As most of you will know, FC Halifax Town will take on Chorley FC in the Promotion Final on Saturday. The winner will be rewarded by joining AFC Fylde in making the step up to the National League for next season. But for now, here are ten things that you may be interested to know about Chorley as a place and a football club.
1. Chorley is a Market town in the county of Lancashire. Historically, it’s wealth has been generated mostly by its striving cotton industry. Although in more recent times this industry has become less prominent in the area and the last textiles manufacturing mill ceased to operate back in 2009.
2. A key role was played by the town of Chorley in the Second World War as the Royal Ordnance Factory was situated there. This was a munition factory which produced large quantities of supplies.
3. Today, Chorley is essential for the smooth running of international courier service Fedex. Fedex’s North West distribution centre is based in the town and is responsible for any deliveries in this region of the country.
4. Moving on to the football club… Chorley FC was founded in 1875, initially a Rugby club. However, after just 8 years Chorley switch to playing Football and have done so ever since.
5. Chorley FC have acquired the nickname The Magpies over the years. This nickname references their black and white strip which is still worn today.
6. Chorley’s stadium, which has been named The Chorley Group Victory Park since 2011 incorporates the name of its main sponsor, motoring company, The Chorley Group. The name change followed a major deal that was agreed between the club and the business.
7. Paul Mariner, who famously represented England as well as played for the likes of Arsenal and Ipswich town began his career at the Lancashire club. Mariner progressed as a Corley player and was sold to Plymouth Argyle in 1973 for £20,000.
8. Chorley’s largest ever victory, in terms of score line was a home match against Morecambe, in which they won 14-1.
9. If Chorley were to beat Halifax on Saturday, they would be returning for to the fifth tier of English football for the first time in more than 25 years.
10. Chorley qualified for this season’s play-offs when the FA ruled that Darlington’s stadium did not meet seating requirements. Darlington finished one place above Chorley in the league table meaning that the Lancashire side were given their spot when the FA’s decision was made.
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