Ilford & Leytonstone FC

[pine490]

Simply to satisfy my own curiosity on the matter, can anyone tell me whether Leytonstone & Ilford FC were originally known as Ilford & Leytonstone FC? I believe the two clubs merged in 1979.

Thanks,
David Brown

[Grumpypants]

According to the non-league book I have available. As Ilford 1881-1979 and as Leytonstone they were known as The Cedars 1886-1894 and Leytonstone from 1884-1979. So I presume both amalgamated in 1979 to be know as Leytonstone-Ilford. No mention of Ilford-Leytonstone. Hope this helps.

[bisphamseasider]

All the books and references I have refer to Leytonstone/Ilford.

I can't find anything where it is the other way around.

[pine490]

Thanks for the replies. I am a Walthamstow Avenue collector (home and away) and my question was prompted by the fact that I recently acquired a programme from season 1979/80 where both on the front cover and inside the programme, the team the Avenue are playing is called Ilford & Leytonstone.

In every other programme I have involving this team, they are called Leytonstone & Ilford.

Perhaps there was some internal politics going on at the newly merged club in 1979 that resulted in a reversal of the name. Or maybe I have a programme printing error worth millions?

David

[Maidonian]

They did intend to be Ilford & Leytonstone FC but this name was vetoed by the FA so they became Leytonstone Ilford. Here's the relevant thread from nonleaguematters

http://www.nonleaguematters.co.....ne;#148565

[pine490]

Thanks very much for the information. The match programme I have just acquired is actually an F A Cup 2nd Qualifying Round Replay played on 9 October 1979. Not sure what the result was.

Seems from the thread you sent me it may be something of a rareity after all, although perhaps not worth millions.

David