The Fifth Season
During the summer the club had appointed former Charlton Athletic manager Mr William Rayner in place of Mr Garfield Wallace. He was in fact Charton's manager during their first season in the Football League in 1921 and he remained there until his sacking in June 1925. He also had coaching experience with Tottenham Hotspur and had played the game to a high standard with Norwich City for whom he was the leading goalscorer in season's 1909/10 and 1910/11. Shareholders were delighted with the appointment as Rayner had an awesome reputation when it came to talent spotting. It was said that he had earned Charlton Athletic over fifteen thousand pounds via the sales of players he had discovered at youth level elsewhere. These players included Chelsea's trio HS Miller, SL Plum and S Castle.
Among his first duties at Springfield Park was the signing of fresh quality players with th talent to climb the league table and in effect easing the club's worsening financial position.
Among his first duties at Springfield Park was the signing of fresh quality players with th talent to climb the league table and in effect easing the club's worsening financial position.
The comings and goings started with almost immediate effect. First there were two departures, veteran defender Harry Fare was transferred to Bury whilst Jack Jennings who had been with the club since his days as an amateur had been released. Goalkeeper John Goodwin had also left Springfield Park to sign up with Barnsley.
He was replaced by Ernie Salt, the former Everton goalkeeper who arrived at the club from Accrington Stanley. Rayner's next signing was Irish international Pat Nelis whose services he acquired from Nottingham Forest. Mr Rayner then oversaw the transfer of Arthur Mercer, who had been transfer listed at a thousand pounds, to Bury whilst Borough trialist Walter Hale was not taken on permanently and instead he signed for Chorley. George Jones moved on to Middlesbrough and Arthur Ormston was allowed to leave for pastures new at Oldham Athletic. Herbert Simpson was placed on the transfer list by his own request but he was still a Borough player on the opening days of the season.
Aside from goalkeeper Ernie Salt and Pat Nelis other incoming players were Tom Brandon who arrived via Bradford Park Avenue, Ronald Blake was recruited from Middlesbrough, John Callagher made the long trip north from Southampton whilst John Dunn made a long move south from Cambuslang Rangers! Tommy Mandy, the pick of the bunch made a rather shorter trip to Springfield Park from Southport.
This is how the season panned out...
29/08/25 -----Ashington 3-3 Wigan Borough - (Dunn 2, Callagher) - 4,674
Salt (debut), Brandon (debut), Pursell, Blake (debut), Callagher (debut), Welsby, Mandy (debut), Dunn (debut), Fenner, Nelis (debut), Simpson
31/08/25 ----- Wigan Borough 5-1 Coventry City - (Fenner 4, Callagher) - 10,229
Salt, Brandon, Barrington (debut), Blake, Callagher, Welsby, Mandy, Dunn, Fenner, Nelis, Simpson
05/09/25 ------Wigan Borough 2-2 Rochdale - (Dunn 2) - 7,590
Salt, Brandon, Barrington, Blake, Callagher, Welsby, Mandy, Dunn, Fenner, Nelis, Simpson
07/09/25 -----Coventry City 0-0 Wigan Borough - 10,843
Salt, Brandon, Barrington, Helsby (debut), Callagher, Welsby, Keen (debut), Dunn, Fenner, Nelis, Simpson
12/09/25 -----Wigan Borough 3-1 New Brighton - (Fenner 2, Simpson) - 11,863
Salt, Brandon, Barrington, Helsby, Callagher, Welsby, Keen, Dunn, Fenner, Nelis, Simpson
16/09/25 -----Wrexham 1-0 Wigan Borough - 6,772
Salt, Moran (debut), Barrington, Helsby, Callagher, Welsby, Mandy, Dunn, Fenner, Nelis, Simpson
19/09/25 -----Crewe Alexandra 3-1 Wigan Borough - (Fenner) - 3,228
Salt, Moran, Barrington, Blake, Callagher, Welsby, Mandy, Dunn, Fenner, Nelis, Simpson
26/09/25 -----Wigan Borough 3-3 Lincoln City - (Simpson, Fenner, Welsby) - 5,434
Salt, Brandon, Barrington, Blake, Callagher, Welsby, Keen, Dunn, Fenner, Nelis, Simpson
03/10/25 -----Southport 3-1 Wigan Borough - (Dunn) - 8,635
Salt, Johnson (debut), Barrington, Blake, Scorer (debut), Welsby, Keen, Nelis, Fenner, Dunn, Simpson
