Colne FC were formed in January 1996, by a group of like-minded people under the wing of now Life President Dave Blacklock. The enthusiasts combined their strengths and knowledge of non-league football, and arrangements were made for a new club to use the vacant Holt House Stadium, once used by the Dynamoes in the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) Division Two.

Colne FC’s first ever competitive game was on the 17 August 1996 against Middlewich and the result ended in a 1 – 0 defeat.

The team was then managed by Keith Mason, but after his resignation soon after, Denzel Hart was appointed to the hot seat. His first game was a 6 – 0 defeat away at Ashton Town, but just two games later Colne FC recorded their first ever victory thumping Bacup Borough 5 – 2. The highlight of the season, coming when the reserves won the BEP Cup at Clitheroe’s Shawbridge ground.

In the summer of 2002 James Webster took control of the club, to become the youngest Chairman in the league at the age of 24. James was a player at the club with plenty of experience and along with his father who was Vice-Chairman, had a strong desire to see the current side emulate the success of its predecessors.

Webster responded immediately by appointing Nigel Coates as the new manager as well as player Gary Rishton as his number two. Nigel had played for the Dynamoes, being in the FA Vase winning team and had experience of management at local rivals Nelson.

Season 2003/04 brought back the glory days to Colne with a string of successes. In the League Colne had to play catch up after a successful cup run but ended the season 10 points clear in Division two, scoring 102 goals in their 38 games. Colne completed the ‘double’ by winning the Division Two Trophy 1 – 0 over Great Harwood.

The season was capped by an amazing run in the FA Vase for a North West Counties Football League Division Two club, they progressed all the way to the Semi-Finals, (via an incredible 1 – 2 away win at AFC Wimbledon) before being defeated over two legs 4 – 3 on aggregate to AFC Sudbury.

As the season progressed attendances started to rise as the local population realised we were no longer the whipping boys of the league, and the famous ‘RED ARMY’ was formed.

In November 2013 Colne’s manager for the past 10 years Nigel Coates stepped down from the hot seat and former Colne player Steve Cunningham was appointed manager, with another former Colne favourite Ted Cockett as his number two and Coach.

Steve and Ted had ambitious plans for the club and wasted no time in bringing in a few new faces to boost the playing squad, consolidating for the rest of the season but with big hopes and plans for the following seasons.

Season 2014/15 proved to be a year of progress in terms of league placing, with Colne finishing a creditable fourth.

Season 2015/16 proved to be the best ever in Colne FC twenty year history. The Reds battled for the NWCFL Premier title with Runcorn Linnets and Atherton Collieries with the Reds winning the title with an eight-first minute goal at 1874 Northwich securing 100 points and 100 + goals along the way. The Reds also reached the Final of the League Cup before falling to Atherton.

2016/17 saw the Reds compete at Level 4 for the first time in their history and finished a more than creditable fifth and the final Play-off spot which the Reds lost in the Semi-Final to Farsley Celtic. The Colne fans earned many accolades throughout the season for their fine and vocal support of the team.

The 2017/18 season saw Steve Cunningham lead his team for another tilt at the title. A new Chairman Ryan Haigh was appointed in June 2017 and with the backing of Utility Renewals. The Reds again were competitive missing out on the final Play-off place on goal-difference.

2018/19 saw a new era for the club with the formation of the NPL West Division. Again Colne suffered Play off heartache losing to a last minute goal in the Semi-final at Leek Town.

2019/20 saw the season null and voided due to the COVID epidemic with Colne in a mid-table position. At the end of the season long time manager Steve Cunningham stepped down and was replaced by Nathan Rooney.

2020/21 With a new manager and back room staff in place Colne are looking forward to the new season and again look to be a challenger in a very strong league.