It is with the deepest regret that we report the passing of our mate and Top Purp, Jason Morland.
Jason has been an integral part of our club since Day One and has documented our history with his videos and his work on PurpsTV.
From the first league game at home to Bacup Borough, right up to the Bank Holiday game against Widnes, Jason was there, video camera in hand ensuring our games were covered.
Through the highs and the lows, Jason caught the action and his body of work will stand forever as testament to the first 9 years of our club.
He loved the Purps, Liverpool FC, The Bull FC, Liverpool Amateur football generally and was a friend to players from any club who he captured on film and wanted to see themselves in action!
He was a genuinely lovely man and we are all desperately saddened that Jason has passed away.
Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to the Morland family, especially Big John, Ros, John, Conor and Halle, but also his wider family and friends.
We are proud that Jason was such a big part of our Purple family and can genuinely say that he will be irreplaceable.
City of Liverpool FC progressed to the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Cup with a 3-1 at Bootle on Saturday afternoon.
The Purps put in a stirring performance to deservedly take their place in the next round, where they will face at trip to either South Liverpool or Witton Albion.
Paul McNally was without the services of key personnel in Michael Grogan, Kenny Strickland, Jack Hont and Mikey Howard, so Michael Simpson and Si Wills were rushed back from injury whilst Baba Conteh took his place at the heart of defence.
Skipper Danny Mitchley, injured for the whole of pre-season, was a welcome return on the bench with the manager hopeful of being able to call on his services if needed whilst former Liverpool striker Adam Morgan was handed a debut up front.
The Purps were much the better side in the opening exchanges and looked quicker to the ball, whilst also winning plenty of duels in the middle of the park.
Three times in quick succession Paul McNally’s side carved their way through in wide areas and saw devilish crosses flash across the face of goal, narrowly avoiding Morgan and Schorah in the box.
After 25 minutes Adam Morgan almost opened the scoring on his Purps bow after a great flick from Elliot Morris, but the forward saw his fierce left footed effort flash narrowly past Tony Thompson’s left hand post.
It wouldn’t be long before the pressure finally told and City of Liverpool had the opening goal which their early dominance had clearly merited.
A lovely cross-field switch from Dec McLoughlin found Elliot Morris in acres of space, who fed it to the marauding Arthur Lomax-Jones and the left back’s thunderous effort from fully 30 yards arrowed into the top corner of Thompson’s goal.
It was a truly stunning effort from Lomax-Jones against his former side!
City of Liverpool continued with their tails up, buoyed by such a stunning opener and made it two only three minutes later.
A driving run into the box from Simon Wills saw the midfield lynchpin throw in a couple of step-overs before cutting back for Kyle Schorah to pick out Elliot Morris with a deft reverse-pass.
Morris, oh so reliable in front of goal, made no mistake – slotting neatly past the stranded Thompson whose appeals for offside were hampered by the defender stood on the goal line behind him.
City of Liverpool’s threat in forward areas wasn’t dulled by the second goal and before the half was out the lively Adam Morgan once again went close.
An instinctive effort from the left foot of the former Yeovil and Accrington Stanley marksman flashed agonisingly past the post from distance, and it wouldn’t have flattered the Purps had it nestled in the bottom corner.
As it was, the visitors went in two goals to the good at the break and looking good value for their lead after and excellent first half performance.
HALF TIME: BOOTLE 0-2 CITY OF LIVERPOOL
Bootle made a couple of changes at the break with Mick McGraa looking to inject some forward impetus into his side after an off-colour first half.
Former City of Liverpool striker Connor Harwood replace Michael Burkey, whilst Aidan Roxburgh took the place of Jay Cooper.
The home side saw much more of the ball in the City of Liverpool half early in the second period, but didn’t threaten until they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box for a foul which saw Morris booked.
Sean Williams stepped up and saw his low effort take a cruel deflection off Adam Morgan, to wrong-foot Calvin Hare and find the back of the net.
The goal gave Bootle an injection of confidence and they were spurred on by the excellent Harwood, who was a constant threat with the direct running and physicality brought by his introduction.