10/10/25 -----Wigan Borough 0-1 DoncasterRovers - 4,457
Salt, Johnson, Barrington, Blake, Scorer, Welsby, Keen Nelis, Fenner, Dunn, Simpson
14/10/25 -----Accrington Stanley 1-3 Wigan Borough - (Lancashire Senior Cup, frst round) - (Kettle) - 1,300
Salt, Johnson, Barrington, Callagher, Scorer, Welsby, Dickinson, Fenner, Nelis, Kettle, Simpson
17/10/25 -----Tranmere Rovers 5-1 Wigan Borough - (Kettle) - 5,915
Salt, Johnson, Barrington, Blake, Scorer, Welsby, Mandy, Dunn, Fenner, Nelis, Simpson
24/10/25 -----Wigan Borough 2-0 Walsall - (Fenner, Dunn) - 3,195
Salt, Johnson, Barrington, Helsby, Scorer, Welsby, Dickinson, Brandon, ,Fenner, Kettle, Keen
On Friday 30th October 1925 a special meeting of shareholders was held at the YMCA Hall on King Street West, the purpose of which was the issue of six thousand pounds worth of debentures. Present at the meeting were Councillor John Heaton jr who was supported by Mr Alex Young, Messrs Tom and John Culshaw, Mr John Greenough, Mr William Rayner the manager/secretary and Mr G Bond who was representing Messrs Wilson and Bullough, Solicitors, Wigan.
Mr Bond stated that,
"The resolution passed by the directors on October 20th proposing the issue of debentures to to bear 6 percent, per annum, and to be issued to Williams Deacon Bank to the respect of a four thousand pounds overdraft and one thousand seven hundred pounds to Messrs Johnson and Sons in relation to debt on the Grand Stand.
These were the club's greatest creditors and positive meetings with both companies and the consultation from several First Division clubs led to this decision. He explained that the bank still held the guarantee given by the directors. He also revealed that the bank had full confidence in the club and it was expected that funds for the debentures would come from that source. The chairman insisted no shreholder would be any worse off and the money would allow the club to run on a day to day basis. He revealed that the manager had positive meetings with three players all of whom would be able to join the club should the proposal be accepted.
Mr John Culshaw also stressed that the money was needed to pay another debt that would be due in three months time. A Mr Leather representing the shareholders enquired that if in the event of shareholder sacrificing their would that relieve the directors of their guarantee with regards to the overdraft. The chairman replied in the negative stating that the directors would still be if the club was wound up and and there was a deficiency on realisation. Mr Leather's response was that the shareholders should take up some of the burden.
Mt Rayner than assured Mr Leather that the issue of debentures would not remove the directors' liabilities in the event of a 'smash up' but he also explained the club not having access to ready money was having a disastrous effect on the team. He told the meeting that it only needed the support of the public to straighten things out but that this proposal was the only realistic way forward. He also explained that the club would immediately save around five hundred pounds in solicitors fees. Mr John Culshaw also revealed that the issue of four thousand pounds in debentures to the bank would guarantee that the bank met 'certain contingencies three months hence'. Put simply, if this proposal was not accepted the club would fold.
Mr Edes, chairman of the Supporters Club was told by the chairman that other small creditors would be paid sooner rather than later at a rate of twenty shillings to the pound. He actually claimed that the outlook was bright, all the club needed was some working capital. Mr Alex Young requested that the supporters and gentlemen of the town should feel sympathy for the club as had been the case at Southport FC recently, who had not been met with such ill will as the Wigan club had, but given some great support.
The chairman revealed that he and Mr John Culshaw had to scramble money together to get the team to Durham and pay their wages for their game the day after and the debenture issue would put an end to all of that. The proposition was accepted unanimously.
