IRONOPOLIS FOOTBALL CLUB    ITS HISTORY   

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

1892/93

NEDG 20/08/1892

Football
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THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE
MIDDLESBROUGH IRONOPOLIS CLUB.

Follow this link for a report of the second Annual General Meeting

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Athletic News 5 September 1892. This report from the Sunderland reporter.

There were 630 excursionists by the train which conveyed the Sunderland team to Middlesbrough on Thursday, and as 300 had been guaranteed, the North Eastern Railway Company will no doubt feel encouraged to cater more than they have hitherto done for the convenience of footballers in the district. There was a handsome saloon for the thirteen players constituting the full strength of the Sunderland establishment, of whom Gillespie, late of the defunct Albion, and Auld -- who is credited with matrimonial intentions, in connection with which the rest of the team are saving up their boots to give him a shower of leather -- stood out. Dalton, the so-called Canadian (he is a Clitheroe man bred and born) at length got his place in the team, and those who witnessed him play will agree with me that he deserved it.

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     Paradise Field, the name given to the Ironopolis headquarters, must be treated in the light of a gruesome joke. Anything less paradisiacal I have seldom seen. The ground is not central enough. It has a naturally bad approach, which was aggravated on Thursday night by a trench compared by some wags to the grave of Sunderland’s hopes. Then there is only one entrance, and therefore the same number of exits; and an intimation on the right that trespassers will be prosecuted, and on the left a pond which seemed to imply a desire to drown somebody, did not conduce to cheerfulness; add to which a north-east gale was snorting around, with threats of rheumatism and other fleshly ills to all who were not warmly clothed. That, in such adverse circumstances, there should have been as many as 5,000 spectators speaks volumes for the vitality of football in Middlesbrough.

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Athletic News 26 September 1892
Middlesbrough Ironopolis took the fancy of the Liverpool people when they played and defeated the new club at Anfield on Thursday, and one good judge of the game tells us that their style was something like that of North End and Sunderland. There is no doubt Ironopolis is a good team, although reverses by Newcastle East End and Gainsborough Trinity would point to the reverse.

NEDG 27/9/1892

IRONOPOLIS FOOTBALL BAZAAR

Middlesbrough athletes never enjoyed the privileges of the use of a recreation ground which offered combined facilities for indulgence in those athletic sports which to-day meet with popular favour and support. It seems almost incredible that a large town like Middlesbrough should have remained so long without a fresh laid cycling track, and it is therefore a matter for small wonder that the members of the Ironopolis Football Club should have received such widespread support in their determined endeavour to establish a thorough and complete athletic and recreation ground. A considerable outlay is necessary in the carrying out of the scheme, which has commenced with the securing of a convenient and commodious site on the Ayresome Park estate. To raise the requisite funds it was decided to hold a bazaar on an unusually large scale, in the promotion of which every supporter of the club has assisted. In consequence of the Durham miners' dispute, however, the bazaar, the holding of which was fixed for a few of the latter days in March, was postponed until the present week. And the postponement, happily, has not, so far as can be seen at present, in any way lessened the prospect of success in regard to the bazaar; indeed, the quantity of available articles and goods obtained for the stalls gratuitously have increased considerably. The bazaar was opened this afternoon in the Town Hall, the interior of which has been extensively decorated, and the numerous stalls made to represent a number of famous British castles and abbeys, at the platform end being a large scene representing the Vale of Tintern with the ruins of Tintern Abbey. Ante-room entertainments of exceptional merit have been made a prominent feature, whilst promenade concerts will be given at intervals. The scenery and decorations have been entrusted to Mr G.M.Bridges of King's Lynn, who has also contracted for a series of entertainments. It is estimated that there is between £800 and £900 worth of goods on the stalls, whilst the expenses in connection with the undertaking are not expected to exceed £200. The stalls are presided over by the following ladies and gentlemen:- Mesdames Allan, Tennant, Robinson, Windross, Sidgwick, Boldison, Misseldine, Humberstone, Stevenson, Smith, Hargreaves, Elliott, McGregor, Richardson, Bookless, Boolds and Postgate; Miss Easton, the Misses Smith, the Misses Barker and Miss Pickering. The Ironopolis "Team" stall is under the management of Messrs W.C.Chalmers (late captain) H.McGregor and T.Marley secretary of the Liberal Club. The refreshment stall and buffet is controlled by Mrs W.Easton, Mrs Cook, and Miss Taylor. The flower and fruit stall which has great prominence is under the superintendence of Misses Easton and French, assisted by Misses Postgate and Rowntree. The bazaar secretary is Mr Charles Postgate, whilst the undertaking is under the management of a strong committee, with Mr J.H.Boolds as chairman.

