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Radcliffe F.C.
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Radcliffe F.C.
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Radcliffe Football Club (formerly Radcliffe Borough) is an English football club based in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, where they play their home games at Stainton Park. The club was formed on 24 May 1949 and currently plays in the National League North, the sixth tier of the English football league system, after winning the 2023–24 Northern Premier League Premier Division title. Radcliffe won the Northern Premier League First Division in 1996–97, reached the first round of the FA Cup for the only time in its history in 2000, and won league playoffs in 2003 and 2019. The club changed its name to Radcliffe Football Club for the 2018–19 season.[1]

Key Information

History

[edit]

The club was formed on 24 May 1949 at the Owd Tower Inn in Radcliffe by Jack Pickford and a committee of 17 and became a member of the South East Lancashire Football League.[2] It had two players (Tommy Entwistle and Bert Nutter), £1.2s.6d (£1.12½p) in the bank, and no ground, but arranged to lease a field off Ashworth Street for two years. In 1951–52 the club moved across Eton Hill Road to a pitch on Betley Street leased from the Earl of Wilton. The following year the club turned the pitch 180 degrees parallel with Bright Street which became the name of the ground.

After a short period in the South East Lancashire League, the club joined the Manchester League, playing against the 'A' teams of four professional clubs: Manchester United, Manchester City, Stockport County and Bury.[3] The home game against Manchester Utd was lost 5-1 but three weeks later Boro’ won the return game at The Cliff 1-0 against the Busby Babes - their only home defeat in two seasons. In 1955–56, Boro’ had their best finish in second place and in 1956–57 they finished third. In 1958–59, they reached the Manchester Junior Cup Final at Old Trafford losing to Cheadle Rovers by the only goal. Five days later they faced Cheadle Rovers again, in the William Gilgryst Cup Final at Bury; the game finished 0–0 after which the Cup was shared for six months each. In 1961–62, Boro’ again reached the Gilgryst Cup Final against Buxton Reserves at Ashton United's ground but lost 1–2 AET.

In 1963–64 the Club joined the Lancashire Combination Division 2, a great wish of club founder Jack Pickford.[4] In August 1966, the club was informed it would have to leave Bright Street and find another ground after the Earl of Wilton decided to sell the land to the Ministry of Housing. In 1968–69, having been refused a site on Bury Road in Radcliffe, the club moved to the White House sports ground on Middleton Road (outside Bowker Vale tram stop), owned by Manchester Corporation Transport Dept. A new ground was then found in Stainton Park; the old wooden stands were brought from Bright Street and erected at the new ground and a pitch was laid in June 1969.

In 1970, Radcliffe won the League Cup and finished third in the league. After one further season it was accepted into the Cheshire County League, but throughout the rest of the 1970s the team struggled and were finally relegated to Div 2 in 1979–80. The Cheshire County League subsequently became the North West Counties League and that change saw an upturn in fortunes for 'The Boro'.

The first season again brought success when Radcliffe secured the Second Division championship in front of a then record Stainton Park crowd of 1,468. After one season in the First Division, Radcliffe lifted the First Division championship in 1985 and made the step up into the newly formed Northern Premier League First Division in 1987. After many years of consolidation in the league, and at times, fighting against relegation, the 1995–96 season saw an upturn in the club's fortunes, both on and off the pitch. The club, for the first time in its history, reached the last 16 of the FA Trophy, narrowly losing to Football Conference side, Gateshead 2–1.

Radcliffe achieved its highest honour in the 1996–97 season, winning the Northern Premier League First Division title by two points from local rivals Leigh RMI. The club's stay in tier six lasted only one season.

The club reached the first round of the FA Cup in 2000, losing 1–4 to York City in a match played at Gigg Lane, the home of Bury, in front of a crowd of 2,495. Boro again missed out on promotion in the 2001–02 season. After leading the division until February, a poor run to the end of the season meant the club entered the newly formed play-offs, losing to Bamber Bridge in the semi-final at Irongate.

In the 2002–03 season Boro missed out on the championship by two points to Alfreton Town, and reached the 4th qualifying round of the FA Cup, losing to Chester City in front of 1,138 at Stainton Park. Promotion was finally won via the play-offs. Boro beat North Ferriby United in the semi-final and Chorley in the final at Stainton Park, winning 4–2 on penalties after Chorley scored two goals in the last 10 minutes to make it 2–2 and take the game into extra time. Boro's Jody Banim got 46 goals in the season.

