The Fourth Season

New arrivals on the playing staff for the fourth season of League Football were former Scottish international full back Peter Pursell who was signed from Port Vale and there was the return of half back Owen Williams who had spent the previous campaign playing for Holyhead, during which time he represented Wales against Scotland in a junior international match and press reports indicated he was the best player on the pitch.
Herbert Simpson was signed from Bolton Wanderers early in June 1924 and this was followed up with the signing of centre half Jack Marshall from Preston North End.
On 2nd August 1924 it was reported that former Manchester City and Manchester United inside forward Wilf Woodcock had arrived at the club from Stockport County and Albert Leeming the brother of well known Bury star Joe, was signed from Preston North End. Goalkeeper Alec Hunter had decided that his futire lay elsewhere and he was replaced by John Goodwin who the club acquired from Dumbarton Harp. Defender Harry Fare and Fred Ward were both retained and the club signed on three amateurs with a view of eventually replacing them as they were both now rapidly approaching the 'veteran' age. Half back Harry Morris was secured from Hartlepools United and right half back Jimmy Bradley was snapped up from Chesterfield. George Jones, Billy Glover, Arthur Ormston and Billy Kettle were all retained.
Herbert Simpson was signed from Bolton Wanderers early in June 1924 and this was followed up with the signing of centre half Jack Marshall from Preston North End.
On 2nd August 1924 it was reported that former Manchester City and Manchester United inside forward Wilf Woodcock had arrived at the club from Stockport County and Albert Leeming the brother of well known Bury star Joe, was signed from Preston North End. Goalkeeper Alec Hunter had decided that his futire lay elsewhere and he was replaced by John Goodwin who the club acquired from Dumbarton Harp. Defender Harry Fare and Fred Ward were both retained and the club signed on three amateurs with a view of eventually replacing them as they were both now rapidly approaching the 'veteran' age. Half back Harry Morris was secured from Hartlepools United and right half back Jimmy Bradley was snapped up from Chesterfield. George Jones, Billy Glover, Arthur Ormston and Billy Kettle were all retained.
Earlier in the summer James McGrahan had put in a written transfer request and it had been accepted.
Ground tickets had also been reduced to the princely sum of fifteen shillings, whilst for 'ladies and apprentices' the cost was ten shillings and sixpence. This constituted a good deal as the Supporters Club had provided a much needed covered shelter on the Pop Side. Springfield now boasted shelter for 15,000 spectators.
The club colours had also been changed from red and white halved shirts to plain green shirts. The white shorts were retained and the club soon become known as the 'Linnets'.
This is how the season panned out...
30/08/24 -----Wigan Borough 0-0 Walsall - 12,000
Goodwin (debut), Fare, Ward F, Morris (debut), Marshall (debut), Pursell (debut), Jones, Woodcock (debut), Glover, Kettle, Simpson (debut)
01/09/24 -----Lincoln City 1-0 Wigan Borough - 7,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Morris, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Glover, Kettle, Simpson
06/09/24 -----Rochdale 3-2 Wigan Borough - (Kettle, Glover) - 10,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Morris, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Glover, Ormston (debut), Kettle, Simpson
08/09/24 -----Wigan Borough 4-0 Lincoln City - (Kettle 2, Marshall, Jones) - 9,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Glover, Whitfield, Kettle, Simpson
13/09/24 -----Crewe Alexandra 1-1 Wigan Borough - (Woodcock) - 6,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Glover, Woodcock, Kettle, Simpson
17/09/24 -----Accrington Stanley 3-1 Wigan Borough - (Simpson) - 4,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Glover, Woodcock, Kettle, Simpson
20/09/24 -----Wigan Borough 0-0 Durham City - 11,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Glover, Ormston, Woodcock, Simpson
23/09/24 -----Nelson 4-0 Wigan Borough - (Lancashire Senior Cup, first round) - 1,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Ormston, Pursell, Ward T, Glover, Morris, Kettle, Simpson
27/09/24 -----Doncaster Rovers 5-0 Wigan Borough - 6,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Williams O (second debut), Jones, Spencer, Kettle, Swift (debut), Simpson
04/10/24 -----Southport 0-1 Wigan Borough - (Mercer) - 9,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Glover, Kettle, Simpson
11/10/24 -----Wigan Borough 2-0 Ashington - (Mercer, Kettle) - 10,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Glover, Kettle, Simpson
18/10/24 -----Wigan Borough 1-1 Nelson - (Mercer) - 12,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Glover, Kettle, Simpson
25/10/24 -----Wigan Borough 1-1 Darlington - (Mercer) - 12,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Woodcock, Kettle, Simpson
01/11/24 -----Bradford Park Avenue 2-2 Wigan Borough - (Glover, Simpson) - 5,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Stevenson, Glover, Simpson
In midweek Garfield Wallace snapped up young centre half Nicholas Latham from Swansea Town. Good things were expected of the former Chorley and Preston North End player who was based in Tarleton.
