West Stanley FC’s story needs telling

Aug 31 2009 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

A BID to reveal the untold story of West Stanley FC has prompted die-hard football fanatics to launch an appeal for memorabilia.

Members of the Durham Amateur Football Trust (DAFT) are searching for photos, video clips and match mementos for a special exhibition taking place this Autumn.

The organisation’s current material focuses on the FA Cup triumphs of North East teams Bishop Auckland, Crook Town, Willington and West Auckland.

In total those four teams clinched trophy wins in more than 15 FA Amateur Cup Finals during less than two decades in the 1940s and 1950s.

But there is no information available on the West Stanley team and now members of the amateur Trust are frantically searching for historical items.

The only surviving photo of the County Durham outfit dates back to 1909 and was discovered by the grand-daughter of the team’s goalkeeper, John Gill.

Last night Geoff Wood, trust treasurer, said it was important young footballers knew of the local history surrounding their clubs.