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IRONOPOLIS FOOTBALL CLUB
ITS HISTORY
Queen Victoria (pictured right) reigned throughout the time of Ironopolis
1893/94 Ironopolis compete in the Football League
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.
Athletic News, 8 August 1893
The resignation of Accrington was accepted, and League clubs were asked to cancel existing matches and not to arrange others. The League considered that if Accrington could unceremoniously cancel engagements with the other clubs they were quite justified in taking this course, for it was hardly fair to allow the matter to run until within one month of the season before taking this step, and more than one member expressed the opinion that it had been done for the purpose of securing their players or selling them at good prices. We do not think it is quite as bad as that, although as a matter of fact no player has been disposed of, and we believe that had the guarantee fund assumed anything like respectable proportions Accrington would have continued in the Second League. We do not blame them in the least for joining the Lancashire League, in which they will do well, but we do think they ought to have made their minds up earlier. Middlesbrough Ironopolis were elected in their place, and agreed to take up the whole of their fixtures. The Ironopolis will now be run on professional lines.
August 1893
The annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Middlesbrough Ironopolis Football Company, Limited, was held at the King's Head Hotel. Mr J.H.Boolds, chairman of the directors, presided over a company numbering twenty-four persons.
Athletic News Football Annual 1893-94
| Middlesbrough Ironopolis, |
| Secretary J G Beckton, 34, St Paul’s-road, Middlesbrough.
Colours, Cherry and white
Official Referees, |
Linked fixtures are to match reports
2 September 1893,
Liverpool h 0-2
In the opening League game against Liverpool Ironopolis are an entirely new
team except for Duncan McNair. McNair and McKie are the only Scots in the
team, and with George Millar are the only ones who have played elsewhere,
the remainder being comparative youngsters.
Notes from Liverpool
The Liverpool team have done well to win a couple of points at the start, and they may come in handy at the finish. What makes the success all the more pleasing is the fact that it was earned away in the far North, and it makes one journey less for the team. I shall look out for another couple of points next Saturday.
9 September 1893, Ardwick a 1-6
Athletic News 11 September 1893
When Middlesbrough Ironopolis were admitted into the second division of the
League their friends were sanguine enough to believe they would make a bold
bid for the premiership. So far, however, they have not fulfilled anticipations.
They lost to Liverpool at home and were thoroughly cut up at Ardwick on Saturday.
They went through the Northern League tourney without once being checked,
but in trying their fortune in better company they have gone down badly.
It is clear that the good men they have parted with have not been succeeded
by talent of like merit.
18 September 1893, Burslam Port Vale
a 0-4
23 September 1893, Ardwick h 2-0
Athletic News 25 September 1893
It would appear as though Dame Fortune had forsaken the poor “Nops,”
at least for the time being. Last Saturday was the first match played at
home since the visit of Liverpool, and just when the supporters of the club
where anxious to see the team Jupiter Pluvious stepped in and damped their
ardour and consequently spoiled the gate, which, seeing Ardwick had administered
such a drubbing to the Tees-siders a fortnight before, would have been a
big one. There would not be more than 1,000 people present when Ironopolis
started the ball in the teeth of a gale.
30 September 1893, Crewe Alexandra a 0-5
Athletic News 2 October 1893
Wallace of Sheffield United, is, I hear, anxious to come to Middlesbrough
and play with the Ironopolis, owing to his being able to follow his occupation
on Tees-side, which I understand he is incapable of doing in the cutlery
town. But from all accounts the United people are asking a stiffish sum for
his release, more than the “Nops” are willing or prepared to pay.
Personally I think it high time that this bartering in human flesh was
abolished.
FORWARD
Last season’s Middlesbrough Ironopolis players are located as follows. Watts with Blackburn Rovers, Elliott with Aston Villa, Langley with Sheffield Wednesday, Chatt with Aston Villa, Hughes and McArthur with Bolton Wanderers, Hill and Seymour with Leicester Fosse, McReddie with Stoke. McNair is still with the Ironopolis and Oliver appears to have retired for the time being.
7 October 1893, Liverpool a 0-6
Athletic News 16 October 1893
A Middlesbrough gentleman, Councillor John Marden, gave the “Nops”
£20 last week, and providing the directors will do their best to strengthen
the team he has promised to add £80 to it and make the gift one of
£100.
