The original Reds

This is the work of John Norman, a familiar figure to Reds travelling supporters. John occasionally posts on here as Lester Red and has put a lot of work into this project.

It's on the official web site, being issued as chapters each day.

Don't know if there are plans to publish a print version - I hope so. I'm enjoying reading it.

Thanks for that. I've started reading it!

Yes - I hope to publish a fuller version of this research, in book form, at some stage in the future. Westworld - yes, the Schoose Close 'ground' was indeed in the area of Schoose Farm, although there is no trace of it now. I will include later a map showing the location of all of the grounds used by the club during this period. I mentioned in Chapter 4 the McLuckie who played for the club between 1887 and 1894. He was indeed an ancestor of Phil McLuckie, so gives a direct link between the early Reds and the current club. Although this player captained the side, he never received County Representative honours, as only players born in the county were allowed to play for the county team. There is also another link which involves Paul Armstrong. I will give full details of both the McLuckie and Armstrong connections in future chapters. In the meantime I hope the articles are of interest, and any feedback is appreciated. Many thanks to Steve Durham and Paul Armstrong for their assistance in getting the material on the website, and regards to all the regular away fans, especially 'Red Ray' Lord. I hope to see you all soon.

Westworld - there were a number of local clubs in this era that were formed, rose to prominence, then disappeared without trace. Some amalgamated with others, some just didn't survive. For instance I could use up a whole chapter to just deal with the plethora of clubs that represented Frizzington at one time or another (Rovers, White Star, United, etc). A number of the Black Diamonds players you name actually went on to play for the Reds, and they will get a mention in future chapters. I also intend to incorporate a piece on some of the other clubs that were town rivals of Workington, such as Moss Bay and the Black Diamonds. A forthcoming chapter, which should be on the website shortly, will give the full story of the McLuckie connection.

Incidentally, Black Diamonds seem to have taken up residence on the Cricket Field after Workington had moved to their Ashfield ground, and Frizzington Rovers played at the quaintly named 'Bogholes Ground', before moving to 'Mr Bewlay's new field!'


I'm glad you're enjoying the series, and, as always, I welcome any feedback or comments.

I have a huge amount of information that won't appear on the website, Paul would kill me for clogging the site up! It is certainly my intention to put everything together in book form, including the stuff that won't be on-line. I'm hoping that I can look at next year for it being published, to coincide with the hundred years anniversary of the Reds being re-formed. My intention would be to split any profits between the Reds and research into the crippling disease that claimed the lives of both Tony Hopper and 'Burnley Bob' Atkinson.

As a bit of a taster, and in response to Westworld's comments about the Black Diamonds club - they were nicknamed 'The Pinks', because their colours were Pink and Black. In September 1901 they moved their home ground to the Old Band Contest Field at the bottom of Lowca Lane. You got to it by walking down the lane between the allotments and Field House. They later added an additional entrance on Queen Street. It took me some time, but can you put an X as to where this is on a modern day map?

As always any comments or feedback re the articles are gratefully received.

Certainly a great read John and I know Bob would have enjoyed it, especially the many early 20th Century links between Reds and Burnley. I look forward to the book and can supply photos of the players with Burnley connections should you require them.