ORIGINS & HISTORY OF KNUTSFORD FOOTBALL CLUB

1880s There are no Knutsford Guardian historical archives for the period pre-1893 ( Guardian covers 1876-1892) However, the Heritage Museum has notes from 1888 re Freeholders and the Heath Rugby was to be allowed and there was already Football played on the Heath The Heath also provided turf sods for the Knutsford Bowling Green which suggests the grass must have been cared for. Football was first played in Knutsford in some form during the 1860s-1870s In these times, the famous Knutsford May Day Festival attracted crowds in excess of 10,000 people. In addition to playing on the Heath, there is a map from 1897 which shows there was a football ground on Manchester Road close to Sugar Pitt Lane and on the same side of the road (opposite the current Knutsford FC ground) The North West has always been a strong footballing area Organised friendly matches began in the late 1870s early 1880s (the Cup competition originated in 1880) In the late 1880s - early 1890s organised local leagues and district cup competitions were formed in Northwich, Crewe, Sale and Manchester. Knutsford Teams competed in organised friendlies and then these Leagues with various names playing on the Heath and a ground off Manchester Road. Some of the Northwich District local teams playing in 1886/87 are: Middlewich, Hartford, Barnton Rovers, Davenham, Leftwich, Castle & Winnington Park. On May Day 1888 Crewe Alexandra paraded the Cheshire Cup at the May Day Festival (but no mention of Knutsford FC) The following records come from the Northwich & Knutsford Guardian 1876-1892 and the Knutsford Guardian 1892 plus, some material from the Heritage Museum. No precise date has been found in the archives as to the year that Knutsford FC was formally established (ie the records state that Middlewich FC were formed in 1908, though various teams from Middlewich were playing organised football from as early as 1887)

1888-1889 The first known record of a formal Knutsford Team comes from Saturday 29th December 1888 when, “on Boxing Day, the Knutsford Football Club greatly distinguished themselves on the Heath against the Manchester Aberdeen Club - being successful in scoring 14 goals to nil.” On January 1889 the result: Knutsford 2 Barnton Rovers 4 is posted and on 23rd January Northwich Swifts 6 Knutsford 0 at the Drill Field. The season 88-89 saw much debate over the subject of professionalism creeping into the game.

News Headlines from1888 Mar 22nd - The Football League is formed. May 7th - George Eastman patents "Kodak box camera" Sep 8th - In England the first six Football League matches ever are played Sep 25th - Start of the Sherlock Holmes newspaper series - "Hound of Baskervilles" Nov 9th - Jack Ripper's 5th & last known victim, Mary Jane Kelly is found

1898-1899 (Knutsford Parish Church AFC and the Cranford Club) The earliest known record (from the Guardian archives) of a senior Knutsford Team playing in a recognised League The Manchester Federation League - is for season 1898-1899 when Knutsford Parish Church Association Football Club - playing on the Mere Heath Ground won their very first trophy (the Manchester Federation Championship Trophy) on Saturday 14th April 1899 after defeating Edge Lane Wesleyans (Manchester) 3-0 in the final game of the season at Mere Heath Team: C. Holden, W.H.Bebbington, J.A.Toft (captain) A.Spruce, H.Aspin, G.Murray, G.Woodcock, T.Parmenter, G.Crowther, J.Hurdsfield, D.Caulfield. And with a marvellous record of P21 W18 D1 L2 Goals for 86 Goals against 24 The match report is available for review and contains the magic words April 1899 – “The first time Knutsford Town have had the pleasure of winning a trophy for their native town”. The Club has Daniel Caulfield’s winners medal.

In an article from the Knutsford 1899 May Day report there was the report: Knutsford Parish Church AFC and the Cranford Club displayed silver cups and medals won in the Manchester Federation League and Hospital League respectively. Which clearly indicates there were at least 2 senior football Clubs operating in Knutsford in 1898

News Headlines from 1899 April 5 Annie Oakley promotes the service of women in combat situations with the United States military December 16 - A.C. Milan is founded. HP Sauce was founded

1905-1906 A successful season, with Knutsford again competing in the Cheshire Amateur Cup. On 18th November 1905 in round 2 vs Oldfield - match report available TEAM: SIMPSON, BENTLEY, WALKER, CUMMINGS, A. WYCH (CPT) FLETCHER, BOWEN, RICHARDSON, EDWARDS, COX, F. WYCH. They won a hard-fought victory 1-0 “without their star forward E.G. Bracegirdle” (he played for Knutsford Wednesday Cub in 1902 aged 16) who days before the match amid much controversy had been ‘poached’ by Northwich Vics for their Manchester & District League campaign and went on to play for Blackburn Rovers in May 1906 (vs Burnley).