21 October 1893, Walsall Town Swifts a 0-1
Athletic News 23 October 1893
The “Nops” have been treated very shabbily by Wallace, late of
Sheffield United, who, after getting his release from the “Blades”
at the instigation of the Tees-side club, and agreeing to come for a certain
wage, demanded a bonus which the club is not likely to give. If he doesn’t
see his way clear to fulfill his obligation his transfer will be sent back
to the United club, and he will as far off as ever.`
28 October 1893, Burton Swifts h 2-1
4 November 1893, Notts County a 0-3
11 November 1893, Grimsby Town h 2-6
Middlesbrough fixed upon a date with Bishop Auckland last Saturday. There is not the slightest doubt the match was fixed up to counteract the “Nops” gate in their League match with Grimsby. The action of the Middlesbrough club’s directors was most unsportsmanlike in lowering the time-honoured charge for admission from sixpence to fourpence.
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Athletic News 20 November 1893
TEESSIDE
The Ironopolis directors were very much dissatisfied with the display of
the team against Grimsby a week last Saturday, on which occasion it will
be remembered a defeat of six goals to two was administered to them. On the
Monday evening the players were ordered to appear before the board, which
they did; but the result was any thing but satisfactory in the way of clearing
off the fog of discontent caused by the inexplicable slaughter of the innocents.
Such gatherings seldom do bear fruit, because one set of players generally
blame another, and so upset the amicable feeling that should exist in every
team. So it was in this case; the goalkeeper blamed the backs, and they in
turn rounded upon the goalkeeper, and there you are. For my own part, as
an eye-witness of the game, I unhesitatingly say that much of the weight
of the defeat was attributable to the perceptibly weak play of the backs
in the first half; but Ord, the custodian, ought to have easily saved the
fourth and sixth goals. I understand the directors have informed the players
that another woeful collapse like the one in question will not be tolerated.
----------
We have had the storm fiend with us, Mr. Editor, and the result was that football became an impossibility, owing to the raging combination between Rude Boreas and Jupiter Pluvius, which prevailed throughout the whole of Friday night and all day on Saturday. Under these circumstances, I find myself in the unfortunate position of the Moor of Venice, “my occupation is gone.” Nor am I likely to be the only correspondent under your editorial jurisdiction whom the tide of events has placed in the same boat, because the storm fiend has, on the present occasion, covered a wide area in his devastating movement.
--------
The storm played sad havoc on the Ironopolis happy hunting ground, the back portion of an uncovered stand on the north side having found its way into an adjoining orchard, whilst the large covered stand, I am sorry to say, has been blown completely down, and is now lying in the next field. This is an unfortunate occurrence for the “Washers,” who have experienced the vilest of luck so far this season, and, as may be expected, are not burdened to the ground with a superfluous supply of cash. But I have no doubt there will be many willing and ready hands to be found amongst the supporters of the club to assist in righting the depredations done by the storm.
--------
Ironopolis had a guarantee match with Stockton, but, owing to the violence of the storm, it did not take place - worse luck for poor Stockton. The Ironopolis team went up to the ancient borough in a brake, and, after much difficulty and dexterous navigation, found their way into the Victoria enclosure, the pitch upon which the Stocktonians are want to disport themselves. But that didn’t last Saturday, for when the time arrived for the opening of hostilities the “Ancients” refused to show fight against the “Nops” and the storm. They are amateurs, and like all of that ilk, have a will of their own, and please themselves in what direction they exercise it. The “Nops” donned their war-paint and went onto the field, awaiting the coming of the Stocktonians, but they came not, and, after a few straggling kicks had been indulged in, the “Nops” retired from the scene of misery and solitude -- for such it was -- and returned home.
FORWARD
25 November 1893, Small Heath h 3-0
Athletic News 4 December 1893
Sunderland have kindly consented to play a match at Middlesbrough against
Ironopolis for the benefit of that old and tried player “Jack”
Oliver, who is at present doing duty for the last named club at full-back.
The match is set down for some evening in March, and I hope the old Sunderland
player will have a good benefit, for he certainly deserves it. I quite expect
that a large contingent of spectators from the Wearside town will put in
an appearance to do honour to their late townsman, who was always extremely
popular when playing for his native town.
--- --- ---
In spite of the scarcity of gate receipts the “Nops” intend to reconstruct their covered stand, which was demolished by the late storm.
