Congratulations to Oldham Athletic on your 3-2 victory over Southend in the National League play off final. Great to have you back in the Football League. A dramatic final – that’s football.
Category Archives: Oldham Athletic
The 1990s: Oldham 2 Manchester City 5
On this day (2 May) in 1992 City secured their second consecutive 5th place finish with a 5-2 victory over Oldham at Boundary Park. You can see film of the game below. The City scorers were David White (3), 17 year old Adie Mike (his first goal in his 2nd game; image is of him celebrating the goal) and Mike Sheron. Former Blues Tony Henry and Paul Moulden scored the Oldham goals. The highlights are well worth watching:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf8LPt5L2wg
If you’d like to know more on the 1991-92 season when the Blues finished 5th for the second season running, have a read of this 2,100 word article on that season:
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This series of articles and features will run throughout March with indepth articles some days and smaller ‘on this day’ style posts on others. There will be flashbacks to great games, players and more. Every day in March will offer something to enjoy.
Subscribers will get access to everything, while some on this day material will be free for all to view.
If you want to know more on this incredible decade for Manchester City Football Club then why not subscribe and read it all? If you’d like to know more about subscribing then see:
The 1960s: Jimmy Mundy’s Debut
On this day (5 April) in 1969 Jimmy Mundy came on as substitute, replacing Tony Book, to make his Manchester City debut. The Manchester born player’s first appearance saw the reigning champions defeated 1-0 at Elland Road. Mundy was spotted playing for Ashland Rovers just before his 18th birthday, and after trials signed for the Blues.
His reserve debut came in December 1967 at left-half against Bolton Wanderers, and he went on City’s tour to the USA the following summer. Unfortunately, Mundy only managed a further two league appearances. After a loan spell at Oldham, Jimmy moved to non-League Bangor City on a free transfer.
You can read more on Manchester City during the 1968-69 season (another trophy winning season!) below. If you’d like to read this 6,000 word article, plus all other articles on the site, then please subscribe (see below). As with most of the other features in this series it includes words from interviews I have performed with those who were there.
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Valentine Lawrence
Happy Valentine’s Day! Way back in 1911 Manchester City signed a player from Forfar Athletic with the name Valentine. He was born in May 1889, not 14 February as maybe some would expect. He joined City on 5 July 1911 but only made 22 first team appearances in defence before signing for Oldham Athletic on 31 May 1913 (£50 transfer fee). Sadly he only managed one League appearance at Oldham.
A year later he was on his way to Leeds City. War ultimately limited his opportunities and he later played for Southend in 1921 before joining Abertillery in July 1922.
When he signed for City he was expected to be a significant member of the team but it didn’t quite work out like that. His debut was against Oldham on 7 October 1911 and he did play in a goalless Manchester derby. I first wrote about him in The Pride of Manchester, the history of the Manchester derby I co-wrote with Steve Cawley.
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DonateLes McDowall
Now that Pep Guardiola has managed his 500th Manchester City game (yes, I know he’s been ill and missed games but he’s still the manager when they occurred) here’s a brief look at the only manager ahead of his record at the club, Les McDowall (note: Les missed some games on scouting missions, so similar to Pep’s missed games?). Enjoy!
Les McDowall
June 1950 – May 1963
Previously: Impressive wing-half for City during 40s.
Took Over From: Jock Thomson, who left in February 1950 as City headed towards relegation, but it is believed Wilf Wild with Fred Tilson filled the void between managers.
Inherited: Bert Trautmann, Roy Clarke, Joe Fagan & Johnny Hart.
Players Brought In Included: City’s talented forward Don Revie & inspirational captain Roy Paul. Also Alex Harley & Peter Dobing.
Best Buy: For his role in the Revie Plan and long term commitment to the City cause – Ken Barnes.
Youngsters He Gave Debuts To: Joe Hayes, Dave Wagstaffe, John Benson, Neil Young, Alan Oakes & Glyn Pardoe.
First Game: Preston North End 2 City 4 (City scorers George Smith 2, Roy Clarke and Dennis Westcott), 19 August 1950, attendance 36,294.
High Points: Winning promotion during his first season; FA Cup finalists in 1955 & FA Cup winners in 1956 (and finishing fourth that season).