EG Bracegirdle (Ernie) a local Knutsford man was born in 1886 and was the star player in the district during the mid-1900s - described as “a small man, but quick and with an eye for the goal” From Blackburn Rovers "Pep" moved to Crewe Alexandra and played with them for two seasons. During this time, they were in the Central League, Altrincham was his "next stop" and he joined Altrincham Cheshire County League team. He returned to Northwich, later playing for Winsford. It was while he was with this team that he broke his leg, which finished his active career in football. He was held in high esteem by everyone and, after his accident, Blackburn Rovers played a benefit match for him. Just before he went in the army in the 1914-1918 War he played outside left for Manchester United and later for Oldham Athletic.

1910 marked the emergence of the mighty Cranford FC who went on to win the Lancashire & Cheshire League & Hospital Cup in 3 consecutive seasons: 1912,13,14 & were unfortunate in losing the Cheshire Amateur Cup final after a replay

March 24th 1914 page 6 Cheshire Amateur Cup final at the Drill Field Northwich in front of a large crowd Cranford 3 Bromboro Pool 3 after extra time With Bromboro leading 2-1 at half time and putting Cranford defence under much pressure to make it 1-3 after 70 minutes, there was a sensational finish with Dean scoring 2 in the last 3 minutes to take it to extra time where Cranford had the better of exchanges but couldn’t find the winner. Team: Bracegirdle, Cragg, Capper, Gibbons, Jackson, Newton, Bentley, Kempt, Drinkwater, Dean, Davies (In these days there were 2 full backs, 3 half backs and 5 forwards incl. 2 wingers) Capper & Dean were very good. Goals from Jackson 1 and Dean 2 Unfortunately, Cranford lost the replay 0-1 in a poor game

1914/1915 With the ‘call to arms’ by Lord Kitchener and with many young men in the Territorial Army, apart from League Division 1 and 2 plus a few other leagues – local football was cancelled due to the war and the fact that fit young footballers were the first in line to join the army. A circular from the FA in 1914 appealed “to the patriotism of all who are interested in the game to support the Nation in the present serious emergency ... Players and spectators who are physically fit and otherwise able are urged to join the army at once. 1914-1918 – Billy Bracegirdle, Arthur Sumner, Harry Cragg and Daniel Caulfield died in the Great War – it is reported in the History of Lancashire & Cheshire League that the heaviest casualties suffered by one club was understood to be Cranford who lost 8 of their team killed in France.

1920s Youth football flourishes but adult is football at a low ebb in the town during the 1920s, Cranford disappear and then reappear in the 1930s In 1922 Cranford disappear from the Mid Cheshire League in February without completing their fixtures – no explanation is given

1932 the Club moves to their new ground - Friday 25th November 1932 Knutsford Guardian article: “Cranford open new ground” “A crowd of 400 witnessed the opening game on the new ground recently acquired by the Cranford amateurs in Manchester Road – on Saturday 26th November 1932 vs Wilmslow Albion – Colonel T Blatherwick kicked-off and the Cross-Town band were playing” Lord Egerton (who became the Club Patron) gifted the ground to the Club for football, in perpetuity at a peppercorn rent. Cranford appear in the Wilmslow & District League and a Cuddington League is featured Knutsford Parish Church, BWW & Knutsford Hightown are mentioned During this period, the top local Amateur League is the Palatine Amateur League – which is featured heavily in the football reports

1935 a mention of a Knutsford Ladies Team losing 1-4 to Witton Ladies on Nov15th

1938-39 Competing again in Division 2 of the Altrincham & District Amateur League were: Knutsford Athletic who were top of the table until March 17th but trailed off & finished 3rd for the 2nd consecutive season