--- --- ---
Stockton refuse point blank to pay the £15 guarantee to the Ironopolis for the match which their players refused to turn out for owing to the gale a fortnight ago. There is no doubt they will ultimately have to stump up, besides being let in for sundry expenses the case may incur if taken to headquarters.
SDCM 9 December 1893
In reporting a Middlesbrough Ironopolis v Darlington game at the Paradise
field :-
"The match was witnessed by only about 200 spectators, and the Ironopolis
directors would no doubt suffer another financial loss. The interest taken
in professional matches in this district has greatly diminished, and how
the 'Nops executive manage to keep the club going is a mystery.
9 December 1893, Rotherham Town h 6-1
Athletic News 11 December 1893
The depression in trade is playing sad havoc with the “Nops,” the
gates being meager in the extreme. The directors deserve every sympathy for
they are game to the back-bone. I hope matters will soon take a turn for
the better. They ought to do, seeing the capital form which the team is now
displaying.
NEDG 15 December 1893
FOOTBALL
---**---
PROPOSED WINDING UP OF THE
IRONOPOLIS COMPANY
A notice has been issued to the shareholders of the Middlesbrough Ironopolis Football Company, Limited, calling a meeting for the 21st inst., at which a resolution will be submitted to the effect that owing to the present financial condition of the club it is impossible to carry it on any longer, and suggesting voluntary liquidation. Should this be done the last will have been seen of professionalism in football in this district.
=========================
16 December 1893, Notts County h 0-0
NEDG 22 December 1893
A specially convened meeting of shareholders was held at the Kings Head hotel
on 21 December 1893.
Read all about it
23 December 1893, Small Heath a
1-2
25 December 1893, Newcastle United
h 1-1
Athletic News 26 December 1893.
Ironopolis have suspended Hunt for not training, a punishment they intend
to to mete out to any of the other players who chance to offend in the same
manner.
Mooney and Hunter of the Ironopolis club have been given to understand that
if they do not attend to practice and training better than they have done,
they will share the same fate as their comrade, Hunt. The directors don’t
intend to stand any nonsense from any of the players, and I must compliment
them upon their determination.
FORWARD
26 December 1893, Lincoln City a 3-2
NEDG 30 December 1893
LOCAL CLUBS : A RETROSPECT.
...Middlesbrough Ironopolis stick bravely to the professional ticket, and now stand alone in this district. During the first half of last season 24 games were played by them, 18 of which were won, 1 drawn, and 5 lost. Their goal record stood at 62 for, with only 23 against, a magnificent performance. Owing to the club losing nearly all their excellent players, a record such as the foregoing was not to be expected for the first half of this season. Out of the 19 games played 7 wins have been obtained, 3 games being drawn, and 9 lost. The goal record is 31 for with 43 against.
================================
30 December 1893, Walsall Town Swifts h 1-1
Athletic News 1 January 1894
Ugly rumours are on the wing concerning Mooney and his play. I hope there
is no truth in them. He was a great favourite when he first came to
Middlesbrough, and would be again if he tried to play as he did formerly.
The ”Nops” are on the look-out, I believe, for a new centre forward
to displace Mooney. Such is the information vouchsafed to me just before
despatching my parcel.
FORWARD
1 January 1894, Burslam Port Vale h
3-1
2 January 1894, Newcastle United a
2-7
6 January 1894, Crewe Alexandra h 2-0
13 January 1894, Stockton a 0-5
Cleveland Senior Cup, and!
13 January 1894, Lincoln City h 0-0
League, second division
Athletic News 15 January 1894
It was singularly unfortunate for Ironopolis that the Cleveland Senior Cup
tie was drawn to be played on the same day as their League match with Lincoln
City. The latter could not re-arrange the date owing to their fixture list
being full, and the result was that the “Nops” had to forego the
privilege of playing upon their own pitch, and not only that, but had to
send the reserve team to Stockton with but little chance of success. I think
the “Nops” were somewhat slow in not endeavouring to come to an
arrangement with Stockton when the draw took place, instead of waiting as
long as they did, because from what I know of the “Ancients,” I
venture to think they would have made an effort to assist them out of the
dilemma in which they were placed.
