Rochdale Town

Rochdale Town History

The present Club was formed in 1924 as St Gabriels and played in the Rochdale Sunday League, players had to be Catholic and go to Church regularly to be able to play for the Club.

In the early 1960's the Club changed this policy to be able to attract more players to the then struggling Club. This change had an immediate effect with the Club winning many local trophies.

In 1979 the Club bought it's present home, then known as Butterworth Park, the Club continued to progress on and off the field, with major improvements to the clubhouse and the ground.

In 1985 the Club joined the Manchester League and in their second season won the League and Murray Shield and gained promotion to the Premier League.

In 1990 the Club joined the North West Counties League and dropped 'Saint' from the Club's name.

Despite gradually improving the facilities at the ground, the costs involved began to take their toll, and despite winning the Reserve Division Cup, the Reserve team was disbanded. This then started the Club on a downward spiral. The Clubs driving force for many years left the Club with ownership changing to a Limited Company.

The Ground was allowed to fall into disrepair, the team was struggling and at the end of 2004/05 the Club was effectively relegated when the Ground failed the grading criteria. This was the Club's darkest hour, but hope was around the corner, the Club was bought by Rochdale Mayfield Rugby Club who immediately started to refurbish the Stadium.

Our friends at Oldham Town FC allowed us to ground share until we could return to Castleton, thus allowing us to remain in the North West Counties League. The Club returned to the now renamed Castleton Sports Centre in November 2005.

Despite playing at a superb ground the Club still struggled on and off the field, so at the end of 2007/2008 season in an effort to change the Club's fortunes it was decided to rename the Club ROCHDALE TOWN F.C and start a new era at the Club.