Failsworth Blues - Branch History

Where it began

The Woodman Inn
Manchester Road, Hollinwood
Proprietors : Patrick and Winefride Power

The branch was founded here in 1978 much owing to the fact that Proprietors Pat and Win were the proud parents of City star Paul Power. Tommy Booth was the first Branch President and Pat Power the first Chairman. Other original members of the Committee included Barry Molyneux – Treasurer, Lynn Paxton – Secretary, Terry Burton – Social Secretary, and Jack Finn – EC Delegate. The first joining member was Veronica Foy, and the first coach trip was away v Blackpool. Following the retirement of Pat and Win, Keith Henderson became Chairman and the branch moved for a short while to..

Around this time Kevin Bond was elected President .For various reasons they could not settle at the venue, and returned to Hollinwood to..

Where it became established

The Railway Hotel
Railway Road, Hollinwood
Proprietors : Bernard & Mary Armstrong

Bernard Armstrong started a tradition of Landlords being nominated as Vice Chairman. The branch remained here for a number of years during which time Barry Foy progressed from Secretary to Chairman, and Bernard Halford (General Secretary at MCFC) became President. Supported by his wife Karen, her mother Marion Henderson, and others involved in the Branch, Bernard played an instrumental part in its development and becoming firmly established as a Supporters Club. There were many memorable occasions including the Easter Bonnets, the Banner Parade, winning the Inter Branch games competitions and winning the “Miss Manchester City” competition with member Debbie Gorman. Following the founding of the Independent Centenary Supporters Association, loyalties became divided with Hollinwood CSA Branch being formed. The Railway continues to host the CSA Branch where the business is now run by Bernard and Mary’s daughter Julie and her husband Malcolm Hardacre. The Official Supporters meanwhile moved on to..

The Star Inn
Church Street, Failsworth
Proprietors : Alan & Janet Tapper
Alan & Joan Hanlon

Under Alan and Janet Tapper, the Star became notorious as the Failsworth “City” pub with strong links to the football club, particularly during the “Forward with Franny (Lee)” campaign, and a number of celebrities attended various functions. Following in their footsteps Alan and Joan Hanlon continued the involvement with MCFC, and hosted back to back promotion parties from the Wembley play off final, and Blackburn, together with the Branch’s 21st Anniversary in 1999 where Gerard Weikens received a special award. Former players Jack Dyson and Bobby Johnston were often welcome customers. Alan and Joan left in 2001 and sadly the blues traditions went with them. The hard core of City fans found it difficult to accept the new red regime which took over. So they moved to their current base.

Where are they now?

The Willow Tavern
Ashton Road East, Failsworth
Proprietors : Harry and Sandra Booth

With the fabulous facilities provided, hard work of the Committee, and continuing support of their members, the branch continues to prosper and is now regarded as one of the largest branches within the Official Supporters Club.