Car Collector Chronicles - THE FORUM

The club was formed as Newton Heath L&YR F.C by a group of Manchester railway workers in 1878. The club's uniform contained two colours: green and gold. For 15 years the team played at the small, dilapidated North Road ground, near the future Manchester Piccadilly station, before moving to Bank Street Stadium in Clayton in 1893. A year earlier the club had joined the Football League and separated from the station to become independent. The post of club secretary was created and the addition of 'Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway' was dropped from the name. The club became known simply as Newton Heath. In 1902 the club nearly went bankrupt, with debts of over £2,500. The Bank Street Stadium was even closed by bailiffs. The club was already on the brink of closure, but survived thanks to the strong investment of John Davis, the financial director of the Manchester Brewery. Legend has it that Harry Stafford, the team captain, brought his purebred St. Bernard to a club fundraiser, and Davis wanted to buy a dog. Stafford declined, but managed to persuade Davis to invest in the club and become its chairman. At one of the first meetings, chaired by Davis, it was decided to change the club's name, reflecting the beginning of a new era in the team's history. Manchester Central and Manchester Celtic were considered, but then a young Italian immigrant, Louis Rocca, who was present at the meeting, said: "Gentlemen, why don't we call ourselves Manchester United?" Everyone liked the name, and on April 26, 1902, "Manchester United" was officially born. Davis also decided to change the club's colours from green and gold to red and white. Ernest Mangnall was appointed club secretary after James West resigned on 28 September 1902. Mangnall was tasked with leading the team into the First Division and he nearly achieved his goal in his first season when the team finished 5th in the Second Division. Mangnall decided to buy several new players including goalkeeper Harry Mauger, midfielder Dick Duckworth and striker John Picken. The club also acquired midfielder Charlie Roberts who became one of the club's leaders. He cost the club a then club record fee of £750 and was acquired from Grimsby Town in April 1904. In the 1903/04 season the club were just one point short of finishing 2nd, which would see them gain promotion to the First Division.    https://manchester-united-fr.com/