Stainton Park during a friendly against neighbours Bury in 2006

With Boro back in the Northern Premier League Premier Division and a place in the newly formed Conference North up for grabs, promotion was the obvious aim. By November Boro were sixth thanks to 22 goals by Jody Banim, who set an English record by scoring in 14 consecutive games. Boro sold Banim to Conference promotion chasers Shrewsbury Town for a record fee of £20,000 in December 2003, and, without his goals, the club slid down the table eventually finishing 19th. In the relegation play-offs, Boro beat Whitby Town on penalties 8–7 in the quarter-finals, before bowing out to Burscough in the semi-finals. As a result, the club returned to tier seven following a pyramid restructure.

In 2004–05, the club finished ninth in the Northern Premier League. The club continued to be near the play-offs and solid midtable finishes followed but after four seasons were relegated back to the First Division in 2007, where the club remained until 2019.

In 2016, a new chairman and manager took the reins. Off the field, investment was given to the stadium, including a new stand at the Pilkington Road end, a new press area, a new director's area, a new covered turnstile block, a TV gantry, boardroom, club shop, sponsors lounge and social club. The club changed name, officially dropping 'Borough', in 2018, having earlier reached the 2017 Lancashire Cup Final. With a new manager in charge (Jon Macken, with assistant Frank Sinclair) from October 2017, the club progressed and was promoted via the play-offs back to the Northern Premier League in 2019. The 2023–24 season saw Radcliffe crowned champions of the Northern Premier League Premier Division, earning promotion to the National League North for the first time and a return to Step 2 of the National League System after a 20-year absence.[5]

Women's team

[edit]

In 1994-95, the first Radcliffe Borough Ladies team appeared at Stainton Park, after Bury Girls & Ladies joined the club and changed their name accordingly. The women competed in the North West Women's Regional League for three seasons under the Radcliffe Borough name, before re-establishing their links with Bury F.C. and taking Bury's name in 1997.[6]

History somewhat repeated itself in 2023–24 when Bury Foundation Women established links with Radcliffe FC, moved to Stainton Park and changing their name to Radcliffe Women.[7] They currently compete in the North West Women's Regional League under the management of Steve Jones, with a reserve team in the Lancashire Womens County League and an under-18s side in the Greater Manchester Womens Football League.

In the intervening years Blackburn Rovers W.F.C. played for a few seasons at Radcliffe's ground, Stainton Park.[8]

Notable players

[edit]

The following players played for Radcliffe/Boro and later went on to sign for clubs in the Football League, Scottish Football League, MLS, A-League, I-League or played internationally while at the club.

The following players have played at the highest level of English football or internationally and later turned out for the Boro.

Honours

[edit]

League

[edit]

Cup

[edit]

Players

[edit]

The club has performed exceptionally well in the Northern Premier League's Player awards since their inception in 2011. The following players have picked up the following prizes:

  • Jordan Hulme - Player of Season (Premier) - 2023–24, Team of the Season (Premier) - 2023–24, Third in Supporters Player award - 2023–24
  • Elliot Rokka – Young Player of the Season (North Division) – 2017, Supporters Player Runner Up - 2017. Team of the Season - 2017
  • Tunde Owolabi – League Supporters Player of the Season – 2019, Team of the Season - 2019
  • Nick Culkin – Team of the Season - 2011, 2012
  • Sheldon Barrington – Academy Player of the Season - 2019
  • Callum Grogan – Team of the Season - 2019

6 Players were also represented in the Northern Premier League's Top 100 players named for its 50th Anniversary - Andy Johnston (7th), Craig Dawson (14th), Karl Marginson (62nd), Jody Banim (65th), Cieran Kilheeney (66th), Simon Carden (93rd)

Managers

[edit]

Statistics and records

[edit]

Appearances

[edit]
  • Simon Kelly has made the most appearances for the club, making 502 starts.

Goals

[edit]
  • Ian Lunt has scored the most goals for the club, scoring 147 times.
  • The record for the most goals in a season is 46 by Jody Banim.

Biggest win

[edit]

11-0 v New Mills - Cheshire County League Division Two - Wed 21 April 1982

Biggest defeat

[edit]

11-0 v Witton Albion - Cheshire County League Division One - Sat 28 October 1978

Attendances

[edit]
  • The highest home attendance was during the 2024/25 FA Cup, where their first ever competitive meeting against Bury FC ended up with a sold out attendance of 2800.