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THE OPENING CEREMONY.

There was only a moderate attendance at the opening ceremony, which was performed by Mr Isaac Wilson, J.P., owing to the inability of the Marquis of Londonderry to be present.- Mr WILSON, in declaring the bazaar open, said that although he regretted that Lord Londonderry was not present, yet he was glad to say that he had given a pledge to attend the bazaar later in the week. He heartily wished the undertaking success (Applause.) The Ironopolis Club, besides giving pleasure, health, and recreation to the inhabitants of the town, had been able on various occasions to hand over large sums of money to charitable institutions for the takings at charity matches. (Applause.) Therefore they must admit that not only this but other clubs had a claim upon the support and assistance of the people of Middlesbrough. He hoped that the result of the bazaar would enable the promoters to carry out the admirable object they had in view. (Applause.)- Mr J.H.BOOLDS, the chairman of the Ironopolis Company, in moving a vote of thanks to Mr Wilson, said that the Marquis of Londonderry had promised to attend on Thursday night, when the Northern League Cup would be presented to the Ironopolis team. The English League Cup, which was held by Sunderland would be also on exhibition. --Mr WILSON having responded, the sale was proceeded with. -- A public luncheon followed, whilst the platform was occupied by Mr H.Johns Laird's Orchestral band of 16 performers, which played a tastefully compiled programme of music.

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NEDG 30/9/1892

THE IRONOPOLIS FOOTBALL

BAZAAR

LORD LONDONDERRY ON THE GAME.

The Town Hall was crowded last night when the Most Noble the Marquis of Londonderry, K.G.K.P., attended to present the Northern League Cup to the Chairman of the Ironopolis Company (Mr J.H.Boolds). The Chairman presided and upon the table before him were, besides the Northern League Cup, the Cleveland Professional and Amateur Cups, and the Cleveland Charity Cup, all held by Ironopolis; the English League Cup, a massive piece of plate, held by Sunderland, and the English and Cleveland Baseball Cups held by the Middlesbrough baseball nine.-- LORD LONDONDERRY, who arose amid enthusiastic cheering apologised for his absence on the opening day, and expressed his deep appreciation of the kind remarks which Mr Wilson made with regard ti himself on that occasion. From what he could gather there were few towns or villages that did not possess their football clubs, which were supported by thousands and tens of thousands of spectators, and he could not help thinking that the support of football was conducive to the great benefit not only of the various localities in which it was accorded, but to the country at large. Not only was great pleasure derived by those who witnessed the sport, but he was glad to learn that the football clubs themselves had subscribed in a most extraordinary manner to the various charities in the district. He was glad also to find that the Ironopolis Club did not confine itself to football, for that bazaar was being held for the purpose of obtaining ground on which to support other athletic sports, and he congratulated Middlesbrough that among the many trophies he saw before him was the baseball cup which had been won by the Middlesbrough team. (Hear,Hear.) He and others who had little practical experience of the game nevertheless noted with pleasure the great strides which football had made in recent years, because they knew the game developed qualifications which were essential to all true-born Britons. It required health and strength, fixity of purpose, swiftness of foot, and that bull-dog courage which was characteristic of the British nation, and he would go a step further and say it required those qualifications that had gone far to place England on the pinnacle on which she now stood, and which made her the admiration and the example of every foreign nation. It was that emulation and competition which had provided them with the greatest soldiers, the greatest sailors, the greatest literary men, the greatest commercial men, and well might the Duke of Wellington say that it was on the playground of Eton that England's greatest victories were won.-- His Lordship then presented the cup to Mr J.H.Boolds, president of the club. --On the motion of Dr.ELLERTON, seconded by Mr S.RICHARDSON, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the noble lord.-- His LORDSHIP, in reply, said they owed a deep debt of gratitude to the men who promoted and provided means of recreation for the people, and proposed a cordial vote of thanks to Mr Boolds. Something over £300 had been realised during the first three days of the bazaar. It was expected that to-day and to-morrow this sum will be considerably augmented. The price of admission has been reduced to sixpence.