08/11/24 -----Wigan Borough 5-0 Wrexham - (Glover 2, Mercer 2, Stevenson) - 10,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Stevenson, Glover, Simpson
Not only was this the best performance of the season so far the attendance was quite simply outstanding given the fact the Wigan's Northern Code and Union teams were both at home, along with Wigan Highfield.
15/11/24 -----Rotherham County 3-4 Wigan Borough - (Glover 2, Mercer 2) - 6,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Stevenson, Glover, Simpson
22/11/24 -----Chesterfield 3-1 Wigan Borough - (Stevenson) - 9,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Woodcock, Mercer, Stevenson, Glover, Simpson
29/11/24 -----Bradford Park Avenue 1-0 Wigan Borough - (FA Cup, fifth qualifying round) - 15,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Stevenson, Glover, Simpson
06/12/24 -----Wigan Borough 2-0 Halifax Town - (Fare (pen), Mercer) - 6,500
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Morris, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Ormston, Woodcock, Simpson
13/12/24 -----New Brighton 3-0 Wigan Borough - 5,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Morris, Pursell, Jones, Fenner, Stevenson, Glover, Simpson
20/12/24 -----Wigan Borough 3-1 Grimsby - (Fenner 2, Jennings) - 6,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Fenner, Ormston, Glover, Simpson
25/12/24 -----Hartlepools United 1-0 Wigan Borough - 5,000
Goodwin, Kershaw, , Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Fenner, Ormston, Glover, Simpson
26/12/24 -----Wigan Borough 0-0 Hartlepools United - 7,000
Goodwin, Morris, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall Jones, Welsby, Mercer, Stevenson, Glover, Simpson
27/12/24 -----Walsall 3-1 Wigan Borough - (Fare) - unknown
Goodwin, Morris, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall Jones, Welsby, Mercer, Fare, Glover, Simpson
03/01/25----- Wigan Borough 2-3 Rochdale - (Glover 2) - 6,000
Goodwin, Morris, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall Jones, Welsby, Mercer, Fare, Glover, Simpson
17/01/25 -----Wigan Borough 3-4 Crewe Alexandra - (Glover 2, Fare) - 5,000
Goodwin, Morris, Hale (debut), Jennings, Marshall Jones, Welsby, Mercer, Fare, Glover, Simpson
24/01/25 -----Durham City 1-1 Wigan Borough - (Jones) - 3,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Marshall, Morris, Jones, Mercer, Stevenson, Glover, Simpson
31/01/25 -----Wigan Borough 2-2 Doncaster Rovers - (Marshall, Glover) - 2,500
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Marshall, Morris, Jones, Woodcock, Ormston, Glover, Simpson
07/02/00 -----Wigan Borough 2-0 Southport - (Welsby, Simpson) - 9,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Marshall, Morris, Jones, Woodcock, Glover, Welsby, Simpson
On 9th February 1925 a shareholders meeting was held at the YMCA on King Street West. For several months the shareholder of the club and the directors were at odds with regards to Borough's worrying financial situation and the meeting was called in an effort to 'set the record straight'. Present at the meeting were club chairman Councillor John Heaton jr, manager/secretary Garfield Wallace and Messrs Jack Culshaw who was billed as the managing direstor, T Culshaw, J Young, JW Asson, Greenhough and Grimshaw.
The chairman immediately laid his cards on the table and told the meeting that 'there was an overdraft at the bank of six thousand, six hundred and eighty pounds, sixteen shillings and five pence, against which the bank had the deeds of the land on which they had allowed three and a half thousand pounds that was guaranteed by the directors'. He also revealed that of the 16,000 thousand shres issued only a couple of thousand were owned by other parties, the rest being bin the hands of various directors who incidentally were not prepared to extend their shareholding further. He bemoaned the fat that the public of Wigan were not prepared to help their local club like the fans at Blackpool and Leeds United had done during their clubs' financial problems.
Things got somewhat heated when the chairman claimed that one thousand seven hundred pounds was still required to complete the purcgase ofthe main stand, he then claimed that he himself as owed eight hundred pounds that there were also other various amounts up to a total of seven hundred pounds still owed. Angry exchanges followed with regards to shareholders not being privy to the current balance sheet and the absence of a loss and profits statement. The chairman replied that they were never asked for them and that he and his directors had nothing to hide. He added that the holding of the directors was nine tenths of the money subscribed for shares and that loan money amounted to eight thousand four hundred and forty six pounds, every penny of which was held by the directors. If that didn't prove they had done all that they could what would?
