Lion History

The history of the Lion & Unicorn FC goes way back to the early 1970s when they went under the name of Brook Hotel and played friendly games on Sunday mornings. Their ambitions led them wanting to play more competitive football and in 1985 they joined the Ormskirk & District Sunday Football League. Unfortunately, because of a clash of names they had to change their title to Manorbrook FC; this being a combination of the name of the ground they played on (Manor Road) and the pub they ran from (the Brook Hotel).

In 1986 the club decided to run from the Lion & Unicorn pub in Waterloo. This seemed a better base to raise funds and take the club forward. It was also decided to change the name from Manorbrook to Lion & unicorn FC. Since entering the League the club progressed from the 3rd Division to the top of the 1st and were considered one of the strongest teams in the League at that time.

However, in 1995 due to the clubs base being a fair distance away from Ormskirk, the committee decided to show the club's skills to the Crosby & District Sunday Football League and joined their 3rd Division.

After consecutive promotions up to the 1st Division, the decision was made to move back to the Ormskirk League. This was for a number of reasons, the main one being the committee felt was the poor facilities of the Crosby League.

So in 1998 it was a case of "Sorry! Can we please come back?" Luckily enough they accepted the team and it was "hello again" to the 3rd Division. Promotion and a cup final win came quickly in the 1st year and it was up to the 2nd Division where the team remained for two years before disbanding.

The team managers from 1985 onwards where Mickey Morgan, Tony McDonald, Mark Madden, Jay Moore, Dave Wright and Ritchie Ackers.

The club's finances and social activities have been the envy of other clubs for many years: these include trips to Amsterdam, Ostend, Dublin, Newcastle, Barcelona, France World Cup 1998, Euro 2000, Euro 2004, Germany World Cup 2006, Majorca, Milan and Morecambe!

Finally, I hope you enjoy the website. If you feel there is anything missing, something interesting to add or you may just like to let me know your thoughts on the site please feel free to email me.

Jay Moore