A brief history of Hartwood FC
07 Nov 2006

The late 1960's and early 70's saw a group of friends meet for a kick about and a few pints afterwards. This tended to be in Victoria Park followed by drinks in the Imp. At the time one of the lads, Roy Connolly, worked for Mannings engineering firm, who also had their own works team. He would draft in players every now and then to play for the works team and the decision was taken to apply to the local league to submit a team proper.

In 1972 Mannings FC were created. The teams first kit was black and white stripes, followed by a claret and blue stip the season after.

In 1976 the club changed it's name forever to Hartwood FC. In 1985 some of the members of the team decided to form a breakaway 'Hartwood Cricket Team' which lasted well into the 90's.

Arguably the most successful time in the clubs history was the team of 1999/2000 whom, featuring the likes of Jamie Dalton, Chris Ball, Lee Munro and Liam Crossley achieved two successive promotions under the managershio of Neil Jones. It should also be noted that they did not lose a game in the amazing 3rd Division campaign.

Whilst in the top Division the club, faced with losing all of the golden generation of players, joined forces with Koronet to become Koronet Hartwood. After a few years Neil Jones stepped down as manager, frustrated by lack of quality players at his disposal.

The club, drifting somewhat from the heyday of bygone years, was rescued when the breakaway team formed by some ex-Hartwood players, 'The Local' when it was decided to reclaim the name for it's 2005/06 campaign. The enigmatic Neil Lloyd, himself a former player and captain led the new Hartwood FC.

Neil too has now hung up his boots and has passed the reigns on to then current club captain Stephen Henderson, who is now the current player/manager. To return to tradition the club have now returned to the clours of the first Mannings team, black and white stripes.

(Special thanks to Mr A Proffitt for the adaptation of the club history)