'Ere We Go!!!

Yesterday was the start of the English Premier League season, although the lower divisions kicked off a week earlier.  As another season gets underway, I think it's a good time to have a look at some of the traditional (many have changed in recent years) nicknames of some English clubs.


When one looks at team nicknames in other sports, it's common to see bold and dynamic terms used, such as "Lions", "Tigers", "Kings", "Predators" etc.  While there a few of those in English footy, may would seem really odd - even silly - to outsiders, but there are usually good reasons behind the names.

The Biscuitmen
The old nickname of Reading, this was a result of Huntley & Palmer's biscuit company being based in the Berkshire town.  Reading are now "The Royals".

The Shakers
This is a good 'un!  Bury adopted the name in 1892, as a result of a quote by then club chairman, Mr J Ingham.  The team were due to play in the Lancashire Senior Cup Final, and when Mr Ingham was asked about his team's chances, he responded with, "We shall shake 'em.  In fact, we are the Shakers!"  So, now you know...

The Saddlers
Walsall was a traditional centre for horse saddle manufacturing, so it seemed a very appropriate nickname.

The Posh
Another nickname based on a quote!  Back in 1921, the manager of Fletton Utd claimed he was looking for "posh players for a posh new team", and the name stuck.  Two years later, the club applied to join the Southern League, and called the team Peterborough and Fletton Utd.  The team filed bankruptcy in 1932, and was reformed as Peterborough Utd.

The Glaziers
Crystal Palace used to played in the grounds of The Crystal Palace, a huge glass building erected for The Great Exhibition of 1851.  The team kept the nickname until 1973, when they became The Eagles.

The Cobblers
Like Walsall's, Northampton Town's nickname derives from local industry, with the town long associated with shoe manufacturers.  Just in case you aren't familiar with the term, a cobbler makes and repairs shoes.

The Toffees
Everton toffee is a kind of toffee that originated in the Everton area of Liverpool.

The Owls
It may seem a strange creature for a football team nickname, but this is one of the few based on a local community.  Sheffield Wednesday play their home games at the noted Hillsborough stadium, which is situated in the Sheffield suburb of Owlerton, and it just seemed an obvious abbreviation. Strange thing here is that the Sheffield speedway team, who race at Owlerton Stadium, are known as The Tigers!

The Quakers
Adopted by Darlington, this is a result of the local influence of the Quaker religious movement.