Following the 1939-1945 War, big crowds started returning as football was back on the agenda First record of Knutsford Football after the War, is from FEB 8th 1946 when a Sports Meeting was called at the Cross Keys for Monday 10th February – Subject “a revival of football is a matter of considerable importance to the town. It was quickly decided to set the Knutsford Athletic Club on its feet again – with an approach being made to the County Council to use the Church playing fields. Everyone interested was asked to get in touch with Secretary Mr. W. (Billy) Hamman of 5 Coronation Square.” and so, on 10TH FEBRUARY 1946 KNUTSFORD FOOTBALL WAS REBORN AFTER THE WAR

Feb 22nd “Knutsford Athletic are back on their feet again & arranging a trial match for March 2nd “all players in the town and district are welcome” Knutsford Guardian - Friday August 16th 1946 – “40 Players signed Knutsford Fc confident” Knutsford. Football Club, formerly "Athletic," hold their first trial match at their Manchester Road Ground, tomorrow (Saturday), in preparation for the season's fixtures in the Northwich & District League, writes "Ernie Bees." First League game since the war – September 7th 1946 Knutsford FC 7 Norley Utd 0 Knutsford entertain Norley for their debut on their new ground at Manchester Road which is in perfect condition. Article from Nov 1946 “History made in Knutsford football - first dressing rooms provided for the players” “Knutsford senior team for the first time in the history of football in the town, dressed for their match against Nantwich in their nearly completed dressing rooms, writes a Guardian reporter. No other Knutsford Club has ever had dressing accommodation. In a recent appeal to town people, Councillor A.E. Perry Chairman of the urban council mentioned the progress made by the Club in providing accommodation for players. In company with Councillor Perry and an official of the Club, I saw the work progressing. On the roof ‘Gillie’ Williamson, captain and right back of the senior team was putting the finishing touches to the roof with a tar brush. The pavilion, which had been converted from a hut, once stood on a local estate. It cost the Club £45 and was 82’ in length. It was carefully dismantled but a certain amount of material was bound to be lost. It was possible however, to house shower baths, presented by Major C.F. Lewis. The baths were originally part of a mobile bathing unit used in the desert by British troops. The Council came to the rescue, and through the good graces of Councillor Perry, the Club were able to obtain and old fire-fighting shed. With these assets, workers were able to assemble what is now considered to be ‘admirable dressing accommodation’ The ‘Club’ he continued, was also fortunate in that the Military Hospital authorities required a ground for German prisoners to play on 2 days per week. The Club has a ground which was available and placed it at their disposal free because they had the interests of football at heart he said. The Club did not know then that Major Bert Mason commandant of the hospital would be so kind as to arrange for volunteer German labour to assist the Club. As the official added ‘the great interest Major Mason, Councillor Perry and Major Lewis have taken in the Club, and a hard-working committee have made these things possible. The Club has a 3-year lease on the Ground which includes 2 playing pitches and ample more room. The players are training at the YMCA, but it is hoped that when the light evenings return there will be training and ball practice on the ground. Plans to run water to the baths and electric light to the pavilion are prepared, beside some shelter to be erected for supporters. These things however depend on the response to the appeal by Councillor Perry, mentioned in the sports page and editorial column of the Guardian recently. As a sports writer I have visited many football grounds in Cheshire, but “I have yet to see an amateur ground with superior accommodation to Knutsford’s. The interior of the pavilion is painted in attractive colours and seating accommodation is fitted all round. Partitions divide the teams. A stove heats the building. The question of refreshments brought this comment from the official “It is our intention in the near future to have a lady’s supporters committee who will assist in providing hot refreshments on the ground. These refreshments will be welcomed by supporters on cold afternoons”

1948 Knutsford join the new (re-formed) Mid Cheshire League Friday 27th August 1948 – Knutsford FC open the new League programme (a big report in the paper) Page 3 Column 1 & 2 incl. photo of Hughes & Burgess Congleton Town Reserves 2 Knutsford 0

The players are all local Knutsford residents

Crowds of 300 are normal

Knutsford finish their 1st season in the new MCL in 12th place narrowly avoiding relegation by beating Barnton in one of their final games

History of the Mid-Cheshire Association The Mid-Cheshire Football League was formally launched at a special meeting of the Northwich and District Football Association held at the "Cock Hotel" in Northwich, on 6 May 1948. There had been earlier similarly named leagues. A Mid-Cheshire League had been formed in 1906 but lasted just four seasons. Another had been established in 1919, but this too had been short-lived, and had disbanded in 1926, after only seven seasons.

