New Mills

June 26, 2011

New Mills AFC, based in the High Peak of Derbyshire, have continually been at the forefront of organised football in the area and 2011 represents a significant landmark as the Club celebrates its 125th Anniversary. The Club's home ground, regarded as one of the most picturesque in non-league football, is situated opposite the impressive St George’s Church and has a splendid backdrop of Kinder Scout, which is the highest point in the Peak District National Park. The Club’s facilities are quite considerable. Covering well over three acres of land, the Club has a floodlit playing arena, an all- weather pitch suitable for a number of sports which is used by both the local schools and the local community as well as a thriving Clubhouse.

The game of football has been played in the town of New Mills since 1886 when the Club, originally known as New Mills St George's, first played in friendlies before joining organisations such as The North Cheshire League and ultimately The Manchester League. After playing at several grounds, the Club moved to their present home of Church Lane in 1922 and this coincided with a hugely successful period in the Club's history as they recorded two Manchester League titles and four Derbyshire Divisional Cup wins. These successes lead to average home crowds of around 2,000 and eventually saw no fewer than six players transferred directly to Football League Clubs.

More great days followed in the 1960's under the leadership of Joe Martin but following a move to The Cheshire League in 1974, lean times eventually lead to New Mills ceasing playing. Fortunately, local amateur side Birch Vale and Thornsett FC were looking for a new ground and within twelve months, they adopted the name of New Mills and began to progress firstly in The Lancashire and Cheshire League and then The Manchester League.

New Mills re-joined The North West Counties League in 2004 (they were founding members in 1982) and enjoyed another successful period under the guidance of manager Tony Hancock and assistant Paul Kirkham. After winning the Second Division Trophy in 2007, the following season saw the team break numerous Club records as they won the Division Two Championship by ten points. The 2008/09 season saw another trophy triumph, The League Challenge Cup, but following an unprecedented twenty one game winning run, promotion to The Unibond League was only denied by a last day defeat at AFC Fylde which resulted in the team finishing runners up on goal difference.

The 2009/10 season again saw The Millers as bridesmaids for the second successive season as this time Newcastle Town grabbed the solitary promotion place to The Evo Stik League. The Club also enjoyed success in The FA Vase and reached the last sixteen for the first time in its history before The Northern League’s Norton and Stockton Ancients spoilt the Wembley dream.

Thankfully 2010/11 proved to be a case of third time lucky as New Mills finally achieved their goal of promotion to The Evo Stik League when they won The North West Counties Premier Division. Winning the first seven games of the season, Ally Pickering’s side set the pace from start to finish before being presented with the Championship trophy after the game against local rivals Glossop North End on Easter Monday. The team also reached the North West Counties League Challenge Cup Final but failed to achieve the double after losing narrowly to Winsford United. It was a successful season off the field as well as the Club achieved the prestigious FA Charter Standard Adult Club status which was an excellent recognition for all the hard work that has been put in by everybody connected with the Club.

As previously mentioned, 2011/12 represents The Millers 125th Anniversary and amongst many planned events, probably the biggest will see Manchester United play a friendly game at Church Lane and the publication of “ The Millers Tale “, a book chronicling the history of the Club. As well as the first team’s debut season in The Evo Stik League, the Club will field four additional teams as the Club seeks to continue the development of youth football in the High Peak. The Reserve side will continue to play in The North West Counties League where it is hoped that Rick Adrio’s second string will contain a number of last year’s Under 18’s squad. Mark Worthington and Gareth Prendergast will run two sides in the North West Youth Alliance plus a side in The Lancashire League which will contain many of the first intake of scholars into the Club’s Centre of Excellence.

New Mills AFC are very proud to have D&C Sound and Vision as the Official Club Sponsor along with sponsorship from Princess Cruises and LDW Electrical.

For further information on New Mills AFC, please visit the Club’s official website, www.newmillsafc.co.uk