31/10/25----- Durham City 2-0 Wigan Borough - 2,968
Salt, Fleming (debut), Barrington, Welsby, Riddell (debut), Scorer, Keen, Dunn, Fenner, Humpish (debut), Simpson
Mr Raynor secured the services of Stan Sayer from New Brighton after the game. He was one of the three players he had courted earlier in the month.
07/11/25 -----Wigan Borough 1-0 Hartlepools United - (Nelis) - 1,829
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Welsby, Riddell, Scorer, Keen, Dunn, Sayer, Humpish, Simpson
The miserbale attendance was attrubuted by horrendous weather conditions that would, over the next few months wreak havoc on Springfield Park.
14/11/25 -----Grimsby Town 1-1 Wigan Borough - (Sayer) - 7.763
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Welsby, Riddell, Scorer, Keen, Nelis Sayer, Humpish, Simpson
21/11/25 -----Wigan Borough 0-1 Rotherham United - 5,110
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Welsby, Riddell, Scorer, Keen, Fenner, Sayer, Humpish, Simpson
02/12/25 -----Wigan Borough 3-0 Nelson - (FA Cup, first round) - (Sayer 2, Riddell) - 4,000
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Welsby, Riddell, Scorer, Keen, Fenner, Sayer, Humpish, Kettle
05/12/25 -----Wigan Borough 5-0 Accrington Stanley -(Dickinson 2, Sayer 2, Fenner) - 4,421
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Welsby, Riddell, Moran, Keen, Fenner, Sayer, Dickinson (debut), Kettle
12/12/25 -----Crewe Alexandra 2-2 Wigan Borough - (FA Cup, second round) - (Sayer, Dickinson) - 9,400
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Welsby, Riddell, Scorer, Humpish, Fenner, Sayer, Dickinson, Kettle
16/12/25 -----Wigan Borough 2-1 Crewe Alexandra - (FA Cup, second round replay) - (Fenner 2) - 4,463
Salt, Fleming, Brandon, Welsby, Riddell, Scorer, Humpish, Fenner, Sayer, Dickinson, Kettle
19/12/25 -----Wigan Borough 1-3 Bradford Park Avenue - (Sayer) - 7,197
Salt, Fleming, Moran, Welsby, Riddell, Scorer, Humpish, Fenner, Sayer, Dickinson, Simpson
25/12/25 -----Nelson 7-0 Wigan Borough - 7,658
Collier (debut), Fleming, Barrington, Brown (debut), Riddell, Scorer, Humpish, Fenner, Sayer, Dickinson, Welsby
26/12/25 -----Wigan Borough 4-1 Barrow - (Dickinson 2, Riddell, Mathews (og)) - 5,195
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Blake, Riddell, Scorer, Humpish, Fenner, Sayer, Dickinson, Welsby
Incidentally, late in 1925 a severe storm in the Wigan area devastated Springfield Park. In January 1926 the local newspaper, the ‘Wigan Examiner’ set up a subscription fund to help with the cost of repairing the ground and one of the main contributors to the fund was the Wigan Rugby Club who donated 10 pounds and 10 shillings to the cause.