He then explained that another purpose for this meeting was to see if the shareholders could find two thousand pounds to help the board deal with the current crisis.
A Mr W Latham of Wigan Lane enquired as to what state the club would be in but for the efforts of the Supporters Club, who felt their work had been wasted , especially given the fact other better placed and financially more secure clubs did not get such support. He also thought that the management were not running the club properly and more financial support would be forthcoming from the public if this were not the case.
Mr Greenough then invited him to join the board, but Mr Latham declined. A furious voice then declared that if the whole board were to resign, many more people would be willing to take the club further. The following exchange was then recorded...
Mr Greenough "Any gentleman who would like to come on the directorate can have a seat"
Mr Latham, " I agree there are some who would do it credit"
Unknown, "The Supporters Club have lost confidence in some of the directors"
Mr R Walsh, "Would the new directors put any money in?"
Mr Latham, "Where is the money gone from the gates you have taken?"
Mr R Walsh, "You know as well as I do what has been done with the money"
Mr Latham, "The gates have averaged between ten and twelve thousand"
The chairman then replied to the question of a lack of confidence stating,
"Nobody appreciates more than I do what the Supporters Club has done, but speaking frankly, they have not found much money. They have done good work and whilst they are almost wholly good friend of mine, and while I agree that the shelter is a good asset, they have not brought much money to the exchequer. You ask where the money has gone? If this meeting desires the information I will tell you.
"The club has had jolly rotten bad luck.. Our gate receipts are unfortunately down compared with last season, one and ahalf thousand pounds, because there have been two matches less and the team has not come up to expectations. Our win on Saturday was the first since the middle of Decemberand you know that people outside of Wigan will not support a team unless it is winning. I want to say this, and every member of the board will agree with me, that if you shareholders are dissatisfied with the way the club has been run and what the board have done, say so point blank and the board will go. We will resign and you may elect your own directors, but having done that, don't run away from the fact of what the holding of the board is in shares and loans.
"We had come here, I had hoped, for a friendly chat and to try to find this money to keep the club going and make further progress. I tell you honestly and frankly apart from this board you haven't got anyone who will qualify to come on the board. I am sorry to say it, but it is a shame that there is not somebody who will come forward and improve the financial position of the club"
Arguments ensued about the success of Mr Garfield Wallace's management and conflicts with the Supporters Club and then an very unusual proposal was put the the chairman, A Mr Alfred Smith asked , point blank, as earlier requested,
"Are the directors prepared to sell the club lock, stock and barrel? If so the money can be found - at a price"
Mr J Young, "Are you prepared to make an offer for lock, stock and barrel?"
Mr Alfred Smith, "How much do you want? What is your price?"
Mr Alfred Smith intimated that he was to head a syndicate prepared to buy the club even after the chairman insisted that the said syndicate would be liable for all debts. There were dissenting voices from certain shareholders, there was also a call for a 'town meeting' and on that point the meeting was adjourned until 18th February as discussion had become too heated.
14/02/25 -----Ashington 1-1 Wigan Borough - (Woodcock) - 3,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Marshall, Morris, Jones, Woodcock, Glover, Welsby, Simpson
18/02/25 ----- Wigan Borough 3-1 Oldham Athletic - (Manchester Senior Cup, first round) - (Glover 2, Simpson) 3,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Brown, Morris, Jones, Woodcock, Welsby Glover, Simpson
The second meeting about the clubs finances took place at the same venue, but the gathering for this adjourned meeting was double that of the prvious one. In attendance were the same club officials as at the previous meeting. The chairman opened the meeting stating that the board's stance had not changed from the previous meeting, he was anxious to hear shareholder views and the outcome of a Supporters Club meeting and was hopeful of hearing some positive suggestions with regards to the club's future.
He also revealed that two, or possibly three director were willing to resign if their places could be filled by gentlemen willing to put money into the club. Mr Jack Culshaw, the managing director would also give up his position if required. He offered those places to any members of the Supporters club and declared that the club needed a thousand pounds immediately and another thousand pounds the month after in order to keep the club afloat. Explaining the situation fully he said,
"We have got to have it from somewhere and men with big money in the club are prepared to resign and leave their loan money in if there are people to take their places. The loan account is three thousand four hundred pounds and it is held by the directors with the exception of about two hundred pounds. That will be left for other people to control and I think that is a very sporting offer."
