The Birth of Liverpool Football Club: A Historic Gathering

Liverpool Football Club was officially founded on 15 March 1892 at a pivotal meeting in the Stanley Arms Hotel (now known as the Sandon Hotel) in Anfield, Liverpool. This event marked the culmination of tensions between the Everton FC committee and John Houlding, the landlord of Anfield stadium[4][5].

Background: The Everton Split

Everton, originally formed in 1878 as St. Domingo's FC, had been tenants at Anfield since 1884 under Houlding's ownership. By 1891, disputes arose over rent increases—from £100 to £250 annually—and Houlding's push for professionalism and a limited liability company structure. Everton's committee, favoring democratic control, rejected these changes. In a dramatic vote on 21 November 1891, members opted to relocate to a new ground at Goodison Park, leaving Houlding without tenants[4].

The Founding Meeting

Houlding, determined not to let Anfield go to waste, convened a meeting with key figures including John McKenna (future Liverpool chairman), William E. Barclay (secretary), and players like Duncan McLean. Also present were Peter Daniel (a brewer and Houlding ally) and Houlding's son. They resolved to form a new club, adopting the name Everton FC and Athletic Grounds Company Ltd. initially, but switched to Liverpool FC after Everton's legal claim. The red kit was chosen, inspired by Mr. Cameron's preference over blue[4][5].

Early Steps and Legacy

Liverpool was admitted to the Football League Second Division in 1892, winning promotion in their debut season under manager John McKenna. The article details the club's first match (a 1-0 loss to Higher Walton) and emphasizes Anfield's role as the spiritual home. Houlding became the first president, with McKenna as chairman. This founding encapsulated Liverpool's identity as a working-class club born from resilience and rivalry[4].

Key attendees included: John Houlding, John McKenna, William Barclay, Peter Daniel, Duncan McLean, and others. The Sandon Hotel remains a pilgrimage site for fans, symbolizing LFC's origins amid the Everton schism[4][5].

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