IRONOPOLIS FOOTBALL CLUB    ITS HISTORY   

Queen Victoria (pictured right) reigned throughout the time of Ironopolis

Marquis of Salisbury (on the left) was the first of 3 Prime Ministers during the period. He held that position in 1889.

1889/90

1889

Ironopolis football club sprang to life on 29 October 1889.

The Temperance Hall, Middlesbrough was crowded in response to an appeal to support the constitution of a professional football club for the town. Mr Malcolm McDonald occupied the chair, and perfect order prevailed during the half-hour that the meeting lasted. The CHAIRMAN said if he thought for one moment that anything was going to be done in opposition to the existing amateur club he would not be there that evening. What they wanted to do was to establish a club which should be carried on according to their own views, which were not in accordance with the views of the committee of the existing club. Mr J.DAVIES proposed the only resolution:- "That in the opinion of this meeting of the football-going public of Middlesbrough it is desirable that a new football club be formed as early as possible for the promotion of good football." He, along with the majority of supporters of the game in the town, felt that the old lines of amateurism in football must cease, and that if Middlesbrough wanted to hold its position, as it had done in days gone by, it must move with the times, and go in for a good professional club. It was their intention to form a football club worthy of Middlesbrough, and not only a football club, but other athletic games would be promoted in which young men were interested. It was their firm determination, also, to keep gambling entirely out of the field, and the club all round would be conducted on the best possible lines. Mr J.WOOD (an ex-member of the Middlesbrough Club Committee) seconded the proposition, and in doing so said they were all aware that he had for some time been in favour of professionalism, but finding that the feeling was against him he always endeavoured to do his best for the club. After the meeting last week, however, he severed his connection with the committee, and had thrown in his lot with the present venture. It was deemed advisable to call that meeting to test the feeling of the supporters of football, whether it was advisable to form a club or not, and he agreed with the Chairman that their action was in no spirit of opposition to the other club, but simply to promote better football. If the Middlesbrough club had gone in for payment of the team, no matter how small the sum paid, so as to have helped stimulate the players they would have supported them, because it was patent to him that their team during the last three or four matches had never tried to play, and they could not blame them for it. So long as the present committee were in power the Middlesbrough club would never pay their men. Football was now a money-making affair, and the players had an equal right to share the money with anyone else, (cheers). Referees who were in favour of amateurism were not above refereeing in a game in order to secure their guinea or half-guinea, and he contended that if the players played for the love of the game so should referees and others. -Mr S.RICHARDSON supported the resolution, and pointed out that the promoters of the club intended to form it on a limited liability system, and if the scheme were heartily taken in hand and carried to a successful issue he had no doubt the directors of the company would be able to place before them a team worthy of the name of Middlesbrough, and he hoped that satisfaction would be given to everyone who supported them in the venture. - Mr A.SANDERSON explained the legal points connected with the formation of a limited liability company, and said if the capital of £2,000 was readily forthcoming it would not cost more than 25 guineas to float the company. -Mr W.EASTON next addressed the meeting, and the Chairman then put the resolution, which was carried amid cheers, only three hands going up against it. -Mr WOOD, in answer to a question, said those who became shareholders to the extent of two £1 shares, or any higher number would be admitted free to the field, and the company would, as far as had been arranged, issue season tickets at the rate of 5s each to non shareholders. -The CHAIRMAN said it now depended upon those who had held up their hands how soon the club started. Anyone taking a share or any number of shares would not be called upon to pay the full amount down, as probably only half the money would be called for at first. -A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the meeting, and shares were rapidly disposed of. The following gentlemen have given in their names as subscribers to the new company:-

Name Address Shares £1 each

The eleven gentlemen last-named have not yet signified what number of shares they will take, but it is expected that the number will not fall far short of 150. It is further expected that the North Ormesby Cycling Club will invest £100 in the new concern in order that they may utilise the ground in summer for cycling races.