1949-50 Bob Frith scores 49 goals in the season hitting the bar in the final game that would have made it the magic 50 goals

Jack Wilkinson joined Knutsford and made his debut on Christmas day 1951 vs Altrincham (Jack scored & Knutsford won) he left Knutsford in the summer of 1952 to join Witton. Knutsford received a cheque from Witton for £10 which was considered an insult and many of the committee wanted to send it back. Jack left Witton to join Arsenal.

ICI Alkali’s Ralph Hewitt became the first man in any grade of football to score over 100 goals in a season (101) He passed his century on 1st may 1953, by scoring 4 goals in the final match of the season against Altrincham reserves.

Manchester Utd sign 3 Knutsford boys 3 Youth Club Players; Harry Wragg, Geoff Eaton and Len Fulton sign Amateur forms For Matt Busby’s ‘Babes’

1953 “the Altrincham Amateur Cup went to Knutsford on Friday for the first time in the competitions 43-year existence, the first ever challenge cup trophy won by the Manchester road club. Friday’s game was the 5th since the war that they reached the final of a challenge cup competition. they have made 3 appearances in the Altrincham cup finals; 3 years ago, beaten by Altrincham reserves (1950), 2 years ago by Linotype (1951) and last year (1952) to Lostock Gralam in the MCL challenge cup. 1948 was another year.”

The late 40s – early 50s are described as the golden age of football

1955 Roger Hunt makes his debut against Knutsford… Feb 10th 1955 Knutsford 7 Stockton Heath 5 “inside left hunt levelled the score at 4-4 but Knutsford came back to win 7-5” playing inside left for Stockton Heath (later Town) his free-scoring performances soon began to attract the attention of several football league clubs. He scored many goals against Knutsford. Roger did his National Service & then joined Liverpool Knutsford Team: Beddard, M Gill, Platt, Bryning, Aldred, Booth, Battersby, Barclay, Prolze, Dennis, Eaton Stockton Heath Team: Irons, Butler, Cleeton, Banner, Boardman, Martin, Bennett, Foster, Arnold, Hunt, Woods

57/58 best ever League placing of 5th P30 W15 D6 L7 F91 A63 Points 36 18TH April 1957 Wilmslow Albion 1 Knutsford 6 – with 3 new signings - Terry Jones, Pete Gregory and 17-year-old inside left Terry Murphy from ICI makes his debut scoring 2

58/59 current team considered one of the best – finished 2nd to Runcorn Athletic and reached the semi-final of the Cheshire Amateur Cup The death of the Club Patron Lord Egerton of Tatton was announced

1960 May 5th Knutsford 3 Linotype 2 after coming back from 0-2 down to win the MCL League Cup for the 2nd time in 3 years with goals from O’Hare, Dey and a penalty from Hewitt in the last 5 minutes. The team celebrated at the Con Club Radcliffe again turns down the manager’s job at Northwich and Witton. Frank Rand has scored 40 goals for the season. Article “Terry Murphy the local lad with such a bright future at the Drill Field played as a guest for Hartford, and when the ball went into the river Weaver, he dived in in full kit to get the ball back. May 26th 1960 Headlines – Mark Radcliffe is off to Witton Albion “It’s more like losing a friend than a manager’ says Tickle. Mark has promised not to take any players with him and intends to contact them to get them to sign for Knutsford again. In his short stay he transformed the Club into one of the best amateur outfits in the country says a Club official. Mark made 207 appearances for Witton as a player

1960s 5, 5, 15, 7, 11, 8, 10, 14,13,7 Featured teams including 2 future Chairmen – Dickie Walker & Dave Roberts Average League position 9th (highest 5th) won the MCL Challenge Cup in 1960 and the ADAFL Senior Cup in 1961 Brian Deeley joined the Club as a 16-year-old in 1966

1970s 16, 16, 15,14,13,7,12,15,11,8 A poor decade for the Club with an average League position of 13th (highest 7th) JB Parker Trophy finalists in 1975 and the Div 2 League Cup finalists in 1977 In 1976/77 Knutsford were relegated to the second division, forcing the resignation of their reserve side that had joined Div 2 in 1975. When the second division was disbanded in 1983, Knutsford were elected to the new single division.

