A remarkable piece of Welsh football history is now in the spotlight as the Bangor City Football Club Cup has been named “Object of the Month” at Storiel Museum.
Awarded in 1978, the trophy commemorates Bangor City’s participation in the prestigious Anglo-Italian League and marks a truly unique moment in the club’s history—when football legend Sir Bobby Charlton wore the royal blue shirt of Bangor.
Best known for his illustrious career with Manchester United and England, Charlton was serving as a director of Bangor City at the time. During the Anglo-Italian Cup, he took to the pitch for the club, creating one of the most iconic moments in Bangor’s long and storied history.
In the 1977–78 Anglo-Italian Cup, Bangor City secured a memorable 2–1 victory over Italian side Treviso on March 25, 1978. Goals from Hipwell and Charlton sealed the win, the latter making a rare but celebrated appearance on the field.
This win was part of a strong tournament showing by Bangor. Just two days earlier, they had defeated Reggiana 5–1. In subsequent away matches in Italy, Bangor lost 1–0 to Paganese and drew 2–2 with Reggina. With two wins, one draw, and one loss, Bangor finished second among the English teams in the competition. Sir Bobby Charlton’s involvement brought significant prestige to the club’s European adventure.
Founded in 1876, Bangor City Football Club is one of the oldest in Wales and has stood as a pillar of Welsh football for nearly 150 years. The club boasts an impressive legacy, including eight Welsh Cup victories, three Welsh Premier League titles, and numerous appearances in European competitions. In 1984, Bangor made history as the first Welsh club since Cardiff City in 1927 to play at Wembley, reaching the FA Trophy final.
Over the decades, Bangor City has been a founding member of several leagues, including the North Wales Coast League, the Welsh National League, and the League of Wales. Its traditional royal blue kit has become a cherished symbol for generations of supporters.
The club has produced and attracted notable talents, including legendary goalkeeper Neville Southall, and, of course, Bobby Charlton. Their contributions are woven into the fabric of Bangor’s heritage.
In recent years, however, the club faced serious challenges. In 2021, Bangor City FC was suspended from football activity due to financial difficulties. But the city’s footballing spirit endured. Supporters formed a phoenix club, Bangor 1876, in 2019 to keep competitive football alive in the community.
That resilience paid off. At the close of the 2024/25 season, fans voted to rename the club Bangor City 1876, honouring both the historic legacy and the club’s modern rebirth.
The Bangor City Football Club Cup stands not only as a symbol of past glories but also as a powerful testament to the enduring passion, pride, and resilience of a footballing community determined to preserve its legacy.
📷 You can view the cup and learn more at Storiel Museum’s collection.
Storiel is open to visitors from Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm. The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Located at Ffordd Gwynedd, Bangor, LL57 1DT, Storiel offers a rich collection of local history, art, and cultural exhibitions. Admission is free, and the venue includes a museum shop and café.