In early November the promoters of the new club secured a new ground  - Paradise Field, near Linthorpe

 Athletic News 4 November 1899

The much talked about professional football club for Middlesbrough has at length been translated into fact. It will be remembered that on the refusal of the Linthorpe-road club to employ paid players, a crowded meeting of secessionists was held in the Temperance Hall, at which it was decided to run a new club on purely professional lines. I ventured last week to express a hope that the breach would be repaired and the threatened disruption avoided. Vain hope! The malcontents since then have formed a limited liability company, the capital of which is fixed at £2,000, in shares of £1 each. The new undertaking will be called The Middlesbrough Football Club Limited. The Yorkshire Banking Company have been appointed trustees to the new company: Messrs. Jackson and Jackson, Exchange-place, are the solicitors; and the secretary is Mr. A. H. Sanderson.

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While regretting the circumstances which led to the split I cannot but admire the business-like manner in which the club promoters have set about their self imposed task. Perhaps, it was no more than might have been expected from the shrewd commercial men of Ironopolis who are just now making their “piles,” and very big ones, over the staple industry for which the town is famous. It is evident that the miserable ineptitude of the older organisation has disgusted a great many Middlesbrough people, and they are determined to see if the club based on professional lines cannot lift their good name out of the mire. The manner in which many leading citizens came forward and subscribed shares was most encouraging to the promoters, and showed that they had not misjudged the strength of public feeling or the amount of support upon which they could calculate. Negotiations, it is stated, are pending for a suitable field for matches, and for securing a fixture at an early date. There are several professionals in Sunderland, who are casting sheep’s eyes at the new Land of Promise, and I should not be surprised to learn of their sudden departure for fresh fields and pastures new on the banks of the “silvery Tees.” The company must not, however, run away with the idea that they will build up a first-class club in a day. Sunderland people made that mistake. Their eyes have at length been opened to their own folly.

Athletic News 11 November 1889

The new Limited Liability Club at Middlesbrough appears likely to turn out a success and already applications for shares represent over £600. The share capital has been fixed at £2,000. Negotiations for a suitable field have been brought to a successful issue, and Mr.H.Boldison, 31 Gurney-street, has been appointed secretary, and is now busy with his fixtures.

The promoters of the professional club have taken a field at Linthorpe, and at a recent meeting appointed a sub-committee to get out plans and specification for the necessary grand stands. The following gentlemen were appointed directors of the new company:- Messrs Malcolm Macdonald, G.Marshall, W.Easton, A.C.Richardson, J.Robinson, T.Sidgwick, J.D.Wood, and S.Richardson. Evidently they mean business, but the prevailing feeling is that the season is too far advanced to enable them to do much.  

A meeting of the promoters of the company was held at Middlesbrough on 15 November 1889 -Mr.Boolds, manager of the Cleveland Dockyard was appointed chairman of the directors, and Mr Malcolm Macdonald vice-chairman. The tenders for the erection of stands etc on the Paradise Field were considered, but it was left to a committee to definitely decide which shall be accepted. It is very probable that that of Mr Hallams for £320 will be the one.

Athletic News 18 November 1889

........Whilst on Middlesbrough football I may point out that the new club is to be called the Middlesbrough Ironopolis Football Club so as not to clash with the original club. It is not quite as bad as Scout and Whitewell Bottom, and a few other choice names which, we are thankful to say, have now ceased to exist.

Athletic News 25/11/1889

TEES SIDE

I notice that the plank in the Middlesbrough professional club’s programme, made so prominent when bidding for public support -- i.e., the emphatic suppression of bad language and betting at the matches -- seems likely to be adhered to, that is if a favourable environment goes for anything, for, in addition to securing the “Paradise” field, they are preparing for the advent of the Gainsborough Trinity to open their ground on the 14th proximo, and it only now remains for them to book a visit from the Corinthians, and arrange for the periodic appearance of some of the many teams of peregrinating saints who are ever ready to visit those who need them -- for a consideration.

WEARSIDE GOSSIP.

The new professional club -- Middlesbrough Ironopolis -- make their debut at home in a match against Gainsborough Trinity on December 14. As Middlesbrough, the same day, have a match at Darlington, there should be a good assemblage at the Paradise field. The names of several Sunderland players are freely mentioned as likely to go over to Ironopolis. Some of them, I believe, have been approached on the subject; but in the case of the North side club the negotiations somehow have hung fire. If any players do leave Sunderland, it will be from Albion.

and in the classified section.