City of Liverpool’s defence was resolute, marshalled by excellent Adam Rooney and Baba Conteh, whilst skipper-for-the-day Calvin Hare was a calming presence between the sticks.
The final stages saw both sides reduced to ten men when Conteh and Sean Williams both saw straight reds for an off the ball incident which prompted a number of comings together between sides.
Bootle had a series of corners as they searched for an equaliser and almost found once when centreback Jonny Spittle glanced a free header wide with the goal at his mercy – a real let-off for City of Liverpool!
Deep into EIGHT minutes of injury time, the pressure cooker was let off as Elliot Morris picked up the ball on the half way line, before surging past a series of Bootle defenders to slot a magnificent goal past Thompson.
Morris wheeled away in jubilation to celebrate with his adoring away fans, knowing he’d rubber-stamped his side’s place in the next round.
It was an afternoon where every single one of Paul McNally’s players put a shift in to ensure they were in the hat for Monday’s draw, each playing a key part in City of Liverpool’s progression.
Despite the nervy moments of the latter stages, the visitors were deserving of their win and will look forward to their trip to either Jericho Lane or Wincham Park in the next round.
FULL TIME: BOOTLE 1-3 CITY OF LIVERPOOL
City of Liverpool: Calvin Hare (c), Michael Simpson, Arthur Lomax-Jones, Adam Rooney, Baba Conteh, Simon Wills, Elliot Morris, Ismail Sonko, Adam Morgan (Danny Mitchley 76′), Dec McLoughlin, Kyle Schorah (Xenon Bahula 61′).
Subs not used: Astley Mulholland, Andy Owens, Ethan Jones, Paddy Jones, Tom McNally.
MAN OF THE MATCH:
You could reasonably make a case for anyone to be the afternoon’s Pick of the Purples, but Adam Rooney was a monster at the back winning every header, tackle and duel asked of him.
MANAGER’S INTERVIEW:
Paul McNally thought his side was good value for their win after a devastating first half spell saw them surge into a 2-0 lead, praising three “goals of the highest quality”.
NEXT UP:
City of Liverpool face a tough trip to Wythenshawe FC tonight looking for our first league win of the season.
City of Liverpool FC are delighted to announce a new kit and sponsorship agreement with Decathlon UK and Decathlon Club.
Here are the images of our new home and away strips, which we hope you will agree are very nice indeed.
Our agreement with Decathlon will see our kits available to purchase direct from Decathlon and also in-store at the Church St Branch, Liverpool shortly.
The kits are from the Decathlon Pro range currently used by several teams in France’s Ligue 1 and we’d like to thank James at Decathlon Club for helping us put together our range of kits and training gear.
Lucy (Decathlon Liverpool Football Manager), David (B2B Football Lead at Decathlon), Ismail Sonko (COLFC midfielder), Paul McNally (COLFC Manager), Jack Hont (COLFC defender), Caitlin Myers (COLFC Women), Mike Caulfield (COLFC Welfare Officer) attending the kit launch at Decathlon Liverpool
We’d also like to thank David at Decathlon UK for agreeing such a great deal with us, including becoming our rear of shirt sponsor.
We look forward to a long relationship with Decathlon UK!
Members and supporters will be provided with purchase details very shortly.
City of Liverpool FC is pleased to confirm five new recruits ahead of the Northern Premier League opener at Witton Albion on Saturday.
All players have represented the club during pre-season and join Mikey Howard, Arthur Lomax Jones, Jamie Rainford and Adam Morgan and Paul McNally’s new recruits for 2024-25.
Former Trafford captain Astley Mulholland joins having represented West Disbury and Chorlton for much of last season.
The midfielder also had a spell as caretaker manager at Trafford when they faced the Purps in a 2-2 draw last October and will bring plenty of experience and guile to the engine room, having represented clubs higher up the pyramid including Altrincham, Ashton United and Hyde United.
Forward Andy Owens has had a stellar Non League career which has also seen spells in the Football League.
A product of both Liverpool and Stoke City’s youth systems, Owens has previously represented clubs including Accrington Stanley, Altrincham, Southport, Mansfield Town and Telford United.
Our new man has experience of playing in Europe for Connah’s Quay Nomads and most recently represented Macclesfield in the NPL Premier Division.