"At the last meeting we had Mr Alfred Smith making suggestions. I have endeavoured to get hold of him this afternoon to discuss what he and his friends are prepared to do but unfortunately I have been unable to meet him. However that may be, five directors today have come forward with a further guarantee which shows they have confidence in the future of the club." He stated that surely this was inducement enough for others to invest in the club? He also implied that he had no faith in town meetings as a couple had already taken place with negative results, even so he stated that the Mayor was prepared to host such a meeting. But his main concern was that directors were paying players wages and other expenses and he needed help to rectify the situation. He also said that the directors,
"had also incurred many debts in trying in more ways than one to advertise the club letting people know the Borough was a really live club striving to provide a popular pastime, aiming to get into the Second Division and it is hoped, to eventually get into the First Division." He declared that whatever expenses the club had incurred it was all done with shareholders blessings He implied no disagreements were present among the directors and they were all determined to make the club strionger and more successful. He told the packed room,
"If I have to carry the Boro club on my own back it will continue and I think the other directors support me in that view. I want to appeal to you as sportsmen and individually to put your backs into it and share the financial burden. He explained that the average gate was 10,000 and if each of those people could taske up shares the club would be 'absolutely swimming'.
The meeting closed following what turned out to be an ominous statement when a Mr Wardle enquired as to whether or not the club should be liquidated and start afresh. The chairman replied,
"That answer to that question lies with the directors who have the controlling interest." He closed the meeting hoping that the supporters could come up with the money to keep the club afloat.
21/02/25----- Nelson 1-0 Wigan Borough - 6,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Brown (debut), Morris, Jones, Woodcock, Glover, Welsby, Simpson
28/02/25 -----Darlington 5-0 Wigan Borough - 8,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Brown, Morris, Jones, Mercer, Welsby, Woodcock, Kettle
07/03/25 -----Wigan Borough 1-0 Bradford Park Avenue - (Ormston) - 7,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Marshall, Welsby, Woodcock, Mercer, Ormston, Glover, Kettle
11/03/25 -----Manchester North End 0-1 Wigan Borough - (Manchester Senior Cup, second round) - (Ormston) - 2,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Brown, Welsby, Woodcock, Mercer, Ormston, Glover, Kettle
14/03/25 -----Wrexham 6-2 Wigan Borough - (Ormston, Fenner) - 5,000
Goodwin, Jennings, Fare, Fenner, Brown, Welsby, Simpson, Mercer, Ormston, Glover, Kettle
21/03/25 -----Wigan Borough 4-1 Rotherham County - (Glover 3, Ormston) - 6,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Marshall, Welsby, Simpson, Mercer, Ormston, Glover, Kettle
28/03/25 -----Wigan Borough 0-0 Chesterfield - 7,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Marshall, Welsby, Jones, Mercer, Ormston, Glover, Kettle
04/04/25 -----Wigan Borough 1-2 Accrington Stanley - (Fenner) - 4,000
Fergusopn (debut), Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Welsby, Jones, Mercer, Fenner, Glover, Kettle
10/04/25 -----Barrow 0-1 Wigan Borough - (Mercer) - 4,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Welsby, Kettle, Mercer, Ormston, Glover, Simpson
11/04/25 -----Halifax Town 1-2 Wigan Borough - (Kettle, Glover) - 7,500)
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Bradley (debut), Marshall, Welsby, Kettle, Mercer, Ormston, Glover, Simpson
13/04/25 -----Wigan Borough 2-0 Barrow - (Bradley, Kettle) - 5,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Bradley, Marshall, Welsby, Kettle, Mercer, Ormston, Glover, Simpson
14/04/25 -----Tranmere Rovers 2-3 Wigan Borough - (Kettle 2, Forshaw) - 2,500
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Bradley, Marshall, Welsby, Kettle, Mercer, Forshaw (debut), Glover, Simpson
18/04/25 -----Wigan Borough 0-1 New Brighton - 6,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Brown, Welsby, Kettle, Mercer, Fenner, Glover, Simpson
22/01/25 -----Wigan Borough 1-2 Bury - (Manchester Senior Cup, SEMI FINAL) - (Glover) - 7,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Brown, Welsby, Kettle , Mercer, Stevenson, Glover, Simpson
25/04/25 -----Grimsby Town 4-0 Wigan Borough - 5,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Brown, Welsby, Kettle, Mercer, Fenner, Glover, Simpson
Crowd favourite Billy Glover broke his leg during the game.
02/05/25 -----Wigan Borough 4-0 Tranmere Rovers - (Fenner 2, Mercer, Simpson) - 3,500
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jenningsm Brown, Welsby, Jones, Mercer, Fenner, Simpson. Leeming (debut)
Wigan Borough's first team trainer Joe Rimmer ended his association with the club at the end of the season. His place was taken with immediate effect by Peter Pursell who Borough had signed from Port Vale the previous July.
1924/25 – 42 15 11 16 65 65 41 11th
The reserves finished third bottom in the Lancashire Combination.
1924-25 -- 36 12 4 20 45 82 28 17th
The players to feature throughout the season were ...
