Wrens history to date
07 Oct 2009

Originating in 1989 as Blackpool ladies FC the clubs formative years were spent in the lower divisions of the North West Regional League playing at Blackpool FC’s Squires gate training ground. At times playing games with nine and ten players it was the backbone of the team, Kirsten Dickson, Glynis Poland and Sonia Cooper who kept the team going until fortunes improved and more girls became interested in the beautiful game. One of those new players, Andrea Herbert, also brought her dad John along as manager and it was with his input that the team started to make real progress. Promotion out of division four was achieved in 1991/92 and the following year the team went one better finishing as division three champions and reaching their first cup final losing 4-1 to first division opposition, Manchester Belle Vue.

A few years of second division safety followed along with management unrest until the season 1996/97 when with the help of new manager Stuart Mackie we were invited to join Blackpool wren Rovers who played in the men’s Northern Counties league. Wayne Heys also joined the management team and when Stuart had to take a back seat due to work commitments it was left to Wayne to lead the team to promotion out of the second division and into the newly named Premier division. The following year resulted in mid table safety and our first of several Lancashire Cup finals, losing 3-1 to a superior Oldham Ladies.

After a lot of hard work in the summer of 1998 Blackpool wren Rovers Ladies reserves were formed with Stuart Mackie returning as manger for the season. The first team went on to win the premier division title and the Reserves won the Division Cup 3-1 against Bromborough archers. When Wayne stepped down as manager, ex professional Mark Kelly and his father in law Joey Hulme took over the reins. A more than respectable third place finish in the Northern Combination meant we knew we could hold our own at this level and disappointment at losing 4-3 to Bolton in the Lancashire Cup Final was dismissed when we finally won the trophy the following season, 2000/01, beating Chorley 6-0 in the final. Although this itself was slightly overshadowed when losing to Manchester City in the penultimate game og the season meant that City won the league and gained promotion to the national League at our expense.

In May 2007 Blackpool Wren Rovers appointed former Manchester City Ladies manager Steve Walmsley as 1st team manager, in his 1st season he guided the Wrens back into the Northern Combination league as the the girls won the North West Womens Premier League title, and were unbeaten in 20 league matches. The Wrens also won the North West Womens League Cup in an epic 4-3 victory over Liverpool Feds, after the team was 3-0 down at half-time to complete a historic "Double"...

The Northern Combination was where Blackpool Wren Rovers found themselves in 2008/09 season. After much turmoil throughout the season with players and management changing, the remaining squad rallied together and fought to the end to ensure survival in the division.

With the 2009/10 season already underway it is already looking like its going to be another tough season. But as ever we exect the Wrens team spirit to shine through and are aiming for a mid table finish, to improve on the previous year.

We will be reporting back soon!!