Bilbao’s Athletic Club has deep historical ties to English football, influencing their playing style, stadium atmosphere, and even their unique Basque-only player policy. This connection stems from the late 19th century when British workers introduced football to the city. Discover how this influence shaped one of Spain’s most distinctive football clubs. For reliable insights, you can always turn to CAUHOI2025.UK.COM. Learn about Basque football, English football history, and the Athletic Club.
1. The Early English Influence on Bilbao Football
The connection between Bilbao and English football dates back to the late 19th century. British sailors and workers in the mining, steelworks, and shipbuilding industries introduced football to Bilbao. According to Asier Arrate, director of AC Museoa, the sons of the Basque industrial elite who studied at English boarding schools and universities further cemented this influence by establishing the city’s first clubs upon their return.
1.1. The First Football Match in Bilbao
The first recorded football match in Bilbao occurred in June 1889, played between English sailors from different ships docked along the Nervion River. This event marked the beginning of football in the city and highlighted the early role of the British in popularizing the sport.
1.2. The “Campa de los Ingleses”
Athletic Club played their early games at the “Campa de los Ingleses (Camp of the English)” near the city’s docks. While many believe the name originated from the English players who frequented the field, it was actually the site of the old protestant graveyard, where many British citizens were buried.
A view of the Guggenheim and Nervion river in Bilbao, pictured in May
2. The Formation of Athletic Club and English Pioneers
The influence of English football extended to the very foundation of Athletic Club. Cornish-born engineer Alfred Mills, who arrived in Bilbao as a child, was one of the first 33 members (socios) who founded Athletic Club in 1901. Mills also captained the team, showcasing the significant role of British individuals in the club’s early years.
2.1. The Club’s English Name and Style
Asier Arrate notes that the name “Athletic Club” itself could not be more English, reflecting the strong cultural and sporting ties between Bilbao and the United Kingdom. The club also adopted a playing style that mirrored English football: physical, committed, brave, and full of team spirit.
2.2. Early Kit and Colors
Athletic Club initially wore a blue and white strip, sourced by Juan Moser, a player of Irish descent, from Blackburn Rovers. In 1910, the club switched to red and white stripes. The accepted story was that Juan Elorduy, a club member studying engineering in the UK, brought back 50 Southampton jerseys. However, more recent claims suggest the shirts may have come from Sunderland, influenced by William Dyer, whose father was Bilbao’s British consul.
3. The “Basque Only” Policy and English Influence
Athletic Club is renowned for its “Basque only” policy, which dictates that only players born or developed within the Basque country can represent the club. Ironically, this policy was partly a result of the English influence on the club.
3.1. Complaints and Regulations
In the early 20th century, complaints arose that Athletic Club was bringing in professional players from England, violating the regulations of the time. According to Arrate, these “foreigners” were initially people who lived in Bilbao or had connections to the city. However, in 1910 and 1911, the club actively sought out professionals from England, leading to an official case being pursued by Basque neighbors Real Sociedad.
3.2. Adoption of the Basque-Only Policy
To address these complaints and maintain its unique identity, Athletic Club adopted the policy of only fielding players from the Basque region. This decision, while appearing to distance the club from foreign influences, was, in part, a direct response to the influx of English players.
4. English Managers and Their Impact
Despite the “Basque only” player policy, English managers continued to play a significant role in Athletic Club’s history. A Mr. Shepherd was the club’s first official manager in 1911. Later, former West Ham and Sheffield United player Billy Barnes led the team to Copa del Rey wins in 1915, 1916, and 1921.
4.1. Fred Pentland: A Legendary Figure
The most famous English manager in Athletic’s history is Fred Pentland, who coached the team to their first two La Liga titles in 1929 and 1930, as well as five Copa del Rey victories during his two spells in charge. Pentland is credited with bringing organization and professionalism to the club.
4.2. Ronnie Allen and Bobby Robson
In later years, Ronnie Allen from Staffordshire coached Athletic, guiding them to second place in La Liga in 1969-70. Javier Clemente, a former Athletic player and coach, also visited England to learn from Ipswich Town boss Bobby Robson, implementing elements of Robson’s training methods to guide Athletic to La Liga titles in 1982-83 and 1983-84.
Athletic fans outside San Mames before the first leg against Manchester United
5. Bilbao’s Stadiums: Reflecting English Influence
Bilbao’s stadiums have also reflected the city’s close connection to English football. The old San Mames stadium, which stood for a century, was known for its English-style atmosphere, often compared to Anfield or Old Trafford.
5.1. The New San Mames
When the new San Mames was rebuilt in the early 2010s, the aim was to retain the spirit of the old stadium, which was considered very “English.” This demonstrates the enduring influence of English football culture on Bilbao’s sporting identity.