Athletic News 29 January 1894
The “Nops” have been after Miller, of Newcastle United, but the
officials show great reticence over the matter, though if a local contemporary
is to be believed, they have secured the services of the United player. Millar
was a fair back at one period, and may be yet for aught I know, but I have
an impression that if he is not good enough for the Newcastle club, he is
not good enough for the “Nops,” whose pretentions are, or should
be, as ambitious as their northern neighbours.
------------------------
27 January 1894, Luton Town h 2-1 FACup
Athletic News 29 January 1894
IRONOPOLIS GO INTO THE NEXT ROUND
(BY FORWARD)
It is a singular fact that the fates should decree that Luton Town should oppose both the Middlesbrough clubs in the National Cup competition. Two seasons ago they encountered the Middlesbrough club on their own pitch at Luton, and were easily sent to the right about. Last Saturday they paid their initial visit to Middlesbrough in order to wipe out the “Nops” or be wiped out themselves. The “Nops” however, didn’t fancy the operation, and the result was the Lutonians had to go through the mill. How manifold have been the changes in local football since last season, when at the opening of the same competition enthusiasts could be counted in thousands, and the accommodation of the “Washers” ground was taxed to the utmost. But what a change last Saturday. There was no sitting on barbed wire, or clinging to the newly-tarred branches of trees, as was the case on that occasion. True, Luton is not a name to conjure with, but I did think the crowd would have been a bigger one; 1,500 spectators is not a large number for a cup tie. The day was fine, but the wind blew a perfect hurricane. Ironopolis were fortunate in the spin of the coin, and the teams faces each other as follows:--
IRONOPOLIS -- R Ord, goal; J Bell and J Oliver, backs;
D McNair, Gray, and Allport, half-backs; Adams, Hunt
Moonie, Grewar, and Hunter, forwards.
LUTON TOWN -- E Bee, goal; J Wilson and W Chester,
backs; J Watkins, J W Julian, and A H Taylor, half-backs R
Brown, J Finlayson, H Galbraith, F Allen, and J Dimmock,
forwards
Referee: Mr Strawson, Lincoln.
3 February 1894, Grimsby Town a 1-2
Athletic News 5 February 1894
Ironopolis appear to be afflicted with every misfortune on the board. They
were compelled to travel to Grimsby last Friday afternoon in order to fulfill
their return League engagement with the “fishermen,” thus putting
the club to a lot of extra expense. Talk about the geographical position
of the northern clubs, why, they are not in the hunt with Grimsby, which
is one of the most ungettable spots in the country -- at least where they
sport a football team.
--- --- ---
As I expected, the Football Association ordered Stockton to stump up the £15 to the “Nops” for the guarantee match which the Stocktonians refused to play on a certain stormy Saturday some three months ago. Had the Association done otherwise, a dangerous and unwarrantable precedent would have been created, and one that would have caused a lot of trouble in future.
--- --- ---
Ironopolis Reserve were beaten in the Cleveland Amateur Cup Competition by Ayresome Park, by five goals to three. Nixon, the “Nops” custodian, showed wretched form in goal, and was mainly responsible for the defeat.
--- --- ---
Owing to some bungling on the part of one of the Ironopolis officials, the club appears to have lost the services of Miller, who was to have been transferred from Newcastle United. More than one of his fellow officials were simply raving at the unfortunate circumstances through which Miller has been lost.
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10 February, Notts Forest a 0-2 FACup
NEDG 17 February 1894
FOOTBALL
THE IRONOPOLIS TEAM
It is stated that those gentlemen who are running the Ironopolis team have called the professionals together and informed them they could no longer pay them a wage, but offered them the privilege of playing until the end of the season. It is probable that Grewar and Wallace will take their departure from Tees-side, but the other players are expected to remain in the team without remuneration.
Athletic News 19 February 1894
The Middlesbrough Ironopolis Club seems to have almost collapsed. The bad
luck which has attended the fortunes of the team during the past two seasons
landed the club into financial embarrassments which resulted in liquidation,
and it is now reported that the further payment of wages to the professionals
has been stopped. Most of the players intend staying in with the team until
the end of the season, but Wallace and Grewar will probably take an early
flight from the district.