01/01/26 -----Wigan Borough 6-0 Wrexham - (Dickinson 3, Welsby 2, Fenner) - 3,082
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Blake, Riddell, Scorer, Humpish, Fenner, Sayer, Dickinson, Welsby
02/01/26 -----Wigan Borough 0-2 Ashington - 4,679
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Moran, Riddell, Scorer, Humpish, Fenner, Sayer, Dickinson, Welsby
09/01/26 -----Wigan Borough 2-5 Stoke City - (FA Cup, third round) - (Sayer, Glover) - 14,905
Salt. Fleming, Barrington, Welsby, Riddell, Scorer, Humpish, Dickinson, Sayer, Fenner, Glover
16/01/26 -----Rochdale 2-1 Wigan Borough - (Mandy) -4,365
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Moran, Riddell, Scorer, Mandy, Fenner, Sayer, Dickinson, Humpish
23/01/26 -----New Brighton 4-2 Wigan Borough - (Sayer 2) -4,693
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Riddell, Marshall, Scorer, Sayer, Dickinson, Nelis, Kettle
30/01/26 -----Wigan Borough 3-1 Crewe Alexandra - (Dickinson, Kettle, Morris (og) - 3,987
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Riddell, Marshall, Scorer, Sayer, Dickinson, Humpish, Kettle
06/0-2/26 -----Lincoln City 2-1 Wigan Borough - (Dickinson) - 4,575
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Welsby, Marshall, Scorer, Fenner, Dickinson, Sayer, Humpish, Kettle
13/02/26 -----Wigan Borough 3-1 Southport - (Dickinson, Simpson, Sayer) - 5,630
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Helsby, Marshall, Scorer, Fenner, Dickinson, Sayer, Humpish, Kettle
16/02/26 -----Oldham Athletic - 4-3 Wigan Borough - (Manchester Senior Cup, first round) - (Dickinson, Yates, Simpson) - unknown
Winter, Pursell, Barrington, Helsby, Marshall, Scorer, Keen, Sayer, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
20/02/26 -----Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Wigan Borough - (Fenner) 6,117
Winter (debut), Pursell, Moran, Blake, Riddell, Scorer, Fenner, Sayer, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
24/02/26 -----Chesterfield 4-0 Wigan Borough - 3,581
Winter, Pursell, Moran, Blake, Riddell, Scorer, Mandy, Fenner, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
27/02/26 -----Wigan Borough 2-2 Tranmere Rovers - (Dickinson, Yates) - 3,796
Winter, Brandon, Moran, Helsby, Marshall, Scorer, Fenner, Sayer, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
06/03/26 -----Walsall 0-1 Wigan Borough - (Dickinson) - 5,625
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Riddell, Welsby, Humpish, Fenner, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
13/03/26 -----Wigan Borough 4-1 Durham City - (Dickinson 2, Fenner, Yates) - 3,445
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Riddell, Welsby, Humpish, Fenner, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
20/03/26 -----Hartlepools United 0-0 Wigan Borough - 4,256
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Riddell, Welsby, Humpish, Fenner, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
27/03/26 -----Wigan Borough 2-2 Grimsby Town - (Yates 2) - 6,689
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Riddell, Welsby, Humpish, Fenner, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
02/04/26 -----Barrow 1-1 Wigan Borough - (Dickinson) - 2,236
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Riddell, Welsby, Fenner, Fleming, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
03/04/26 -----Rotherham United 1-0 Wigan Borough - 5,327
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Marshall, Welsby, Fenner, Humpish, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
06/04/26 -----Wigan Borough 5-0 Nelson - (Dickinson 4, Humpish) - 4,198
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Riddell, Welsby, Mandy, Humpish, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
10/04/26 -----Wigan Borough 0-0 Halifax Town - 6,348
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Blake, Welsby, Mandy, Humpish, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
15/04/26 -----Halifax Town 2-0 Wigan Borough - 2,859
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Marshall, Welsby, Humpish, Nelis, Yates, Dickinson, Mandy
17/04/26 -----Accrington Stanley 4-0 Wigan Borough - 2,023
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Riddell, Welsby, Humpish, Nelis, Mandy, Dickinson, Simpson
24/04/26 -----Wigan Borough 2-0 Chesterfield - (Humpish 2) - 3,801
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Riddell, Welsby, Mandy, Humpish, Dickinson, Dunn, Simpson
01/05/26 -----Bradford Park Avenue 6-1 Wigan Borough - (Dickinson) - 9,293
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Riddell, Welsby, Mandy, Humpish,Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
1925/26 – 42 13 11 18 68 74 37 17th
The reserves once again third from bottom of the Lancashire Combination
1925/26 --38 11 7 20 74 102 29 18th
William Raynor was banned from club management by the FA at the end of the campaign following irregularities being uncovered by his former club Charlton Athletic, for whom he was manager and secretary. He was replaced by first team coach Angus McKinnon who remained in the post until the end of Borough’s penultimate, full league campaign.
The players to feature throughout the season were ...
