About 1979/80, the football team was started when Billy Weir was landlord of the White Swan, probably initiated over a few pints on a Sunday dinnertime.  Billy and Denis Armstrong from the Three Tuns at Toft Hill organised a friendly between the 2 pubs. More friendlies were organised.  At the time, the WMCs ran a Sunday League which included many Northern League players so it was of a reasonable standard.  The idea was that games could be played for lads who (arguably) weren’t good enough to play at the WMC level.  Tommy Waggott from Hunwick got involved and helped out with admin.  The Wear Valley Sunday League was formed about 1980/81 or 81/82. 

Swan regulars such as Donald Wallace, Craig Rutherford, Gordon Nicholson, Des Linsley, John Teesdale, Billy Weir, Doug Wallis, Neville Wallis, Cliffy Geddes, Johnny Weir, Stevie Crowther, Phil Maddison, Sean Somers were all involved in the early days.  The Swan won the League and Cup double in the inaugural season and as the League got stronger, many of the original players retired and finally “hung up their boots.” 

1985-86 was another successful season but in the late 1980s, the Swan football team folded shortly after Billy left for pastures new, “The Dog” near Heighington.  If anyone can help with exact dates, we’d be pleased to hear from you.

Below: 1985-86: League and League Cup winners

Back left to right: Billy Weir, Dave Watson, Darren Wallace, Ray Stelling, Gary Sayers, Brian Watson, Donald Wallace, Andy Tomlinson, Paul Brabban, Steve Crowther, Des Linsley, Cliff Geddes.

Front:  Craig Rutherford, Kevin Everett, Philip Maddison, Stuart Proud, Sean Somers, John Wren.