The Dabbers' Journey: A Walk Through Nantwich Town FC's History

Nantwich Town Football Club, affectionately known as "The Dabbers," has been a prominent outfit in the North West's non-league football landscape since its foundation in 1884. Based in the historic market town of Nantwich, Cheshire, the club's journey is defined by resilience, passion, and a strong connection to the local community and its industrial heritage.

From its early days, Nantwich has steadily evolved, becoming a symbol of both local pride and footballing ambition. Today, the club competes in the eighth tier of English football, where new opportunities, including matched betting options, have emerged and continue to develop.

Join us as we explore the rich history of this enduring football club.

The Origins of Nantwich Town FC

Founded in 1884, Nantwich Town FC began its journey at a football pitch off London Road, with the Leopard Inn serving as the club's headquarters and changing rooms. The club primarily engaged in friendly matches and local cup competitions in its early years. By 1891, seeking more structured competition, Nantwich Town joined the Shropshire & District League and impressively finished as runners-up in their inaugural season.

The moniker "The Dabbers" is deeply intertwined with the town's industrial heritage. While the exact origin of the nickname is subject to various interpretations, one prevalent theory links it to the local tanning industry. In this context, "dabbing" refers to applying glue onto shoes during manufacture - a meticulous task that reflects the town's craftsmanship. Another perspective suggests that "Dabber" denotes someone born within the town's boundaries, emphasising local pride and identity.

Early Years in The Dabbers' History

Nantwich Town's rise began with promotion to the Combination League after finishing runners-up in the Shropshire & District League. A historic FA Cup debut followed against Liverpool in the first qualifying round, resulting in a 4-0 defeat but firmly placing the club on the footballing map.

After the First World War, Nantwich became a founding member of the Cheshire County League, attracting a record home crowd of 5,121 for a Cheshire Senior Cup tie against Winsford in 1921. Remarkably, this match was played at Kingsley Fields, the future site of the club's modern home, the Weaver Stadium.

The 1930s brought silverware, with The Dabbers lifting the Cheshire Senior Cup in 1933. However, one of the club's most infamous results came in 1952 when their youth team suffered a 23-0 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup. The United side included future legends Duncan Edwards and Albert Scanlon.

The 1963/64 season was a high point, as Nantwich secured a treble under manager Alan Ball Sr., winning the Mid-Cheshire League, League Cup, and Cheshire Amateur Cup. Their return to the Cheshire League in 1968 led to further success, culminating in a thrilling 5-4 victory over Runcorn in the 1976 Cheshire Senior Cup final. In 1981, they clinched the Cheshire League title with a decisive 2-1 win over Hyde United, watched by 1,078 fans.

A Growing Reputation and Player Development

In 1982, Nantwich became a founding North West Counties Football League member but endured a difficult first season, suffering relegation. Undeterred, they regrouped and secured promotion back to Division One in 1989, laying the foundations for future progress. The club has also played a role in the careers of several notable players, including Jimmy Quinn, who made his debut in 1980 as a 19-year-old before earning 48 caps for Northern Ireland and playing for Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United.

The Cheshire-based outfit created FA Cup history via Andy Locke, who bagged a hat-trick in two minutes and 20 seconds against Droylsden in a preliminary round tie, becoming the quickest of any player to do so. It is a record which still stands to this day since 1995.

FA Vase Glory and Rapid Progress

In 2001, former Stoke City midfielder Nigel Gleghorn was appointed manager, ushering in a new era of community focus and securing FA Charter Standard Community Club status. He stepped down in 2004, making way for ex-Crewe, Burnley, and Barnsley defender Steve Davis. Under Davis, Nantwich enjoyed their greatest triumph in 2006, winning the FA Vase with a 3-1 victory over Hillingdon Borough at St Andrew's. Andy Kinsey netted twice - though his celebrations resulted in a dislocated shoulder - while club legend John Scarlett, The Dabbers' post-war top scorer, made a cameo appearance in the final.

