The Full-Back Who Helped Build a Winning Chorley

In this episode of Chorley FC Stories, former full-back Eddie Birchall revisits his time with Chorley FC and reflects on an era when the club enjoyed one of the most successful periods in its history.

Eddie begins by recalling his early days growing up in Wigan, where his love of football started as a young boy kicking a ball against the wall outside his family home. After playing schoolboy football and spending time with local teams, he eventually progressed through the Lancashire Combination, gaining experience at clubs including Wigan Athletic and Nelson before attracting the attention of Chorley manager Stan Hayhurst.

Joining Chorley in 1963, Eddie became part of a formidable squad that went on to dominate the Lancashire Combination during the mid-1960s. Playing at full-back, he lined up alongside a number of memorable teammates, including prolific goalscorer Peter Watson and several other players who helped shape the club’s success during that era. Eddie recalls the strong team spirit within the squad and the excitement of representing Chorley during a time when the club regularly competed for league titles and cup honours.

The conversation also explores life as a semi-professional footballer during the 1960s, when players balanced work with football while still performing at a high level. Eddie shares memories of travelling to matches, playing under the floodlights at Victory Park and experiencing the atmosphere of packed terraces as supporters gathered to watch Chorley’s successful side in action.

Throughout the interview, Eddie reflects warmly on his six years with the club, making more than 250 appearances between 1963 and 1969. His stories capture the camaraderie of the dressing room, the pride of representing Chorley and the lasting memories created during a remarkable period in the club’s history.

This episode forms part of the Chorley FC Stories heritage project led by Chorley FC Community Foundation, which aims to capture and preserve the voices and memories of people connected to the club so that the history and community spirit surrounding Chorley FC can continue to be shared with future generations.