Jimmy Barrington, Ron Blake, Tom Brandon, Jimmy Brown, John Callagher, Sam Collier, Jimmy Dickinson, Billy Dickinson, John Dunn, Tommy Fenner, Tom Fleming, Billy Glover, Tom Helsby, Bert Humpish, George Johnson, Charlie Jones, Jimmy Keen, Billy Kettle, Tom Mandy, Jack Marshall, Jack Moran, Pat Nelis, Peter Pursell, Jimmy Riddell, Ernie Salt, Stan Sayer, Robert Scorer, Herbie Simpson, Arthur Welsby, William Winter, George Yates
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
He was replaced by Ernie Salt, the former Everton goalkeeper who arrived at the club from Accrington Stanley. Rayner's next signing was Irish international Pat Nelis whose services he acquired from Nottingham Forest. Mr Rayner then oversaw the transfer of Arthur Mercer, who had been transfer listed at a thousand pounds, to Bury whilst Borough trialist Walter Hale was not taken on permanently and instead he signed for Chorley. George Jones moved on to Middlesbrough and Arthur Ormston was allowed to leave for pastures new at Oldham Athletic. Herbert Simpson was placed on the transfer list by his own request but he was still a Borough player on the opening days of the season.
Aside from goalkeeper Ernie Salt and Pat Nelis other incoming players were Tom Brandon who arrived via Bradford Park Avenue, Ronald Blake was recruited from Middlesbrough, John Callagher made the long trip north from Southampton whilst John Dunn made a long move south from Cambuslang Rangers! Tommy Mandy, the pick of the bunch made a rather shorter trip to Springfield Park from Southport.
This is how the season panned out...
29/08/25 -----Ashington 3-3 Wigan Borough - (Dunn 2, Callagher) - 4,674
Salt (debut), Brandon (debut), Pursell, Blake (debut), Callagher (debut), Welsby, Mandy (debut), Dunn (debut), Fenner, Nelis (debut), Simpson
31/08/25 ----- Wigan Borough 5-1 Coventry City - (Fenner 4, Callagher) - 10,229
Salt, Brandon, Barrington (debut), Blake, Callagher, Welsby, Mandy, Dunn, Fenner, Nelis, Simpson
05/09/25 ------Wigan Borough 2-2 Rochdale - (Dunn 2) - 7,590
Salt, Brandon, Barrington, Blake, Callagher, Welsby, Mandy, Dunn, Fenner, Nelis, Simpson
07/09/25 -----Coventry City 0-0 Wigan Borough - 10,843
Salt, Brandon, Barrington, Helsby (debut), Callagher, Welsby, Keen (debut), Dunn, Fenner, Nelis, Simpson
12/09/25 -----Wigan Borough 3-1 New Brighton - (Fenner 2, Simpson) - 11,863
Salt, Brandon, Barrington, Helsby, Callagher, Welsby, Keen, Dunn, Fenner, Nelis, Simpson
16/09/25 -----Wrexham 1-0 Wigan Borough - 6,772
Salt, Moran (debut), Barrington, Helsby, Callagher, Welsby, Mandy, Dunn, Fenner, Nelis, Simpson
19/09/25 -----Crewe Alexandra 3-1 Wigan Borough - (Fenner) - 3,228
Salt, Moran, Barrington, Blake, Callagher, Welsby, Mandy, Dunn, Fenner, Nelis, Simpson
26/09/25 -----Wigan Borough 3-3 Lincoln City - (Simpson, Fenner, Welsby) - 5,434
Salt, Brandon, Barrington, Blake, Callagher, Welsby, Keen, Dunn, Fenner, Nelis, Simpson
03/10/25 -----Southport 3-1 Wigan Borough - (Dunn) - 8,635
Salt, Johnson (debut), Barrington, Blake, Scorer (debut), Welsby, Keen, Nelis, Fenner, Dunn, Simpson
10/10/25 -----Wigan Borough 0-1 DoncasterRovers - 4,457
Salt, Johnson, Barrington, Blake, Scorer, Welsby, Keen Nelis, Fenner, Dunn, Simpson
14/10/25 -----Accrington Stanley 1-3 Wigan Borough - (Lancashire Senior Cup, frst round) - (Kettle) - 1,300
Salt, Johnson, Barrington, Callagher, Scorer, Welsby, Dickinson, Fenner, Nelis, Kettle, Simpson
17/10/25 -----Tranmere Rovers 5-1 Wigan Borough - (Kettle) - 5,915
Salt, Johnson, Barrington, Blake, Scorer, Welsby, Mandy, Dunn, Fenner, Nelis, Simpson
24/10/25 -----Wigan Borough 2-0 Walsall - (Fenner, Dunn) - 3,195
Salt, Johnson, Barrington, Helsby, Scorer, Welsby, Dickinson, Brandon, ,Fenner, Kettle, Keen
On Friday 30th October 1925 a special meeting of shareholders was held at the YMCA Hall on King Street West, the purpose of which was the issue of six thousand pounds worth of debentures. Present at the meeting were Councillor John Heaton jr who was supported by Mr Alex Young, Messrs Tom and John Culshaw, Mr John Greenough, Mr William Rayner the manager/secretary and Mr G Bond who was representing Messrs Wilson and Bullough, Solicitors, Wigan.
