GKN Sankey F.C.

GKN Sankey F.C.
Dissolved1988
1987–88West Midlands (Regional) League
Premier Division, 16th

GKN Sankey F.C., previously known as Sankeys of Wellington F.C., was an English association football club based in Wellington, Shropshire, which was incorporated into the new town of Telford in the 1960s. The club competed for a number of years in the West Midlands (Regional) League but disbanded in 1988.

History

The club was the works team of engineering company GKN Sankey and played in the Shropshire County League from at least 1954 until 1960.[1] In 1960 the club switched to the more senior Cheshire County League and played there until 1965, achieving a second-place finish in the 1963–64 season.[2] They won the Shropshire Senior Cup in the 1961–62 season. This was followed by one season back in the Shropshire County League before the team joined the West Midlands (Regional) League in 1966.[3]

The club played in the West Midlands League until 1974, gaining promotion to the Premier Division in 1971.[4] After dropping out of the league for two years, Sankey's returned in 1976, initially in Division 1(B). In 1981 the team was relegated to Division Two, but won the championship at the first attempt to gain promotion back to Division One. In 1983 the league was re-organised and Sankey's was one of a number of lower division clubs elected into the Premier Division on the strength of its facilities.[4] The team spent five seasons in the Premier Division before the club was disbanded in 1988.[5]

Ground

The team played at a ground within the parent company's complex in Telford. As of 2005 it was reported to still be in place but in a derelict condition, and was targeted for residential redevelopment.[6] A covered terrace from the ground later became a stand at the home of Pelsall Villa.[7]

Club records

Notable players

Further information: Category:GKN Sankey F.C. players

References

  1. ^ Official Shropshire County Premier Football League website
  2. ^ "Sankey's of Wellington". The Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 8 August 2020. Retrieved 10 July 2008.
  3. ^ Robinson, Michael (2005). Non-League Football Tables 1889–2005. Soccer Books Limited. p. 91. ISBN 1-8622-3125-7.
  4. ^ a b "GKN Sankey (Wellington)". The Football Club History Database. Retrieved 10 July 2008.
  5. ^ Robinson, Michael. Non-League Football Tables 1889–2005. p. 93.
  6. ^ "Borough of Telford & Wrekin Plans Board – 7th December 2005". Telford & Wrekin Council. Archived from the original on 8 June 2011. Retrieved 2008-07-10.
  7. ^ "Pelsall Villa FC". Pyramid Passion. Archived from the original on 7 September 2008. Retrieved 10 July 2008.