Coaches: Thirties stars Fred Tilson & Laurie Barnett.
Tactics: Became noted for tactical innovations such as the Revie Plan (although people assume this to be Revie’s idea the name came from the fact he was the key player; it had previously operated in the Reserves with Johnny Williamson in the role). The Plan revolutionised City’s play and led to the mid-fifties success.
Last Game: West Ham United 6 City 1 (City scorer Alan Oakes), 18 May 1963, attendance 16,602.
Season By Season Record:
League
1950-51 P 42 W 19 D 14 L 9 GF 89 GA 61 Pts 52
1951-52 P 42 W 13 D 13 L 16 GF 58 GA 61 Pts 39
1952-53 P 42 W 14 D 7 L 21 GF 72 GA 87 Pts 35
1953-54 P 42 W 14 D 9 L 19 GF 62 GA 77 Pts 37
1954-55 P 42 W 18 D 10 L 14 GF 76 GA 69 Pts 46
1955-56 P 42 W 18 D 10 L 14 GF 82 GA 69 Pts 46
1956-57 P 42 W 13 D 9 L 20 GF 78 GA 88 Pts 35
1957-58 P 42 W 22 D 5 L 15 GF 104 GA 100 Pts 49
1958-59 P 42 W 11 D 9 L 22 GF 64 GA 95 Pts 31
1959-60 P 42 W 17 D 3 L 22 GF 78 GA 84 Pts 37
1960-61 P 42 W 13 D 11 L 18 GF 79 GA 90 Pts 37
1961-62 P 42 W 17 D 7 L 18 GF 78 GA 81 Pts 41
1962-63 P 42 W 10 D 11 L 21 GF 58 GA 102 Pts 31
2 points for a win
FA Cup
1950-51 P 1 W 0 D 0 L 1 GF 0 GA 2 Reached 3rd round
1951-52 P 2 W 0 D 1 L 1 GF 3 GA 6 Reached 3rd round
1952-53 P 3 W 1 D 1 L 1 GF 9 GA 6 Reached 4th round
1953-54 P 2 W 1 D 0 L 1 GF 5 GA 3 Reached 4th round
1954-55 P 6 W 5 D 0 L 1 GF 10 GA 4 Reached final
1955-56 P 7 W 6 D 1 L 0 GF 11 GA 4 FA Cup winners
1956-57 P 2 W 0 D 1 L 1 GF 5 GA 6 Reached 3rd round
1957-58 P 1 W 0 D 0 L 1 GF 1 GA 5 Reached 3rd round
1958-59 P 2 W 0 D 1 L 1 GF 3 GA 4 Reached 3rd round
1959-60 P 1 W 0 D 0 L 1 GF 1 GA 5 Reached 3rd round
1960-61 P 4 W 1 D 2 L 1 GF 4 GA 4 Reached 4th round
1961-62 P 2 W 1 D 0 L 1 GF 1 GA 2 Reached 4th round
1962-63 P 3 W 2 D 0 L 1 GF 3 GA 2 Reached 5th round
League Cup
1960-61 P 2 W 1 D 0 L 1 GF 3 GA 2 Reached 3rd round
1961-62 P 1 W 0 D 0 L 1 GF 2 GA 4 Reached 2nd round
1962-63 P 6 W 3 D 2 L 1 GF 10 GA 12 Reached 5th round
TOTAL (League & cup fixtures)
P591 W220 D127 L244 GF 1049 GA 1135
Trophies Won: FA Cup (1956)
Other Competitive Fixtures: 1 Charity Shield game
They Said: “Les McDowall was very much an old school manager – shirt & tie, office type. You rarely saw him but when you did it was usually when he was unveiling one of his new tactical plans. We had one where we played with 5 at the back and I had a number 7 shirt on. He would probably have excelled in today’s game because he was absolutely driven with tactical formations.” Defender Bobby Kennedy talking in 2005.
Followed By: George Poyser
After City: Became Oldham Athletic manager shortly after leaving City. Died in August 1991 at the age of 78.
60 Years Ago: McMullan
On this day (28 November) in 1964 one of Scotland’s greatest internationals of all time died. He was the former Partick, Manchester City, Oldham and Scotland half back Jimmy McMullan (seen leading out City in this photo). Here’s a MCFC profile of him I wrote a while back which, hopefully, explains a little as to why he should be remembered.
