Liverpool Ramblers A.F.C.

» The Official History of the Liverpool Ramblers A.F.C.

Tony Onslow

“For when the One Great Scorer comes
To mark against your name
He writes- not if you won or lost
But how you played the game.”

Grantland Rice

» Acknowledgements
» Introduction

Part One, The Early History of Liverpool Ramblers

Part Two, The Ramblers at Moor Lane

Acknowledgements

Four previous publications, concerning the history of The Ramblers, are acknowledged in the preparation of this book. The first two, which took the form of a booklet, were published in 1923 and 1956. The remaining two, which took the form of a brochure, were produced, by The Ramblers membership to celebrate their 100th and 125th anniversaries respectively.

The following people have contributed personally and have been a great help to the author: Tony Colvin, Tim Cruthley, Mark Dickson, Ian Hargreaves, Martin Kemp, Ingram Legge, Peter Hamilton-Smith, and Charlie Shepherd. Penny Hadfield of Eton College and Rita Boswell of Harrow School also gave assistance. The author would also like to add a special note of thanks for the guidance given by Ramblers stalwart John Woods without whose help; this book could not have been completed.

Introduction

Everton and Liverpool, the leading football clubs on Merseyside, have long been widely accepted two of the finest sides in the land and their combined collection of trophies is, in England, second to none. There is however, a third side in the area who, unlike their illustrious neighbours, binds the City with the very bedrock of the Association game. Their name is Liverpool Ramblers and their story is linked to the very heart of the great commercial seaport that was once the gateway to the British Empire.

The former pubic schoolboys of Liverpool founded the team and they played their first match in 1882. They quickly formed the mainstay of local football and, with their influence and pioneering spirit, brought their native town to the attention of other parts of the Country. They did this by entertaining the fashionable clubs of Victorian England and becoming the first side, from Liverpool, to enter the national FA Cup competition. Nevertheless, they had joined the F.A. at a time when certain clubs, from the North of England, were beginning to import players and pay them for their services.

The Ramblers however, closely guarded their amateur status and declined to accept the ethos of professional football. This principle they still hold dear to day. The club went on to survive the many changes that were to affect the game and in 2007, they celebrated their 125th anniversary. Liverpool Ramblers continue to play the game for the sake of playing the game and, in doing so, they have left behind them a history that is unique and full of surprises.

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