Transfer fees

[edit]
  • The highest transfer fee received was from Shrewsbury Town for £20,000 for Jody Banim; however, the club has received more in add on fees from the sale of Craig Dawson to Rochdale AFC although the total sum remains undisclosed.
  • The highest transfer fee paid was for Gary Walker for whom they paid £5,000 to Buxton.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Radcliffe F.C.

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from Grokipedia
Radcliffe F.C. is an English club based in , that competes in the , the sixth tier of the . Founded on 24 May 1949 as Radcliffe Borough F.C. by local enthusiast and a committee of seventeen at the Old Tower Inn in Radcliffe, the club initially joined the South East Lancashire Football League and has since progressed through various regional leagues. The team plays its home matches at the (formerly known as Stainton Park), which has been their ground since 1969 and underwent significant upgrades in 2016, including a new stand and improved facilities. The club's early history involved playing in the Manchester League and Lancashire Football Combination before entering the Cheshire County League (later the North West Counties League) in 1971, where it achieved success by winning the Second Division championship in the 1971–72 season and the First Division title in 1985. Promotion to the First Division followed in 1987, with further triumphs including the 1996–97 league title and play-off victories in 2003 and 2019 that elevated them to higher divisions. In May 2017, the club rebranded by dropping "Borough" from its name, adopting the simpler Radcliffe F.C. moniker while retaining the affectionate "Boro." A landmark achievement came in the 2023–24 season when Radcliffe won the Premier Division, securing promotion to the for the first time. Radcliffe has also made notable marks in cup competitions, reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup in 2000, where they lost 4–1 to York City, and advancing to the last 16 of the FA Trophy in the 1995–96 season. The club's record home attendance is 2,800, set during the 2024–25 FA Cup third qualifying round match against Bury. Standout individual performances include forward Jody Banim's 46 goals in the 2002–03 campaign, encompassing a streak of 14 consecutive scoring games. Today, Radcliffe maintains a men's first team, a women's team, and an academy, supported by official partners such as Puma and Pro:Direct Sport, as it continues to build on its non-league heritage in the heart of Greater Manchester.

History

Founding and early years

Radcliffe F.C. was established on 24 May 1949 as Radcliffe Borough F.C. at the Old Tower Inn in , by local businessman and a committee of 17 enthusiasts keen to create a senior football club for the community. Pickford, who served as the club's first chairman, played a pivotal role in its formation, drawing on his passion for the sport to rally support from local figures. The new club aimed to provide competitive football in the area, filling a gap left by the dissolution of previous amateur sides in the region. The club entered the South East Lancashire Football League for the 1949–50 season, starting in Division Two with matches played at the initial home ground of Ashworth Street Park. Early success came swiftly; in 1950–51, Radcliffe Borough clinched the Division Two title, securing promotion to Division One, while also lifting the South East Lancashire Shield and the W. Moore Champions Cup in a triumphant debut campaign that showcased their potential. The following seasons brought further accolades, including the Division One championship and another Shield win in 1951–52, along with additional W. Moore Cup victories in 1952–53 and 1954–55, establishing the club as a force in local amateur football. These achievements were built on a strong community backbone, with Pickford's leadership fostering steady growth despite limited resources. Throughout the 1950s and into the , Radcliffe Borough relocated between several modest grounds, including Bright Street and Pilkington Street, as the club navigated the challenges of amateur-level play amid fluctuating attendances and basic facilities. By 1958, they had joined the Manchester League, where they won the Gylgryst Cup in 1958–59 and 1960–61, before transitioning to the in 1963—a move long advocated by founder Pickford to elevate the club's status. However, the proved testing, with inconsistent league performances: mid-table finishes like 12th in 1963–64 gave way to stronger showings such as 6th in 1964–65 and 5th in 1965–66, reflecting a period of stabilization rather than dominance. Despite these ups and downs, the club endured, culminating in a permanent move to in 1969, which provided a stable base for future ambitions.

Rise in regional leagues

Following a period of decline in the late 1970s, where Radcliffe Borough finished bottom of the Cheshire County League in 1976–77 and 1977–78 before ending 20th in Division One in 1978–79, the club faced relegation to Division Two at the conclusion of the 1979–80 season. Stabilizing in the lower tier, they achieved mid-table security with an 11th-place finish in 1980–81 and improved to sixth in 1981–82, laying the groundwork for future ascent amid the merger of the Cheshire County League and Lancashire Combination into the North West Counties League (NWCL). The 1982–83 season marked a turning point, as Radcliffe won the inaugural NWCL Division Two championship with a dominant record of 33 wins, 4 draws, and just 1 loss, scoring 110 goals while conceding only 25, earning promotion to Division One. This triumph, achieved under consistent squad performance, highlighted the club's growing competitiveness in regional football. In Division One, Radcliffe continued their upward trajectory, securing third place in 1983–84 with 55 points from 38 matches, narrowly missing automatic promotion on goal difference behind champions Southport. The following 1984–85 campaign culminated in another title win, as they clinched the Division One championship with 58 points—24 wins, 10 draws, and 4 losses—edging rivals Colne Dynamoes by a single point in a tightly contested race that underscored the intensity of the season's key fixtures. These back-to-back honors in the early 1980s solidified Radcliffe's status as a rising force in the regional pyramid, fostering improved squad depth through targeted recruitment that supported their promotion pushes.