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 The first indication that the financial running of Ironopolis was anything of a problem came in the following North Eastern Daily Gazette report of 16 November 1892:-

THE IRONOPOLIS CLUB

Last night the Lecture-room of the Temperance Hall, Middlesbrough, was crowded, many being unable to gain admission, the occasion being the holding of a meeting to hear a statement with regard to the affairs of the Middlesbrough Ironopolis Football Company. --Mr J.H.BOOLDS, chairman of the directors, presided, and appeals were made for financial support in order to enable the Company to clear off existing liabilities and establish the new Ayresome Park ground on a sound footing. It was pointed out that the directors and a few shareholders had laid out a good deal of their money in order to forward the interests of the Club, but they felt the whole of the shareholders assist in the same manner, no matter how small their subscription might be. Every little helped, and they wanted everyone to do their utmost in order that when the new ground was established they would not be burdened with a heavy deficit. Some £300 had been realised from the recent bazaar, and they wanted to increase that amount to £1,000. It was considered that if everyone of the club's supporters would work with a hearty good will their object would be attained. --Several excellent suggestions were made by gentlemen present and between £70 and £80 was promised. Collecting books have been issued, many persons promising to get £5 each. The proceedings throughout were of a most enthusiastic character, and augured well for the success of the undertaking.

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Athletic News 21 November 1892.

Darwen, the well known Lancashire organisation, paid their first visit to the capital of Cleveland, and I must say the impression created was quite the reverse of favourable. They put in an appearance with eight men, which the home executive considered anything but complimentary to themselves or the Ironopolis Club, whose visitors they were. The fact of their being short-handed had a deterring effect upon the “gate,” for it became noised abroad long before the time of kicking-off that the “Darreners” had only eight players, consequently the club’s followers stayed away, many of them preferring to travel to Stockton in order to witness the game between the representatives of that place and Middlesbro,’ the encounter being fraught with considerable interest owing to Middlesbro’ playing a new man, and the game being a League one.

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The match with Darwen was therefore a disastrous failure to the Ironopolis directors, for their would not be more than 1,000 persons present during the game, and I know the Guarantee to Darwen was £35. Under the circumstances they should consider themselves extremely fortunate if they receive anything at all. It appears three of the men missed the train, and they arrived about twenty minutes from the finish.

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The game requires little comment from me, it simply being burlesque from start to finish, the “Washers” winning hands down by ten goals to one. Darwen never had a look in, and the home custodian was never called upon to touch the ball. During the first moiety the home team put on six goals. The second half was quite a quarter of an hour old when two of the missing team put in an appearance, amidst the ironical cheers of the small crowd, and the game was continued to the end with only ten players. The home side pressed continuously all through, and scored four additional goals, whilst Darwen managed to put on one goal, from a splendid run on the left wing, which rather surprised the home defence.

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I think the game was one of the most miserable, from a spectator point of view, that has been played upon the Paradise ground this season. It was simply a farce from beginning to end. Now and again the visitors displayed smart tactics, and were very quick on the ball, but the deadly shooting of the Ironopolis vanguard was too much for them. Just before sending off my parcel I learn that the Ironopolis directors have refused to give Darwen the full guarantee of £35, and quite right, I think, for when a club makes a bargain and there is such a large sum of money at stake, they very naturally expect to receive an equivalent in value. In this case it was exactly the opposite, and as Darwen are alone to blame they have a right to bear a share of the burden, which they themselves were the direct means of creating.

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At a meeting of the English Association Darwen reported Middlesbrough Ironopolis for refusing to pay a guarantee of £35 for playing in an ordinary match on the Paradise ground. It will be remembered that Darwen only turned up with some seven or eight players and this fact becoming known before the match started, there was a very small attendance of spectators. Darwen, who admitted that they were in the fault in not having brought their full team, were offered half the "gate", some £7 odd, but this they refused. The Council ordered Ironopolis to pay £10, a decision which shows that even League clubs cannot do just as they like in matters of this kind.

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NORTHERN LEAGUE

RESULTS TO SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26,1892

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NEDG 3/12/1892
A large meeting of the shareholders and supporters of the Ironopolis Football Club, Limited, was held in the Cleveland Hall, Middlesbrough, last night. Mr S.Richardson, who occupied the chair in the absence of Mr J.H.Boolds, said that since the last meeting, about a fortnight ago, matters had been going quite as well as could be expected. He thought the taking of the Ayresome Park ground would prove one of the best things they could do, as all the cyclists in the district would be only too glad to take advantage of the track. As one means of raising the necessary money they proposed having a week of concerts. Another plan would be to adopt one of General Booth's schemes --namely, have a self denial week. (Laughter.)