JAMES MCMULLAN (1926-33)
Half Back, 5ft 7in, 11st. 0lbs, b. Denny, 26 March 1895, d. Sheffield, 28 November 1964
Signed from Partick Thistle, 10 February 1926 (£4,700)
Transferred: Oldham Athletic, 15 May 1933
Career: Denny Hibernian, Third Lanark, Partick Thistle, Maidstone United player-manager, Partick Thistle, City, Oldham Athletic player-manager
Debut v Liverpool, 27 February 1926
Appearances: League: 220 apps. 10 gls; FA Cup: 22 apps. 2 gls; Total: 242 apps, 12 gls.
One of Scotland’s greatest internationals of all time, left back Jimmy McMullan was already a significant star when the Blues signed him in 1926 for £4,700. Clearly his arrival was a major talking point, especially as this was during City’s managerless period when vice-chairman Albert Alexander took on the management of the players. Alexander must have possessed a great footballing brain and must have been a terrific negotiator as McMullan readily joined the Blues.
Within two months of his arrival McMullan was playing at Wembley in the FA Cup final. City lost that game and were also relegated on the last day of the season creating a new, if unwanted, record.
In 1927-8 he made 38 appearances and scored four goals as City won the Second Division title, and that same year McMullan captained Scotland to their most famous victory – a 5-1 defeat of England at Wembley. It was a highly embarrassing day for England, but a great one for the City man. He remained in the City side throughout the twenties and early thirties, and in 1933 he returned to Wembley again with the Club. Sadly, his second final also ended in defeat, and the following May he moved to Oldham as player-manager. He later had spells in charge at Aston Villa (their first official manager), Notts County, and Sheffield Wednesday. He was Wednesday’s manager in 1938-9 when his side drew 1-1 with City at Maine Road. Both sides were chasing promotion, and the single point was not enough for either side. Wednesday missed promotion by a point to arch rivals Sheffield United. In 1942, during the wartime seasons, McMullan’s contract was not renewed.
He passed away at the age of 69 while still living in Sheffield in 1964.
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DonateThe 2024 Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards
The winners of the Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards (NWFA) 2024 have been revealed. 500 esteemed guests from across the footballing world attended the star-studded event, hosted by broadcasters Eilidh Barbour and Dion Dublin, at The Point at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. Winners were crowned in a range of player categories, alongside accolades for clubs, communities, and unsung heroes.
After another phenomenal season, Manchester City once again took centre stage, with Phil Foden named Premier League Player of the Season and Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw earning the Women’s Player of the Season title for the second consecutive year. Manchester City teammate Khiara Keating was recognised as the Women’s Rising Star. For the red side of Manchester, Kobbie Mainoo collected the Men’s Rising Star award, capping off a sensational campaign for the England international.
In a heartfelt tribute, Ian Rush MBE was honoured with The Maurice Watkins CBE Lifetime Contribution Award, while the Billy Seymour Impact Award was presented to Joe Thompson for his continued inspirational impact on the footballing world.
Burnley FC Women’s Kirstie Levell was named Women’s Player of the Season for The FA Women’s National League, while Liam Lindsay, of Preston North End Football Club took home the Championships Player of the Season further showcasing talent in the Northwest region.
The community-focused aspect of football was also celebrated, with Everton in the Community retaining the title of Premier League Community Club of the Season, and Foundation 92 being recognised as the Community Club of the Season for all other leagues.
A special moment of acknowledgement came with the presentation of the Special Recognition Award for Services to Women’s Football to the legendary Manchester Corinthians, a club that has paved the way for generations of women in football.
You can find out more on the Corinthians across this website, but here’s their reaction to the award on the night:
Laura Wolfe, owner of the Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards, said: “What an incredible night. The talent on show this year, both on and off the pitch, continues to highlight the Northwest as a powerhouse of football. Congratulations to all the winners, finalists, and everyone who makes these awards so special – we have proved yet again that the power of the footballing community has the ability to bring the region together and we look forward to seeing clubs continue to make a positive difference.”
The awards not only celebrate footballing excellence but also honour the efforts of those working behind the scenes, with accolades such as the Fabrice Muamba Award for Outstanding Service to Football Medicine & Performance, which went to Ian Liversedge, and the Unsung Hero Award, which was presented to Dr Danielle Prescott.