Northern Premier League period

Radcliffe F.C., then known as Radcliffe Borough, entered the 's newly formed First Division in the 1987–88 season following their success in the North West Counties League. The club experienced a period of consolidation in the lower tiers, often battling mid-table obscurity and occasional relegation threats, before achieving promotion to the Premier Division by winning the First Division title in 1996–97. However, their time in the top flight proved short-lived; in the 1997–98 season, they finished near the bottom and were immediately relegated back to the First Division. This early stint highlighted the challenges of competing at the higher level, with defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistent form contributing to their swift return to the second tier. After several seasons of rebuilding in the First Division, Radcliffe Borough earned re-promotion to the Premier Division via the 2002–03 playoffs, defeating United in the semi-finals and 4–2 on penalties in the final following a 2–2 draw after extra time. Their second spell in the Premier Division, beginning in 2003–04, saw mixed results, including solid mid-table finishes such as 9th place in 2004–05, but mounting financial pressures from ground improvements led to struggles. By the –07 season, the finished 21st and were relegated once more, marking a challenging period of resource constraints and on-field inconsistency. During this era, the club made its only appearance in the first round proper in 2000–01, suffering a 1–4 defeat to at Bury's in front of 2,495 spectators. The club spent the next decade in the Northern Premier League's Division One North/West, focusing on stability amid further financial hurdles. In May 2017, the club rebranded by dropping "Borough" from its name ahead of the 2018–19 season, adopting the simpler Radcliffe F.C. moniker while retaining the affectionate nickname "Boro," as approved by the FA. Radcliffe then secured another playoff promotion in 2018–19. In the playoff final, they overcame Leek Town 2–1 at home, with goals from Mike Owolabi and Callum Whittaker (penalty) overturning an early deficit, returning to the Premier Division for the 2019–20 season. Upon re-entering the Premier Division, Radcliffe F.C. showed steady improvement despite the disruptions of the COVID-19-abandoned 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons, finishing 16th in 2021–22 and 7th in 2022–23. The culmination came in 2023–24 when they clinched the Premier Division title with 87 points, earning promotion to the National League North for the first time; the title win was bittersweet, following the death of long-serving chairman Paul Hilton earlier in the season. As of November 2025, in their inaugural National League North season, the club has achieved a strong mid-table position around 4th place, contending competitively.

Stadium and facilities

Neuven Stadium

Neuven Stadium, located at Colshaw Close East in (postcode M26 3PE), has been the home ground of Radcliffe F.C. since 1969. Originally known as , the venue was renamed Neuven Stadium following a sponsorship agreement with Neuven Solutions Limited. The stadium holds historical significance as the club's longest-serving home, marking a stable period after earlier ground relocations in the club's formative years. The club acquired the site in 1969, moving from their previous pitch at Bright Street, which faced redevelopment, and a brief temporary stint at Whitehouse Sports Ground. The inaugural competitive fixture at the new ground occurred on 6 September 1969, when Radcliffe Borough defeated Wigan Rovers. At the time of opening, facilities were rudimentary, consisting of a basic grass pitch and simple spectator stands to accommodate local non-league matches. With a total capacity of approximately 3,500, the stadium provides 350 seated positions primarily in the Main Stand, a covered structure behind one goal known as the Lodge End Stand. Additional accommodation includes a covered terrace along the Club House Side, offering standing room for supporters. These features support the club's operations in the Northern Premier League while maintaining a community-focused atmosphere. The venue is shared with Radcliffe Cricket Club, reflecting its multi-sport heritage, and has hosted occasional groundsharing arrangements, including with Bury A.F.C. from August 2020 until mid-2023. The match pitch features an surface installed in recent years, without to aid winter play.