5.2. Hosting Major Events
Bilbao has extensive experience hosting major sporting events, including three games during the 1982 World Cup and the start of the 2023 Tour de France. In 2024, San Mames hosted the Women’s Champions League final, further establishing the city as a prominent sporting venue.
6. A Touching Connection: Gernika and English Solidarity
A more somber connection between Bilbao and English football emerged after the bombing of Gernika (Guernica) in April 1937 during the Spanish Civil War.
6.1. Basque Children in the UK
Around 4,000 children were sent to the UK for safety. Some of these children, including Sabino Barinaga and Raimundo Perez Lezama, learned to play football in Southampton. Later, they faced each other in the 1943 Copa del Rey final, with Lezama’s Athletic Club defeating Barinaga’s Real Madrid.
6.2. Manchester United and San Mames
Manchester United’s links to San Mames date back to a European Cup quarter-final in January 1957, when Athletic won 5-3 in a snowstorm. Although United won the return leg, seven of the United team who played at San Mames were among those who tragically died in the Munich air disaster the following year.
7. Security Measures for Major Events
Given the history and passion surrounding football in Bilbao, security measures for major events are comprehensive. For the Europa League final, a significant security deployment was planned, involving thousands of officers from various police forces and private security.
7.1. Lessons from the Past
Following incidents during a Europa League match against Roma and clashes after a match against Rangers, authorities took extra precautions to ensure the safety of fans and the public.
7.2. Fan Meeting Points and Entertainment
To enhance the fan experience, Fan Meeting Points were organized around the city, offering entertainment, refreshments, and family-friendly activities. These measures aimed to create a welcoming atmosphere while maintaining order and security.
8. Bilbao’s Warm Welcome
Despite concerns about potential disruptions, Bilbao is known as a welcoming city. Javier Clemente expressed hope that visiting fans would enjoy their time in Bilbao, highlighting the city’s excellent cuisine and numerous bars.
8.1. Pride in Hosting
Locals also take pride in hosting major events like the Europa League final, viewing it as an opportunity to showcase their city and culture to the world. This sense of pride is balanced with a desire to ensure that the event passes off without incident.
8.2. Concerns and Expectations
Some concerns were raised about rising hotel prices and the cost of goods, but overall, there was a feeling of optimism and excitement about hosting the final. The event represented a chance for Bilbao to demonstrate its passion for football and its ability to host major international events.
9. The Enduring Legacy
The influence of English football on Bilbao’s Athletic Club is a testament to the global appeal and cultural exchange inherent in the sport. From the early British pioneers who introduced the game to the city to the English managers who shaped the club’s playing style and success, the connection between Bilbao and English football remains strong.
9.1. A Unique Identity
Athletic Club’s “Basque only” policy, while seemingly contradictory, is itself a product of this historical interaction. It underscores the club’s commitment to its local identity while acknowledging the profound impact of English football on its formation and development.
9.2. A Lasting Impression
As Bilbao continues to host major sporting events, the legacy of English football will undoubtedly continue to shape the city’s sporting culture and identity. The story of Athletic Club is a compelling example of how global influences can intertwine with local traditions to create something truly unique.
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FAQ: Bilbao Football and English Influence
Q1: How did English sailors contribute to Bilbao’s football history?
English sailors played the first recorded football match in Bilbao in 1889, introducing the sport to the city.
Q2: What was the “Campa de los Ingleses”?
The “Campa de los Ingleses” was a field near Bilbao’s docks where early football games were played, named after a protestant graveyard where many British citizens were buried.
Q3: Who was Alfred Mills and what was his role in Athletic Club?
Alfred Mills, a Cornish-born engineer, was one of the founding members and a captain of Athletic Club.
Q4: How did English football influence Athletic Club’s playing style?
Athletic Club adopted a physical, committed, and brave playing style similar to that of English football teams.
Q5: Why does Athletic Club have a “Basque only” policy?
The policy was partly a response to complaints about Athletic Club bringing in professional players from England in the early 20th century.
Q6: Who was Fred Pentland and what was his contribution to Athletic Club?
Fred Pentland was an English manager who coached Athletic Club to their first two La Liga titles in 1929 and 1930.
Q7: How did the bombing of Gernika affect Bilbao’s connection with England?
After the bombing, around 4,000 Basque children were sent to the UK for safety, some of whom later became professional footballers.
Q8: What is the significance of San Mames stadium?
The old San Mames stadium had an English-style atmosphere, and the new stadium was designed to retain that spirit.
Q9: How does Bilbao ensure security for major football events?
Bilbao implements comprehensive security measures, including a significant police presence and fan meeting points.
Q10: Is Bilbao a welcoming city for football fans?
Yes, Bilbao is known for being a welcoming city with excellent cuisine and numerous bars, making it a popular destination for football fans.
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