THE long-awaited return of Maghull FC to North West Counties League circles this season following a 25-year absence is quite extraordinary.
The Merseyside outfit were previously engrained NWCL stalwarts having joined the league whilst it originally launched in 1982. However, Maghull resigned in 1999 when stricter ground grading obligations were introduced.
A quarter of a century ensued in the West Cheshire Leagu but last season Maghull attained a promotion-clinching position and implemented the necessary amenities to regain NWCL status.
I drove up to attend their home game with Ashton Athletic before Christmas. After watching the 2-1 victory (attendance 202), I chatted to Maghull’s vice-chairman/ director of football John McInnes to discover details about a remarkable renaissance.
He told me: “In 1999, ground criteria changed and so our grading didn’t match requirements. Therefore the club made a tough decision to leave the NWCL as it was too difficult to fulfil those compulsory improvements. Erecting floodlights was the largest hurdle in terms of finances during that period.
Bu hikaye The Non-League Football Paper dergisinin January 26, 2025 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Non-League Football Paper dergisinin January 26, 2025 sayısından alınmıştır.
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