Developments and capacity

Over the years, the Neuven Stadium has undergone several key upgrades to enhance its functionality for matches and community use. In 2014, the floodlights were improved to meet modern standards, ensuring reliable illumination for evening fixtures. Following the club's in 2016, significant investments included the of a new stand at the Pilkington Road End, along with a covered block, TV gantry, boardroom, club shop, and sponsors' lounge, replacing structures damaged by and boosting overall capacity and amenities. Recent additions have focused on multi-purpose facilities to support non-match events. The Boro Lounge, a transformed space accommodating up to 80 seated guests, features a dedicated DJ booth, large-screen , multiple TVs, and an outdoor seating area with its own bar and covered section for viewing. Complementing this, The Pickford Suite serves as the club's premier event venue, equipped for diverse gatherings and offering full access to and bar services. These spaces enable flexible hire for weddings, parties, meetings, and community events, with packages tailored to requirements; pricing and availability can be obtained by contacting the club at 0161 724 8346 or via online enquiry forms. Safety enhancements and adherence to Football Association standards have been integral to these developments. The stadium complies with Grade B ground grading criteria required for Step 2 leagues such as the , incorporating necessary safety measures such as secure perimeter , emergency access, and spectator segregation to support higher-level competition. Annual pitch renovations, including close-season maintenance in May 2025, further ensure the surface meets FA specifications for playability and durability. Sponsorships have played a crucial role in funding these improvements. The stadium's , secured through a deal with Neuven Solutions Limited, provide essential financial support that has enabled facility expansions and ongoing maintenance, helping the club sustain operations at its current level. Additional local sponsorships, such as those from Brick Specialists, contribute to broader infrastructure enhancements.

Teams

Men's team

The Radcliffe F.C. men's team currently competes in the , the sixth tier of the and step 2 of the non-league pyramid, having earned promotion as champions of the Premier Division at the end of the 2023–24 season. Under joint managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley, the squad blends experienced non-league professionals, such as veteran midfielder , with promising local talents from the area, fostering a balanced unit capable of competing at this level. The team's strategy emphasizes disciplined defending combined with quick transitions to attack, contributing to a strong start in the 2025–26 campaign. In the 2025–26 season, as of November 15, 2025, Radcliffe sit in fourth place after 15 matches, with 9 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses, accumulating 29 points. They have scored 35 goals and conceded 18, showcasing offensive potency led by forwards like Jordan Hulme while maintaining a solid defensive record. Key highlights include a 3-1 away victory over King's Lynn Town in late October and a hard-fought 2-2 home draw against on November 8, which extended their position in the promotion chase; the tie against Bradford (Park Avenue) on November 15 ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, with the league match at Peterborough Sports upcoming on November 22. The team wears a home kit featuring the club's traditional red and white stripes, symbolizing their heritage, paired with white shorts and socks, while the away kit is predominantly white with red accents for contrast. With their current form positioning them favorably for the end-of-season , Radcliffe are preparing for a potential push toward promotion to the National League, focusing on squad depth and consistency through the winter months under Johnson and Morley's guidance.

Women's team

The Radcliffe F.C. women's team was established in 2023 as the club's first senior women's side, formed through a partnership between club chairman Paul Hilton and Diana Golding of the to provide a competitive outlet for local female players transitioning from youth setups. The team competes in the North West Women's Regional League Division One Central, having finished sixth in its inaugural 2023–24 season and seventh in 2024–25. A reserves team supports the senior squad, participating in the Lancashire Women's County League Division One South/East to aid player development. Home matches for the first team are held at Neuven Stadium, where training sessions emphasize skill-building and community integration, including pathways from local nurseries affiliated with Radcliffe Juniors and the Bury FC Foundation. In the 2025–26 season, the team has faced challenges in Division One Central, with recent results including a 0–3 away loss to Wigan Athletic on November 2, a 2–3 home defeat to on October 26, and a 1–5 away loss to on October 12. Upcoming fixtures include an away game at on November 23, a home match against on November 30, and a home game versus FC St Helens on December 7, all at 14:00. The side also participates in competitions, building on previous seasons' experiences. For the 2025–26 campaign, the club conducted recruitment drives and trial sessions at Neuven Stadium to bolster the squad, fostering greater community involvement through free entry for under-16 spectators and youth development initiatives.