Jimmy Bradley, Jimmy Brown, Tommy Fenner, Alex Ferguson, Hugh Forshaw, Billy Glover, John Goodwin, Waltrer Hale, Jack Jennings, George Jones, Jack Kershaw, Billy Kettle, Albert Leeming, Jack Marshall, Arthur Mercer, Harry Morris, Arthur Ormston, Peter Pursell, Herbie Simpson, Henry Spencer, Albert Stevenson, Jimmy Swift, Fred Ward, Tom Ward, Arthur We;sby, Frank Whitfield, Owen Williams, Wilf Woodcock.
Known amateurs and reserves were...
Brookes, T Grimshaw, J Gleeson, Birchall, Billy Dickinson, E Watson, J Rawson, R Marsh, Joe Hodgkinson, Joe Hodkinson, Long, Wilson, Wilkinson, Swift, Ashcroft, Cannon and Barlow .
More information on these players can be found in the 'Players A to Z' section/s of this site. Photographs can be found in the 'Historical Photographs' section ...
Copyright © 2012 - This Northern Soul. All rights reserved
Ground tickets had also been reduced to the princely sum of fifteen shillings, whilst for 'ladies and apprentices' the cost was ten shillings and sixpence. This constituted a good deal as the Supporters Club had provided a much needed covered shelter on the Pop Side. Springfield now boasted shelter for 15,000 spectators.
The club colours had also been changed from red and white halved shirts to plain green shirts. The white shorts were retained and the club soon become known as the 'Linnets'.
This is how the season panned out...
30/08/24 -----Wigan Borough 0-0 Walsall - 12,000
Goodwin (debut), Fare, Ward F, Morris (debut), Marshall (debut), Pursell (debut), Jones, Woodcock (debut), Glover, Kettle, Simpson (debut)
01/09/24 -----Lincoln City 1-0 Wigan Borough - 7,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Morris, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Glover, Kettle, Simpson
06/09/24 -----Rochdale 3-2 Wigan Borough - (Kettle, Glover) - 10,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Morris, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Glover, Ormston (debut), Kettle, Simpson
08/09/24 -----Wigan Borough 4-0 Lincoln City - (Kettle 2, Marshall, Jones) - 9,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Glover, Whitfield, Kettle, Simpson
13/09/24 -----Crewe Alexandra 1-1 Wigan Borough - (Woodcock) - 6,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Glover, Woodcock, Kettle, Simpson
17/09/24 -----Accrington Stanley 3-1 Wigan Borough - (Simpson) - 4,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Glover, Woodcock, Kettle, Simpson
20/09/24 -----Wigan Borough 0-0 Durham City - 11,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Glover, Ormston, Woodcock, Simpson
23/09/24 -----Nelson 4-0 Wigan Borough - (Lancashire Senior Cup, first round) - 1,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Ormston, Pursell, Ward T, Glover, Morris, Kettle, Simpson
27/09/24 -----Doncaster Rovers 5-0 Wigan Borough - 6,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Williams O (second debut), Jones, Spencer, Kettle, Swift (debut), Simpson
04/10/24 -----Southport 0-1 Wigan Borough - (Mercer) - 9,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Glover, Kettle, Simpson
11/10/24 -----Wigan Borough 2-0 Ashington - (Mercer, Kettle) - 10,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Glover, Kettle, Simpson
18/10/24 -----Wigan Borough 1-1 Nelson - (Mercer) - 12,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Glover, Kettle, Simpson
25/10/24 -----Wigan Borough 1-1 Darlington - (Mercer) - 12,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Woodcock, Kettle, Simpson
01/11/24 -----Bradford Park Avenue 2-2 Wigan Borough - (Glover, Simpson) - 5,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Stevenson, Glover, Simpson
In midweek Garfield Wallace snapped up young centre half Nicholas Latham from Swansea Town. Good things were expected of the former Chorley and Preston North End player who was based in Tarleton.
08/11/24 -----Wigan Borough 5-0 Wrexham - (Glover 2, Mercer 2, Stevenson) - 10,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Stevenson, Glover, Simpson
Not only was this the best performance of the season so far the attendance was quite simply outstanding given the fact the Wigan's Northern Code and Union teams were both at home, along with Wigan Highfield.