1980s 8, 7, 11, 11,6,10,14,18,8,4 Spent 4 years in Div 2 before returning to Div 1 – average League position 10th (best 4th in 1989) ADAFL Senior Cup Winners in 1984 and 1988 Managers: Brian Deeley and Phil ‘Wimmer’ Chapman The reserves returned to the league in 1987 after the second division had been re-formed. Jimmy Evans joined the Club in January 1986 from Warrington Town FC looking for “one more season” and liked the Club so much he ended up playing regularly for 22 more years 1st, Reserves, A, Veterans (500+ games and 200+ goals)

1990s 11,3,2,5,9,1,5,6,2,4 Managers: Phil Chapman, Kenny Harrison Reserves: Jimmy Evans A Team & Vets: Brian Deeley Chairmen: Jim Armour, Kenny Harrison Secretary: Kevin Deeley A good decade on the pitch with an average League position of 5th and 10 trophies including runners-up in the Cheshire Amateur Cup in 1990 under Phil Chapman. In 1991/92 Knutsford, in Kenny Harrison's first season as manager, ended their barren period by winning the Division runners-up trophy. The reserves under player/manager Jimmy Evans reached the Division 2 challenge cup final in the same season but lost to Broadheath Central. In 1992/93, their last season in the Mid-Cheshire League, they were again beaten finalists. In the same season, the senior team beat Winnington Park to win the J.B. Parker Trophy and then, two years later in 1995, finally the Mid-Cheshire League championship, a feat they almost repeated in 1997/98, but in controversial circumstances finished as runners-up to Barnton to whom they also lost the Challenge Cup final. The star player of the 1990s was Altrincham’s Chris Leigh (left back & captain) who attracted the attention of Northwich Vics but stayed loyal to Knutsford FC. Knutsford again won the J.B. Parker Trophy in 1999/2000 and at that time the club's Manchester Road ground and changing rooms were seriously vandalized, and it appeared that the club might fold. However, the persistent efforts of loyal core members enabled the club to stay afloat and under the direction of new Chairman and ex player Dave Roberts, returned their facilities to the league's high standards. As an acknowledgement of the hard-work of the committee and supporters, Knutsford were presented with the Bill Gray Club of the Year Trophy, in 2001/02, to add to the J.B. Parker Trophy which they lifted by beating Padgate.

2000s 5,5,4,5,9,8,3,2,9,15 Manager: Stuart Dow A Team: Brian Deeley Chairman: Dave Roberts, Dave Cowe An up & down decade with an average League position of 6th but won 7 trophies The A Team were strong and in 2008 won the League and 2 Cups However, behind the scenes there were issues & internal politics – in 2009, for a few weeks, the 1st team had 2 managers! A dark period for the Club To address the issues & challenges within the Club, in November 2009, a new Committee was appointed to take the club forward.

2010s Managers: Paul Schofield, Scott Dignan, Jordan Gunter Chairman: Jimmy Evans Paul brought with him a brand-new young side from Altrincham comprising mainly U18s to finish 4th in his debut season & set the standard for a new era on the pitch of playing fluent & winning football for the rest of the decade A new committee was established in OCT 2009 raised standards and transformed the Club Consistently the benchmark for all clubs at step 7 both on & off the pitch Considered the best amateur football club in Cheshire With 21 trophies & 21 awards – a purple patch with a winning League record of 66% With 4 titles, 3x CFL Reserve League titles and delivering the prestigious Cheshire Amateur Cup for the first time in 121 years in 2018 The ground has received multiple ‘best pitch’ FA/CFA awards incl. National RU at step 7 in 2017 In 2016, 8 of the side were selected for the Cheshire Inter League team

