Atherstone Town

History

The original football club, formed in 1887, experienced early success, reaching the semi-finals of the FA Amateur Cup in consecutive seasons (1907–08 and 1908–09) but faced defeats in both. Joining the Birmingham Combination in 1911 marked a period of fluctuating fortunes, including a runners-up finish in their debut season, though they struggled in the 1920s, finishing bottom of the league twice. Post-World War II, the club won the league title in 1947–48 and the Birmingham Senior Cup, showing signs of resurgence. Their journey through the league system continued with promotions and relegations, and by 1972, they had climbed to the Premier Division of the Southern League, maintaining their position until folding in 1979.

Atherstone was promptly reformed as Atherstone United, swiftly rising through the ranks of the West Midlands (Regional) League and the Southern League from the early 1980s into the 1990s. Their notable achievements included reaching the FA Cup first round multiple times, with memorable matches against VS Rugby, Fleetwood Town, Crewe Alexandra, and Hereford United. However, the club’s fortunes declined again, culminating in relegation from the Southern League Premier Division in 2000 and folding midway through the 2003–04 season due to ongoing struggles.

The club re-emerged as Atherstone Town in 2004, demonstrating immediate success by winning Division One and the President’s Cup in the Midland Combination. Continued success saw them become Midland Alliance champions in 2007–08, earning promotion to the Southern League. Despite a promising third-place finish and a play-off appearance in 2008–09, the club faced relegations in subsequent seasons, dropping to the Midland Alliance and then to the Midland Combination. The formation of the Midland League in 2014 placed Atherstone in Division One, marking another chapter in the club’s rollercoaster history through the English football league system.