The 1971 Huyton Boys team gathered together last month to recognise the contributions of two former players to the team’s legendary English School’s FA cup win back in 1971.
Former players Ged McGuinness and Frank Pimblett were honoured at the gathering, with certificates presented to Ged, and Frank’s wife Helen Pimblett by the Leader of Knowsley Council, Cllr Graham Morgan.
Following his time in the Huyton Boys team, Frank Pimblett went on to play for Aston Villa in the first division and then Newport County FC before moving to Australia where he continued his career in football, both as a player and then a manager, as well as becoming a successful businessman. Frank passed away in June of this year but is considered a ‘legend’ of the sport in Queensland and beyond.
The Huyton Boys were the first non-city team to win the English School’s FA Cup in 1971, an event that was commemorated as part of Knowsley’s Borough of Culture celebration in 2022 with a book and short film. You can watch the film here: Memories of Huyton Boys: The Team of ‘71
The team were formally recognised by Knowsley Council back in October 2022 for their contribution to sports and raising aspirations in Knowsley.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council said: “I vividly remember watching the Huyton Boys lift the cup at Goodison Park in April 1971 and the team’s success on that day has become the stuff of local legend.
“It was my absolute pleasure to recognise Frank and Ged’s contribution to the team and the part they played in the fantastic achievement. It was also my great honour – on behalf of the Council – to present certificates to Ged and to Frank’s wife Helen.”
Since their reunion the team have met up regularly and have set up a Community Interest Company to inspire the next generation to pursue their ambitions in sport and beyond.
