The Motormen: Vauxhall Motors FC

Words: Lewis Guy

Images: Lewis Guy

Nestled in the corner of Ellesmere Port, a large, working class industrial town on the banks of the River Mersey, in the shadow of the factory bearing the same name, is Vauxhall Motors Football club.

In 1962 the Vauxhall Motors car plant opened its doors, followed just one year later by the founding of the football club.

Initially a works team, only for the workers of the factory, the club has long outgrown that tradition.

Originally playing on grounds within the factory perimeter, the clubs roots are firmly entrenched with the automotive manufacturer, with the club carrying the same name and logo as the car giant.

They also share social club facilities, and many former Vauxhall workers holding key positions within the club, such as manager, or chairman at one time or another.

In fact, I’d guess that many of the regular match day goers have some link back to the factory, either directly or indirectly.

©Lewis Guy/ Terrace Edition. Vauxhall Motors FC vs City of Liverpool FC.

Their current ground, originally known as Rivacre Park, now the VanEupen Arena, is a far cry from bigger stadia further up the Wirral and across the water in Liverpool, but that’s not to say it doesn’t have its own charm and personality.

Stickers of visiting fans adorn the terraces, flags hang proudly in the stands, programs and merchandise being sold from a small shed next to the turnstiles. For the fans who turn up weekly, this is home.

All around the ground, there is an incredible sense of community. Everyone knows everyone. From the lady on the turnstile chatting and laughing with the regulars passing through, to the catering staff already knowing the orders of punters without a word being spoken.

Groups of mates gathering in usual spots, beer in hand, chatting about work, home, the kids and everything in between.

At one point, even the groundsman had to be fetched from the middle of the standing section to turn the floodlights on for the second half.

I was amazed at how many young kids there were about, all cheering from the sides, even during the warm up.

With the comparatively flashier options of big Premier League clubs over the water seeming like a much more attractive option, with big name players and fancy continental styles of play, these young lads chose their home town heroes instead.

Shirts with players names on the back, waiting by the dressing rooms for the chance of a signature or even a high five with the players at the end of the game.

For these kids, these heroes are just as real as the premier league stars they might otherwise follow.

In an afternoon that saw the Motors take on one of their closest rivals, City of Liverpool FC, in a clash of opposite ends of the table, Vauxhall came away with a 4-2 win, with City of Liverpool’s goals coming from two controversial penalties, which the home fans were quick to point out, rather vocally, to the referee.

Playing for Vauxhall Motors was Football League veteran Kevin Ellison, still going strong at 46 and able to score the killer fourth goal for the hosts.

As the final whistle blew, fans young and old rushed to catch the players as they crossed from the pitch back to the home dressing room.

Young lads keeping score of who could high five the most players, older fans fist bumping and cheering the players into the dressing room, big slaps on the back.

The closeness of the fans to the players is not something I’m used to, being a regular at Goodison Park.

No cardboard signs begging for shirts (although one small lad did try his luck just asking for one), just fans and players enjoying the win together. It was a refreshing sight.

©Lewis Guy/ Terrace Edition. Vauxhall Motors FC vs City of Liverpool FC. Kevin Ellison.

In my first real experience of non-league football, at least as an adult, I was slightly taken aback at just how loyal and passionate the fans were: As loud and as proud as any crowd I’ve ever seen at Goodison.

It felt like football in its rawest form, and I loved it. I’m disappointed it’s taken me so long to get down to the VanEupen arena, especially as, like so many others, I share a connection back to the factory that sits just across the M53, having worked there for the last 12 years.

It may have been my first trip to watch the Motors play, but it wont be my last. Vauxhall Motors FC celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023, hopefully there will still be a proud football club and automotive industry here in another 60 years time.