1874 Northwich are looking to continue their memorable run in the Buildbase FA Vase (Photo: Andy Nunn)
1874 Northwich aren't ashamed to admit they don’t have any history - they’re creating it this season.
The Cheshire side emerged in 2012 as the democratic result of two failed takeovers at famous non-league outfit Northwich Victoria.
Just four seasons in, 1874 stand on the brink of Wembley as they meet Thatcham Town in the semi-final of the Buildbase FA Vase.
“It would make a huge difference to the club at this early stage.
“The prize money is great, alongside the money we got from our FA Cup run earlier this season. This can elevate our club.”
The phoenix club was formed by a supporters trust breaking away from the 1984 Buildbase FA Trophy winners.
Vics went into administration in 2005 and 2010, dumped out of their Victoria Stadium home and forced into ground-shares with Altrincham and Witton.
1874’s pioneers took matters in their own hands, setting up an agreement to play at Winsford United’s Barton Stadium and compete in the North West Counties League.
“There are people who see us as traitors, having gone against the side we’ve supported for years,” said Wood, responsible for project managing the club’s ambition to move back to Northwich.
“We thought no-one could make a worse mess of running a football club than the previous three incumbents!
“We’re now operating a well-run, stable club. We’ve got money in the bank and are establishing a really good relationship with our community and local charities.”
The club have agreed for the ground to renamed after a local hospice, St Luke’s, and took a collection for a nearby food bank at a recent home game.
Not only does the original Northwich club still exist, they share the ninth tier of English football with 1874 - playing out a series of tense derby matches.
1874 are comfortably mid-table in their league and reached the third qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup this term, beating North Ferriby United on the way.
They are managed by Paul Bowyer, on the club’s coaching staff since its inception, and Wayne Goodison - formerly a defender at Barnsley, Rochdale and Accrington.
The north-west outfit also have three brothers - Matt, Joe and Jack Woolley - who have regularly featured in the same starting line-up.
As they remain in their infancy, Wood explains the inclusive approach at the heart of the club’s mission.
“We’re here for everyone and we’re trying to do things the right way - that’s our USP,” he said.
“We’ve got longer-term plans to engage women and girls to make us a key part of the Cheshire sporting community.
“Our ambition is to be a community club, first and foremost.”
The prize
A place at Wembley will be the reward for the winners but they will also receive £5,500 in prize money with the loser getting £1,750
