DURHAM CITY FC

Archibalds Stadium, New Ferens Park, Belmont Industrial Estate, Durham

Website:
Durham City

Founded: 1918
Nick-name:

County affiliation:
Durham County FA


Manager:
Lee Collins


The club was first inaugurated in the 1918-1919 season, and for that season only operated in the old Victory League, which was formed in celebration of the end of the First World War. Subsequently the team was amitted to the North Eastern League (which included such teams as Newcastle United, Sunderland and Middlesbrough reserves) where they played for two seasons before being admitted to Division 3 North in the season 1921-1922. The club operated in that league until 1928 when they failed to gain re-election. The club immediately rejoined the North Eastern League where thay stayed until 1938, when due to financial constraints, the club was force to disband. For a short period during the following season, the club (having changed it's designation and then being known as Durham AFC) became members of the Wearside League but were again disbanded in November 1938, and it was not until the season commencing in 1950 that the club was reformed, gaining admission as members of the Wearside League, where they operated until 1952, when the club was successful in gaining admission to the Northern League.

Since it was origionally formed, the club has occupied five different grounds. The first of these being at Garden House Park (almost where County Hall stands now), where they stayed for one season only, moving immediately to Kepier Heughs, a larger field near to old Ferens Park ground. Here they stayed for four seasons. The clud then moved to Holiday Park (named after the late Alderman T.W. Holiday, a former mayor of the city), this ground was situated next to the large gasometer along Framwellgate Waterside in the City, where the club stayed until 1938. The club's fourth ground was acquired when they reformed in 1950 and was named after the late Alderman H.C. Ferens, who was for many years prior to his death in 1975, President of the club, and who was agenerous benefactor in connection with the perchase of the land. Ferens Park was probably one of the most attractive grounds in the Northern League, being set in rural surroundings and its facilities included a comfortable clubhouse, covered stand and floodlights.

The attendance record at Ferens Park stood at 7,000 when on the 7th November 1957, Tranmere Rovers were the visitors in the Second Round of the FA Challenge Cup. Unfortunately on that day, City lost 0-3. Another excellent attendance was on the occasion of the visit of Emley in the Quarter Finals of the FA Vase during th 1978-79 season, when 3,500 spectators attended. Unfortunately City also lost this game by a score of 2-4. Emley progressed to the final, and went on to win the Vase. City left Ferens Park at the end of their Championship winning 1993-94 season, the groung being sold for housing development. However because their new stadium was not completed in time for the start of the 1994-95 season, City were unable to take their rightful place in the Unibond League. The club's new ground, its fifth, is the New Ferens Park, and is situated at Belmont on the outskirts of the City. The stadium has been perpose built, and boasts a two-storey clubhouse, 300 seater stand, and also covered accommodation for 600 standing spectators, and excellent floodlights.

Head to head
Mossley
v Durham City
P - 0 W - 0 D - 0 L - 0 F - 0 A - 0
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