Pennington FC Veterans

22/06/2026

PENNINGTON PRESENTATION NIGHT 2026 🍻🏆🇮🇹

What a night. Where do we even begin?

The presentation night had everything you’d expect from Pennington… and things you definitely wouldn’t.

There was madness.
There was swearing.
There was beer pong.
There was enough alcohol consumed to sink a small fishing boat.

And somehow, at some point during the evening, Danny Coyle started speaking what can only be described as fluent Italian.

No one knows how.
No one knows why.
We’re still not entirely convinced it was Italian… but the passion was there. Hands flying everywhere like he was ordering pasta for 40 people.

“🤌 MAMMA MIA PENNINGTON 🤌”

Standard Danny.

But amongst all the chaos, laughs, and absolute carnage, we took time to recognise a group of lads who’ve built something special this season — an unbeaten league-winning family.

And the winners were…

🏅 Team Recognition Award — Danny Coyle
The engine. The workhorse. Presses like his life depends on it and somehow still had enough energy left to dominate beer pong.

💙 Inspiration Recognition Award — Paul Atherton
This one means more than football. From everything he’s battled through to stepping back onto the pitch and smashing goals for fun — an unbelievable story and an inspiration to every single one of us.

🚀 Goal of the Season — Paul Atherton
You all know the one. Filthy. Outrageous. Borderline illegal. The keeper’s probably still having nightmares.

⚽ League & Club Top Scorer — Andrew Buckley
The Apex Predator himself. Goals, goals, and more bloody goals. Defenders across the league are delighted the season’s over.

🏆 Players’ Player Award — Steven Ellerby
Mr Consistent. The OG. Week in, week out — solid as a rock and massively respected by every lad in that dressing room.

⭐ Player of the Year — Adam Ralphson
The Silent Assassin. Doesn’t say much… just casually goes about being class. Quality all season.

👏 Manager’s Player of the Year — Dom Shinks
Postman Pat himself. Delivery after delivery all season, whether from open play or set pieces. Quality, commitment and never lets standards drop.

This season has been unbelievable.
From strangers… to teammates.
From teammates… to a proper family.

League champions.
Unbeaten.
Memories for life.

And if anyone has footage of Danny speaking Italian… please destroy it immediately.

UTFP 🔵⚫️🔵⚫️
Now we look forward to season 26/27

01/06/2026

FAMILY

The last few weeks have been about winning this, losing that, being unlucky here and putting in a great performance there.

But truth be told, this season has never really been about any of that.

It’s been about creating a family.

A new family.

Because when we first came together, a lot of these lads barely knew each other. Some had played together, some had played against each other and some had never met before.

Now?

Every single one of them would run through a brick wall for the bloke stood next to him.

And that’s worth more than any trophy.

Well… almost. 👀😂

⸻

Pictured here is Paul “The Predator of Pennington” Atherton with his daughter on his shoulders bearing his number,, after he finished helping us secure an unbeaten league season by scoring four goals on the day.

Now some of our lads only knew Paul from playing against him over the years.

And to be fair…

He’s an absolute nightmare to play against.

Top-class footballer.

Relentless goalscorer.

And a mouth that would make a sailor blush. 👀😂

⸻

But this picture sums up everything Karl and myself wanted this team to be.

At the start of the season, after everything that happened, all we wanted was to see Paul back in a football shirt.

That was it.

Just back doing what he loved.

Never mind scoring 10 goals from four substitute appearances and one start with a handful of assists thrown in for good measure. 🤦🏼‍♂️

⸻

What we’ve built this year is bigger than football.

We’ve got wives coming to games.

Kids running around after matches.

Parents watching from the sidelines.

Friends becoming part of the club.

People turning up every week because they want to be there.

That’s what we wanted to create.

A proper football family.

The fact we’ve also turned out to be really, really bloody good at football is just the icing on the cake. 😂

⸻

Before we’d even kicked a ball this season, we received the devastating news about Paul having a heart attack which crippled us all.

The lads rallied around him.

Messages.

Phone calls.

Checking in.

Keeping him involved.

Making sure he knew he was still one of us.

Because that’s what families do.

