From BBC Sport · · 2m
World's oldest football club fights for survival
Sheffield FC, founded in 1857, navigates ownership drama and ninth-tier football with a rock star chairman and big ambitions.
In brief
Sheffield FC, founded in 1857, navigates ownership drama and ninth-tier football with a rock star chairman and big ambitions. Sheffield FC, the world's oldest football club, is attempting a remarkable turnaround under new leadership while battling to reclaim its place in the city's identity. Originally reported by BBC…
The world's oldest club in crisis
Sheffield FC, founded in 1857 and widely considered football's oldest club, found itself caught between a Qatari-backed venture capital firm and a rock star in 2026. The club plays in the ninth tier.
How Sheffield shaped modern football
Sheffield FC helped create the 'Sheffield Rules' that underpin modern football. They're one of only two clubs awarded FIFA's Order of Merit, alongside Real Madrid.
Jon McClure takes the helm
Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure became chairman in March 2026, rejecting comparisons to Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham takeover. He's honest about his limitations in football management.
“This is not Wrexham. I'm not Ryan Reynolds. Let's get it clear, I'm in an indie band.”
Big dreams for a tiny club
McClure plans a football academy, eSports hub, national festival, clothing brand, visitor centre, and TV show. He also oversees the women's team in the fourth tier.
Stuck in Derbyshire since 2001
Sheffield FC has played at the Coach and Horses Ground in Dronfield, North Derbyshire since 2001. Their original Sheffield home is now occupied by a DIY shop.
“Only Sheffield could invent football and build a car park on it”
Free pies and teenage ultras
McClure offers free entry to under-16s to boost atmosphere during the promotion push. He promised free pies to kids who bring drums, though some young fans have caused trouble.
“If you bring a drum, I'll buy you all a pie. Well, a fair trade's no robbery, is it?”
The engineer who scores goals
Striker Alex Hardwick works as a design engineer at an advanced manufacturing research centre, handling projects from nuclear to automotive. His grandparents are his biggest fans.
Sheffield's untold story
McClure believes Sheffield has failed to celebrate its role in inventing football. Fans argue the city's achievement would be celebrated worldwide if it were in Manchester or London.
“We invented this game, and this club invented this game, and we're going to celebrate that.”
One year to prove it
McClure has asked for a year to show tangible improvement. The world's oldest football club now depends on time, investment, and a rock star's determination to succeed.
“Judge it in a year. If it's not tangibly in a better place than it is now, come and see me at a match.”
The bottom line
Sheffield FC, the world's oldest football club, is attempting a remarkable turnaround under new leadership while battling to reclaim its place in the city's identity.
