90 YEARS: THE ‘A’ TEAM In late March 1932, recent financial saviour James W Gibson spoke on “the advisability of running a colts team or nursery as from next season”. Diligent club secretary Walter Crickmer was duly tasked with its creation. Five months later, Crickmer had arranged entrance to the Manchester Amateur League, a contract with player Lal Hilditch to be manager and an agreement with Altrincham FC for use of their ground. Crickmer also welcomed to his Manchester home new first-team manager Scott Duncan, the Scottish team-builder charged by Gibson with developing youth into a successful side.
The Academy: Dates with destiny