15/11/24 -----Rotherham County 3-4 Wigan Borough - (Glover 2, Mercer 2) - 6,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Stevenson, Glover, Simpson
22/11/24 -----Chesterfield 3-1 Wigan Borough - (Stevenson) - 9,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Woodcock, Mercer, Stevenson, Glover, Simpson
29/11/24 -----Bradford Park Avenue 1-0 Wigan Borough - (FA Cup, fifth qualifying round) - 15,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Stevenson, Glover, Simpson
06/12/24 -----Wigan Borough 2-0 Halifax Town - (Fare (pen), Mercer) - 6,500
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Morris, Pursell, Jones, Mercer, Ormston, Woodcock, Simpson
13/12/24 -----New Brighton 3-0 Wigan Borough - 5,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Morris, Pursell, Jones, Fenner, Stevenson, Glover, Simpson
20/12/24 -----Wigan Borough 3-1 Grimsby - (Fenner 2, Jennings) - 6,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Fenner, Ormston, Glover, Simpson
25/12/24 -----Hartlepools United 1-0 Wigan Borough - 5,000
Goodwin, Kershaw, , Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Pursell, Jones, Fenner, Ormston, Glover, Simpson
26/12/24 -----Wigan Borough 0-0 Hartlepools United - 7,000
Goodwin, Morris, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall Jones, Welsby, Mercer, Stevenson, Glover, Simpson
27/12/24 -----Walsall 3-1 Wigan Borough - (Fare) - unknown
Goodwin, Morris, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall Jones, Welsby, Mercer, Fare, Glover, Simpson
03/01/25----- Wigan Borough 2-3 Rochdale - (Glover 2) - 6,000
Goodwin, Morris, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall Jones, Welsby, Mercer, Fare, Glover, Simpson
17/01/25 -----Wigan Borough 3-4 Crewe Alexandra - (Glover 2, Fare) - 5,000
Goodwin, Morris, Hale (debut), Jennings, Marshall Jones, Welsby, Mercer, Fare, Glover, Simpson
24/01/25 -----Durham City 1-1 Wigan Borough - (Jones) - 3,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Marshall, Morris, Jones, Mercer, Stevenson, Glover, Simpson
31/01/25 -----Wigan Borough 2-2 Doncaster Rovers - (Marshall, Glover) - 2,500
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Marshall, Morris, Jones, Woodcock, Ormston, Glover, Simpson
07/02/00 -----Wigan Borough 2-0 Southport - (Welsby, Simpson) - 9,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Marshall, Morris, Jones, Woodcock, Glover, Welsby, Simpson
On 9th February 1925 a shareholders meeting was held at the YMCA on King Street West. For several months the shareholder of the club and the directors were at odds with regards to Borough's worrying financial situation and the meeting was called in an effort to 'set the record straight'. Present at the meeting were club chairman Councillor John Heaton jr, manager/secretary Garfield Wallace and Messrs Jack Culshaw who was billed as the managing direstor, T Culshaw, J Young, JW Asson, Greenhough and Grimshaw.
The chairman immediately laid his cards on the table and told the meeting that 'there was an overdraft at the bank of six thousand, six hundred and eighty pounds, sixteen shillings and five pence, against which the bank had the deeds of the land on which they had allowed three and a half thousand pounds that was guaranteed by the directors'. He also revealed that of the 16,000 thousand shres issued only a couple of thousand were owned by other parties, the rest being bin the hands of various directors who incidentally were not prepared to extend their shareholding further. He bemoaned the fat that the public of Wigan were not prepared to help their local club like the fans at Blackpool and Leeds United had done during their clubs' financial problems.
Things got somewhat heated when the chairman claimed that one thousand seven hundred pounds was still required to complete the purcgase ofthe main stand, he then claimed that he himself as owed eight hundred pounds that there were also other various amounts up to a total of seven hundred pounds still owed. Angry exchanges followed with regards to shareholders not being privy to the current balance sheet and the absence of a loss and profits statement. The chairman replied that they were never asked for them and that he and his directors had nothing to hide. He added that the holding of the directors was nine tenths of the money subscribed for shares and that loan money amounted to eight thousand four hundred and forty six pounds, every penny of which was held by the directors. If that didn't prove they had done all that they could what would?
He then explained that another purpose for this meeting was to see if the shareholders could find two thousand pounds to help the board deal with the current crisis.
A Mr W Latham of Wigan Lane enquired as to what state the club would be in but for the efforts of the Supporters Club, who felt their work had been wasted , especially given the fact other better placed and financially more secure clubs did not get such support. He also thought that the management were not running the club properly and more financial support would be forthcoming from the public if this were not the case.
Mr Greenough then invited him to join the board, but Mr Latham declined. A furious voice then declared that if the whole board were to resign, many more people would be willing to take the club further. The following exchange was then recorded...
Mr Greenough "Any gentleman who would like to come on the directorate can have a seat"
Mr Latham, " I agree there are some who would do it credit"
Unknown, "The Supporters Club have lost confidence in some of the directors"
Mr R Walsh, "Would the new directors put any money in?"
Mr Latham, "Where is the money gone from the gates you have taken?"
