New Brighton Tower
Formed 1896
Elected to Division Two 1898. Resigned 1901.
Kit History
1898-1899 (b)
1899-1900 (a,b)
1900-1901 (a)
Background
New Brighton emerged in the late nineteenth century as a popular destination on the south Wirral coast for day trippers from Liverpool and Manchester, featuring a tower intended to rival the one in Blackpool as an attraction. The club was formed by a consortium of business men in an attempt to attract day trippers during the slack winter months and played in the shadow of the tower. Cash was poured into the fledgeling club and several former international players were signed. Tower's application to join the League was initially rejected but then it was decided to extend Division Two and four additional places were created. New Brighton were invited to fill one of the vacancies.
The club played creditably in their three seasons of competition, narrowly missing out on promotion. Despite this the anticipated crowds failed to materialise, no doubt preferring to support their successful local sides, which included Everton, Liverpool, Newton Heath and Manchester City. In September 1901, despite having finished fourth the previous season, the directors decided to resign from the League and wind up the club. Their place was offered to Doncaster Rovers.
In 1921 a new club, New Brighton FC was formed and in 1923, they were elected to the League.
Sources
- (a) Association of Football Statisticians - provided by Pete Wyatt
- (b) Rejected FC (Dave Twydell 1989) - information provided by Ralph Pomeroy