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The year 2021 marks the centenary of the birth of the current Workington AFC. However, there is another part to the Workington story, and one about which little has, until now, been recorded.

 

Between 1884 and 1911 another Workington AFC, also known as the ‘Reds’, existed and flourished in the town. This club, until it’s sad and untimely demise, was the direct forerunner of the current Workington AFC. In fact, had this original club not existed then there would have been nothing to resurrect and develop into the club we know today.

 

After months of meticulous research by John Norman, the story of the first Workington AFC can be told. It also narrates the story of the introduction and growth of ‘Association Football’ in the far North-West of the country.

 

The book chronicles the birth, with the likes of Frederick John Hayes – seen as being a leading light in the formation of Workington AFC, to the death of the first Workington AFC following an announcement on the 28th June 1911 by the clubs directors that the club decided to recommend the liquidation of the company. The shareholders agreed with the proposal, and the club went into voluntary liquidation.

 

The book painstakingly covers 27 years of winning trophies and establishing themselves as the premier club in the county until their demise.

 

P&P: £3.50

 

The book is dedicated to two Workington legends; Tony Hopper – player, captain and simply a lovely man and ‘Burnley Bob’ Atkinson long-time Workington Supporter, barman and fund-raiser. All profits from the sale of this book will be donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association in their memory.