Mr Bond stated that,
"The resolution passed by the directors on October 20th proposing the issue of debentures to to bear 6 percent, per annum, and to be issued to Williams Deacon Bank to the respect of a four thousand pounds overdraft and one thousand seven hundred pounds to Messrs Johnson and Sons in relation to debt on the Grand Stand.
These were the club's greatest creditors and positive meetings with both companies and the consultation from several First Division clubs led to this decision. He explained that the bank still held the guarantee given by the directors. He also revealed that the bank had full confidence in the club and it was expected that funds for the debentures would come from that source. The chairman insisted no shreholder would be any worse off and the money would allow the club to run on a day to day basis. He revealed that the manager had positive meetings with three players all of whom would be able to join the club should the proposal be accepted.
Mr John Culshaw also stressed that the money was needed to pay another debt that would be due in three months time. A Mr Leather representing the shareholders enquired that if in the event of shareholder sacrificing their would that relieve the directors of their guarantee with regards to the overdraft. The chairman replied in the negative stating that the directors would still be if the club was wound up and and there was a deficiency on realisation. Mr Leather's response was that the shareholders should take up some of the burden.
Mt Rayner than assured Mr Leather that the issue of debentures would not remove the directors' liabilities in the event of a 'smash up' but he also explained the club not having access to ready money was having a disastrous effect on the team. He told the meeting that it only needed the support of the public to straighten things out but that this proposal was the only realistic way forward. He also explained that the club would immediately save around five hundred pounds in solicitors fees. Mr John Culshaw also revealed that the issue of four thousand pounds in debentures to the bank would guarantee that the bank met 'certain contingencies three months hence'. Put simply, if this proposal was not accepted the club would fold.
Mr Edes, chairman of the Supporters Club was told by the chairman that other small creditors would be paid sooner rather than later at a rate of twenty shillings to the pound. He actually claimed that the outlook was bright, all the club needed was some working capital. Mr Alex Young requested that the supporters and gentlemen of the town should feel sympathy for the club as had been the case at Southport FC recently, who had not been met with such ill will as the Wigan club had, but given some great support.
The chairman revealed that he and Mr John Culshaw had to scramble money together to get the team to Durham and pay their wages for their game the day after and the debenture issue would put an end to all of that. The proposition was accepted unanimously.
31/10/25----- Durham City 2-0 Wigan Borough - 2,968
Salt, Fleming (debut), Barrington, Welsby, Riddell (debut), Scorer, Keen, Dunn, Fenner, Humpish (debut), Simpson
Mr Raynor secured the services of Stan Sayer from New Brighton after the game. He was one of the three players he had courted earlier in the month.
07/11/25 -----Wigan Borough 1-0 Hartlepools United - (Nelis) - 1,829
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Welsby, Riddell, Scorer, Keen, Dunn, Sayer, Humpish, Simpson
The miserbale attendance was attrubuted by horrendous weather conditions that would, over the next few months wreak havoc on Springfield Park.
