Wrens Best Ever?
14 Sep 2009

The following article, by Dave Furnivall, appeared in the souvenir programme printed for the Manchester City friendly played on 1st. October 1991.

Many of you who have supported or played for Wrens over the years will have your own opinions as to the best ever Wrens team and I am sure the subject could form the basis of a lively discussion over a few pints in the clubhouse on a cold winters evening. Call me biased, and I believe I have been called worse, but in my opinion the team of season 1970/71, which won the West Lancashire League Championship and the Lancashire Amateur Shield was head and shoulders above any before or since.

Keith Borrowdale (pictured), the ex Burnley and Morecambe professional, had been appointed manager in the summer of 1968 and, in his first season, had not only taken the team to a respectable league position, but had gained victory in the final of the Lancashire Amateur Shield for the first time in the clubs history.

More success followed during the 69/70 season. The team were unbeaten throughout the season, winning 20 games and drawing 14 and carrying off the West Lancashire League Championship.

Despite the success of the previous two years, the best was yet to come. Further improveents were made to the team during the close season. Brian Melling was signed from Fleetwood. Billy Underwood, who many would saywas the finest amateur player ever on the Fylde Coast, came from Layton Institute, and last but not least, Geoff Collier, later to be known in local soccer as the "prince of goalscorers" was signed from Norcross. Together with other young players already at the club such as Keith Robb, Mick Reece, Dave Drinkwater and John Caldwell, these players formed the basis of the team that was to dominate amateur soccer in Lancashire over the nest season.

The championship was retained, losing only one game and after a thrilling cup run, the Lancashire Amateur Shield was brought back to School Road. The only blot on the season came with defeat in the Richardson Cup Final in the 64th. game of the season. Over 130 goals had been scored, with less than 30 conceded and sevenm of the tem were chosen to play for the league representative side.

Modesty prevents me mentioning the leading goalscorer, but suffice to say that in scoring 38 goals the "prince" was runner up in the goalscorring charts for the first and last time in his career.

Even though those teenagers of 1971 are now probably applying for their bus passes and although the leags may have gone, the memories of that fantastic season will remain for years to come.

Double Winners
08 Sep 2009

The picture is from the 1970's when Wrens won a league and cup double

Manchester City Friendly 1st. October 1991
14 Sep 2009

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The 1st. October 1991 was a memorable eveming for the club as we entertained a Manchester City team in a friendly to christen the new floodlights and open the refurbished clubhouse.

The Manchester City team was managed by Peter Reid who was still a player and turned out in the night, Andy Dibble also played in goal for City on the night.

Phil 'Pip' Baron also made an appearance for the Wrens team.

Weatherwise the night in question could have been better, but was made even better with a 2 - 0 win for Wrens with goals from Phil Baron and Andy Lyons.

The teams as named in the programme can be seen on the attachment to this article, though this does not correspond the teams that actually played

Earliest Team Photo
14 Sep 2009

The picture is reportedly the earlist team photo od Wren Rovers and was printed in the Machester City programme form 1st. October 1991.