987/88
* [[Denis Litherland]] circa-1987/88
* [[Bobby Little]] ex-Barrow
* [[Bobby Little]] ex-Barrow
Line 199: Line 198:
* [[George Matthews (rugby league)|George Matthews]] ex-Barrow
* [[George Matthews (rugby league)|George Matthews]] ex-Barrow
* [[Wally McArthur (rugby league)|Wally McArthur]] circa-1956 (ex-[[Rochdale Hornets]])
* [[Wally McArthur (rugby league)|Wally McArthur]] circa-1956 (ex-[[Rochdale Hornets]])
* [[Terrence McCarrick|Terrence "Terry" 'Tex' McCarrick]] goal-kicking {{rlp|fb}} circa-1960s
* [[Terrence McCarrick|Terry McCarrick]] goal-kicking {{rlp|fb}} circa-1960s
* [[David McFarland (rugby league)|David "Dave" McFarland]] circa-1987/88
* [[David McFarland (rugby league)|Dave McFarland]] circa-1987/88
* xIan McKenzie {{rlp|sr}} circa-1987/88
* xIan McKenzie {{rlp|sr}} circa-1987/88
* [[Brian McTigue]]
* [[Brian McTigue]]
{{col-4}}
* [[Alec Maitland]] (Blackpool lad) circa-1963
* [[Alec Maitland]] (Blackpool lad) circa-1963
* [[David Maloney (rugby league)|David "Dave" Maloney]] circa-1987/88
* [[David Maloney (rugby league)|Dave Maloney]] circa-1987/88
* [[Stephen Melling|Stephen "Steve" Melling]] circa-1987/88
* [[Stephen Melling|Steve Melling]] circa-1987/88
* [[Jim Molyneux (rugby league)|Jim Molyneux]] (from [[Wigan]]) circa-1970s, and 1980s, 3-times [[Kilkenny Trophy]] winner
* [[Jim Molyneux (rugby league)|Jim Molyneux]] (from [[Wigan]]) circa-1970s, and 1980s, 3-times [[Kilkenny Trophy]] winner
* [[Micheal Nanyn|Micheal "Mick" Nanyn]] circa-1987/88 (ex-[[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]])
* [[Micheal Nanyn|Mick Nanyn]] circa-1987/88 (ex-[[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]])
* [[Micheal O'Hara|Micheal "Mike" O'Hara]] circa-1987/88
* [[Micheal O'Hara|Mike O'Hara]] circa-1987/88
* [[Bill Oxley]] ex-Barrow
* [[Bill Oxley]] ex-Barrow
* [[Brian Parkes]] circa-1987/88
* [[Brian Parkes]] circa-1987/88
* [[Malcolm Pattinson]]
* [[Malcolm Pattinson]]
* [[Thomas Perenara]]
* [[Thomas Perenara]]
* Tim Pickup 1969-71.Australian Rep.1972-75
* Tim Pickup 1969–71.Australian Rep.1972–75
* [[William Price (rugby league)|William "Billy" Price]] circa-1987/88
* [[William Price (rugby league)|Billy Price]] circa-1987/88
* [[Andy Ripon]] 1990–93
* [[Andy Ripon]] 1990–93
* [[John Risman]]
* [[John Risman]]
* [[Paul Roberts (rugby league)|Paul Roberts]] circa-1987/88
* [[Paul Roberts (rugby league)|Paul Roberts]] circa-1987/88
* [[Derrick Seabrook]] circa-1987/88
* [[Derrick Seabrook]] circa-1987/88
* [[Joseph Smith (rugby league)|Joseph "Joe" Smith]] circa-1987/88
* [[Joseph Smith (rugby league)|Joe Smith]] circa-1987/88
* [[Michael Smith (Australian rugby league)|Michael "Mike" Smith]][http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/mike-smith/summary.html] {{rlp|fb}} circa-1987/88
* [[Michael Smith (Australian rugby league)|Mike Smith]][http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/mike-smith/summary.html] {{rlp|fb}} circa-1987/88
* [[Michael Stewart (rugby league)|Michael Stewart]] {{rlp|ce}} circa-1987/88
* [[Michael Stewart (rugby league)|Michael Stewart]] {{rlp|ce}} circa-1987/88
* [[Adrian Swindells]] circa-1987/88
* [[Adrian Swindells]] circa-1987/88
Line 227: Line 225:
* [[Mark Viller]] circa-1987/88
* [[Mark Viller]] circa-1987/88
* [[Tony Waller]] circa 1987/88
* [[Tony Waller]] circa 1987/88
* [[Les Smith]] circa - 1978/82 & 1986/87 ex Halifax.
* [[Les Smith]] circa 1978/82 & 1986/87 ex Halifax.
* [[David Walsh (rugby league)|David "Dave" Walsh]] circa-1987/88 (ex-[[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]])
* [[David Walsh (rugby league)|Dave Walsh]] circa-1987/88 (ex-[[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]])
* [[Paul Williams (rugby league)|Paul Williams]] 1991/93
* [[Paul Williams (rugby league)|Paul Williams]] 1991/93
* [[Ste Wills]] circa 1982/87
* [[Ste Wills]] circa 1982/87
Line 236: Line 234:
* [[Chuck Wiseman]] circa-1960s {{rlp|wg}} from USA
* [[Chuck Wiseman]] circa-1960s {{rlp|wg}} from USA
* [[David Wood (rugby league)|David Wood]] circa-1987/88 (ex-[[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]])
* [[David Wood (rugby league)|David Wood]] circa-1987/88 (ex-[[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]])
{{col-end}}
{{Div col end}}
Denis Gregson circa 1956 ex Salford