⸻

Then yesterday we got this picture.

Paul carrying his daughter on his shoulders.

Both wearing the famous number 9.

League won.

Unbeaten season achieved.

A smile that says more than any words ever could.

And it’s a reminder that whilst football means a lot to all of us…

Family means more.

Not much more admittedly. 👀😂

But more.

Because trophies gather dust.

League tables get forgotten.

But family, friends and teammates are the people who stand beside you through the good times and the bad.

Through thick and thin.

And that’s what Pennington has become.

Not just a team.

A family. 💙🖤⭐️🏆

31/05/2026

31/05/2026

31/05/2026

A few shots and videos from today’s celebrations after the game and becoming invincible

31/05/2026

INVINCIBLE

Bold Miners 0 - 6 Pennington FC Veterans

Well… what can I say?

Today has been a bit of everything emotionally.

After our kit sponsor Jay from Boiler Base threw down the challenge of:

“I’ve got one unbeaten team… let’s make it two.”

Cheers for the extra pressure mate! 😂

We arrived at Bold not entirely sure where we were getting changed. For a brief moment it looked like twenty odd veteran footballers were about to get naked pitchside before a changing room miraculously appeared from nowhere.

Mind games? 🤔

Possibly.

Problem is, we’re Pennington.

We don’t do panic.

We just crack on.

⸻

Paul “The Predator” Atherton took control of the dressing room playlist before kick-off. Given his previous experience in the music industry, we’ll allow it.

The summer vibes were flowing and the lads responded accordingly, playing football like they were dancing to the beat.

We started brightly, dominating possession and probing away without creating anything too clear.

Then on his first start of the season, Paul Atherton decided enough was enough.

Not power.

Not a lob.

Just pure class.

Twenty yards out, one look up, one touch, one finish.

Over the keeper.

Into the net.

1-0.

⸻

Now the problem for Paul was that Dom “The Postman” Shinks had quietly pulled level with him in the goalscoring charts.

And Paul wasn’t having that.

Not one bit.

Unfortunately for him, Shinksy struck next.

Twenty-plus yards out.

Bang.

Keeper beaten.

2-0.

The Postman had delivered again.

⸻

Now if there’s one thing you don’t do around a natural goalscorer, it’s rub his nose in the fact somebody else is catching him.

Shinks learned this lesson the hard way.

Paul responded by casually smashing in another two goals.

Hat-trick.

Inside thirty minutes.

First start of the season.

Ridiculous.

⸻

Half-time arrived at 4-0.

The game was comfortable but Bold deserve credit. They never stopped trying to play football and were still looking to make things happen.

⸻

The second half followed a similar pattern.

Bold tightened things up and made life more difficult.

Then Paul decided he fancied another.

Because apparently three wasn’t enough.

4 goals.

One start.

Predator behaviour.

Absolute freak of a goalscorer.

God help teams if he gets fully fit.

⸻

At 5-0 we started shuffling things around and giving lads different roles.

Then something brilliant happened.

Both Bucky and Shinksy decided they were getting Danny “DC Hero” Coyle on the scoresheet.

Bucky tried first.

Blocked.

Then Shinksy found himself through with a chance to shoot.

Most players pull the trigger.

Not our Postman.

He delivered.

Squared it across.

Danny Coyle absolutely leathered it.

The keeper was already diving after the ball had hit the net.

6-0.

Game over.

⸻

The scoreline sounds one-sided and on the balance of play we deserved it.

But credit to Bold Miners.

A good set of lads who kept trying to play football and created opportunities of their own.

The problem was Aaron “The Wall” Tyrer had other ideas.

Some of his saves today were top drawer.

When he plays like that he’s a nightmare for opposition forwards.

⸻

Now for the bit that really puts today into perspective.

After the game Paul Atherton came over and reminded me that next week marks twelve months since he officially died.

Twelve months.

Thankfully the incredible staff at Wigan Infirmary brought him back.

Not just as a footballer.

As a husband.

As a dad.

As a friend.

As one of us.

Today he scored four goals.

That takes him to ten goals from four substitute appearances and one start.

Now you understand why we call him The Predator.

Some people survive.

Paul came back hunting.