Young forward Elliot Taylor joins on the back of a brilliant season for Litherland Remyca where he notched 25 goals in 43 appearances for the NWCFL Premier Division side.
Elliot scored in our opening pre-season friendly at Winstanley, hammered the bar from 35 yards against Charnock and scored a stunning strike from the same distance as the Purps overcame South Liverpool.
Experienced centreback Darren Thornton also joins the ranks, having left West Didsbury and Charlton at the end of last season.
Thornton counts Hyde United, Nantwich Town, Curzon Ashton and Bradford Park Avenue amongst his former sides, bringing more National League experience to the Purps.
Finally, young defender Kian Sharples is a product of the Radcliffe FC Development side, where he recently won the Player’s Player of the Year award.
We are sure all Purps will join us in welcoming Astley, Andy, Elliot, Darren and Kian to the Purps.
The Northern Premier League West division fixtures have been released and City of Liverpool start the 2024/25 campaign with a trip to Witton Albion on Saturday 10th August.
Our first home match quickly follows the opener at Wincham Park. as we face Hanley Town at the DCBL Stadium on Tuesday August 13th.
As previously communicated, the Purps will face Bootle away on Saturday 17th August in the FA Cup Preliminary Round, followed by a home fixture against Bootle the following Saturday (24th) in the FA Trophy – so the Stalybridge league game allocated for 24th August will be rearranged.
Supporters should be aware that all fixtures are subject to change, so it’s always best to check the club’s social media pages for the latest fixture news and any postponements.
City of Liverpool FC are delighted to announce the signing of former Liverpool forward Adam Morgan.
Morgan made three appearances for Liverpool’s first team, making his debut in a Europa League tie at Heart of Midlothian in 2012, before featuring in the return leg as well as an away start at Anzhi Makhachkala.
Adam had loan spells at Rotherham United and Yeovil Town, who he joined on a permanent deal in 2014, before also spending time at Scottish side St Johnstone and then Accrington Stanley.
Moves into Non League followed, where Morgan has worn the colours of clubs including Colwyn Bay, Curzon Ashton and FC Halifax Town – before signing for Irish side Sligo Rovers.
The former England youth international has most recently represented Halewood Apollo after returning to Liverpool from Essex, where he played for clubs including Romford, Chelmsford City and Braintree Town.
Manager Paul McNally explained, “We are delighted to bring in a player of Adam’s pedigree and ability”.
“Once he settles into the club and our style of play we know he will be a quality addition”.
City of Liverpool FC’s pre-season is well underway and we are able to provide the following squad update, as Paul McNally’s side prepares for the forthcoming campaign.
The vast majority of last season’s record-breaking squad have signed to remain with the Purps for 2024-25.
We are delighted to retain such a talented group who took us to the brink of promotion in the NPL West Play Off Final, an appearance in the Liverpool Senior Cup final, as well as a brilliant FA Trophy run.
Supporters will fondly remember that run, with fantastic wins against Lancaster City, Stamford and THAT afternoon in Buxton, culminating in a memorable Third Round tie at home to Hartlepool United.
We do, though, bid farewell to three familiar faces in forward Josh Quarless, winger Jawad Jebrin and midfielder Max Allen, who have moved onto pastures new.
Everyone at the club wishes Josh, Max and JJ all the best in their future endeavours.
Mikey, Arthur and Jamie have been getting to know their new team-mates as training resumed at Purple Hub, whilst friendly matches have got off to a solid start with a 6-2 win over Winstanley Warriors last Thursday backed up by a 5-1 victory at Charnock Richard last night.
Supporters have another opportunity to get an early glimpse of our new additions in this Saturday’s friendly at home to CPD Bangor 1876.
This match will be contested for The Brian Lomax Cup, an annual Football Supporters’ Association fixture to celebrate community owned clubs.
The fixture will be played at the DCBL Stadium in Widnes, our home for the forthcoming campaign, and will kick off at 3pm – tickets can be purchased via the following Fanbase link.
It’s not just Paul McNally, his squad and staff committing to the club for the forthcoming campaign – the membership window is now open for existing members to renew and new members to become part of owning a community club.