==See also==
==See also==
* [[List of defunct rugby league clubs]]
* [[Blackpool Panthers]]


==Citations==
[[List of defunct rugby league clubs]]
{{reflist}}


==Bibliography==
[[Blackpool Panthers]]
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book | author = Lawrenson, Dave | year = 2007 | title = The Rugby League Miscellany | publisher = Vision Sports Publishing | page=123 | isbn = 978-1-905326-30-3 }}
*{{cite book | author = Gate, Robert | year = 1991 | title = The Guinness Rugby League Fact Book | publisher = Guinness Publishing Ltd | page=43 | isbn = 0-85112-949-8 }}
{{refend}}


*[https://archive.today/20121208201756/http://members.tripod.com/peterflower/table.htm http://members.tripod.com/peterflower/table.htm]
==Sources==
*[http://members.tripod.com/peterflower/table.htm http://members.tripod.com/peterflower/table.htm]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070928194222/http://www.blackpoolborough.com/ The history of Blackpool Borough]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070928194222/http://www.blackpoolborough.com/ The history of Blackpool Borough]
*[http://wigan.rlfans.com/fusion_pages/index.php?page_id=491 Two Teams in Wigan!]
*[http://wigan.rlfans.com/fusion_pages/index.php?page_id=491 Two Teams in Wigan!]
Line 257: Line 260:
*[http://www.oldrugbyshirts.com/en/teams/s/springfield-borough/old-springfield-borough-rugby-shirt-s1743.html Photo of a Springfield Borough jersey from OLDRUGBYSHIRTS.com]
*[http://www.oldrugbyshirts.com/en/teams/s/springfield-borough/old-springfield-borough-rugby-shirt-s1743.html Photo of a Springfield Borough jersey from OLDRUGBYSHIRTS.com]


==References==
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book | author = Lawrenson, Dave | year = 2007 | title = The Rugby League Miscellany | publisher = Vision Sports Publishing | location = p. 123 | isbn = 978-1-905326-30-3 }}
*{{cite book | author = Gate, Robert | year = 1991 | title = The Guinness Rugby League Fact Book | publisher = Guinness Publishing Ltd | location = p. 43 | isbn = 0-85112-949-8 }}
{{refend}}

{{British Rugby League links}}
{{Blackpool culture}}
{{Blackpool culture}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Blackpool Borough}}
[[Category:Defunct rugby league teams in England]]
[[Category:Defunct rugby league teams in England]]
[[Category:Sport in Blackpool]]
[[Category:Sport in Blackpool]]
[[Category:Rugby clubs established in 1954]]
[[Category:Rugby clubs established in 1954]]
[[Category:1954 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1954 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1997 disestablishments in England]]
[[Category:Rugby league teams in Lancashire]]
[[Category:Rugby league teams in Lancashire]]
[[Category:Rugby league teams in England]]

