Our fabulous little football club is ten years old today.
Ten years ago, on Thursday 12 November 2012, members of the (then) NVFC Supporters Trust gathered at Lostock Club after a Special General meeting had been called, to discuss the following resolution that had been tabled. This was signed by twenty members:
“We, the undersigned, being members of the NV Supporters Trust, request the Board to convene a Special General Meeting of members of the Trust in accordance with Rule 32. The purpose of this meeting will be ask members to support the proposal to establish of a new fans owned and operated football club as set out in the Business Plan that was approved by the Trust at its meeting on 19 May 2012 and which will be able to commence the 2013/2014 season”.
The meeting was extremely well attended. The Trust Board discussed the formalities, the pros and cons of what was being proposed and answered the many questions that supporters had. Finally, votes were cast, and the majority decided that it was time to create a supporter’s run club.
If you would like to watch footage of the meeting, then please click on the following link – NVST SGM – YouTube
15 November 2012 was the start of something incredibly special. A lot of demanding work was undertaken over the proceeding few months to decide on a name, where the club would play, how it would operate and importantly, strong links were built with the FA and the North West Counties League to ensure 1874 took its place in the football pyramid. The Board also had to decide who would be given the honour of becoming the first Manager of the club. It was an exciting time and so many people put their hands up to become involved.
Since the club’s inception, there have been so many highlights. Over the next few months, many of these will be remembered however on our club’s tenth birthday, we want to say a huge thank you to members and supporters, past and present, for the effort in creating, running, and cheering on our brilliant community football club.
To our friends at Winsford United and Barnton FC, for their exceptional support in offering us a home. To the officials of the North West Counties League, Northern Premier League, Football Association and Cheshire County Football Association for their advice and guidance and for welcoming us into the football family.
We thank our Managers Paul and Wayne for their incredibly hard work and for guiding us so fantastically since March 2017, giving us so many very special memories including history making back to back Macron Cup wins, reaching the semi final of the FA Vase, the Mid Cheshire Cup victory and overseeing the move to the NPL following an outstanding season on the pitch that saw us as the best in the North West Counties Premier Division.
We also give thanks and show our respect to Ian Street, for creating ‘something from nothing’ in the beginning. That was no mean feat and he oversaw the first four years, giving us much to smile about. This included earning our very first silverware, which was special.
In Paul, Wayne and Ian, we have been fortunate to have three guys at the helm, who care deeply about the club and want it to be the best it can be.
We thank all the players who have worn the green with pride, from the senior teams, the U21’s, the Walking Footballers, and the Juniors. We thank all the coaches, our Kit men, our physios, our U21 and Walking Football coaches and our juniors’ coaches.
We thank all our amazing volunteers that have put hours and hours of hard work and effort into 1874 and of course the thousands of people who have come through the turnstiles. We thank the many sponsors, who have faith in the ethos of the club. It is so appreciated.
We remember those who are no longer with us, with affection and pride. They will always remain a part of our special 74 family.
Here’s to the next decade!