History

Where did it all begin?

The Woodman Inn

Manchester Road, Hollinwood
Proprietors: Patrick & Winefride Power

The branch was founded here in 1978 much owing to the fact that Proprietors Pat and Win were the proud parents of City star Paul Power. Tommy Booth was the first Branch President and Pat Power the first Chairman. Other original members of the Committee included Barry Molyneux – Treasurer, Lynn Paxton – Secretary, Terry Burton – Social Secretary and Jack Finn – EC Delegate. The first joining member was Veronica Foy and the first coach trip was away v Blackpool. Following the retirement of Pat and Win, Keith Henderson became Chairman and the branch moved for a short while to…

The Cotton Tree

Ashton Road East, Failsworth
Proprietor: Patricia Tomlinson

Around this time Kevin Bond was elected President of Failsworth Blues but for various reasons the club and it’s members could not settle at The Cotton Tree so returned to Hollinwood to…

Where did it become established?

The Railway Hotel

Railway Road, Hollinwood
Proprietors: Bernard & Mary Armstrong

Bernard Armstrong started a tradition of Landlords being nominated as Vice Chairman. The branch remained here for a number of years during which time Barry Foy progressed from Secretary to Chairman and Bernard Halford (General Secretary at MCFC) became President. Supported by his wife Karen, her mother Marion Henderson and others involved in the Branch, Bernard played an instrumental part in its development and becoming firmly established as a Supporters Club. There were many memorable occasions including the Easter Bonnets, the Banner Parade, winning the Inter Branch games competitions and winning the “Miss Manchester City” competition with member Debbie Gorman. Following the founding of the Independent Centenary Supporters Association, loyalties became divided with Hollinwood CSA Branch being formed. The Railway continues to host the CSA Branch where the business is now run by Bernard and Mary’s daughter Julie and her husband Malcolm Hardacre. The Official Supporters meanwhile moved on to…

The Star Inn

Church Street, Failsworth
Proprietors: Alan & Janet Tapper, Alan & Joan Hanlon

Under Alan and Janet Tapper, the Star became notorious as the Failsworth “City” pub with strong links to the football club, particularly during the “Forward with Franny (Lee)” campaign and a number of celebrities attended various functions. Following in their footsteps Alan and Joan Hanlon continued the involvement with MCFC and hosted back to back promotion parties from the Wembley play off final and Blackburn, together with the Branch’s 21st Anniversary in 1999 where Gerard Weikens received a special award. Former players Jack Dyson and Bobby Johnston were often welcome customers. Alan and Joan left in 2001 and sadly the blues traditions went with them. The hard core of City fans found it difficult to accept the new red regime which took over. So they moved to their current base…

Where are we now?

The Willow Tavern

Ashton Road East, Failsworth
Proprietors:Harry & Sandra Booth – Neil & Sarah Molloy

In early 1998, Harry & Sandra Booth opened their doors and offered our branch a warm welcome to our new home, The Willow Tavern. Harry & Sandra were great host for 8 years, until their retirement in 2006, leaving behind a bucketful of happy memories and laughs. The new Landlord / Landlady were Neil & Sarah Molloy and with the fabulous facilities provided, hard work of the Committee and continuing support of their members, the branch continues to prosper and is now regarded as one of the largest branches within the Official Supporters Club.Former Star Inn landlord Mr Alan Tapper became Chairman and the branch continued to go from strength to strength. Neil & Sarah Molloy moved on and Cara & Elaine became our new host. Failsworth Blues held some amazing Q&A evenings down at The Willow with an array of excellent guest and speakers.

Unfortunately in the September of 2016 following a short illness our Chairman Alan Tapper passed away. Alan had been a fundamental and important part of Failsworth Blues throughout our history and the news was a devastating blow to everyone.

In Alan’s memory it was felt by all members that the Branch must continue to grow and thrive as a lasting memento to all former members who have sadly passed away during the history of Failsworth Blues.

During our A.G.M. of 2017 a new chairman was appointed and we were so pleased that our former Chairman, Alan Tapper`s son Anthony, will take the reigns. This appointment will continue the strong Tapper connection throughout Failsworth Blues and we are sure Tony will continue the good work done by all our previous Chairman.