Latest revision as of 21:08, 3 December 2024

Blackpool Borough
Club information
Full nameBlackpool Borough RLFC
ColoursTangerine, black and white
Foundedunknown (reformed 1982)
Exited1997; 27 years ago (1997)
Former details
Ground(s)

Blackpool Borough was a rugby league club based in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, that played in the Rugby Football League from 1954 until 1993. The club moved to Wigan in 1987 and was renamed Springfield Borough; to Chorley in 1988 and was renamed Chorley Borough; to Altrincham in 1989 and was renamed Trafford Borough, and finally back to Blackpool in 1992 as Blackpool Gladiators. It folded in 1997.

The team wore tangerine, black and white jerseys.

History

[edit]

Blackpool Borough

[edit]

A Blackpool club were members of the Northern Union Lancashire Second Competition in 1898–99. The first unsuccessful application for a Blackpool team to join the Rugby League was made in December 1950. Blackpool Borough were accepted into the Rugby League for the 1954–55 season. In their early days, they were known as "the Babes". Their first ever league match was played at The Weaste, Salford 14 August 1954. They were defeated 24–13 with a young Wigan lad, Roy Thornley loose forward, scoring their first ever try in the league. The first ever victory was over Hull Kingston Rovers at Blackpool.

Borough played at Blackpool Greyhound Stadium in St Anne's Road but larger fixtures were played at Blackpool F.C.'s Bloomfield Road stadium. Their record attendance was 12,015 on 10 September 1955 when they drew with the New Zealand tourists 24–24 at Bloomfield Road. The record attendance was set in 1957 at 22,000 for the third round Challenge Cup match against Leigh.

In the first eight years of their existence, they had never finished above 21st. Blackpool Greyhound Stadium was sold for housing and in April 1962. Blackpool Borough Council granted a 21-year lease on a new ground – Borough Park – on the former gas works and coach park site at Rigby Road and Princess Street. The first match at Borough Park was played on Saturday 31 August 1963 when Blackpool beat Salford 36–16. The record defeat came on 26 October 1963 when Wigan won 77 points to 8.

Rugby League Hall of Fame member Brian Bevan played for Blackpool Borough between 1962 and 1964 having retired from playing for Warrington. In Bevan's first year Blackpool finished fourth in the Second Division. Fellow winger and Hall of Fame member Billy Boston also ended his career at Blackpool between 1969 and 1971. Former Australian Representative Tim Pickup began his professional career with Blackpool, on loan from St. Helens. He was player of the year at Fullback for both the 1970 & 71 seasons. Pickup returned home and played for Australia as Five-eighth/Stand-off from 1972 to 1975, returning to England as part of the 1973 Kangaroo Tour and was a member of Australia's victorious 1975 World Cup Squad.

In 1978–79, Blackpool, coached by Albert Fearnley, won promotion to the First Division for the only time by finishing fourth in the Second Division. However the next season, they finished bottom and were relegated back to the Second Division.

In April 1982, Borough were put into liquidation less than nine months after being taken over by a Cardiff businessman. A new company, Savoy Sports and Leisure Ltd, then bought the club and a new Blackpool Borough RLFC was formed on 4 August 1982 and accepted into the Rugby League for the new season. The club was ordered to carry out safety measures on the ground by Lancashire County Council by 1 February 1987 or quit the ground. Blackpool failed to get a safety grant aid of £65,000 from Blackpool Borough Council and were forced to leave. The final game at Borough Park being on 4 January 1987 when a crowd of 386 saw the club lose 8–5 to Whitehaven. Their final six home games were played at Bloomfield Road.

Springfield Borough

[edit]

Another consortium took over the club in April 1987 on condition that Borough left Blackpool. Their first new home was Springfield Park, the then home of Wigan Athletic. Wigan RLFC were rumoured to have objected to the proposed 'Wigan Borough' name and so 'Springfield Borough' was adopted. Springfield Borough's club colours were dark blue, tangerine and white. The club logo was the same as the crest used by Wigan Athletic F.C. at the time.

