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| Late in 1885, Bob McClurg, an employee in the Linfield mill of the Ulster Spinning Company, led a deputation to ask directors permission to form a football team and to use the ground at the back of the mill called "The Meadow". This was granted and in March 1886, the club, known as Linfield Athletic, was officially founded. |
| It was another 4 years - 1890 - before the Irish League was formed, and Linfield carried off the championship trophy in each of the first 3 seasons. For good measure, the club also secured the Irish Cup in each of those 3 seasons. |
| The club has progressed from those early days to become not only the biggest football side on the island of Ireland, but also the most successful club side anywhere in the world, having won close to 200 senior trophies, including 43 League Championships, and 35 Irish Cups. |
| Perhaps 2 seasons stand out more so than others - those of 1921-22 and 1961-62. To win all seven available trophies is a remarkable feat, but to do it twice is nothing short of outstanding. Linfield also hold the proud distinction of having qualified for the Quarter-Finals of the European Cup back in the season 1966-67, when they lost 3-2 on aggregate to CSKA Sofia. |
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| Throughout the years many famous sides have graced the Windsor Park pitch with their presence. Friendlies against international sides East Germany, and the then current World Cup holders Argentina; Flamengo, San Jose Earthquakes, Pumas from Mexico, Dynamo Moscow, Liverpool, Man Utd, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers, the list goes on, giving an indication of the standing Linfield have, and have always had amongst other teams on the island. |
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