Notices
Middlesbrough Ironopolis open for good clubs; liberal guarantee
- H.Boldison 31, Gurney-street, Middlesbrough.

Athletic News 2 December 1889

Football professionals evidently look on Middlesbro’ as a veritable El Dorado, for since the old club announced their intention of engaging “pros.” they have received about 100 applications. The number sent to the new club is nearer two hundred than one; but this vast array will no doubt only figure as “rejected addresses.” The last-named club have secured the “signed” services of Hopewell and Taylor, of the Middlesbro’ team, and it is rumoured that McKenna and others, of the St. Augustine’s, have to follow; but better material than this will be required to successfully meet such clubs as Everton, Aston Villa, Cambuslang, Abercorn, Greenock Morton, Notts County, &c., with all of which the Ironopolis club have made engagements.

First match for The Nops came on 14 December 1889

The North Eastern Daily Gazette reported:-

IRONOPOLIS (MIDDLESBROUGH) v.

GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY

The new Middlesbrough professional club started on its career to-day by engaging in a friendly contest with the above crack Lincolnshire club, and as the town club was away playing a League match at Darlington, the football enthusiasts in the town assembled in their thousands to witness the game. For some considerable time there was a feeling of dissatisfaction in Middlesbrough with the action of the committee of the Middlesbrough club in maintaining their amateur status in the face of the fact that they were unable to successfully cope with their opponents, and finding that their efforts to bring about a reform were futile they decided to form a new club. A town's meeting was called, and some 2,000 persons attended at the Temperance Hall. After a short but enthusiastic meeting, during which the scheme for promoting a new club was highly approved, many names were taken down of persons willing to take shares, and the promoters at once set to work to obtain a field, fit it up for the convenience of the spectators, and find a team which would

UPHOLD THE HONOUR OF THE TOWN

from a football point of view. The field taken by the club is situate right opposite the main entrance to the Royal Albert Park, and it is expected that by Christmas the stands will all have been erected. The thanks of the Press representatives are due to the energetic committee for the excellent accommodation that has been made to them.

THE IRONOPOLIS TEAM

was as follows:-

Goal, G.Smart; backs T.Anderson and J.Matthew; half-backs, J.A.Elliott, R.F.Thompson, and W.Hopewell; forwards, T.Cronshaw, J.McGregor, T.J.Morrisey, J.Taylor, and T.Seymour.

Ironopolis Umpire Mr.A.Fairgreaves. Trinity Umpire Mr.R.W.Forrest. Referee Mr.J.Wilkinson, Sheffield.

The South Durham and Cleveland Mercury carried this match report:-

IRONOPOLIS, 1 ; GAINSBOROUGH

TRINITY, 1

A MORAL VICTORY FOR THE NEW CLUB.

The Ironopolis Football Club, the outcome of a difference of opinion among the members of the old organisation on the question of professionalism, played their first match on Saturday on the Paradise Field with Gainsborough Trinity, a team which bears no mean reputation, and the enterprise which prompted the management to tackle for their first opponents so strong a combination, has met with its reward in the very favourable result of a tie of one goal each. The committee are to be complimented on the great amount of work they have got through in so short a time, for it is only a month or two since it was first decided to establish a new club on professional lines. The field, though not yet in the best condition, has been drained, and will subsequently be thoroughly levelled. Substantial barricades have been erected to prevent the encroachment of the spectators, a boarded path has been laid down right round the ground, and open stands, capable of accommodating several thousand spectators, have been erected, while special provision has been made for the press on the north side, for which they are duly grateful. Saturday's match was announced for 2.30 p.m., and half an hour before that time the streams of people began to flow up Linthorpe road, past the old ground, where beforetime they had so often congregated, to the Paradise Field, the home of the new club, once the forlorn hope of the Rugbyites of the town. Arrived on the scene of action, there was such pushing and crushing and scrambling as would have delighted the heart of any theatrical proprietor - hundreds, nay thousands, were hustling and bustling before the pay-boxes to exchange their modest sixpence for the ticket of admission. Meanwhile the promoters of the club looked on with satisfied feelings. At last, however, the surging tide of humanity had passed the entrance gates, and crowded the capacious stands, and there could not have been fewer than 4,000 spectators on the field when the teams took up their positions, amid the cheering of the multitude. The toss was not in favour of the home team, who had to face a powerful sun when Mr Boolds, the chairman of the company, kicked off. The game, which on the whole was greatly in favour of the home team, ended in a tie.