Springfield Borough beat Sheffield Eagles 11–10 in the final rugby league match at Springfield Park. Despite good performances on the field the move was not successful; the pitch was suffering from overuse and in January 1988 Wigan Athletic gave Borough six months to quit.

Chorley Borough

[edit]

The club relocated to Victory Park in Chorley and played as Chorley Borough in the 1988–89 season. The club's colours initially consisted of black and white hooped jerseys, which changed later to a primarily black jersey with irregular white bands around the waist and on the sleeves. The club ended up finishing sixteenth out of twenty teams in the Second Division.

The name Chorley Borough was later used between 1989 and 1995 by a different club.

Trafford Borough

[edit]

Borough then became Trafford Borough when they moved to Moss Lane, Altrincham (sharing with Altrincham F.C.) for the 1989–90 season. This, however, caused a boardroom split leading to five Blackpool-based directors resigning to form a new club initially based in Chorley.

Trafford Borough adopted the local Trafford crest also used by Trafford F.C., depicting a rampant griffin, and their club colours consisted of royal blue and red jerseys, blue shorts and white socks.

Their tenure at Altrincham was generally unsuccessful, with most home crowds averaging around the 200 mark. It was also during this period that the club achieved their highest defeat, being beat by St. Helens 104–12 on 15 September 1991.

Trafford Borough survived three seasons before returning to Blackpool as Blackpool Gladiators.

Blackpool Gladiators

[edit]

Blackpool Gladiators moved to Blackpool Mechanics FC ground in September 1992. In October 1992, the chairman Alan Sherrat put the club up for sale for £50,000. Once back in Blackpool the club colours were tangerine, purple and white jerseys, black shorts and socks.

Rugby Football League chief executive Maurice Lindsay wanted to reduce the number of clubs in the lower division of the league in 1993. The three clubs finishing bottom of the Second Division would be demoted to the National Conference League. The season was a disaster which culminated in their final home game when they were beaten 90–5 by Dewsbury. Blackpool along with the other two expelled clubs, pursued legal action against the RFL decision, but to no avail. Their last game as a professional club was on 11 April 1993 when they lost again to Dewsbury 56–0.

In November 1994, the club were on the receiving end of both a world record score and world record losing margin when they lost 4–142 to Huddersfield Giants, this record stood for almost 24 years until April 2018 when York City Knights defeated West Wales Raiders by 144–0.

The following year, the club was relegated from the National Conference League Premier Division and left to join the Alliance reserve grade. After the 1997 Alliance season Blackpool Gladiators folded.

Past coaches

[edit]

Also see Category:Blackpool Borough coaches

Players earning international caps while at Blackpool Borough

[edit]
  • Lionel Emmitt won a cap for Wales while at Blackpool Borough in 1959 against France.
  • Graeme Johns won caps for Wales while at Salford in 1979 against France (sub), and while at Blackpool Borough in 1984 against England (sub)
  • Donald "Don" Parry won caps for Wales while at Blackpool Borough in 1980 against France, and England, in 1981 against France, and England (2 matches), and in 1982 against Australia. 6-caps 1-try 3-points Hooker.
  • Peter Rowe won caps for Wales while at Wigan, Blackpool Borough, and Huddersfield 1969...1979 7-caps + 3-caps (sub), including while at Blackpool Borough in the 1975 Rugby League World Cup against Australia, England, and Australia.
  • Hugh Waddell won caps for England while at Blackpool Borough in 1984 against Wales, won caps for Scotland, and won caps for Great Britain while at Oldham in 1988 against France (2 matches), Australia, and New Zealand, and while at Leeds in 1989 against France.

Other players

[edit]

See also

[edit]

Citations

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Lawrenson, Dave (2007). The Rugby League Miscellany. Vision Sports Publishing. p. 123. ISBN 978-1-905326-30-3.
  • Gate, Robert (1991). The Guinness Rugby League Fact Book. Guinness Publishing Ltd. p. 43. ISBN 0-85112-949-8.
[edit]