TEESIDE
It would appear that Ironopolis are in a critical condition financially; in fact the golden ammunition seems to have spent itself, seeing the officials have given the professionals notice to quit. I am truly sorry for the club and the officials, but at the same time I must say they are behaving somewhat shabbily to the players, who, now that they have served a purpose, are cast aside like an old shoe. I think, had they put their wits to work, some arrangement might have been made whereby the players could have been retained at a decreased rate of wages. I hear that two or three of the old hands will be kept on, and the remaining places filled up by amateurs in order to carry out the season’s fixtures. I fancy that it would have been a wise move on the part of the officials to have left the back and half-back divisions alone, and dispensed with the services of the forwards, for, with the exception of Wallace, the others have never risen above mediocrity during the season.
--- --- ---
Mr. Tom Marley, the “Nops” financial secretary --when there is anything to finance --speaks in eulogistic terms of the Notts Forest officials, and assures me they are without doubt the most friendly and amiable set of fellows he has ever had the good fortune to meet in the football world.
--- --- ---
I hope the new arrangements made by the “Nops” will in no wise interfere with the benefit match of “Jack” Oliver. The tickets for the match are going off at a great rate, and as Sunderland are coming for bare expenses, I have no doubt the old Wearsider will reap that reward he so thoroughly deserves. It is very gratifying to find that so many men have volunteered to play for Oliver against his old club, amongst others being his old comrade “Wallie” McReddie, of Stoke.
--- --- ---
Ironopolis, being without a fixture for Saturday last, arranged with Darlington
St. Hilda’s as a sort of stop-gap. The game only attracted a handful
of spectators, the weather being execrable, and the ground in a wretched
condition, rain and snow falling throughout the whole of the game. To detail
the play would be a waste of time. Suffice it to say that the “Nops”
won by one goal to none, after a wretched display on the part of the forwards.
Indeed with the exception of Oliver and Grewar, the whole team played like
a lot of school-boys. Hunter crowned his very displays of late by simply
doing nothing at all, and doing that badly, seeing he played as much for
the “Saints” as he did for his own side. St. Hilda’s are a
very capable team, and deserve every credit for the excellent show made against
what is, or ought to be, a strong professional contingent. The rev. gentleman
who bosses the Hildean show was simply delighted at the display of his
team.
FORWARD.
---- ---+--- ---
NEDG 20 February 1894
THE IRONOPOLIS CLUB
Owing to the professionals connected with the Ironopolis Club having been informed that the directors intended to pay their wages no longer a rumour has gained currency that the club will soon be no more. We are assured that those who have so long taken a warm interest in the club are more determined than ever that they will not allow themselves to be snuffed out, as it were, and although they have deemed it desirable to take the action they have done in regard to their professionals, they have in view the re-establishment of the club on a sound financial footing, and with a team that will hold its own against the best. By adopting this course they hope to regain that position of distinction which they held only a season ago.
24 February 1894, Woolwich Arsenal h 3-6
Athletic News 26 February 1894
TEES-SIDE.
I believe the whole of the “Nops’ professionals” except Wallace, will remain and do duty for the club until the end of the present season, employment having been found for them. With Wallace matters are different, his calling in life being of a nature that the officials were unable to find him work, and he intends to migrate to Blackpool for the remainder of the season. He is a smart little player, and the supporters of the club are extremely sorry to hear of his being compelled to leave. If the officials intend to have a “knockout” team next season, and they affirm that such is their intention, they will do well to keep the old Abercorn man in view, for he is a clever player, and withal a gentleman, and one any club in the country may be proud of.
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Ironopolis desire matches in London district March 12, 13, or 14. Write best terms to J.G.Beckton, 1 Zetland Road, Middlesbrough.
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3 March 1894, Northwich Victoria h
2-1
10 March 1894, Woolwich Arsenal a
0-1
14 March 1894, Sunderland h 0-3,
Jack Oliver benefit match
Gladstone resigns as Prime Minister in March 1894. New Liberal Party leader and now Prime Minister is the Earl of Rosebery, pictured on the left.
17 March 1894, Burton Swifts a 0-7
Athletic News 19 March 1894
Ironopolis travelled to Burton minus Hunt, who, I understand, was taken ill
at the last moment; consequently the secretary, Mr. Beckton, had to don the
“jersey” and help to do battle against the “brewers.”
The result, therefore, was only to be expected, especially when the present
disorganised state of the team is taken into consideration.