Personnel

Managers

Radcliffe F.C. is currently managed by the joint partnership of Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley, who were appointed as first-team managers on May 7, 2023. The duo, both local to the area, brought extensive non-league experience, having previously collaborated on multiple promotions across various clubs, including a successful stint at where they secured play-off contention in the . Johnson, known for his tactical acumen developed during promotions at and earlier at Salford City, has emphasized an attacking style of play that prioritizes possession and forward momentum, while Morley, a former player for Radcliffe during his early career, contributes insights from his on-field experience at the club. Their approach also integrates youth development, aligning with the club's new initiatives and provision to bridge young talents into the senior squad. Upon appointment, Johnson and Morley conducted a significant overhaul, releasing several players and recruiting experienced non-league performers to build a promotion-challenging team, which culminated in winning the Premier Division title in their debut 2023–24 season. After finishing 20th in the in 2024–25 and avoiding relegation, for the 2025–26 campaign their targets focus on improving performance, with further strengthening through targeted signings like and Michael Afuye to enhance attacking depth. Supporting the managers is assistant Steve Halford, appointed in July 2024, who assists with training sessions, match preparation, and player development, drawing on his extensive background.

Coaching staff

Throughout its history, Radcliffe F.C. has relied on a series of dedicated coaching appointments to navigate competitive challenges in , with key figures contributing to promotions and stability during transitional periods. In October 2017, former professional striker was appointed manager, supported by assistant , a ex-Premier League defender. Their partnership delivered immediate impact, securing survival in the Division One North during the 2017–18 season and guiding the team to promotion via the play-offs in 2019, where they defeated Leek Town 2–1 in the final. Macken's tenure emphasized tactical discipline and youth integration, ending in January 2020 amid differing visions for the club's future. Lee Fowler succeeded Macken in February 2020 as first-team manager, drawing on his experience as a former EFL and coach. Fowler assembled a staff that included Stephen Dawson, a ex-Bury Town player, to bolster midfield coaching and player development. His period at the helm, spanning until October 2021, coincided with disruptions from the but ended mutually after a run of seven consecutive league defeats, highlighting the pressures of maintaining competitiveness in the division. Following Fowler's exit, Bobby Grant, the club captain and a prolific forward, assumed an interim player-manager in late 2021. This appointment marked a return to player-manager dynamics seen in earlier eras, allowing Grant to lead on-field efforts while influencing strategy during a relegation battle. His interim stint focused on team morale and immediate results, paving the way for subsequent full-time appointments in the 2020s. These changes reflect a pattern of frequent coaching adjustments during periods of on-field instability, such as survival campaigns and post-promotion adjustments, transitioning from part-time player-managers in the to more specialized full-time roles by the .

Players

Notable players

One of the most prominent of Radcliffe F.C. is defender , who began his senior career with the club in the Division One North during the late . Dawson made a significant impact at Radcliffe before transferring to for £10,000 in 2009, where he helped secure promotion to League One; his subsequent moves to West Bromwich Albion, Wanderers, and West Ham United established him as a regular and member of the national squad. Striker Jody Banim stands out for his prolific scoring during the 2002–03 season, when he netted 46 goals across all competitions—an English non-league record at the time—and contributed 22 goals by November to aid the club's play-off promotion push to the Premier Division. Banim's form led to a £20,000 transfer to Shrewsbury Town in the Football Conference in December 2003, marking a step up to football. Former international winger Peter Barnes, who earned 22 caps and scored four goals for the national team in the late 1970s and early 1980s, joined Radcliffe Borough on a short stint in 1991 towards the end of his career, following spells at top-flight clubs like Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion. His experience bolstered the team's midfield creativity during a transitional period in the North West Counties League. Goalkeeper Adriano Basso, known for his 182 appearances with Bristol City in the between 2006 and 2012, including a League One play-off final run, later provided veteran leadership at Radcliffe in 2017 during a brief comeback in the Division One North West. Basso's prior professional experience at clubs like Swindon Town and Hull City highlighted his progression from non-league roots earlier in his career. Striker , who scored 35 goals in 88 appearances for Oldham Athletic in the Second Division during the late 1980s—including a record six goals in a single tie—played for Radcliffe in the mid-1990s, earning a season in 1996 for his contributions in the North West Counties League. His time at the club came after professional stints and helped mentor younger forwards. Other notable figures include defender Matt Barrass, who joined Radcliffe from Bury in 2005 after making appearances in League Two, providing defensive stability in the ; and goalkeeper Cameron Belford, who signed with Radcliffe in 2020 following spells at Bury and , offering shot-stopping reliability in the Premier Division. In terms of club longevity, Simon Kelly holds the record for most appearances with 502 starts across his tenure in the 1990s and 2000s, anchoring the defense during multiple promotions. Top scorer Ian Lunt amassed 147 goals for Radcliffe, primarily as a forward in the late 1990s and early 2000s, key to several cup runs and league challenges.

