| Full name | Harlandic Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname | Wolves | ||
| Founded | 1917 | ||
| Dissolved | 1993 | ||
Harlandic F.C. were a long running English amateur football club, based in Southampton.
| Full name | Harlandic Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname | Wolves | ||
| Founded | 1917 | ||
| Dissolved | 1993 | ||
Harlandic F.C. were a long running English amateur football club, based in Southampton.
From 1907 Harland & Wolff, the famous shipbuilders operated a repair yard at Southampton docks, [1] and they formed an Athletic & Social Club for their employees to make use of their newly acquired sports ground. Located in the Shirley area of the city, the venue was called Pirrie Park - named after company chairman William James Pirrie.
In 1917, a football team was formed and joined the South Hants War League. They became prominent immediately - winning the inaugural Russell Cotes Cup after defeating Cowes in a replayed final 3-2.
Harland & Wolff joined the Hampshire League in 1920, [2] and finished third in the West Division to win promotion to the top flight, where they then finished second and fourth. [3] During this time, the club also began entering national cup competitions, and in 1921 progressed through to the third qualifying round of the FA Cup. Here they were drawn at home against Boscombe, but narrowly lost 2-3 in front of a large crowd. [4]
After leaving the county league in 1925, Harland & Wolff retained their position within the Southampton League, where they continued to prosper. [5] The club made regular trips to The Dell, Southampton, reaching a record four consecutive Southampton Senior Cup finals from 1922-26, winning on three occasions, the last of which saw them complete a memorable double. [6]
However, the thirties saw tough economic times, and their fortunes declined after the company were forced to sell Pirrie Park in 1936.
After World War II, the club reformed and began using various council pitches for their home games. The fifties saw Harland & Wolff re-emerge as a force in the Southampton League, winning several league titles and cups, including the double in 1954. [7]
The late sixties saw a decline in fortunes with the club dropping into Junior football for a spell. When the yard was sold to Vosper Thornycroft in 1973, the football club became known as Harlandic and regained their Senior status, yo-yoing between the divisions.
In 1989, Harlandic dropped back in Junior football and after some difficult seasons they folded in 1993.
Harland & Wolff played at Pirrie Park, Wilton Crescent, Upper Shirley, Southampton.
The eight-acre sports ground had a large pavilion with an enclosed football pitch with a stand and frequently hosted large crowds. The record attendance came in 1921 when 900 turned up for the FA Cup clash against Boscombe.
In 1936 the venue was sold for development, although the Pirrie Park Bowls Club remains. [11]
After the closure, the club used various council pitches around the western side of the city.
Harland & Wolff had many fine players, especially in their twenties hey-day. These included goalkeeper Billy Light, [12] who went on to play for Southampton and West Bromwich Albion, whilst George Donowa went on to play for Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic.
The club enjoyed a long running rivalry with other works sides from the docks who also played in the Southampton League for many years. These included Vosper Thornycroft, BTC Southampton, N.D.L.B. and Supermarine Sports.