1893

Following their defeat in the FAcup at the hands of the Ironopolis team Notts County submit a protest that Nops players Hughes and Hill had played in the close season; (an activity not allowed).

Later:-

the Notts protest re Hill and Hughes was not upheld as they had only slight evidence that they had played in Scotland in July or August. They therefore fell back upon an objection to McReddie. They saw on the official list that A.McReddie was registered for Ironopolis on January 11th. and jumped to the conclusion that this was the man who had given them so much trouble. As it proved to be his brother, Notts had to pay a heavy fine inflected upon them.

     Meanwhile, over in America, Democrat Grover Cleveland, of all people, starts his second  presidency of that country. The first president to have two non-consecutive terms.

  Grover Cleveland. 22nd. President (1885-89)

   and 24th President (1893-97)

Athletic News 20 February 1893.

THIRD ROUND----COMPETITION PROPER.

A DRAWN GAME AT MIDDLESBROUGH

(BY FORWARD)

Never in the history of local football has there been such intense excitement over a match as prevailed last Saturday in the capital of Cleveland over the tie between the Local Champions and Preston North End in the third round of the E.C.C. It was a “red letter day,” in every sense of the term, in the history of the Ironopolis club. Here, there, and everywhere it was the one and only topic discussed. Even “Robert,” whilst on his beat, was ever ready to stop and have a “crack” about the match, and with that pertness characteristic of his tribe, wanted to know whether “t’Nops had a chance.” I never remember witnessing so much excitement over a football match as prevailed on every side during Friday and Saturday. From the north, south, east, and west did the people flock into Middlesbrough, thanks once more to the N.E.R., who are beginning to see the utility of lending every possible assistance to football, especially when the said assistance is likely to prove lucrative to themselves. The crowd began to assemble some two hours before the commencement of hostilities, and by the time arrived for starting there would be some 15,000 persons present. So crowded was it that some “daring angels” ventured to sit upon the top of the hoarding which surrounded the ground, in spite of its being laid with barbed wire. How they managed it, is best known to themselves, but after the termination of the game the said wire was found baited with bits of cloth, like so many fishing hooks. That these people were enthusiasts there is no denying, seeing they were content to sacrifice comfort, to say nothing of wearing apparel, in order to witness the game. The “Washers” had not suffered defeat once during the previous 25 matches, therefore it was only to be expected that they would make a bold bid for victory, even though Proud Preston were the opposing team, and I can safely say, without fear of contradiction, that the Northern League Champions were not in the least dismayed at having to meet the erstwhile team of “terribles.” The teams faced each other as follow:--

IRONOPOLIS.-- C Watts, goal; J Elliott and A Langley, backs; D McNair, R Chatt, and J Oliver, half-backs; J Hill, A Hughes, W McArthur, T Seymour, and W McReddie, forwards.

PRESTON NORTH END.-- G Drummond, goal; R Holmes and N J Ross, backs; Grier, Saunders, and Stewart, half-backs; J Gordon, J Ross, W Russell, J Beckton, and J Cowan, forwards.

Referee: Mr W H Jope (Wednesbury). Linesmen: Messrs J H Strawson and T Tomlinson.

The game finishes in a draw, two goals each; the replay at Preston is the following week.

Match Report

Athletic News 27 February 1893.
The Ironopolis team travel on the Friday for the game at Preston, stopping overnight at Lancaster. 150 fans left Middlesbrough at 7am on the Saturday morning.

ENGLISH CUP. -- REPLAYED TIE.

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NORTH END MAKE NO MISTAKE.

(BY HARRICUS)

As showing what a difference it makes when playing on your own ground, North End could only make a draw of it after two hours’ play at Middlesbrough, yet on Saturday in the replayed match at Preston they won with the greatest of ease by seven goals, and with the identical teams playing as the previous week. Trainer was still unable to take his place between the posts, and there were some misgivings as to whether Ross, jun., and Russell could play; but they both took their places on the field, and the “Nops” were represented by their best eleven. The ground was not in a very good condition, and about 8,000 spectators were present when the players faced each other at the rather early time of 2-30, so that ample provision was made in the event of the teams again drawing, as the tie had to be played to a finish. Teams:--

PRESTON NORTH END.-- Drummond, goal; Holmes and Ross, backs; Grier, Saunders, and Stewart, half-backs; J Gordon, J Ross (jun), Russell, Beckton, and Cowan, forwards.