14/11/25 -----Grimsby Town 1-1 Wigan Borough - (Sayer) - 7.763
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Welsby, Riddell, Scorer, Keen, Nelis Sayer, Humpish, Simpson
21/11/25 -----Wigan Borough 0-1 Rotherham United - 5,110
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Welsby, Riddell, Scorer, Keen, Fenner, Sayer, Humpish, Simpson
02/12/25 -----Wigan Borough 3-0 Nelson - (FA Cup, first round) - (Sayer 2, Riddell) - 4,000
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Welsby, Riddell, Scorer, Keen, Fenner, Sayer, Humpish, Kettle
05/12/25 -----Wigan Borough 5-0 Accrington Stanley -(Dickinson 2, Sayer 2, Fenner) - 4,421
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Welsby, Riddell, Moran, Keen, Fenner, Sayer, Dickinson (debut), Kettle
12/12/25 -----Crewe Alexandra 2-2 Wigan Borough - (FA Cup, second round) - (Sayer, Dickinson) - 9,400
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Welsby, Riddell, Scorer, Humpish, Fenner, Sayer, Dickinson, Kettle
16/12/25 -----Wigan Borough 2-1 Crewe Alexandra - (FA Cup, second round replay) - (Fenner 2) - 4,463
Salt, Fleming, Brandon, Welsby, Riddell, Scorer, Humpish, Fenner, Sayer, Dickinson, Kettle
19/12/25 -----Wigan Borough 1-3 Bradford Park Avenue - (Sayer) - 7,197
Salt, Fleming, Moran, Welsby, Riddell, Scorer, Humpish, Fenner, Sayer, Dickinson, Simpson
25/12/25 -----Nelson 7-0 Wigan Borough - 7,658
Collier (debut), Fleming, Barrington, Brown (debut), Riddell, Scorer, Humpish, Fenner, Sayer, Dickinson, Welsby
26/12/25 -----Wigan Borough 4-1 Barrow - (Dickinson 2, Riddell, Mathews (og)) - 5,195
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Blake, Riddell, Scorer, Humpish, Fenner, Sayer, Dickinson, Welsby
Incidentally, late in 1925 a severe storm in the Wigan area devastated Springfield Park. In January 1926 the local newspaper, the ‘Wigan Examiner’ set up a subscription fund to help with the cost of repairing the ground and one of the main contributors to the fund was the Wigan Rugby Club who donated 10 pounds and 10 shillings to the cause.
01/01/26 -----Wigan Borough 6-0 Wrexham - (Dickinson 3, Welsby 2, Fenner) - 3,082
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Blake, Riddell, Scorer, Humpish, Fenner, Sayer, Dickinson, Welsby
02/01/26 -----Wigan Borough 0-2 Ashington - 4,679
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Moran, Riddell, Scorer, Humpish, Fenner, Sayer, Dickinson, Welsby
09/01/26 -----Wigan Borough 2-5 Stoke City - (FA Cup, third round) - (Sayer, Glover) - 14,905
Salt. Fleming, Barrington, Welsby, Riddell, Scorer, Humpish, Dickinson, Sayer, Fenner, Glover
16/01/26 -----Rochdale 2-1 Wigan Borough - (Mandy) -4,365
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Moran, Riddell, Scorer, Mandy, Fenner, Sayer, Dickinson, Humpish
23/01/26 -----New Brighton 4-2 Wigan Borough - (Sayer 2) -4,693
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Riddell, Marshall, Scorer, Sayer, Dickinson, Nelis, Kettle
30/01/26 -----Wigan Borough 3-1 Crewe Alexandra - (Dickinson, Kettle, Morris (og) - 3,987
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Riddell, Marshall, Scorer, Sayer, Dickinson, Humpish, Kettle
06/0-2/26 -----Lincoln City 2-1 Wigan Borough - (Dickinson) - 4,575
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Welsby, Marshall, Scorer, Fenner, Dickinson, Sayer, Humpish, Kettle
13/02/26 -----Wigan Borough 3-1 Southport - (Dickinson, Simpson, Sayer) - 5,630
Salt, Fleming, Barrington, Helsby, Marshall, Scorer, Fenner, Dickinson, Sayer, Humpish, Kettle
16/02/26 -----Oldham Athletic - 4-3 Wigan Borough - (Manchester Senior Cup, first round) - (Dickinson, Yates, Simpson) - unknown
Winter, Pursell, Barrington, Helsby, Marshall, Scorer, Keen, Sayer, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
20/02/26 -----Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Wigan Borough - (Fenner) 6,117
