Beechfield United Football Club

POSTED: May 01 2019 11:49:49 By Keith Long - Graham Rothwell 2001-2019

When Graham Rothwell joined Beechfield United Football Club as a volunteer in 2001 he probably never visualised what his achievements would be during the next eighteen years. Graham who is one of the most successful Managers in the clubs Senior Section took over as boss of the Under 12's team in 2003 and included in the squad of players was Graham's youngest son Ben. During the following seasons in the North Bury Junior Football League Graham was in charge of the U/13s/U/14's and U/15's teams and in season 2006/2007 the U/15's won the Supplementary Cup when they beat Puma Hawks 4-2 in the final. The team joined the Manchester Saturday Morning League in 2007/2008 and with a mix of junior and senior players moved into open age football.

Graham led the team on a trophy winning streak starting in 2010/2011 when Beechy were Division 2 Champions, CFFL Shield Winners and Manchester Evening News Cup Runners-Up. At an annual presentation event in 2011 Graham was honoured with the Barry Salisbury award for his individual contribution to the club. United won the MEN Cup in 2012/2013 and now firmly established in Division 1 won the title plus the Steeles Shield. A wonderful treble was accomplished when Beechy were crowned Division 1 Champions in 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 plus in 2014/2015 United were Steeles Shield Runners-Up a feat they achieved in 2017/2018. After one more season in charge Graham decided to step down from his role as Manager but he will remain an active member of the club.