Armstrong Projects’ Chris Hamlett added: “The Northwest Football Awards are a unique opportunity to champion the exceptional work being done across all levels of football in our region. Congratulations to all the winners and everyone involved in making this evening such a success.”
Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards 2024 – Full Winners List:
Community Initiative of the Season – Premier League (in association with the PFA) – Burnley FC in the Community – Academy in the Community
Community Initiative of the Season – All other Leagues (in association with the PFA) – Carlisle United Community Sports Trust – Komatsu Climate Heroes (HIGHLY COMMENDED)
– Morecambe FC Community Foundation – Veterans Project
Community Club of the Season – All other Leagues (in association with the PFA) – Foundation 92
Community Club of the Season – Premier League (in association with the PFA) – Everton in the Community
Women in Football Promoting Inclusion Award – Burnley FC in the Community – Interfaith Partnership with Building Bridges Burnley (HIGHLY COMMENDED)
– Cerebral Palsy United Football Club (Non-League Winner)
– Manchester United Foundation – Inclusive Reds (League Winner)
Best Club Marketing/Sponsorship or Engagement Campaign – Morecambe Football Club – #YourHomeFromHome Season Ticket Campaign
Business and Professional Services to Football – Foudys (HIGHLY COMMENDED) – Saffery
Fan Media, Channel or Podcast of the Season – The Redmen TV
Northwest Football Broadcaster of the Season – Giulia Bould – BBC Radio Merseyside and BBC Sport
Northwest Football Journalist of the Season – David Ornstein – The Athletic
Unsung Hero Award – Dr Danielle Prescott
Rising Star – Kobbie Mainoo – Manchester United Football Club
Women’s Rising Star – Khiara Keating – Manchester City Women’s Football Club
Player of the Season – National League – James Norwood – Oldham Athletic AFC
Player of the Season – League Two – Fraser Horsfall – Stockport County Football Club
Player of the Season – League One – Sam Tickle – Wigan Athletic Football Club
Player of the Season – Championship – Liam Lindsay – Preston North End Football Club
Player of the Season – Premier League – Phil Foden – Manchester City Football Club
Women’s Player of the Season – Barclays WSL & Barclays Women’s Championship – Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw – Manchester City Women’s Football Club
Women’s Player of the Season – The FA Women’s National League – Kirstie Levell – Burnley FC Women
Manager of the Season – Dave Challinor – Stockport County Football Club
Women’s Manager of the Season – Matt Beard – Liverpool Football Club Women
Billy Seymour Impact Award – Joe Thompson
Fabrice Muamba Award for Outstanding Service to Football Medicine & Performance (in association with the FMPA) – Ian Liversedge
The Maurice Watkins CBE Lifetime Contribution Award – Ian Rush MBE
Special Recognition Award for Services to Women’s Football – Manchester Corinthians
For more information, visit: www.northwestfootballawards.com
About the Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards:
The Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards is an annual event that recognises and celebrates footballing excellence in the Northwest region. From grassroots to elite level, the awards highlight the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals, clubs, and communities within the footballing community.
Neil Pointon’s 60
Happy 60th birthday to former Everton, Manchester City & Oldham player Neil Pointon. Back in 2005 when both he and I were much younger, I interviewed Neil at his home Here for subscribers is that interview as it appeared when published in April 2005:
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City Women: The First Game
Today (27 November) is the anniversary of the women’s team’s first game. It was payed at Boundary Park and saw Oldham Athletic Ladies face Manchester City Ladies. I was there as my girlfriend, now wife, was playing. She scored two goals in the club’s 4-1 victory. Subscribers can read a 2,200 word long read on this historic first game. Enjoy!
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Today’s feature was the last on the 1980s. I hope you’ve enjoyed them. If you missed the earlier features then start here:
The 1980s: 1980-1981 Gow, Hutchison & McDonald
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DonateThe 1900s: 1909-1910 Division Two Champions
Continuing the series of features on Manchester City in the early 1900s! Today it’s an article on the 1909-10 season when the Blues returned to the First Division as champions after a one season absence. If you’re a subscriber you can read this below.
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Gary James' Football Archive 