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Third team in Liverpool on the up
- Updated: December 16, 2016
Monday night’s match between Everton and Liverpool is the first meeting of the Reds and Blues this campaign. It’s a fixture that has always stirred the emotions of supporters in the city; a fierce and passionate rivalry. But one group of fans from both clubs have been putting aside their rivalries all season in support of a third club in Liverpool that is winning over an increasing number of converts.
City of Liverpool FC play in the North West Counties League First Division – 11 levels below Liverpool and Everton. The club was only formed in the summer, but they have taken the league by storm. Last Saturday they beat Holker Old Boys 6-1 to go top of the table. City of Liverpool is run as a community club, with inclusivity for all at the heart of their ethos.
Chairman Paul Manning was one of the founders and explains why he felt there was a space for the club in the city. “In the summer we looked around and realised Liverpool as a borough didn’t have a non-league team,” he said. “There are plenty of teams in the surrounding area, in places like Sefton and Knowsley, but not within the city. We wanted the people of Liverpool to have a choice. You can see Liverpool and Everton in the Premier League if you can get tickets and if you can afford those tickets, but it’s not easy. If you can’t, the only other alternative is pub football. So we thought people would want this.
“Normal working-class people can’t access tickets for the Premier League. This is about community not capitalism. We’re hoping this can fill a gap. We’re not asking anyone to walk away from Liverpool or Everton. Personally I’m a Liverpool fan of 40 years and have experienced all the ups and downs that come with supporting the team, but you can come here as an alternative and support The Purples.”
The …