⸻

Finally, Karl and myself just want to say thank you.

To every player.

Every sponsor.

Every family member.

Every partner.

Every person who’s helped us along the way.

And especially those who have spent countless Sundays letting their husbands disappear to play football. 👀😂

Without all of you, none of this happens.

⸻

Now after the game, despite technically having a Manchester postcode, let’s be honest, we’re only a few miles down the road from a certain council estate in a certain TV programme…

And for one night only we all went full Frank Gallagher.

Because if you’re going to celebrate becoming unbeaten league champions, you don’t do it quietly.

You don’t politely sip a shandy in the corner.

You embrace the chaos.

You sing too loud.

You dance badly.

You tell the same stories fifty times.

And most importantly…

You celebrate with the people who helped get you there.

Because as Frank himself would probably say…

“We know how to throw a party.” 🍻😂

⸻

Now think about what this group has achieved.

A brand new team.

A first season together.

League Champions.

And now…

UNBEATEN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS.

One draw.

Against today’s opponents.

Every single player who has pulled on that shirt should be incredibly proud.

Because Karl and I certainly are.

⸻

Last week hurt.

It really hurt.

But as the great philosophers Chumbawamba once said:

“I get knocked down, but I get up again, you’re never gonna keep me down.”

And that’s exactly what this group did.

Champions.

Invincibles.

Pennington FC Veterans. 💙🖤🏆🍾🍻

Played 14
Won 13
Drawn 1
Lost 0
GD +45
GS 53
GC 8
Points 40

League Champions.
Unbeaten.
Forever part of Pennington history. 💙🖤⭐🏆

31/05/2026

As our incredible season draws to a close, we want to take a moment to say a massive thank you to every sponsor and partner who has backed Pennington FC this year.

Football clubs don’t run on goals alone. They run on support, generosity, loyalty and people who believe in what you’re trying to build.

When Karl and myself started putting this team together, we had a vision of creating something special. A team that represented the club properly, a team that played with pride, and a team that gave people something to enjoy on a Sunday morning. What we’ve achieved this season has been incredible, but none of it happens without the people and businesses who support us along the way.

To our sponsors, thank you for trusting us to represent your businesses. Your support has helped provide kits, equipment, training wear, player welfare, matchday experiences and all the little extras that make our players feel valued and appreciated.

To our partners and supporters, thank you for standing alongside us throughout the journey. Whether you’ve helped behind the scenes, shared our posts, attended games, offered services, sponsored awards or simply cheered us on from the sidelines, you’ve played your part in what has been a remarkable season.

A special thank you goes to:

🔵 Boiler Base UK – our fantastic kit sponsor and a huge supporter of what we’re building.

⚫ Entrytec – backing the lads with our tracksuits and always supporting the club.

🔵 Wigan Roofing & Building Solutions – proud supporters through our training wear sponsorship.

⚫ Lucy Ogden Sports Rehabilitation & MSK Therapy – sponsoring our Player of the Month awards and helping keep the lads moving throughout the season.

🔵 BTC Photography – capturing the moments we’ll never forget. The celebrations, the emotions, the cup run and the title-winning memories have all been preserved thanks to their brilliant work behind the camera.

⚫ Elicia Rose Massage Therapy – helping prepare the lads for the biggest occasions. The feedback from the players was unbelievable and her professionalism and quality were recognised by everyone involved.

🔵 Bolton Wanderers Remembrance Group – proud sponsors of our Full Time scores throughout the season. Week after week they’ve helped us celebrate the highs, report the results and keep our followers updated whilst supporting an incredible cause that preserves and honours the memory of those connected to the football community.

But sponsorship is about more than logos on shirts or names on posts. It’s about people backing people. It’s about local businesses and organisations believing in grassroots football and helping clubs like ours create opportunities, memories and friendships.

This season has brought league titles, cup finals, unforgettable days and moments that will be spoken about for years to come. Every trophy lifted, every goal scored and every celebration shared has been made possible by the support of people who believed in what we were trying to achieve.

From all the players, management team, committee members, volunteers and supporters…

Thank you for believing in us.
Thank you for supporting us.
Thank you for being part of the journey.

