Alsager Town F.C. - History

History

The club was founded in 1965 as Alsager from the merger of Alsager Institute and Alsager United, and the current ground was acquired in 1967. They started off playing in the Crewe League. After improving the ground's facilities they joined the Mid Cheshire League in the 1971–72 season. After the 1972–73 season they changed name to Alsager Town and they remained in the league under that name until the 1985–86 season. In 1986 they changed name to Alsager United finishing fifth in the 1986–87 season and were runners-up in the league in 1987–88. The club then reverted to Alsager were forced out of business for due to lack of funds associated with poor support.

After two seasons in the Crewe League Premier Division, Alsager regained entry to the Mid Cheshire League, joining the Second division, in the 1991–92 season. In 1995–96 they finished in third place, missing out on the runners-up spot on goal difference. In 1998 they joined the Midland League where they spent just one season, 1998–99 finishing as runners-up. They then applied to join the North West Counties Football League. After the necessary ground and league position criteria were fulfilled, Alsager were accepted for the 1999–2000 season, playing in Division Two, finishing 12th.

After the 2000–01 season it was decided to change the club name back to Alsager Town once again, which also coincided with the addition of floodlights to the Town Ground. After finishing in second place in the Second Division in 2001–02, they were promoted to the First Division. The finished in 11th place in their first season in the First Division. The 2005–06 season saw Alsager finish in third place and thus earn promotion to the Northern Premier League First Division. In 2006–07 they finished in 14th. They also finished in 14th in 2007–08, this time in the newly created Division One South.

The season also saw a new ownership of Alsager Town with local businessman Chris Ansell and former player Richard Mitchell teaming up to take over the club and form Alsager Town Football Club Limited.

Alsager were relegated for the first time in their history at the end of the season to the North West Counties Football League Premier Division due to FA ground grading requirements. Ansell and Mitchell consequently left the club, leaving it with an uncertain future. Former chairman Peter Clegg returned to the club to re-take the helm, appointing former Witton Albion reserves coach, Neil Gill as manager. Following Peter Clegg's resignation as chairman, former player and singer of 'The Casuals' John Bailey took over a few weeks before the end of season 2009–10. John Bailey was with the club for three months, since when Mike Cross, vice-chairman and representative of the youth section, has been acting as chairman.

Season 2010–11 saw Alsager Town embrace for the first time the many youth teams that had previously operated autonomously through the Town under the badge and name 'Alsager Town' where it is hoped that from this point (November 2010) onwards every young person in and around Alsager who wants to play football will support the Club and come along and join the various teams and training sessions for all abilities that are springing up.

It was reported in the South Cheshire Advertiser (10 February 2011) that Terry Greer, chairman of Biddulph Victoria, will be resigning his position within a few days, with a view to taking over as chairman of Alsager Town. Terry Grear was formally adopted as chairman at a meeting in February 2011.

Damien Grocott, who was appointed as caretaker manager in February 2011 to see the season out, resigned following the final match of the season, having completed the task of keeping the club in the NWCFL Premier Division. It is expected that the position will be taken by Karl Wilcox, manager of Biddulph. (South Cheshire Advertiser – 5 May 2011) It was announced on the club website on 7 June that John Brown has been appointed manager, supported by Stuart Heeps as assistant and Andy Bourne in a coaching role.