MIDDLESBROUGH IRONOPOLIS.......1 goal

GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY...........1 goal

Athletic News 16 December 1889

WEARSIDE NOTES

Middlesbrough football agents continue to prowl like Bill Sikes, and the gentlemen of the burgling profession around the “crib” before they proceed to “crack” it, and, if need be, the skull of the owner. A word with them. The Wear is handy, and a drop of 100 feet from the bridge is not an exhilarating prospect, particularly with the thermometer below freezing point. They might catch cold, or the cold might catch them, and that would be dreadful. Nearly all the Albion men have been approached, but as yet the only catch is Munro, an Albion reserve, who has left Sunderland to join the new Ironopolis Club. Munro went away vowing vengeance. Mr. Stephen Coats very readily gave him his clearance, but Munro had a grievance, or thought he had one, and took pains to air it. The washing of dirty linen in public is always a painful and ill-advised process.

TEES-SIDE.

Any stranger entering Middlesbrough at present might think that, by some unaccountable means, the world had been put back a stage or two, and that he was visiting one of the slave states of America. Nothing is so rife as the traffic in human flesh, i.e. the “buying,” as it is termed, of Scotchmen in particular, and other football professionals in general. The Ironopolis Football Co., Limited, are certainly not “limited” in their demand for this article. Their “retainer” list already includes, amongst others, Elliott, Thompson, Seymour (Arthurlie), Anderson, Donochie (Barrhead), Matthew, McGregor (Dundee Strathmore), Bowman (Forfarshire), Henderson (Cowlairs), Morrisey (Dundee), Munro (Sunderland Albion), and Smart (Birtley), &c. Hopewell, late of the old club, has been chosen captain, their trainer is R.Bach, a brother, I believe, of Tom Bach, ex-captain of the Middlesbrough eleven. This fact will probably account for the repeated reports that the last-named has seceded to the newer organisation.

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The receipt of their secretary’s telegram from the English Association Meeting in London on the 9th inst., to the effect that the club had been affiliated in spite of opposition, was particularly gratifying, for they were in the unfortunate position of having to a certain extent “burnt their boats behind them.” The affiliation was effected with a proviso that they, as a company, should not pay a dividend of more than 5 per cent, but this is giving them plenty of margin, for with another Richard in the field in the shape of a re-organised old club they will do well to attain this, although they have, with commendable prudence, arranged their fixtures this year, as far as possible, so as not to clash with those of the other club.

Athletic News 23 December 1889.

The Ironopolis executive are to be complimented on the despatch they have displayed in providing such extensive and convenient accommodation for the public and the press, and the only regret is the extremeley limited area of play, but this may prove a blessing in disguise for the home players when they get accustomed to it.

1890

Come February 1890 and the talk of Middlesbrough was the amalgamation of the two clubs, the Middlesbrough Club and the Ironopolis Club. The two clubs met at the King’s Head Hotel. After this and further meetings it was agreed that there was not room for two successful clubs in the town and Ironopolis agreed to join the old club on the payment of £650 by Middlesbrough as compensation. The Middlesbrough committee declined to consider the proposal, as the sum mentioned was, in their opinion, ridiculous.

Athletic News 10 Feb 1890 :-

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TEESSIDE

The communication from the Ironopolis Club, requesting the Middlesbrough executive to receive a deputation to discuss the advisability of union “twixt the twain” was not altogether unexpected, as the old club, by embracing their one-time bete noir, professionalism, very largely cut the ground from under the feet of their younger rivals, and possessing a greatly superior ground, more conveniently situated, and with advantages in the matter of connection, prestige, membership , &c, it could only be, ultimately, a case of the weakest going to the wall, as Middlesbrough Town does not adequately support two such expensive organisations as the clubs in question are, although it must be admitted that the latter venture is being run with an esprit de corps that deserves success.

