He Banged The Leather For Goal

So why Worcester Wanderers FC?

When we came to look at a name for our new Junior Football Club we knew it had to be something that was obviously rooted in Worcester. That is in some way linked us to the City we play in.

Edward Elgar has been Revealed as Pioneer of Football Chants

In a surprising revelation, it has been unveiled that the renowned Worcester resident, celebrated for his masterpiece “Land Of Hope And Glory,” was the visionary behind the inception of the first-ever football chant. Sir Edward Elgar crafted a spirited ditty (He Banged The Leather For Goal) for Wolverhampton Wanderers and his friend Dora Penny.

Titled “He Banged The Leather for Goal,” this football-themed ode was penned in homage to Wolves’ icon Billy Malpass back in 1898. Elgar’s fascination with football took root during a fateful February match at Molineux. Wolves clashed with Stoke City, both revered as founding members of the Football League.

Elgar was inspired by the rugged prowess of striker Billy Malpass, whose goal-scoring prowess drew comparisons to modern-day legend Steve Bull. Because of this inspiration, Elgar immortalised the strikers exploits in musical form, echoing the resounding cheers that filled the stadium.

Edward Elgar certainly had an affinity for Wolves which blossomed through his friendship with Dora Penny. Dora was the daughter of the Rector of St Peter’s Church in the late 19th century. The esteemed composer’s devotion to football was such that he embarked on cycling excursions from Malvern to Wolverhampton. Then accompanying Dora to Molineux, where their shared passion for football thrived and He Banged The Leather For Goal was sung from the terraces (maybe).

Here was an undoubtedly relevant piece of local history we simply couldn’t ignore and so we chose the name ‘Wanderers’ as a link to Football, Elgar, Worcester and History.

More Information

For information about Edward Elgar, The City of Worcester and for other Worcester Wanderers FC news stories visit the following links.

• Visit the Wikipedia page for Edward Elgar (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Elgar)
• Visit the Wikipedia page for Worcester (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worcester,_England)
• Visit the The Stourbridge & District Youth Football League website (Click Here)
• Latest WWFC News – Worcester Wanderers FC – The Beginning (Click Here)
• Latest WWFC News – Cup Winners (Click Here)
• Latest WWFC News – Worcester Wanderers FC – End of Season Training (Click Here)

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