Academy and youth development

Radcliffe Football Club's youth development system emphasizes talent cultivation, with the formal structure emerging in the early through the incorporation of Radcliffe FC Academy Limited in 2022. Affiliated U18s and under-16s teams form the core of this setup, providing structured training and competitive opportunities for emerging players. The focuses on holistic development, combining football skills with to prepare young athletes for professional pathways. The U18s team participates in the and regional competitions, marking a historic milestone in the 2024–25 season by advancing to the first round proper for the first time after securing two 4–0 victories in qualifying rounds against lower-tier opponents. Meanwhile, the under-21 development squad, later transitioned into a B team in 2025, competed in the North West Under 21 Development League during 2024–25, achieving notable results such as a 9–0 win over UDA Soccer Cestrians and a 3–1 victory against Academy. These leagues align with regional youth frameworks rather than the elite FA Youth Alliance, prioritizing accessible competition for non-league clubs. Pathways from youth ranks to the men's first team have seen local talents like defender Luke Partington, born in 2005, secure professional contracts and appearances in the after joining from County's academy system. The B team's introduction in 2025 further bridges this gap by offering midweek senior-level fixtures, enhancing readiness for first-team integration without detailing specific senior contributions. Community engagement bolsters the youth program through the Radcliffe FC Community Trust, which partners with local schools for coaching sessions and runs holiday soccer camps to nurture talent from an early age. Additionally, the club operates a dedicated deaf in the England Deaf Football North League, promoting inclusivity and providing competitive outlets for deaf or hard-of-hearing players aged 16 and above. Funding draws from club revenues, sponsorships, and FA initiatives, ensuring compliance with Charter Standard requirements for youth operations at this level.

Achievements

League titles

Radcliffe F.C. has secured several league titles across its history in , primarily in regional and step-level competitions. These achievements highlight the club's progression through the English football pyramid, with promotions often following title wins. The earliest documented league championship came in the post-war era, while more recent successes have elevated the club to higher divisions. In the 1950–51 season, Radcliffe won the South East Lancashire Football League Division Two title, marking an early milestone that solidified the club's presence in local football structures. This victory included a strong performance that also saw them claim the associated South East Lancashire Shield and W Moore Champions Cup in the same campaign. The club experienced a significant rise in the 1980s within the newly formed North West Counties League (NWCL). Radcliffe clinched the Division Two championship in 1982–83, finishing first out of 20 teams with 70 points from 38 matches, securing promotion to Division One. Two seasons later, in 1984–85, they captured the Division One title with 58 points from 38 games, again topping a 20-team field and earning promotion to the (NPL). These back-to-back successes demonstrated consistent dominance, with goal differences contributing to their edges over competitors like Caernarfon Town in the latter season. Radcliffe's most notable title at the time came in the 1996–97 NPL Division One season, where they finished champions with 85 points from 42 matches, edging out local rivals Leigh RMI by just two points on . This triumph, achieved under manager Gary Basterfield, represented the club's highest level of success up to that point and led to promotion to the NPL Premier Division. Key wins against rivals helped maintain their lead in a tightly contested race. In addition to outright titles, Radcliffe has achieved promotion via playoffs, treated as equivalent milestones for league progression. In 2002–03, finishing third in NPL Division One with 85 points from 42 games, they advanced through the playoffs by defeating North Ferriby United 1–0 in the semi-final before overcoming local rivals Chorley 4–2 on penalties after a 2–2 draw in the final at Stainton Park. Similarly, in 2018–19, as runners-up in NPL Division One West with 75 points from 38 matches (73 goals for, 34 against), they secured promotion by beating Ramsbottom United 3–0 in the semi-final and Leek Town 2–1 in the final. These playoff victories underscored the club's resilience in high-stakes encounters against regional competitors. The most recent league title arrived in the 2023–24 NPL Premier Division, where Radcliffe finished champions with 87 points from 40 matches, boasting a +45 goal difference (103 scored, 58 conceded) to secure promotion to the . Managed by Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley, this success capped a remarkable turnaround, defeating key challengers like Worksop Town in the process.
SeasonDivisionPosition/OutcomePointsGoal DifferenceKey Rival Defeated
1950–51South East Lancashire FL Div. 2ChampionsN/AN/AN/A
1982–83NWCL Div. 2Champions (promoted)70N/AN/A
1984–85NWCL Div. 1Champions (promoted)58N/ACaernarfon Town
1996–97NPL Div. 1Champions (promoted)85+2 over runners-upLeigh RMI
2002–03NPL Div. 13rd; Playoff winners (promoted)85N/A
2018–19NPL Div. 1 West2nd; Playoff winners (promoted)75+39Leek Town
2023–24NPL Premier Div.Champions (promoted)87+45Worksop Town