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The Union “move” is just now very much in the ascendant, religion, politics, commerce, are all “going it” and the Middlesbrough club, after a lengthy discussion, very wisely took the first step towards following suit by deciding to receive the deputation on Saturday evening.

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The amalgamation is “a consummation devoutly to be wished,” for we can ill afford in these days of keen partizanship, to have a house divided against itself, and if the representatives of each club will only exercise mutual forbearance, the Middlesbrough football loving public may soon be “within measurable distance” of once again enjoying the pleasure of all shouting one way.

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Without wishing to say one word against the proposal, I must assert that I cannot quite endorse the opinion that the pick of the two teams would produce an eleven second to none in the north, the whole twenty two, to my mind, being so much of a muchness. Certainly the Middlesbrough club would be strengthened somewhat by the inclusion of, say Cronshaw, Morrisey, and Seymour forward, Hopewell at half, and Elliott at full back, but they would have to displace some good men, yet the merging of the two clubs would be a distinct gain to each, apart from this side of the question.

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An experimental evening match took place on 6 February. Ironopolis hoped to defeat the Sheffield Club under the fitful glimmer of artificial light. Events were reported by the Athletic News :-

The Paradise ground does not, in spite of its name, often remind you of regions celestial, but on Thursday evening, when the Middlesbrough Ironopolis eleven met the Sheffield Club by lamp light beaming, it fairly surpassed itself, the erratic flaring of the nine lights, the flitting shadows, and the hoarse cries of the dimly seen crowd, about 3,000 strong, very vividly sent the mind to “t’other spot” for a simile, the whole show seemed so strangely unreal. Whether the Ironopolis pros. are more accustomed to such accompaniments than the amateur “blades” from the cutlery town I cannot say, but they certainly seemed quite at home, wiping in defeat to the decisive tune of ten goals to two, although the game was not so one-sided as the score would indicate, the chief difference between the two teams being in the goalkeeping, Smart, for the home club, once again demonstrating himself, not inaptly named, while the substitute for Beardshaw, at the other end, did not shine by any means amidst the other strange lights. McGregor and Seymour, home boys, were on the spot, each succeeding in scoring three goals. As a novelty evening football will do, but if you want the genuine article commend me to the broad light of day.

NEDG 11/2/1890 - A letter to the local paper

(To the Editor of the North-Eastern Daily Gazette)

SIR,-It is quite patent to everybody that two clubs of the stamp we have now in the town cannot possibly continue to exist; it is only a question of which can stay the longest, and the cutting of each other's throats in the meantime, and old friends being set against old friends in warfare which will prove anything but pleasant before the end comes. I feel sure it is the wish of every supporter of the popular pastime that something should be done, and that speedily too. The point struggled hard for by those gentlemen on the Ironopolis side is gained, and the public are satisfied, but at a great sacrifice to someone or other, and this is an important point that should be duly considered by the public of Middlesbrough. The best possible thing to do now is to amalgamate the two clubs as soon as it can be done, either by forming a limited company of the whole concern, or by some scheme in the shape of one buying the other out, the one bought out to have a fair representation on the committee of the club formed out of the two. I blame the Middlesbrough committee for one thing. After they "discovered" that they had the power to go in for professionals, why did they hold back so long, and thus let the Ironopolis get so far on with the large undertaking they had in hand, and which I feel sure was for the benefit of football generally in the town? Why did they not go to them and say "We have the power to go in for professional players. We tell you this before you get far on with your new club, so that you please yourself whether you go on or not?" Had this been done there never would have been two clubs in the town, and no doubt those who had strongly advocated professionalism would have assisted their old club as much as lay in their power. "Someone has blundered." However, the best thing to do is let bygones be bygones, and let all rally round together and make a really good club in the town. This, I am sure, is the wish of all thinking persons, and of yours truly, X.Y.Z.

Middlesbrough, February 10, 1890.