Winter (debut), Pursell, Moran, Blake, Riddell, Scorer, Fenner, Sayer, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
24/02/26 -----Chesterfield 4-0 Wigan Borough - 3,581
Winter, Pursell, Moran, Blake, Riddell, Scorer, Mandy, Fenner, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
27/02/26 -----Wigan Borough 2-2 Tranmere Rovers - (Dickinson, Yates) - 3,796
Winter, Brandon, Moran, Helsby, Marshall, Scorer, Fenner, Sayer, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
06/03/26 -----Walsall 0-1 Wigan Borough - (Dickinson) - 5,625
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Riddell, Welsby, Humpish, Fenner, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
13/03/26 -----Wigan Borough 4-1 Durham City - (Dickinson 2, Fenner, Yates) - 3,445
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Riddell, Welsby, Humpish, Fenner, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
20/03/26 -----Hartlepools United 0-0 Wigan Borough - 4,256
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Riddell, Welsby, Humpish, Fenner, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
27/03/26 -----Wigan Borough 2-2 Grimsby Town - (Yates 2) - 6,689
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Riddell, Welsby, Humpish, Fenner, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
02/04/26 -----Barrow 1-1 Wigan Borough - (Dickinson) - 2,236
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Riddell, Welsby, Fenner, Fleming, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
03/04/26 -----Rotherham United 1-0 Wigan Borough - 5,327
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Marshall, Welsby, Fenner, Humpish, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
06/04/26 -----Wigan Borough 5-0 Nelson - (Dickinson 4, Humpish) - 4,198
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Riddell, Welsby, Mandy, Humpish, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
10/04/26 -----Wigan Borough 0-0 Halifax Town - 6,348
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Blake, Welsby, Mandy, Humpish, Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
15/04/26 -----Halifax Town 2-0 Wigan Borough - 2,859
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Marshall, Welsby, Humpish, Nelis, Yates, Dickinson, Mandy
17/04/26 -----Accrington Stanley 4-0 Wigan Borough - 2,023
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Riddell, Welsby, Humpish, Nelis, Mandy, Dickinson, Simpson
24/04/26 -----Wigan Borough 2-0 Chesterfield - (Humpish 2) - 3,801
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Riddell, Welsby, Mandy, Humpish, Dickinson, Dunn, Simpson
01/05/26 -----Bradford Park Avenue 6-1 Wigan Borough - (Dickinson) - 9,293
Winter, Moran, Barrington, Helsby, Riddell, Welsby, Mandy, Humpish,Yates, Dickinson, Simpson
1925/26 – 42 13 11 18 68 74 37 17th
The reserves once again third from bottom of the Lancashire Combination
1925/26 --38 11 7 20 74 102 29 18th
William Raynor was banned from club management by the FA at the end of the campaign following irregularities being uncovered by his former club Charlton Athletic, for whom he was manager and secretary. He was replaced by first team coach Angus McKinnon who remained in the post until the end of Borough’s penultimate, full league campaign.
The players to feature throughout the season were ...
Jimmy Barrington, Ron Blake, Tom Brandon, Jimmy Brown, John Callagher, Sam Collier, Jimmy Dickinson, Billy Dickinson, John Dunn, Tommy Fenner, Tom Fleming, Billy Glover, Tom Helsby, Bert Humpish, George Johnson, Charlie Jones, Jimmy Keen, Billy Kettle, Tom Mandy, Jack Marshall, Jack Moran, Pat Nelis, Peter Pursell, Jimmy Riddell, Ernie Salt, Stan Sayer, Robert Scorer, Herbie Simpson, Arthur Welsby, William Winter, George Yates
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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