KNUTSFORD FC - THE PREMIER CLUB IN THE CHESHIRE LEAGUE FOR PAST 7 SEASONS 2011-2018 CHESHIRE PREMIER LEAGUE P HOME AWAY OVERALL GD PTS W D L F A W D L F A W D L F A 2011-12 1 KNUTSFORD 30 13 1 1 41 9 10 2 3 27 14 23 3 4 68 23 45 72 2012-13 1 KNUTSFORD 30 15 0 0 53 14 8 3 4 24 15 23 3 4 77 29 48 72 2013-14 6 KNUTSFORD 30 9 2 4 34 17 7 6 2 31 16 16 8 6 65 33 32 56 2014-15 2 KNUTSFORD 30 8 1 6 41 27 11 2 2 52 19 19 3 8 93 46 47 60 2015-16 1 KNUTSFORD 30 11 2 2 36 12 9 3 3 32 17 20 5 5 68 29 39 65 2016-17 4 KNUTSFORD 30 8 2 5 33 20 7 5 3 34 18 15 7 8 67 38 29 52 2017-18 1 KNUTSFORD 28 12 1 1 49 17 12 0 2 42 16 24 1 3 91 33 58 73 208 76 9 19 287 116 64 21 19 242 115 140 30 38 529 231 298 450 73% 62% 67% 2.2

KNUTSFORD A TEAM - THE PREMIER TEAM IN THE CFL RESERVE LEAGUE 2014-2018 A TEAM HOME AWAY OVERALL GD PTS CFL RES LGE P W D L F A W D L F A W D L F A 2014-15 1 KNUTSFORD 'A' 18 7 1 1 33 8 8 1 0 36 10 15 2 1 69 18 51 47 2015-16 5 KNUTSFORD 'A' 24 7 0 5 31 16 6 1 5 35 32 13 1 10 66 48 18 40 2016-17 1 KNUTSFORD 'A' 20 6 3 1 35 10 7 2 1 21 10 13 5 2 56 20 36 44 2017-18 1 KNUTSFORD 'A' 32 9 5 2 42 15 12 2 2 39 16 21 7 4 81 31 50 70

94 29 9 9 141 49 33 6 8 131 68 62 15 17 272 117 155 201 62% 70% 66% 2.14

CHESHIRE LEAGUE RECORD 1948-2018 (FOUNDER MEMBERS)