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NEDG 8/3/1890

MIDDLESBROUGH IRONOPOLIS FOOTBALL CLUB

Last night a public meeting, convened by the Management Committee of the Ironopolis Football, was held in the Temperance Hall, Middlesbrough. Mr J.H.Boolds presided over an audience numbering about seven hundred. -The CHAIRMAN opened the proceedings by stating that they wished to let the people of Middlesbrough know what they intended doing in the future. -Mr J.WOOD, assistant club secretary, gave an account of the club's doing since its promotion in October, and added that it gave him pleasure to intimate that before the season was over the club would have Derby County, Preston North End, Sunderland, Stockton, West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield Wednesday, and other crack clubs for their opponents, and he assured the meeting that no effort would be spared to bring the best of talent so that they might see real good football. To secure this object he exhorted those present to take up shares in the Company, and attend the matches in greater numbers than had been the case during the past few weeks. The promoters of the Ironopolis Club were the people who had brought football up to its present standard, and he trusted they would rally round them and do their utmost to make the club the success it deserved to be. -In moving and seconding the following resolution Mr W.EASTON and Mr S.RICHARDSON spoke in a similar strain :- "That in the opinion of this meeting the Ironopolis Football Club has earned the appreciation of the public by introducing a better exposition of the game, and this meeting pledges itself to support the directors and committee in their efforts to still further improve the play by an increasing patronage of the matches, and by taking shares in the club." -After Mr WOOD had supported the resolution, it was put to the meeting and carried amid cheers.

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The earliest instance of a sending off and suspension came in March 1890 when it was reported Matthews of the Middlesbrough Ironopolis is likely to have an interview with the Football Association, for on Saturday, when playing against the Bolton Wanderers, he so far forgot himself as to strike Cassidy of Wanderers’ and was ordered off the field. He was later “ relegated to football obscurity for 7 days”.

Having been the most potent factor in the introductions of “importations” into Middlesbrough the Ironopolis Football Club executive are now taking steps to discover any unrecognised local talent that may at present “be wasting its sweetness on the desert air” by promoting a medal competition amongst the minor clubs, with a view to organise a strong purely local reserve team for next season:--

In April 1890 the Middlesbrough Ironopolis medals competition commences. 16 teams enter .

The directors of the Ironopolis Company take into consideration the advisability of purchasing the Paradise Field, along with the old farm buildings and piece of grass land to the north of the field, formerly known as the Hyde Park Running Ground. The farm, which comprised 30 acres of grass and arable land, along with the old farm buildings, was put up for auction with the above being submitted in one lot. The 'Opolists intention was to widen the ground, erect a covered stand on the north side, and lay down a first-class cycling track.

NEDG 24/05/1890 :-

THE MIDDLESBROUGH FOOTBALL AMALGAMATION SCHEME.

--Last night the deputations representing the Middlesbrough and Ironopolis Football Clubs on the question of the proposed amalgamation of the two combinations met at the Swatters Carr Hotel. It was decided that the deliberations should be conducted in private. Though both were in favour of the principle of amalgamation, from the fact that in Middlesbrough it is difficult to make two costly professional teams self-supporting, the meeting was not able to arrive at any mutually satisfactory basis of settlement. It was decided that the two deputations should hold separate meetings and deliberations, so that each might draw up some definite scheme to propose before the two should meet together again.

Athletic News May 26 1890

A beautiful consistency marks the Ironopolitan mind. In all departments of their organisation they stick at nothing; no resolution is counted too strong to pass in their deliberations; and no combination is considered too powerful to antagonise on their own Paradise Ground. On Friday they tried their prowess against the League champions before a fairly good “gate.” The North End brought a strong team, and the home club played a new man in the person of Galbraith, one of “Our Boys” from Dundee. From the first the Prestonians forced the game, the whole team showing splendid combination, and taxing the defending powers of the”Opolists” severely. Twice the ball was put through during the first half by Ross, who was always very much en evidence. The second half was pretty much a repetition of the first until well towards the end of the game, when the “Nops,” brightening up, scored twice through the instrumentality of McGregor and Cronshaw, a one-sided match ending five goals to two in favour of the visitors.

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Introduction	X Z Top of the Page		From 1889 to 1894
4 Seasons of League Football	Match by match	The other teams in the Football League 2nd. Division 1893/94	Knockout expoits of Ironopolis and others
Accounts of individual games, mainly 1893/94.	The men who made it	1894 Ordnance Survey map	Laws of Football in the 1890s and the rules of the Football League 1893