Mr R Walsh, "You know as well as I do what has been done with the money"
Mr Latham, "The gates have averaged between ten and twelve thousand"
The chairman then replied to the question of a lack of confidence stating,
"Nobody appreciates more than I do what the Supporters Club has done, but speaking frankly, they have not found much money. They have done good work and whilst they are almost wholly good friend of mine, and while I agree that the shelter is a good asset, they have not brought much money to the exchequer. You ask where the money has gone? If this meeting desires the information I will tell you.
"The club has had jolly rotten bad luck.. Our gate receipts are unfortunately down compared with last season, one and ahalf thousand pounds, because there have been two matches less and the team has not come up to expectations. Our win on Saturday was the first since the middle of Decemberand you know that people outside of Wigan will not support a team unless it is winning. I want to say this, and every member of the board will agree with me, that if you shareholders are dissatisfied with the way the club has been run and what the board have done, say so point blank and the board will go. We will resign and you may elect your own directors, but having done that, don't run away from the fact of what the holding of the board is in shares and loans.
"We had come here, I had hoped, for a friendly chat and to try to find this money to keep the club going and make further progress. I tell you honestly and frankly apart from this board you haven't got anyone who will qualify to come on the board. I am sorry to say it, but it is a shame that there is not somebody who will come forward and improve the financial position of the club"
Arguments ensued about the success of Mr Garfield Wallace's management and conflicts with the Supporters Club and then an very unusual proposal was put the the chairman, A Mr Alfred Smith asked , point blank, as earlier requested,
"Are the directors prepared to sell the club lock, stock and barrel? If so the money can be found - at a price"
Mr J Young, "Are you prepared to make an offer for lock, stock and barrel?"
Mr Alfred Smith, "How much do you want? What is your price?"
Mr Alfred Smith intimated that he was to head a syndicate prepared to buy the club even after the chairman insisted that the said syndicate would be liable for all debts. There were dissenting voices from certain shareholders, there was also a call for a 'town meeting' and on that point the meeting was adjourned until 18th February as discussion had become too heated.
14/02/25 -----Ashington 1-1 Wigan Borough - (Woodcock) - 3,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Marshall, Morris, Jones, Woodcock, Glover, Welsby, Simpson
18/02/25 ----- Wigan Borough 3-1 Oldham Athletic - (Manchester Senior Cup, first round) - (Glover 2, Simpson) 3,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Brown, Morris, Jones, Woodcock, Welsby Glover, Simpson
The second meeting about the clubs finances took place at the same venue, but the gathering for this adjourned meeting was double that of the prvious one. In attendance were the same club officials as at the previous meeting. The chairman opened the meeting stating that the board's stance had not changed from the previous meeting, he was anxious to hear shareholder views and the outcome of a Supporters Club meeting and was hopeful of hearing some positive suggestions with regards to the club's future.
He also revealed that two, or possibly three director were willing to resign if their places could be filled by gentlemen willing to put money into the club. Mr Jack Culshaw, the managing director would also give up his position if required. He offered those places to any members of the Supporters club and declared that the club needed a thousand pounds immediately and another thousand pounds the month after in order to keep the club afloat. Explaining the situation fully he said,
"We have got to have it from somewhere and men with big money in the club are prepared to resign and leave their loan money in if there are people to take their places. The loan account is three thousand four hundred pounds and it is held by the directors with the exception of about two hundred pounds. That will be left for other people to control and I think that is a very sporting offer."
"At the last meeting we had Mr Alfred Smith making suggestions. I have endeavoured to get hold of him this afternoon to discuss what he and his friends are prepared to do but unfortunately I have been unable to meet him. However that may be, five directors today have come forward with a further guarantee which shows they have confidence in the future of the club." He stated that surely this was inducement enough for others to invest in the club? He also implied that he had no faith in town meetings as a couple had already taken place with negative results, even so he stated that the Mayor was prepared to host such a meeting. But his main concern was that directors were paying players wages and other expenses and he needed help to rectify the situation. He also said that the directors,
"had also incurred many debts in trying in more ways than one to advertise the club letting people know the Borough was a really live club striving to provide a popular pastime, aiming to get into the Second Division and it is hoped, to eventually get into the First Division." He declared that whatever expenses the club had incurred it was all done with shareholders blessings He implied no disagreements were present among the directors and they were all determined to make the club strionger and more successful. He told the packed room,
"If I have to carry the Boro club on my own back it will continue and I think the other directors support me in that view. I want to appeal to you as sportsmen and individually to put your backs into it and share the financial burden. He explained that the average gate was 10,000 and if each of those people could taske up shares the club would be 'absolutely swimming'.
The meeting closed following what turned out to be an ominous statement when a Mr Wardle enquired as to whether or not the club should be liquidated and start afresh. The chairman replied,
"That answer to that question lies with the directors who have the controlling interest." He closed the meeting hoping that the supporters could come up with the money to keep the club afloat.