IRONOPOLIS.-- C Watts, goal; J Elliott and A Langley, backs; D McNair, R Chatt, and J Oliver, half-backs; J Hill, A Hughes, W McArthur, T Seymour, and W McReddie, forwards.

Referee: Mr Ashmole (Leicester)

Match Report

Athletic News 27 March 1893.
The manner in which the players of the Ironopolis and Middlesbrough clubs have been openly approached by League organisations is positively shameful. Here are ardent football enthusiasts like the”Nops” officials, who established the club, and planked down their money like men, which several of them, respectable working men, could ill afford to do. I know of two amongst the latter class who have over £200 each invested in the “Nops” club, and now they have to perforce go to the wall to suit the selfish whim of League clubs. These men have worked hard to build up the Ironopolis club, and have succeeded in making good players out of what was really raw --very raw -- material, and now, when these players have achieved greatness at the “Nops” and Middlesbrough’s expense, in step the Leaguers, and, like David of old, steal away the awe-lambs. The followers of football hereabouts are indignant at the actions of several of the League organisations, and consider --as all sensible people must consider -- it is an oppression of the weak by the strong, and therefore against the dictates of common justice and fair play.

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Chatt, who took Holt’s place in the international trial match, has been transferred by Ironopolis to Sheffield Wednesday, for a consideration of £20, and now Aston Villa have put in a prior claim for the “Nops” centre-half, and the Emergency Committee of the League say the “Villans” have first claim and consequently have ordered the “Blades” to be fined £25, and to give Chatt up to the Villa. Where is the English association? Are they going to stand by and allow this sort of work to go on? The League have a perfect right, if they choose, to approach players outside their circle after the end of April, but I must say they are presuming upon their own strength and position by doing so before the expiration of that time. The result of their work is strife and discord in the ranks of the Ironopolis club, where all used to be peace and contentment. I am fully convinced that the League ruling body is composed of gentlemen who would in no wise be parties to any under-hand work, especially where the future of a young, but rising club like the “Washers” is at stake. Therefore, I hope, seeing the great harm some of the clubs under the League banner are doing the “Nops,” they will give it their careful consideration. I plead for the young Middlesbrough club because the officials are all good and true sportsmen who have never hesitated to “stump up” their money, consequently they feel their present position somewhat keenly.

by FORWARD

Athletic News 24 April 1893.

NOTES FROM THE NORTH

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WEARSIDE

The football season on Wearside, so far as regards the first eleven, is now over. The concluding match on the Newcastle-road ground took place last Wednesday, and there was a fitness of things in Ironopolis being the team to wind up with, inasmuch as they were the first team whom Sunderland tackled at the commencement of the season. When touching upon the match a week ago, I spoke of the “Nops” as being the next “victims.” The boot, however, was on the other leg with a vengeance, for Sunderland had to put up with defeat by a goal from a team which included two substitutes belonging to Shankhouse and one to Whitby. It was, of course, one of those vagaries in which football abounds, especially towards the end of the season, and which make the game so gloriously uncertain when there are no points at stake, and one side does not care a groat whether it wins or loses. I trust, therefore, that my Middlesbrough friends will not be unduly raised up. True, the “Nops” accomplished to the full what Notts County and Bolton Wanderers only half did. True, that in beating Sunderland on their own ground they performed a feat unique since October 1, 1891 when Queen’s Park defeated the champions at Newcastle-road by four goals to two. By all means, give them full credit for it. But allow also for the farcical nature of the “game.” As to the”Nops” themselves, the question is whether they would have stood a ghost of a chance had the Wearsiders been in earnest. The home team trifled with the visitors through the first half; they trifled with them in the second till a quarter of an hour from the finish, when a soft shot hit Porteous on the leg and glanced off between the posts, and then they discovered that they had trifled too long. Though desperate attempts were made to snatch the fat out of the fire, they were unavailing, and the reputation which the team had got for invincibility at home went to the winds.

