Workington on a wet afternoon


Christmas 1963 almost 19,000 people turned out to watch a local derby against Carlisle. Only 14 years later they were dumped out of the league. :cry:

There have been a few decent attendances in that area (based on the population), Carlisle, Barrow & Worky could & can attract a sizeable support if something's to turn out for home & away, but as I posted, they struggle to attract players due to location which inevitably leaves them struggling to stay in the league.
When the Americans were trying to popularise football in the 70’s, Workington Reds played Fort Lauderdale who were on a tour, they featured a one eyed Gordon Banks in goal. Bizarrely, Reds got Bobby Charlton to turn out for them. I was there, about 77 or 78 iirc

I know a lad from Cumbria that did his FA Coaching Assessment at Worky so I knew a bit about them in recent years, inc. John Burridge who later played for quite a few other clubs where other tales about him were passed. Character to say the least.
 
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John Burridge who later played for quite a few other clubs where other tales about him were passed. Character to say the least.
At the time Burridge made his debut, Reds had a keeper called Mike Rogan who was pretty decent. A fee bigger clubs were looking at him and the rumour was he wouldn’t move away from the area. He lived at the opposite end of the street I lived in with his parents. I think Burridge played in front of saidscouts and Blackpool signed him.

A long time since I’ve seen Rogan but my Dad reckoned (a few years ago now) he was pushing supermarket trollies around at the local Morrisons
 
Theres hundreds, if not thousands, of small mining towns in the Appalachians. Probably the most beautiful region in our country in my opinion. People from there are good honest God fearing folks that have very little and will be glad to share that with you.
Why I say this is because if one takes the time to see why people settled in an area at one point and that area is now depressed you’ll find that there’s an interesting story. That story is true both over here and over there. Especially where mining is concerned.
 
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At the time Burridge made his debut, Reds had a keeper called Mike Rogan who was pretty decent. A fee bigger clubs were looking at him and the rumour was he wouldn’t move away from the area. He lived at the opposite end of the street I lived in with his parents. I think Burridge played in front of saidscouts and Blackpool signed him.

A long time since I’ve seen Rogan but my Dad reckoned (a few years ago now) he was pushing supermarket trollies around at the local Morrisons

Don't know about where Rogan is now but last time I heard, Budgie was apparently coaching in India after a UAE spell. I wonder if it had been his £200 bet with Kevin Keegan about playing a game in a Superman costume [Wolves ? ] that got him to where he's been? Strange how things in life work out
Theres hundreds, if not thousands, of small mining towns in the Appalachians. Probably the most beautiful region in our country in my opinion. People from there are good honest God fearing folks that have very little and will be glad to share that with you.
Why I say this is because if one takes the time to see why people settled in an area at one point and that area is now depressed you’ll find that there’s an interesting story. That story is true both over here and over there. Especially where mining is concerned.

Totally agree with the above.
 
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There have been a few decent attendances in that area (based on the population), Carlisle, Barrow & Worky could & can attract a sizeable support if something's to turn out for home & away, but as I posted, they struggle to attract players due to location which inevitably leaves them struggling to stay in the league.

Another thing they have in common. :D
 
Mate of mine shudders at the mention of Workington. Bishop’s Stortford were moved to the Conference North for about 2-3 seasons, about ten years ago and had away games at teams like Workington and Blyth. He’s not the brightest this lad and played for Stortford at the time and wasn’t a fan of those journeys. They had a rearranged game at either Workington or Blyth and went up there on a Tuesday night, a load of them ended up sleeping in their work vans for a couple of hours after getting back at 3-4am and then went off and did a day’s graft.
 
What a lovely picture that is
It could have been from the 1970s or 80s
Fair play to them
As fans of our own clubs we bitch, we moan, We demand new signings, managers out , we coat other supporters off , we have fans tv , and hate most of the players and we want to win at all costs , but that right there In that picture is proper ordinary fans
Grandad/ father and son going to a game of football without any of the nonsense the modern game brings
Beautiful
 
Smashing little club Workington, really enjoyed my visit there last season, mind you the sun was shining that day. The town in like the land that time forgot though.
Never understood people from the north east being critical of West Cumbria - they have a lot in common. Not least the coal mining heritage and subsequent decline under the Tories.

Yep ! could be twinned with East Durham
 
Smashing little club Workington, really enjoyed my visit there last season, mind you the sun was shining that day. The town in like the land that time forgot though

I agree with that, several places in that area are the same now, most haven't changed in years.
 

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