Here’s to an incredible season and an even bigger future.

Boiler Base UK EntryTec Locksmiths Wigan Roofing and Building Solutions Bolton Wanderers Remembrance Group Lucy Ogden Sport Rehabilitator/ MSK Therapist BTC Photography Elicia Rose Massage Therapy

30/05/2026

SQUAD NEWS – ONE LAST JOB TO DO…

As we head into tomorrow’s game, it’s somehow turned into another cup final.

Our opponents Bold Miners need at least a point to secure second place after a strong run from Penlake pushing them all the way… so make no mistake, they’ll be coming out swinging.

But on the other side of the fence?

We’re chasing history.

Not just league champions… not just unbeaten…

We’re going for the title of the ONLY Over 35s side across ALL divisions to finish the league season without a loss.

Yeah… read that again.

Even the mighty, well-known Wythenshawe Vets have a blemish on the record after conceding a fixture in the Prem. Football doesn’t care for reputations — it only remembers records.

The only other veterans side across the leagues still flying the unbeaten flag are our neighbours over in Hindsford, with their Over 45s team still going strong with four games left.

But for us?

This is it.

One final push.
One final battle.
One more Sunday where the lads empty the tank.

Tomorrow isn’t just about 3 points… it’s about leaving a mark.

And ahead of the big game, a message from our kit sponsor Jay at Boiler Base UK:

“Best of luck to all the lads tomorrow. What a season it’s been already and hopefully one final push sees Pennington finish the league unbeaten. We were lucky enough to see Grenadier complete an unbeaten league season over in the Liverpool League, so to have both teams we sponsor do it would be something special. Go and finish the job lads!”

Massive thanks to Jay and Boiler Base UK for backing the lads all season long — sponsors who genuinely care and follow the journey week in week out

Can the champions go full invincible?

If you’re bored, fancy a football fix, or just want to watch a bunch of old blokes running around like they’ve still got something to prove, then get yourselves down:

📍 Bold Miners Neighbourhood Centre, Fleet Lane WA9 2NH
⏰ Sunday – 12pm KO

Come and see if Pennington can power up one last time and finish the league season unbeaten.

Champions already… but hungry for more. 👀🏆💙🖤
Boiler Base UK Bolton Wanderers Remembrance Group BTC Photography Elicia Rose Massage Therapy Wigan Roofing and Building Solutions EntryTec Locksmiths Lucy Ogden Sport Rehabilitator/ MSK Therapist

25/05/2026

FINAL GAME. ONE LAST DANCE. 🔵⚫️🏆

Well here we are…

What a season it’s been.

The final league game of our debut season is upon us and after everything — the graft, the laughs, the chaos, the comebacks, the group chat meltdowns, the injuries, the Sunday morning hangovers and somehow still turning up to train — we head down the East Lancs Road one final time.

📍 Bold Miners Club
🗓️ Sunday 31st May
⏰ 12 Noon Kick Off

A massive thank you to Bold Miners, a proper club and a great set of lads, for welcoming us over after the disappointment of last week’s fixture falling through. The last time we met ended 3-3, so we know full well there’ll be no easy ride — these lads don’t roll over for anyone.

And although the title is already wrapped up (still sounds good saying that 👀), there’s still something to play for…

An unbeaten league season.

No pressure lads 😅

But before all that…

We just want to say a genuine thank you.

To every sponsor, every supporter, every club we’ve worked with, every person who’s helped us out this season, shared a post, stood on the sidelines freezing, travelled away, bought a pint, backed the lads or simply believed in what we were building…

Thank you.

This first season has been something special and we genuinely couldn’t have done it without the support around us.

So if you can…

Come and join us on our short trip down the East Lancs for one final game of the season — and then back after for what should be a proper celebration as we celebrate becoming LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 🏆🍻

One last shift. One last push. Then let’s celebrate properly.

Boiler Base UK EntryTec Locksmiths Wigan Roofing and Building Solutions Bolton Wanderers Remembrance Group BTC Photography Lucy Ogden Sport Rehabilitator/ MSK Therapist Elicia Rose Massage Therapy Pennington FC Victoria Fjodor