The club's upward trajectory continued in 2007 with promotion to the Northern Premier League First Division South after finishing third in the North West Counties League. That season also marked the end of an era as Nantwich bid farewell to Jackson Avenue, their home for 123 years. Over 1,000 fans attended their final match at the ground, a 5-2 victory over Squires Gate, before moving to the newly built Weaver Stadium ahead of the 2007/08 season.

Nantwich quickly made an impact at their new home, ending a 32-year wait for the Cheshire Senior Cup and securing back-to-back promotions via the play-offs in 2008. Their momentum carried into the FA Cup, where in 2011, they enjoyed their best-ever run, reaching the First Round Proper for the first time in their history. Wins over Ramsbottom United, Northwich Victoria, Kendal Town, and Nuneaton Town set up a tie with League One side MK Dons, though The Dabbers fell to a 6-0 defeat.

Their cup pedigree extended to the FA Trophy in 2016 when a dramatic 2-1 win over Dover Athletic in front of a record 892 fans at the Weaver Stadium secured a place in the quarter-finals. Their run ended in the semi-finals against FC Halifax, with an even larger crowd of 2,078 witnessing the home leg.

Recent Years and Present Day

In 2017, manager Phil Parkinson departed for Altrincham after two and a half years at the helm, with Dave Cooke stepping in as his replacement. That season, Nantwich lifted another Cheshire Senior Cup with a 3-0 victory over Stockport Town.

The 2018/19 season saw The Dabbers top the league table at Christmas before finishing fourth and reaching the play-offs, where they were beaten by Warrington Town. However, they successfully defended the Cheshire Senior Cup, defeating Crewe Alexandra, Chester, and Stockport County.

In 2019/20, the club once again reached the FA Cup First Round but suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to AFC Fylde. Their promising league campaign was ultimately cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2021/22 season proved challenging, with a winter relegation battle threatening their status. However, a strong recovery saw them secure a mid-table finish, reaffirming the club's resilience.

The following campaign saw The Dabbers suffer relegation to Step 4 of the pyramid after missing out on top-flight survival by one point. This ended their 15-year stint in the Premier Division of the Northern Premier League.

Still competing in the Division One West of the Northern Premier League after a mid-table finish last season, Nantwich are hovering around the cusp of the play-off places. Come the end of the current 2024/25 season, they'll hope to be vying for promotion.

Looking Ahead To The Future

Despite setbacks, such as their recent relegation to Step 4 from the Premier Division of the Northern Premier League, the club's ambition remains steadfast. Nantwich Town is undoubtedly determined to rise again, drawing from its deep-rooted history of resilience and the unwavering support of its community.

In October 2024, The Dabbers appointed 27-year-old Jon Moran as their new manager following the departure of Paul Carden to Warrington Town. Becoming the youngest boss in the last 40 years at the club, Moran has been associated with Nantwich for almost ten years as a player and part of his predecessor's management team, too. The appointment signals a new era of youthful energy, fresh perspectives, and a longer-term vision.

The Dabbers have a balanced crop of young talent, including the likes of James Melhado and Joe Robbins, mixed among former professionals and experienced heads such as Tom Pratt, Callum Saunders, Joseph Bunney and Troy Bourne. The latter recently made his 300th appearance for the club despite still only being 27 - a testament to his enduring commitment and talent. His debut, back in November 2015 against Cammell Laird, started what has been a remarkable journey.

As Nantwich looks ahead, the mix of emerging talent and experienced players will be crucial in their quest for promotion. With a clear vision and leadership under Moran and his team consisting of Jay Speare, Andy Porter and former Dabbers favourite Darren 'Daz' Thornton, the future promises to be full of potential. Their first goal will be to reclaim their place in the Premier Division of the Northern Premier League, while future runs in the FA Cup and FA Trophy will only aid in their evolution.