24 March 1894, St.Mirren h 2-1. friendly
Athletic News 26 March 1894
TEES-SIDE
Good news for the local adherents of professional football. The “Nops” intend to proceed with their pre-conceived idea of going in for a good team next season. The gentlemen who intend to run the club are bent upon having a capable eleven. The secretary assures me that it is their intention to advertise forthwith for players for all positions, and also to set loose the usual poaching agents, who will endeavour to “tempt” the “braw laddies” from their native element. I wish them every success, and hope the public will rally round the club, and, by strenuous effort, raise it to the position it once occupied.
--- --- ---
Evidently the “Nops” are not above taking a tip. A couple of weeks ago I advised them to give Dixon, a reserve lad, a trial in class company, and last Saturday they made the experiment against St. Mirren’s, and have no cause to regret it. The youngster played splendidly; in fact, I saw nothing better in the attack of either team. Besides scoring the two goals, he put in some very fine work, his speed, centring, and shooting being very effective.
31 March 1894, Newcastle United a 0-3, friendly
7 April 1894, Northwich Victoria a 1-2
Athletic News 9 April 1894
TEES-SIDE
The “Nops” are advertising for players, “only first-class men need apply.” I hope they will be successful in obtaining the required article. But I think they will have to bestir themselves in other ways irrespective of advertising. Good men are not to be caught by advertising any more than “old birds are with chaff.”
--- --- ---
The “Nops” Reserve occupied the arena last Saturday in the absence of the seniors, who were at Northwich. The visitors were Rise Carr Rangers, a Darlington team of good repute, and the holders of the Durham Minor Cup. The game proved a real good one, both sides putting in all they knew to gain the verdict, which ultimately rested with the young “Nops” by two goals to one.
14 April 1894, Rotherham Town a 1-4
Athletic News 16 April 1894
TEES-SIDE
The “Nops” have had a lot of trouble lately in getting together a team to play the away fixture, but to the credit of the “pros” --in name only-- they have stuck like grim death to the club much more steadfast than the most sanguine ever anticipated. Of course, the persuasive powers of the officials have been taxed almost beyond conception in order to get them to take part in the matches from home. However, it is all over now, Saturday’s match at Rotherham being the last of the League series. All things considered the “Nops” have not made a bad show, seeing they commenced the season without a team, so to speak.
--- --- ---
I am delighted to learn that Ironopolis have had numerous applications from players of good repute for next season, and, from all accounts, everything appears to be going as “merrily as the marriage bell.” A very old football legislator and excellent judge of the game and players will assist the officials in the reorganising of the team. The club has everybody’s good wishes for its future welfare, and I have no hesitation in saying that when much of the present “chaff” has been replaced by wholesome and sound “grain,” the support will be perceptibly increased. If not, the club cannot hope to go on and prosper. The whole thing rests upon one pivot, and that is, the support of those who delight to see football in its very best form, which they will be enabled to do even to a greater extent than heretofore, if they will only make up their vacillating minds to uphold it. One more chance is to be afforded them, and I hope they will accept it.
Athletic News 16 April 1894
TEES-SIDE
Rumour says that Jack Oliver, the popular back of the Ironopolis Club, intends to migrate to Brum, in order to become a “Small Heathen.” I don’t believe there is any foundation for the report. Where Oliver can follow his employment there he will be found as a kickist. He cannot do so if he becomes a Heathen. Therefore, I don’t think Brummagem gold will have any fascination for the old “Nop.”
Athletic News 30 April 1894
TEES-SIDE
Ironopolis have worked most assiduously during the past fortnight in the matter of new players for next season, and great praise is due to those who have been the instigation of getting together the new team of Scotchmen that appeared on the Paradise ground last Saturday to oppose the popular Newcastle eleven. No one has worked harder than Mr. Tom Marley, the financial sec.
--- --- ---
They finished up the season with their match against Newcastle United, and, as I have said, turned out with nearly a brand new team, seven of the players being Scotchmen specially brought over the Cheviots for the match. There was a fairly large crowd, and any amount of enthusiasm prevailed in the early stages of the game, especially when the home lot came near scoring, which they did many times during the struggle. But they failed to break down the admirable defence of Jeffery, Rodgers, and Lowery, the latter saving his charge several times when the ball was on the goal line; in fact, I never saw a goal have such miraculous escapes as had that of the Novocastrians. Nor were the visiting forwards idle, Gordon, the new goalkeeper, being put severely to the test, but he came through the ordeal with flying colours, his keeping being all that could be desired, nothing came amiss to him, he being quite as dexterous with his feet as his hands. Like the home lot, the visitors were unable to penetrate the defence, and the game ended in a pointless draw.
