⚽ A New Chapter for Formby FC: Pride, Passion and a Dream to Bring Football Home

Football has always played an important role in the story of Formby, and now there is a renewed sense of hope and determination as those involved with Formby FC work to bring the club back to where many believe it truly belongs.

Formby FC manager Bobby Shirley has spoken passionately about his vision for the future of the club and the role it can once again play at the heart of the community.

For Bobby, Formby has always represented the pinnacle of what he hoped to achieve in football management. His ambition is clear: to help guide the club back into the North West Counties Football League, where Formby once thrived and created so many unforgettable moments for local supporters.

Recently, Bobby revealed that after a number of meetings with long-time club figure Hugh McAuley, he has agreed to become a co-owner of Formby FC alongside Hugh, marking an important new chapter for the club.

Bobby describes Hugh as someone many in the town already know and respect.

“Hugh is Mr Formby,” he said. “He has an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience, not just about the club but about the whole community. He is respected across the game at every level and working alongside him with the ideas he has for the future will be hugely positive for the club and for Formby.”

A Club for the Community:

At present, Formby FC compete in the Liverpool County Premier League, just one promotion away from their intended level.

However, one of the biggest challenges facing the club is location. Home matches are currently played at JMO Sports Park in Skelmersdale, which provides a good playing surface but is far from the club’s natural home.

“It’s a great pitch,” Bobby explained, “but it’s not home.”

Supporters still travel to watch the team both home and away, and one request is repeated time and time again.

“People always say to me, ‘Get us back to Formby please Bobby.’”

Plans for improved facilities and the long-term goal of bringing football back to Altcar Road could eventually make that possible, recreating the special match nights that many local fans still remember.

Continuing a Family Legacy:

Bobby’s connection with the club runs deep. His uncle, Jim Shirley, is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in the club’s history.

Growing up watching Formby during those successful years left a lasting impression.

“I had some unbelievable times watching that team home and away,” Bobby said. “When Jim passed away and the club folded it was heartbreaking. It left a big void not only in non-league football but also in the community.”

Now he hopes to help restore that sense of pride and identity.

Opportunities for Local Players:

One of the key aims of the club’s revival is to give talented young players in the area a pathway into senior football without having to leave the town.

Formby has produced some excellent young footballers over the years, but many have had to move elsewhere to pursue opportunities.

Creating a strong local club again would allow those players to develop their careers right here in their own community, while also giving local fans a team they can truly call their own.

More Than Just a Football Club:

Bobby believes the impact of Formby FC goes far beyond what happens on the pitch.

Over the years the club has provided a safe, inclusive and inspiring environment where people of all ages can take part in sport, develop skills and form lifelong friendships.

Future plans for improved facilities could also benefit local schools, grassroots teams and community groups, ensuring the club plays a wider role in the town once again.

A Proud History:

Formby Football Club’s roots stretch back more than a century. The club was founded in 1919, although football had already been played in the town since the early 1900s.

Over the decades Formby enjoyed numerous successes, including:

• Winning the Liverpool Amateur Cup three times

• Lifting the Lancashire Amateur Cup in 1935

• Becoming the first non league club to win the Liverpool Senior Cup in 1978 after beating Tranmere Rovers

• Reaching the First Round Proper of the FA Cup in 1973

• Winning the Lamot Pils Trophy in 1995

• Lifting the Worthington Challenge Trophy in 2000

The club also enjoyed many memorable nights at its historic Brows Lane ground, before later moving to Altcar Road.

Looking Ahead:

Today the club stands at the start of another important chapter.

With new leadership, growing support and a clear ambition to climb back up the football pyramid, the dream is simple but powerful: to bring Formby FC home and rebuild a club the whole community can be proud of once again.

For many supporters in the town, that dream is one they would love to see become reality. ⚽