Runcorn Memories: A gathering of amateur footballers

By Runcorn And Widnes Weekly News on Dec 25, 09 10:56 AM in 1946-1960

TRADITIONALLY, our twin towns have an outstanding record in maintaining a flourishing panoply of amateur football - be it soccer, rugby league or rugby union.

And today, the number of under- nines and teenage teams participating in all three sports provides sufficient evidence that continuity looks guaranteed for many years to come.

It is more than 50 years since I first began reporting on amateur soccer before graduating to coverage of Runcorn Football Club and the concluding years of the great Jack Search era.

A reminder of the early days came vividly to mind when I talked to John Firkins, formerly of Weston Point, who played for Weston Football Club and subsequently Runcorn Athletic.

Eighteen months ago, John and four other friends from their playing days met up again and hit on the idea they might well be able to extend their little get-together in such a way as to embrace many more of the former players who they encountered on the football fields of Runcorn and Widnes between 1955 and 1965.

"We thought we could do it again at a future date, only this time hopefully bringing together many more of the old players," said John.

In 1955 the Runcorn League included Acton Villa, Runcorn Rovers, ICI Chief Engineers Department (CED) Rangers, Dutton, Weston, Runcorn Athletic, Castners, Halton Road Methodists, Frodsham, Puritan Tannery, William Evans (Widnes) and Halton Juniors.

The following season, Runcorn Amateurs and Dukesfield had both joined the league.

It was during that 10-year period (1955-65) that Runcorn and Widnes had a joint league and teams included General Chemicals.

Runcorn Athletic were the outstanding amateur club of their day, their first team figuring in the Mid-Cheshire League and enjoying many notable successes in cup competitions and in the league.

I remember seeing Athletic take on Macclesfield in the Cheshire Senior Cup at their Boston Avenue ground. John Firkins got a place in the Runcorn Athletic team when a former captain, the late Roy Simpson, was injured.

A midfielder, John played at left half and recalls former Runcorn manager George Vose, ex- Manchester United player, coaching the Athletic boys. Former Linnets winger Tony Redican was in the team then and George Vose told John to send the ball straight down the wing for Tony to sprint away!

At that time, Athletic players included several well known names, among them Billy Hough and the late Bobby Collins.

I'm sure the idea of a reunion of former players in the old amateur leagues will be welcomed. All those who are interested can call John at his Heswall home on 0151 342 3510 after January 3.