--- --- ---
Ironopolis are to be congratulated on being able to effect a draw with a
powerful contingent like that of Newcastle, especially when the fact of the
men not having played together before is duly considered. It would not be
fair to criticise the players too closely seeing they were strange to each
other. Buy I cannot refrain from voting Gordon, the goalkeeper, a conspicuous
success, and I have no doubt that he will develop into a sterling custodian.
McQuade at right back and O’Brien left wing forward were also seen to
advantage, and I do not hesitate to say that both of them will become players
of marked ability. The latter plays with his head as well as his feet.
FORWARD
NEDG 1 May 1894
It is reported that those gentlemen running the Middlesbrough Ironopolis
team will continue to run it on professional lines next season. It is probable
that Gordon (goalkeeper), McCabe (full back) and O'Brien (left wing forward)
will be secured for next season. Several other men are being sought after,
and it is hoped that during the next few months a really first class eleven
will be got together.
-------------------------------
SDCM 4 May 1894
IRONOPOLIS FOOTBALL CLUB
It has been definitely decided to again run this team on professional lines next season. A committee meeting was held at the King's Head Hotel on Monday evening - Mr J.H.Boolds presiding. Offers were made to Gordon (Brocksburn Athletic), goalkeeper; McCabe (Brocksburn Athletic), full back; and O'Brien (Hibernians), left wing forward, with a view to securing their services. The directors are in communication with several other first-class players with the intention of obtaining a good team for next season. The old players have signified their willingness to play for the club again, and it is confidently anticipated that next season's team will furnish some good play.
Athletic News 7 May 1894
The “Nops” are so pleased with the new men whom they tried against
the United, that some at least will probably be retained. It is stated that
a smart young player in one of the minor teams in Sunderland has signed for
the “Nops”.
TOM TIDDLER
NEDG 11 May 1894
At a meeting of the Middlesbrough Ironopolis Football Club held last night
the following resolution was unanimously carried:- "That in consequence of
the high rent asked for, and other demands made by the tenant of the Paradise
field, and their inability to secure another ground the committee, with great
regret, find it impossible to carry on the club for the present."
NEDG 30 May 1894
Middlesbrough Ironopolis Football Club have withdrawn from the League Second
Division, and Rotherham have been elected in their place.
Athletic News 4 June 1894
Sunderland and Ironopolis Football Club have promised to support George
Millar’s nomination as a referee. If “George” can judge the
game as well as he could play it, he will make an excellant whistler.
Athletic News 11 June 1894
Another sad accident to a football club.
When the “Daily Desolater” compiles its next Butcher’s Bill,
it should take note of the fact the Middlesbrough Ironopolis Football Club
died on 5th inst. It is now fatally defunct, and its last moments were marked
by the utmost cruelty on the part of those who assisted at its demise. After
rude Boreas had blown his healthy breath on the stands and converted them
into chip timber, the landlord came round and relieved the club of the ground.
As football cannot be played in mid-air, the “Nops” had to shuffle
off the earth and the mortal coil at the same time, and are now no more.
Poor “Nops!”
Athletic News 18 June 1894
We have received a note from a Middlesbrough gentleman, who signs himself
“Sportsman,” in which he regrets that we should have published
such “jeering and vulgar comments” in connection with the demise
of the “Nops” club. This critic says “Chaff, Iam sure, they
would not have minded, sympathy they did not want,” and thereupon complains
because we simply and properly called attention to the fact. We distinctly
deny making any “jeering and vulgar comments,” and would thank
this very particular “Sportsman” to point out any passage in the
paragraph referred to which an intelligent man would consider either jeering
or vulgar. We are not in the habit of writing anything calculated to offend
the good taste or the common sense of gentlemen residing in Middlesbrough
or other parts of the world, and we think when this sensitive
“Sportsman” penned his precious epistle, he might have been sportsman
enough to point out the jeering and vulgar passage, and not content himself
by making a sweeping assertion, as vague as it is unfounded.
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4 Seasons of League Football |
Match by match
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The other teams in the Football League 2nd. Division
1893/94
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The men who made it
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1894 Ordnance Survey map
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Laws of Football in the 1890s and the rules of the Football League 1893 |
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Please send an e-mail to ironopolis@aol.com for further info, required or available!