Gregson Lane Wanderers

GREGSON LANE WANDERERS F.C are an English amateur football club located in the Gregson Lane area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of Lancashire Evening Post Sunday Football League.

Due to a lack of recorded historical statistics it is not possible to pinpoint the year the club was formed however Gregson Lane Wanderers (under a couple of name changes) were one of the original teams at the beginning of the Lancashire Evening Post Sunday league.

A recent resurgence in the club's fortunes has seen Gregson Lane Wanderers on the rise again after a number of years struggling in the lower divisions. The highest level reached by the club was the First Division in the late 1990's. This was followed by a free fall through the divisions until the club was re-galvanised thanks to the efforts of a number of people refusing to let the club die. Long in the shadows of better supported semi professional neighbours Bamber Bridge F.C of the Unibond First Divsion and professional outfit Preston North End, Gregson Lane Wanderers have struggled getting the support of the local community. However being the only club in the boundaries of Gregson Lane, it would be hoped success would bring the crowds back to the Recreation Ground (fondly called by locals, Stadio El Lanio)

Success

The 2006-2007 season marked the most successful point in the club's history. Thursday 29th March saw the Wanderers win the Presidents Cup final at Irongate (Home of Bamber Bridge F.C) in front of over 400 supporters. The crowd, the biggest seen at Irongate all season (even for Unibond League games) was swelled by the masses of Lane supporters. Evidence that success could bring the crowds back. But for a disappointing turn out by Corinthian F.C supporters on the evening the final could have broken attendance records. This derby was won 2-1 by Gregson Lane despite a relatively poor performance. Corinthians raised their game more than could have been expected from a struggling side made up mostly of journeymen footballers.

The following Sunday 1st April 2007 Gregson Lane clinched the league championship with one month to spare drawing 3-3 with Charnock Richard F.C to cap a tremendous season where the club set themselves apart from the rest.

Honours

Presidents Cup Winners: 2006/2007

L.E.P Division 3 Champions: 2006/2007

Lancashire Sunday Trophy: Last 32 in 2006

Great moments

The club has a number of great moments as mentioned above, but a recent vote among supporters on the clubs official website voted the game against Unicorn F.C as THE shining moment. It was the last game of the season on a Thursday evening at London Road (Preston) in April 2005. Unicorn F.C who had led the league all year just needed to win to clinch the championship. All the motivation required was handed to the Lane when Unicorn F.C had their team photograph (as championship winners) taken before the game in their nice clean kits. Playing against 3rd bottom Gregson Lane, the result was all but in the bag. The game was going with form with Unicorn 2-0 up going into the last three minutes. Gregson Lane battling in adversity and having just lost right back Nick Spencer to a hamstring injury refused to lie down. A stunning comeback with goals from Jack Wilson and Mark Bentham ended Unicorns championship hopes as Cadley F.C went on to take the title. On occasions the song "Two goals on London road" (to the tune of John Denver's classic "Country Roads") is sung with pride at home matches.

Manager

2003-Present: Brian Johnston

2005-Present: Phil Cotterill (Assistant Manager)

Players

As of 18 February 2008

GK: Paul Harrison

DF: Simon Riley

DF: Shaun Wilson

DF: Chris Martin

DF :Graeme Pugh

DF: Mark Bentham

DF: Nick Spencer

DF: Mark Wilson

MF: Andy Fahey

MF: Mark Fahey

MF: Andy Wilson

MF: Luke Maher

MF: Dave Maclean

MF: Simon Melling

MF: Rob Carlow

MF: Oliver Shorrock

FW: Jack Wilson

FW: Tony Livesey

FW: Stuart Maclean

Notable former players

* Chris Kayley
* Tony Tipping
* Brian Johnstone
* Phil Cotterill

Club records

* Record Attendance: 400+ v Corinthians, Presidents Cup Final, 29 March 2007
* Transfer Record (Paid): £9 for Simon Melling to Ribbleton Wanderers, December 2006

Famous Fans:

Some notable celebrity fans of Gregson Lane Wanderers F.C include:

* Morrissey - Singer and Lyricist

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See Also

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