Memberships start from just £10 a month and packages are also available to add season tickets and fundraising initiatives into one easy monthly payment.
Simply click on the link below to choose your package and become part of the 100% community-owned Purps!
City of Liverpool FC is delighted to announce the signing of experienced forward Jamie Rainford.
The former Chester FC marksman departed Runcorn Linnets at the end of last season, where he held the role of Player/Assistant Manager and was a popular figure at the APEC Taxis Stadium.
Rainford was top scorer for Linnets with a brilliant 20 goals in 38 appearances during the 2022-23 campaign, before his campaign was ended by a long-term injury.
Jamie Rainford vs Chester FC. Image Credit – Tom Paul. Jamie Rainford fires goalward for Runcorn Linnets vs Witton Albion
Jamie’s career blossomed as a youngster at Marine where he notched a blistering 22 goals in 24 matches, earning a trial at Notts County under the management of Paul Ince.
A move eventually materialised to Chester FC in the summer of 2011 and Rainford has also represented clubs including Halifax Town, Connah’s Quay, Witton Albion, Colwyn Bay, Ramsbottom and Glossop North End.
Jamie Rainford scores for Ramsbottom United. Jamie Rainford celebrates scoring for Glossop North EndJamie Rainford in action for Chester FC.
Rainford’s blend of experience with a cunning eye for goal is something which attracted him to Paul McNally once his availability was confirmed.
The manager explained, “Jamie is a very prolific and experienced striker who is capable of adding more goals to our team”.
“He is a player I have known for a number of years and once he become available we set about bringing him into the club”.
“When Jamie settles into the team and our style of play during pre season, we know he will provide a cutting edge”.
City of Liverpool FC are delighted to announce the signing of Arthur Lomax-Jones from Bury FC.
The 20-year-old spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Bootle from Tranmere Rovers, before joining the Bucks permanently in the summer of 2023 following his departure from Prenton Park.
Lomax-Jones made 5 appearances during a month-long loan spell at Widnes, which was cut short when Bury signed him from the Bucks for an undisclosed fee in January 2024.
He departed the Gigg Lane outfit at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, and now becomes Paul McNally’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of Mikey Howard from Warrington Town.
Arthur’s football career began at Tranmere Rovers before a move to Wigan Athletic, where he remained up until the Under 18 age group when he rejoined Rovers.
Lomax-Jones made his professional debut for Tranmere during an EFL Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers in September 2022, featuring alongside former Purps forward Elliott Nevitt.
A versatile performer, Lomax-Jones made his first Purps appearance at left back during a friendly against Italian side ASD Altivolesemaser recently, but can also operate in midfield or as a winger.
Paul McNally is enthused about working with a player of such talent, explaining, “Arthur is a player who is very versatile, with great experience for his young age”.
“We are looking forward to working with him and are excited to watch his talent develop at City of Liverpool FC”.
City of Liverpool FC is delighted to announce the signing of exciting attacker Michael Howard from Warrington Town.
The forward is no stranger to manager Paul McNally, having been an important part of Skelmersdale United’s Play Off winning team during season 2021-22, as they were promoted back to Step 4.
Howard was one third of a devastating attacking triumvirate alongside Purps skipper Danny Mitchley and lightning winger Elliot Morris.
During his last season at Skem Howard bagged an outstanding 33 goals, including two hat tricks and a magnificent four-goal return in the Play Off decider away at Cinderford Town.
He also picked up the Skelmersdale United Players Player and Supporters Player of the Year awards, as well as bagging the Golden Boot.
Howard’s performances in blue saw him earn a move to Warrington Town in the NPL Premier Division, however an injury ended his campaign early and he has since been working his way back to fitness.
Mikey had a spell at Ashton Town towards the end of last season as he stepped up his return and now the former Preston North End and Morecambe attacker will be reuniting with familiar faces at City of Liverpool.
Paul McNally explained, “Mikey is a player I have managed previously and he has a lot of fantastic attributes which will fit into our team”.
“I am personally delighted to sign him as he is a player with experience of playing in higher leagues, once he settles into the club he is an exciting player to compliment our existing team, providing even more quality and depth to us”.
