The story behind the picture – The Reds of 99 years ago

This wonderful team photograph was one of the first taken after the club was reformed in 1921 and displays stunning clarity for a picture so old.

I believe it was taken at Lonsdale Park, although not sure of the exact date.

Workington had made it known they intended to re-form for the 1921-22 season and had arranged a series of games in May – using the games to whet the appetite of supporters and serve as trials for formulating a squad.

We played Barrow (2-3), Preston North End (1-3) and Frizington Athletic (4-1) losing the first two and winning the latter.

On Saturday 21 May, 1921, we were elected to the North Eastern League along with Darlington Reserves, Preston Colliery and Seaton Delaval on the proviso that Workington reimbursed the travelling expenses of all clubs from Newcastle to the Cumberland coast!