21/02/25----- Nelson 1-0 Wigan Borough - 6,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Brown (debut), Morris, Jones, Woodcock, Glover, Welsby, Simpson
28/02/25 -----Darlington 5-0 Wigan Borough - 8,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Brown, Morris, Jones, Mercer, Welsby, Woodcock, Kettle
07/03/25 -----Wigan Borough 1-0 Bradford Park Avenue - (Ormston) - 7,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Marshall, Welsby, Woodcock, Mercer, Ormston, Glover, Kettle
11/03/25 -----Manchester North End 0-1 Wigan Borough - (Manchester Senior Cup, second round) - (Ormston) - 2,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Brown, Welsby, Woodcock, Mercer, Ormston, Glover, Kettle
14/03/25 -----Wrexham 6-2 Wigan Borough - (Ormston, Fenner) - 5,000
Goodwin, Jennings, Fare, Fenner, Brown, Welsby, Simpson, Mercer, Ormston, Glover, Kettle
21/03/25 -----Wigan Borough 4-1 Rotherham County - (Glover 3, Ormston) - 6,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Marshall, Welsby, Simpson, Mercer, Ormston, Glover, Kettle
28/03/25 -----Wigan Borough 0-0 Chesterfield - 7,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Marshall, Welsby, Jones, Mercer, Ormston, Glover, Kettle
04/04/25 -----Wigan Borough 1-2 Accrington Stanley - (Fenner) - 4,000
Fergusopn (debut), Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Welsby, Jones, Mercer, Fenner, Glover, Kettle
10/04/25 -----Barrow 0-1 Wigan Borough - (Mercer) - 4,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Marshall, Welsby, Kettle, Mercer, Ormston, Glover, Simpson
11/04/25 -----Halifax Town 1-2 Wigan Borough - (Kettle, Glover) - 7,500)
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Bradley (debut), Marshall, Welsby, Kettle, Mercer, Ormston, Glover, Simpson
13/04/25 -----Wigan Borough 2-0 Barrow - (Bradley, Kettle) - 5,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Bradley, Marshall, Welsby, Kettle, Mercer, Ormston, Glover, Simpson
14/04/25 -----Tranmere Rovers 2-3 Wigan Borough - (Kettle 2, Forshaw) - 2,500
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Bradley, Marshall, Welsby, Kettle, Mercer, Forshaw (debut), Glover, Simpson
18/04/25 -----Wigan Borough 0-1 New Brighton - 6,000
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jennings, Brown, Welsby, Kettle, Mercer, Fenner, Glover, Simpson
22/01/25 -----Wigan Borough 1-2 Bury - (Manchester Senior Cup, SEMI FINAL) - (Glover) - 7,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Brown, Welsby, Kettle , Mercer, Stevenson, Glover, Simpson
25/04/25 -----Grimsby Town 4-0 Wigan Borough - 5,000
Goodwin, Fare, Pursell, Jennings, Brown, Welsby, Kettle, Mercer, Fenner, Glover, Simpson
Crowd favourite Billy Glover broke his leg during the game.
02/05/25 -----Wigan Borough 4-0 Tranmere Rovers - (Fenner 2, Mercer, Simpson) - 3,500
Goodwin, Fare, Ward F, Jenningsm Brown, Welsby, Jones, Mercer, Fenner, Simpson. Leeming (debut)
Wigan Borough's first team trainer Joe Rimmer ended his association with the club at the end of the season. His place was taken with immediate effect by Peter Pursell who Borough had signed from Port Vale the previous July.
1924/25 – 42 15 11 16 65 65 41 11th
The reserves finished third bottom in the Lancashire Combination.
1924-25 -- 36 12 4 20 45 82 28 17th
The players to feature throughout the season were ...
Jimmy Bradley, Jimmy Brown, Tommy Fenner, Alex Ferguson, Hugh Forshaw, Billy Glover, John Goodwin, Waltrer Hale, Jack Jennings, George Jones, Jack Kershaw, Billy Kettle, Albert Leeming, Jack Marshall, Arthur Mercer, Harry Morris, Arthur Ormston, Peter Pursell, Herbie Simpson, Henry Spencer, Albert Stevenson, Jimmy Swift, Fred Ward, Tom Ward, Arthur We;sby, Frank Whitfield, Owen Williams, Wilf Woodcock.
Known amateurs and reserves were...
Brookes, T Grimshaw, J Gleeson, Birchall, Billy Dickinson, E Watson, J Rawson, R Marsh, Joe Hodgkinson, Joe Hodkinson, Long, Wilson, Wilkinson, Swift, Ashcroft, Cannon and Barlow .
More information on these players can be found in the 'Players A to Z' section/s of this site. Photographs can be found in the 'Historical Photographs' section ...
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