Cup competitions

Radcliffe F.C. has a history of success in regional cup competitions during its early years in the South East Lancashire League. The club won the South East Lancashire Shield in the 1950–51 season, defeating opponents in the final to secure the trophy as part of a treble that included the league's Division Two title. This victory was followed by another Shield win in 1951–52, where Radcliffe triumphed 3–1 over Marsden in the final at Tweedales. Additionally, the club claimed the W. Moore Champions Cup in 1950–51, repeating the feat in 1952–53 and 1954–55, with these honours recognizing their dominance in league and cup play during the mid-1950s. In the Lancashire Combination era, Radcliffe achieved further cup success by winning the League Challenge Cup in the 1969–70 season, marking a highlight in a campaign where they also finished as league runners-up the following year. The club also lifted the Lancashire Football Combination League Cup in 1970, securing the title through a series of victories that underscored their competitive edge in regional football. On the national stage, Radcliffe's most notable FA Cup run came in the 2000–01 season, when they reached the first round proper for the only time in their history. Hosting York City at Bury's due to ground requirements, they lost 1–4 in front of a crowd of 2,495, with the match drawing significant attention as a non-league highlight. In the FA Trophy, the club advanced to the last 16 in the 1995–96 season, falling 2–1 to after progressing through earlier rounds. More recently, in the 2024–25 FA Trophy, Radcliffe matched their best run by reaching the fourth round, defeating Worksop Town and Solihull Moors before a 4–0 defeat to at on 7 January 2025. The women's team has participated in the Alliance Design & Print Cup as part of the North West Women's Regional League structure, competing in preliminary and early rounds during recent seasons, though without advancing to later stages in documented campaigns up to 2025.

Records and statistics

Match records

Radcliffe F.C.'s largest victory margin in a competitive match came during the 2023–24 season with a 5–0 home win over local rivals in the Premier Division on 13 April 2024. This result contributed to a run of six consecutive league victories that secured the club's promotion to the . The club's heaviest defeat occurred on 21 April 2025, when they lost 0–5 to in a fixture at the Neuven Stadium. Earlier notable losses include a 1–4 defeat to York City in the first round on 19 November 2000, played at due to capacity constraints, drawing a crowd of 2,495. The record attendance at the (formerly ) is 2,800, achieved during the Emirates FA Cup third qualifying round tie against on 28 September 2024, which sold out the venue and marked the first time the ground reached full capacity for a Radcliffe match. This surpassed the previous high of 2,351 spectators for the title-clinching 1–1 draw with Basford United on 21 May 2024 in the Premier Division. An earlier historical peak was 1,468 for the Lancashire Combination Second Division championship win in 1971. In terms of sequences, Radcliffe's longest win streak stands at six matches in the league during the 2023–24 promotion campaign. As of November 2025 in the , the club has recorded a four-game winning run, including a 5–1 away victory over Harriers on 11 October 2025.

Player statistics

Simon Kelly holds the record for the most appearances in Radcliffe F.C.'s , with 592 games played over 14 years from 1998 to 2012. As a central defender and club captain, his longevity provided defensive stability during multiple promotions and relegations in the . Other notable long-serving players include Rick Smith, a who reached 291 appearances by the 2024–25 season across three spells with the club. Ian Lunt is the all-time leading goalscorer for Radcliffe F.C., netting 140 goals primarily as a striker during the late and early . His prolific scoring helped the team challenge in the Division One and Premier Division. Jody Banim ranks second with 109 goals across spells from 2001–03, 2009–10, and a brief return in 2015–16, including 97 goals in his initial 125 appearances.
RankPlayerGoalsActive Years at Club
1Ian Lunt1401996–2001
2Jody Banim1092001–03, 2009–10, 2015–16
Goalkeeper records are less comprehensively documented, but Mateusz Hewelt established a strong defensive mark with 12 clean sheets in the Premier Division season, aiding the club's promotion to the . The single-season goals record belongs to Jody Banim, who scored 46 times in the 2003–04 campaign, a haul that propelled Radcliffe to the play-offs in the Premier Division and earned him a move to Football League side Shrewsbury Town. This performance remains the benchmark for offensive output in club history.

References

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