TOM TIDDLER

TEES-SIDE

Last Wednesday the Ironopolis were over at Sunderland fulfilling their return engagement with the League champions, who defeated the “Nops” at Middlesbrough by three goals to none. It was expected by the knowing fraternity that the Northern League champions would again be defeated, but to the surprise of everybody they rose to the occasion and won by a goal to nothing, this being the first defeat the “Nops” have ever inflicted upon the Wearsiders on the Newcastle-road enclosure, to say nothing of the fact that it was the first reverse Sunderland have encountered thereon this season. The “Nops” were assisted by Robson, of Shankhouse, at full back, he taking Elliott’s place, whilst Willis, of Newcastle, and McCairns, of Whitby, constituted the right wing, all these players being amateurs, and they acquitted themselves in an admirable manner, especially when the calibre of their opponents is considered. Sunderland mustered their full team, except Auld, Dalton, the ex-Canadian, being in his place. The local Press have made all manner of excuses in order to tide over the defeat, but I hope my worthy colleague, “Tom Tiddler,” will not be amongst the number, because they were fairly and squarely beaten on their merits, and the victors deserve every credit for such a smart and highly commendable win.

Athletic News 1 May 1893
What the Nops are going to do next season is a mystery. The powers that be are so close-fisted as regards their future movements that it is like drawing blood from the proverbial stone to extract anything from them. But this I know, they are living in hope of gaining admittance to the League if that body is extended, which according to all accounts, is somewhat doubtful. There is no denying the fact that an extension would be advantageous to the majority of the clubs in the country, because it would abolish the so-called friendly games, over which they are wont to lose so much money during the season, for people will not waste time to witness these displays.

Athletic News 15 May 1893
The Middlesbrough Ironopolis Football Club are holding a shareholders meeting to-morrow night, when they will doubtless frame the line of action to be pursued next season. There is no disguising the fact that the supporters are very despondent owing to prominent clubs having poached away nearly the whole of their players. However, if they should be fortunate enough to get into the League, if it is extended, they are quite prepared to assist the directors in procuring another team as good and even better than the “old washers” were for they are game to the backbone, as the existence of the club goes to testify.

The American game of baseball has never been acclimatised either on Tyneside or Wearside. It has however found a congenial soil and taken root on Tees-side, and seems to suit the Yankee like enterprise and energy of Ironopolis.

Athletic News 22 May 1893
There was a shareholders meeting of the Ironopolis Football Company on Friday, and although the attendance was small the enthusiasm was great. The “Nops” are not so lacking in energy perhaps as some people have imagined, for it transpired at this meeting that they intend to proceed without delay with the new grounds, Ayresome Park, and to lay down the cycling track. I have no doubt this announcement will be received by the supporters of the club with delight, for the removal to the new ground has been a long contemplated one, and now, when everybody had given it up as a bad job, they launch forth upon the new scheme. I wish them every prosperity with the somewhat gigantic undertaking; but its success, when completed, is assured, seeing the enormous hold that cycling has upon the general public on Tees-side.

If the league should be extended at next Friday’s meeting, and “Nops” are fortunate enough to find a resting place ‘neath the wing of that body, they will have a rare good team. Already they have several excellent players at their command - better men than those who have departed to fields and pastures new. If the League is not extended they will simply engage a team according to the position they may take up.

Athletic News 29 May 1893
It was decided to increase the second League to 16 clubs, and Rotherham Town and Newcastle United were elected to two of the vacancies, the others to be filled up on Thursday from applications received. The Accrington and Notts representatives would not give a definite assurance that they would join the second League, but in all probability they will do so. It is hard lines on both the clubs, and also on Small Heath, but they must accept the inevitable with the best grace they can. The meeting for the arrangement of fixtures will be held at Anderton’s Hotel, London, on Thursday next, the first division meeting at ten o’clock, and the second at three.

Athletic News 5 June 1893
Ironopolis are hurt over the rejection of their application for admission to the Second Division of the League.

Athletic News 3 July 1893
The majority of the Middlesbrough Ironopolis directors are amazed at the action of their acting official and a couple of their co-directors concerning the case of Watts, their late goalkeeper, who, it now transpires, was transferred to the Blackburn Rovers without the knowledge of the full board. There is likely to be ructions at the next meeting.

Athletic News 24 July 1893
Middlesbrough Ironopolis mean to be in the League if at all possible, and no sooner did they hear that Accrington had resigned than they made application for membership. They are certainly a plucky lot and if Accrington had known their own mind a little earlier it would have been much better for a club like the Ironopolis, who in finding themselves outside the League determined to work on amateur lines. However, they once raised a whole team in less than a week, and if elected may, we think, be trusted to put an eleven in the field which will not disgrace them. Their application will be heard on Wednesday night.

Introduction	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