Derby Sunday Social League Nostalgia

[Andy_Faber]

I had a very rare drink in my 'local' (five miles away...) at lunchtime and the early-knock-off builders at the bar were talking about the strength (in depth) of Derby's sunday leagues back in the day, including a lengthy debate about whether the 'Sunday League' or 'Sunday Social League' was the higher league. They reminisced about their own teams, and 'iconic' squads such as The Derby Caribs and Punjab United, who I remember.

I recall my village team actually had an 'away following', and a home following of at least 50, and was a genuine village team of local farmers, milkmen and suchlike. I also recall a team called New Athletic who played behind the Athletics stadium and 'never lost a match' according to legend (and possibly fact)

Anyone else remember these hacking-around-in-the-mud leagues, either as a player or watcher? I understand from today's conversation that such leagues these days are way more structured and part of 'the pyramid', but are significantly smaller in number.

Anyone?

[Romanis]

I remember them as a kid. Wee bit too young to remember names but those days we had limited footy on tv, so our older brothers and friends had to go find a bit more for themselves.

The mud-larks, oh yes. Had to be hosed down before entry was allowed into the house.

[ManxRam]

Derby taverners league featured many decent players who played at far higher levels on a Saturday but turned out with their mates on a Sunday in the pub league. Have some of my best and worst playing memories from those days. The Sunday afternoon session afterwards was always epic.

[Romanis]

Most of the younger ones playing then, all entertained hopes of playing League football. I believe some actually did.