BACK IN THE DAY MODERN TIMES 1888 First known record - December 29th 1888 2008 Altrincham & District Player of the Season Joey Morphett 1888 Played on The Heath 2008 Altrincham & District Memorial Cup Winners 1889 First known teamsheet 2008 Altrincham & District Challenge Cup Winners 1893 Wednesday Club Champions of the District 2008 Altrincham & District Div 1 Champions 1897 Debut in Cheshire Amateur Cup 2008 Mid Cheshire League Memorial Cup Runners up 1897 Played on ground at Sugar Pitt Lane 1899 First Title - Manchester Federation League Champions 2009 Paul Schofield joins the Club as Manager & brings a new young team 1899 Hospital Cup Winners 2009 NEW EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TAKES OVER THE CLUB OCT 2009 1899 semi-finalists 1902 First known Club Photo 2010 Altrincham & District Volunteer of the Year Joe Ferrigno 1902 Debut of 16 year old Pep Bracegirdle 2010 Altrincham & District Player of the Season Steve Jenyons 1906 Northwich & District Cup Finalists 2010 Cheshire League Club of the Year 1906 Sale & District Cup Finalists 2010 FA Charter Standard Award 1906 Founder Members of the Mid Cheshire League 1906 Pep Bracegirdle signs for Blackburn Rovers 2011 6 players selected to represent Cheshire 1908 Altrincham & District Challenge Cup Finalists 2011 FA Winner of Groundsman of the Year Award Brian Deeley 1910 Altrincham & District Amateur Cup Finalists 2011 Cheshire League Player of the Season Dean Warburton 1912 Lancashire & Cheshire League Champions 1912 Caffrey Cup Winners 2012 Cheshire League Champions 1913 Lancashire & Cheshire League Champions 2012 Youngest Title Winning side average age 23 1913 Caffrey Cup Winners 2012 Cheshire League Player of the Season Dean Warburton 1914 Lancashire & Cheshire League Champions 2012 Cheshire League Memorial Cup Winners 1914 Caffrey Cup Winners 1914 Cheshire Amateur Cup Finalists 2013 Cheshire League Champions 8 players died in France in the Great War 2013 Cheshire League Memorial Cup Winners WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM 2013 Cheshire League Hospitality Award 2013 Altrincham & District Secretary of the Year Award 1921 A YOUTH LEAGUE APPEARS IN KNUTSFORD 2013 Altrincham & District Senior Cup Champions 1923 Knutsford Youths compete in the English Schools Shield 2013 Paul Schofield steps down after 4 marvellous seasons & 2 titles 1932 Knutsford debut on new ground on Manchester Road 2013 Club Secretary & Legend Kevin Deeley dies 1933 balance sheet of £1 15s 2d is deemed highly satisfactory 1934 Bernard Tickle scores 6 - the oldest surviving player 2015 2014 Cheshire League Hospitality Award 1946 Knutsford FC reformed after the War 10th FEB 2014 FA Winner of Groundsman of the Year Award Brian Deeley 1948 Founder Members of the Mid Cheshire League 2014 FA TESTIMONIAL AWARD FOR 100 YEARS SERVICES TO FOOTBALL 1948 Altrincham & District Div 2 Champions 2014 Over 2000 games played continuously in the CFL since 1948 1950 ADAFL Challenge Cup Finalists 2014 KFC add 2 Youth Teams from Over Ward to their membership 1951 ADAFL Senior Cup Finalists 2014 2x Ist & A Team Manager of the Month awards 1952 MCL Challenge Cup Finalists 1953 Jack Wilkinson joins Witton then signs for Arsenal 2015 Cheshire Reserve Div2 Champions A Team 1953 Captain Jim Woolley makes 150th consecutive appearance 2015 Cheshire Premier League runners up 1953 Man Utd sign 3 Knutsford boys 2015 FA Groundsman of the Year 3rd 1953 ADAFL Senior Cup Winners 2015 Knutsford Town Council Civic award for services to Youth Football 1954 "The pitch is the best in the League' 2015 8 players selected for Cheshire Inter League side 1954 Crowds of 500 are common 1954 Middlewich's Gerry Duffy scores 103 goals in a season 2016 League Cup RU 1956 Roger Hunt makes his debut for Stockton Heath v Knutsford 2016 FA Runner Up Groundsman of the Year Award Brian Deeley 1958 Mid Cheshire League Challenge Cup Winners 2016 Brian Deeley celebrates 50 years continuous service at the Club 1959 Mid Cheshire League Runners up 2016 FA AWARD FOR SERVICES TO GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL 1960 MCL Challenge Cup Winner 2016 Jimmy Evans celebrates 30 years at the Club 1961 ADAFL Senior Cup Winners 2016 Cheshire League Champions 1975 JB Parker Trophy Finalists 2016 CFL Hospitality Award - 3rd in 4 years 1984 ADAFL Senior Cup Winners 2016 CFL Fair Play award (A Team) 1988 ADAFL Senior Cup Winners 2016 4x Manager of Month Awards 1990 Cheshire Amateur Cup Finalists 2016 2x GK Month Awards 1992 MCL Runners up 2016 CFL GK of the Season (Sam Moore) 1993 JB Parker Trophy Winner 2016 CFL Player of the Year RU (David Owens) 1995 MCL Champions 2016 CFL Memorial Cup Winners 1995 ADAFL Division 2 Winners 1996 ADAFL Senior Cup Winners 2017 CFL Reserve Div 1 Champions A Team 1998 MCL Runners up 2017 Altrincham Senior Cup RU 1998 JB Parker Trophy Finalists 2017 CFL Reserve Div 1 Fair Play Award 1998 ADAFL Division 1 Runners Up 2017 CFL Fair Play Award 1999 ADAFL Senior Cup Finalists 2017 CFL Res Div 1 GK of Year (Callum Spencer) 2000 JB Parker Trophy Winner 2017 FA Groundsman of Year (Brian Deeley) Runner up 2001 MCL Player of the Season 2017 Cheshire FA Groundsman of the year 2001 MCL Club of the Season 2002 JB Parker Trophy Winner 2018 Cheshire Amateur Cup 2002 ADAFL Senior Cup Winners 2018 Cheshire League Champions (4th in 7 years) 2002 ADAFL Sportsman Trophy 2018 Cheshire Reserve League Champions (3rd in 4 years) 2007 Altrincham & District Senior Cup Champions 2018 CFA Cheshire Cup winners award 2007 Cheshire League Club of the Year 2018 Scott Dignan steps down after 4 succesful years 2007 Mid Cheshire League Runners up Under new management Jamie & Jordan 2018 CFL Memorial Cup Winners