Altrincham FC Centenary 2003
100 Years Ago
by Terry Rowley
Part I
From the "Robins' Review", 6 September 2002
The newly named Altrincham Association Association_Football Club opened the 1903/04 season on the 5th September 1903 with an away fixture at Hyde. The close season had been an exceptionally busy time for the newly named club, not only had they changed their name but they had also found a new ground on Hale Moss, known as Pollitt's Field (sited on the corner of what is now Urban Road and Moss Lane). The club had been seeking a more central location within the Altrincham District after noting that attendances were somewhat higher in number when they played in Altrincham compared to West Timperley and Broadheath.
The ground was rented from the Urban Council on an annual lease and had little in the way of facilities, in reality being little more than an enclosed field. Poor drainage was a problem (and continued to be), as was the constant threat of development but it was home. It should be pointed out that the team at this time was basically amateur, made up predominately of players who lived and worked locally and were only available to play on Saturday afternoons and Bank Holidays.
During the pre-season build-up a number of trial matches were held, seeking to find additional players to supplement the previous season's Broadheath squad who had, to a man, pledged themselves for the coming season. The trials proved relatively successful and a number of players were added to the squad, including the locally well-known and former Broadheath and Newton Heath player, Edward Todd, who had been discharged from the army. There was however disappointment that Bennie Tonge, formerly of Talbot, one of the strongest teams in the Manchester League, did not attend the trials as expected. (He subsequently joined club early in the season). The only other notable omission was Albert Butterworth who had broken his leg the previous week, playing football in Hyde.
There was much excitement and anticipation on the opening day of the season with Altrincham having to travel to Hyde, a team always regarded as tough opponents, and a draw away was regarded as a ‘good result’. In fact, the 'Old Heathens’ won their opening fixture 2-0, with both the goals being scored in the first half, through Whitfield and Short and two further goals were disallowed for offside.
The First ever Altrincham line up: Goalkeeper:Joe Barrow. Fullbacks: Sam Forster & Richard Cockram. Halfbacks: E. Dunn, E. Bentley (captain) & W.Morse. Forwards: F. Valentine, George Whitfield, George Williams, Edward Todd and C. Short.