L&C President Confirmed Ahead of Start of Season

The Lancashire and Cheshire AFL kicks off its new season on the coming Saturday with a full programme of six divisions in action.

Looking forward to the new season with eager anticipation is the 2025-26 League President Rob O’Connor who will welcome many new teams into the league across the divisions.

Rob brings a wealth of soccer knowledge and he outlines his pathway in football, having joined Bedians in 1980. He has reflected on his journey from his long-standing afiliation with the club and the L&C, right up to becoming President.  

He said: “From the moment I stepped onto the pitch, I was welcomed by a camaraderie that felt like a brotherhood. The initial introduction included a £15 signing-on fee, a football shirt for £12, and my own blue socks and black shorts—little investments for a ticket into the joy of the game.

“After training and matches, the pub became our second home, where tales were spun and laughter echoed. Those were truly happy days, filled with the spirit of the game.

“After two seasons at Bedians, my ambition pushed me to seek a higher standard, leading me to Wythenshawe Amateurs and eventually to Maine Road, the powerhouse of amateur football in Manchester. It was a thrilling experience, but as my second season rolled around, my minutes on the field began to dwindle. Then came an invite from East Levenshulme, one of the top Sunday league teams, but destiny had bigger plans.

“I caught the eye of Gordon Clayton, a former Busby Babe and manager of Urmston Town, who was pressing for a replacement after selling their star canter forward.

“Joining them felt like stepping into a grand football saga. We finished third in the league, and our campaign in the Manchester Senior Cup saw us reaching the semi-finals before a heart-wrenching loss. Just as we were gearing up for the next season, disaster struck: our ground failed grading, and we faced relegation. The team I had bonded with began to unravel.

“Fortunately, I soon received an offer from Cheadle Town, which was a blessing as it was much closer to home. The highlight? Cheadle Town had a reputation for organizing astonishing football tours to exotic locations. Under the stewardship of Chris Davies, one of the kindest souls in football, we formed a touring team known as Manchester AFC with the full backing of the FA.

“The adventure began with my first tour to Florida, where we played thrilling matches. But the real excitement lay in our trips to Asia. I’ll never forget playing against Guangzhou in China in front of 35,000 roaring fans, the stadium buzzing with energy as we made history as the second English team ever to set foot on Chinese soil. We lost that match 3-0, but every moment felt like a victory, captured live on national television.

“The following year, we took our talents to India to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their independence. We played at Nehru Stadium, and although we lost that match as well, we were treated to an unforgettable experience, capped by a surprise visit to meet Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who welcomed us with grace and charm.

“As I embarked on my final tour as Player Manager, we headed to Mexico, where we played at the famed Azteca Stadium. The thrill of scoring a goal there—where legends Pelé and Maradona once danced on the field—was simply surreal. I felt like I was living a dream.

“After leaving Cheadle Town, I continued my love affair with football, playing every Saturday and Sunday. I was still scoring goals, but fate took a cruel turn in 2000 when I broke my leg in two places and faced the additional setback of a blood clot. The recovery process was gruelling, and I found myself battling arthritis in my ankle.

“I made the bold decision to return to Bedians, ready to carve out the rest of my football career there. Little did I know, I was about to embark on an unexpected adventure! The path was anything but smooth. I spent the season battling back from a broken leg, donning my jersey for the second team despite every urge to hang up my boots for good. Doubt crept in like an unwelcome shadow, tempting me to give in, but determination kept me pushing forward.

“Then came a twist of fate during the off-season; I found myself in a heated five-a-side match when the Chairman casually dropped a bombshell: the first team manager had resigned, leaving a gaping hole as pre-season training loomed.

“Without a second thought, I offered to step in. I could almost hear my long-suffering wife, Lynn, say she was on board—with one crucial condition: I wouldn't run the whole team! Her unwavering support bolstered my resolve.

“Before I knew it, I was not just a player; I had taken on the mantle of second team player-manager. In 2001, our club fielded four teams, and by 2002, I had ascended to the role of chairman, overseeing our expansion to a fifth team.

“Together, we amassed a treasure trove of trophies in the Lancashire and Cheshire leagues, etching our name as the most successful club in the league’s rich history. I found myself wearing many hats—chairman, secretary, treasurer, and even the one reluctantly sweeping the changing rooms.

“Each role, in its own right, was crucial to our combined efforts and triumphs. However, the road wasn't always easy. In 2017, we faced tough choices, downsizing to a single team as we tried to reignite player commitment. But there was a resurgence on the horizon!

“The 2022/23 season brought fresh hope as we recruited a young squad, culminating in a thrilling run to the Rhodes Cup Final and a commendable 3rd place finish in the First Division.

“The next season was electric; the First Division title race came down to the very last match, where we fell just short by a single point. Last season saw us finishing as runners-up in the Premier Division, but the momentum was building.

“Just recently we secured the McKeown Cup, a stunning victory against the winners of the  Lancashire Amateur League. We stepped into the spotlight, replacing Salford Victoria, who had recently taken their talents to the Manchester League.

“The adventure continues with fresh faces and renewed excitement. As I gaze into the future, it looks bright, and we’re more than ready to embrace whatever comes next. If managing Bedians wasn’t enough of a thrill, I took on the added challenge of leading the interleague team, resurrecting the cherished annual Boxing Day match between the Lancashire Amateur League. Each season, we fiercely compete for the coveted John Howard Trophy, a prize I’ve proudly lifted five times as manager. We’ve faced formidable opponents in the North West Inter League Cup, testing our mettle against leagues like Cheshire, West Lancashire, Manchester, and Liverpool. One of my proudest moments came in 2014 when we claimed the Jeff Walton Cup, triumphing over the Manchester League two-legged affair with a score of 2-1, and then hammering them 5-1 in the semi-finals. Our final was a statement victory against the Cheshire League, ending 3-0 at Warrington Town—a display of unity and team spirit that I still cherish.

“Today, I have the honor of managing the team once more. Our schedule may be lighter, but I’m eager to compete for the John Howard Shield this autumn against the Lancashire Amateur League. Reflecting on the journey so far, I am filled with gratitude for the unforgettable memories and the camaraderie forged along the way.

“There is still so much energy within me to keep Bedians thriving as we approach our centennial celebration in 2028. For me, it’s never been about the glory; it’s all about the journey—the friends, the lessons, and the opportunities in every match. And I have just one mantra to share: “Never Give Up.” Give it your all, and the rewards will follow.”