What started out as an idea to add a bit more information to this website, very quickly became a detailed study into the story of football, and rugby, in this town. It became clear that you simply could not cover the early years of ‘association’ football in Southport without first covering ‘the rugby years’ in as much detail, nor could you cover either without also touching upon Cricket such is the uniqueness of the pattern sport has woven into this town.
The below timeline represents some of the key points in time relating to the Town’s main Cricket, Rugby and Football clubs.
1863
Southport Alexandra Cricket Club Formed
Playing at Manchester Road
1874
Birkdale Cricket Club formed
Playing at Trafalgar Road, Birkdale
1879
Original Southport Football Club disbands.
After one of the harshest winters on record the original football club disbands. Southport Wasps take the opportunity to rename as Southport Football Club and move to Manchester Road. Club colours changed to Red, White and Blue (2)
1880
Southport Football Club (2) disbands.
A number of players switch to Southport Olympic and Southport Hornets.
1881
Southport Football Club restarts
Another new club is formed called Southport Football Club, playing Rugby.
Switches to Association football after 3 games.
Plays at ground on Corner of Scarisbrick New Road and Ash Street. Club Colours, Red.
1885
Southport Cricket Club Reforms
Playing on the Recreation grounds of Scarisbrick New Road, where Flakland Road and Rutland Road lie today
1886
First association club disbands.
Shortly after winning the Southport Charity Cup for the second time the club disbands.
A number of players and supporters switch to Wanderers who then rename as Southport Football Club.
Colours: Red and White Stripes
1888
Southport Central Association Football Club Formed
The first Professional club formed in Southport, as Southport Central, playing at the Sports Ground on Sussex Road.
Southport Football Club Disbands.
Colours: White Jersey, Blue Shorts.
1902
Southport & Birkdale Cricket Club Formed
Southport Cricket club and Birkdale Cricket club merge, playing at Trafalgar Road
1913
Southport Olympic rename as Southport Rugby Union Football Club
WW I
Southport Rugby Union Football Club suspend fixtures
1921
Southport Football Club Successfully apply to join newly formed Third Division North
Members of the Football League between 1921 and 1978
WW II
Southport Rugby Union Football Club suspend fixtures
