Blackpool in the Manchester League 1948/9

[bisphamseasider]

I am doing some research on Blackpool's A and B teams in the 1940s and 1950s.

In 1948/9 the B team played a one off season in the Manchester League before joining the Lancashire Combination Division 2 the season after.

The teams Blackpool played in the Manchester League were:-

Buxton
Glossop
Goslings
Hazel Grove
Hyde U.
ICI (Alkali)
Lancashire Steel
Macclesfield
Manchester C. A
Manchester U. A
Mossley Common
Newton Heath Loco
Stalybridge C.
Stockport C. A
Tyldesley U.
Urmston

Does anyone have any programmes against Blackpool (originals or copies) or any information about any programmes produced by any club for 1948/9 Manchester League games?

[MaccProgrammesWanted]

Macc produced a single sheet for their home game against Blackpool. The score written on my copy suggests Blackpool won 1-0.


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www.flickr.com/photos/macclesfield/collections/

[bisphamseasider]

That's superb and what a swift response. Top man.

It does however throw up more questions as Blackpool's A team played in the West Lancashire League that season and were champions, it was the B team that were meant to be playing in the Manchester League.

But your programme shows Blackpool A as Macclesfield's opponents.

I think my research will probably not be too straightforward.

By the way is there anything on the reverse?

[MaccProgrammesWanted]

Nothing on the reverse I'm afraid. It could always be possible that Macclesfield printed the wrong team name on the front as they have a history of being relatively incompetent when it comes to issuing programmes. I suppose it will become clearer once other copies from different teams are found.
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www.flickr.com/photos/macclesfield/collections/

[bisphamseasider]

Thanks again.

It may have been an assumption that it was the A team they were playing not realising that Blackpool had introduced a B team.

In fact, Manchester City's fixtures for that season show Blackpool's team as the A team but other sources confirm it was the B team in the Manchester League that season.

If you ever want to sell the programme please drop me a PM.

[PABLO76]

BLACKPOOL A V MAN UTD 13/03/49

Cant help any further I'm afraid, this states Blackpool "B" also, it was definitely a Manchester league fixture though, if it helps.

[bisphamseasider]

Cheers pablo.

Have you seen a programme for this one?

[silkman1]

As far as I recall Stockport did not produce a programme for their 'A' team fixtures only first and reserve. Maybe the same for Hazel Grove.

Goslings were a Manchester team who had the United player Henry Cockburn with them.

[BAZZABAGGIES]

Never seen any, this is an interesting programme Involving B'pool res in one of my books

[bisphamseasider]

Thanks very much for the info silkman.

[bisphamseasider]

Cheers bazza. Nice to see examples of pre war reserves.

Can't be too many around.

[silkman1]

Both the 'A' team and 'B' team at Stockport used to play their fixtures at the local Cricket Club which had a pitch next door which was used for football and later lacrosse.

When the City and United 'A' and 'B' teams played there were some good attendances.

[bisphamseasider]

silkman1 wrote:

Both the 'A' team and 'B' team at Stockport used to play their fixtures at the local Cricket Club which had a pitch next door which was used for football and later lacrosse. When the City and United 'A' and 'B' teams played there were some good attendances.

Thanks for the additional info.

Once I have established precisely what leagues Blackpool A and B played in and when, scores, scorers etc and of course whether programmes were issued, I plan to check on the various grounds they played on, some of which have no doubt disappeared.

Your information regarding playing matches at the Cricket Club is a great start.

[manchesterunitedman1]

Hi johnathon
I am away until next week I think I have some other information so will pm you next week. Ok Leslie

[bisphamseasider]

Cheers Leslie.

I look forward to anything you can come up with.

[manchesterunitedman1]

silkman1 wrote:

Both the 'A' team and 'B' team at Stockport used to play their fixtures at the local Cricket Club which had a pitch next door which was used for football and later lacrosse. When the City and United 'A' and 'B' teams played there were some good attendances.

For a short time Goslings were a nursery team aligned to Manchester United as a feeder club but they fell out!
henry Cockburn did join United and went on to play for England too and the tragedy is that he died a penniless alcholic swopping an England cap or a shirt for a bottle of scotch! I know this for a fact as I met some people who worked with him years ago. He got himself involved with some woman who persuaded him to let her have most of his football stuff so she could sell it to raise money for a new Church roof! But he kept some stuff back it seems. Great Shame for sure in so many ways there was no one at mufc willing to help out or if indeed they even knew!

[bisphamseasider]

Slowly going through each home 1st team and reserve programme to glean any information on A and B team fixtures, dates, scores etc.

There is a fair bit of information scattered about but lots of gaps and it is annoying when the programme notes say:-

"The B team had to be content with a 1-1 draw at Bolton and there was a 7-0 match for the A recruits" - but doesn't say who the opponents were.

I do look on with envy at some clubs programmes from the 40s and 50s who included fixture lists and league tables for levels below 1st team and reserves.

[silkman1]

I will take a short drive up to the old ground where Stockport 'A' team played. If there is a photo possibility I will take a couple for you. It may have changed from what is was but no problem in trying.

[silkman1]

There was a strong interest in all leagues during the 'A' and 'B' team eras.

Some clubs did in fact show the results and attendances for this - but sadly not anymore.

If one goes back to the 1940's and 1950's there was a considerable interest in every league your club was represented in. Sadly not now as no one is interested in reserves or below. I can recall the days when Stockport had gates of up to 6,000 for reserves and 500 + for 'A' teams.

[bisphamseasider]

silkman1 wrote:

I will take a short drive up to the old ground where Stockport 'A' team played. If there is a photo possibility I will take a couple for you. It may have changed from what is was but no problem in trying.

Cheers for that silkman.

No rush, perhaps wait until the weather improves a little.