The Worst Football Team In The World 

I stayed in Fort William a few years ago and wanted to find their football ground to say that I'd seen the stadium of the 'worst football team ever'. I got lost and ended up in a whiskey distillery. True story.

Not gonna lie after seeing the thumbnail from a far I thought Alfie had finally had enough of Hull City.

In the early 80s I played for a team Flixton (Manchester) and we were crap. Our manager got banned for punching a referee so our "physio" took over managerial duties. He then tripped over his bucket and sponge during a game and dislocated his knee so my dad among others took over. We went the whole season losing all our games and getting knocked out of the cup in Round 1. We would drive around on a Sunday morning looking for "mates" who could make up the 11 and when we found someone they would have to use the name of one of our registered players. However the next season we improved slightly, drawing 2 and losing 18. The best is yet to come as we won our Round 1 cup game 2-1 and we celebrated like nothing else. In the next round I scored a 25 yard screamer only for the referee to disallow it and we lost 4 or 5 nil. Calling the referee a c&#t for doing so earned me an early bath and along with the 3 quid fine I got from the league, I decided to retire from football at the grand old age of 23. Unfortunately there are no records of how crap we were so no RU-vid video to follow. C'mon Fort William.

Fort William might be one of the worst teams around, but they play in possibly the most picturesque backdrop to a football ground that I have ever seen. I'd be too busy enjoying the scenery to bother paying attention to the match.

Just a word of appreciation for Alfie's researching skills. This was throughout entertaining to watch.

Arent we gonna ignore how beautiful the Fort William's home stadium

Just incase anyone is wondering Fort William drew their most recent game on the 5th of February 1-1 so clearly the manager is doing something right

Had to look at the Highland League table for 2018-2019, jesus christ that goal difference is true

Guiness World Records acknowledge that the worst run of form ever was Ibis Sport Club in Brazil They spent 4 years without a win between 1980-1984 And in the late 1970s the also had a horrendous record Though since there fortunes have turned around, getting promoted last season, I think it would be cool to do a video on them

Speaking of Football Manager ties to this club: FM RU-vid creator Loki Doki raised £5K for the club over a few months a couple years ago. :)

My grandad used to work around there a lot back in the 70s and 80s, he's always had a soft spot for them and gone to a few games. Shame to see them like this.

I'm sure an FM RU-vidr did a save with Fort William back in 2018/2019. I know he got the club involved and went to watch a match. I think he might have done some fund raising for them as well.

I watched the Fort at Brechin City a few weeks ago (online, mind, I'm in England...) - they lost 4-0, but Brechin looked absolutely nothing like a team who were trying to reclaim their SPFL place, and Fort William were a match for them for most of the game. There was something different, they were competing for the aerial balls, they were genuinely threatening when they went forward, and they did get the ball into dangerous positions very often. Then they lost 4-1 at home to Buckie Thistle - that might not seem like anything, but Buckie Thistle have been one of the best sides in the Highland League for a number of years, and not long ago that would have been another 10-0 or 12-1. It wasn't. On Saturday, a similar story, but this time, a 1-1 draw with Huntly, who aren't terrible but never pull up any trees either. OK, they're at Brora next, even a goal from that one would be a bonus, and probably similar the week after at Wick Academy, but after that, if they can keep up their current form, the end of season run-in looks very promising: Keith at home, Strathspey Thistle at home, Lossiemouth away, Turriff at home, four of the teams around them in the league. You watch them get destroyed in all four of those now I've written that - but somehow, I doubt it...I think they might just have turned the corner, you know.

First heard about Fort William a few years ago when 'Loki Doki' a Football Manager RU-vidr did a save with them and raised some money for the club.

The top guy when it comes to scripting in football videos. Well done Alfie ⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽

Probably worth mentioning that as of the 21/22 season, Fort William can now actually be relegated via a play off vs the champion of either the North Caledonian League, North Superleague or the Midlands League. So I'd be tipping them to no longer be in the Highland League next season.

Football is all about enjoying the game. If they are happy, they're on the right track!

I stayed at a youth hostel in Fort William in the fall of 1993. It's a truly beautiful place, and if I'd known the first thing about football back then, I would have tried to find the team's home ground. Can't help loving FWFC. C'mon the Fort!

I can relate to their situation, having played football for Venus Bucharest, in the 4th league and losing all games of the season. Most notably, a 26-1 defeat against Rapid Bucharest, a demoted Romanian giant team. Fun times in the lower leagues :))

What is going on in Turkey please 🙂 (Galatasaray are currently only 3 points off the relegation zone)

Excellent I must say. Thank you for putting in the time to shed light on this stuff. Noticed those mad results in the Highland League and always wondered what was behind that. This really gives some context to it. Great stuff.

These kinds of videos are why I love this channel so much. Learning stories about small clubs most people are not aware exist and the interesting back stories behind them. I've been to Fort William before and it's a lovely part of the world.

How about 7 teams in Europe (Champions League/Europa League) that weren’t in their domestic top flight division at that time

Speaking of bad football teams, as a Hull lad, I thought you were going to mention FC Humber United - who finished with one point, and a -118 goal difference the season before last, but didn't get relegated due to the league being null and voided. And have already amassed a -59 goal difference halfway through this season.

Their last game (5th Feb) was a draw against Huntly (1-1). However their completely changed their team this season, with nearly no local or even scot being left in the team.

always a pleasure seeing alfie posting a new vid especially if its these longer documentary types

I heard that story of a club appointing an FM player as their manager, didn't know it was this very Fort William. Full props to the lads for soldiering on with their heads held high despite the constant barrage of heavy defeats. Must take a lot of resilience and passion, wish them the best.

Hey there mate! I have an ideea. For the next episode of what on earth is going on, you should take a look at Romanian first Divison, particularly at Dinamo Bucharest. They are one of the most decorated teams and their recent form and club problems are getting them slowly to second division for the first time in their history. I really want to see your view of them. Keep up the good work!

Thanks Alfie. I've been following Fort William's results for a few years now, always waiting for that rare point or win. I'd look out for Vale of Leithen in the Lowland League, too - they may have already amassed 5 points from 27 games, but with a goal difference of -134, they are pretty awful. I'd also be pedantic and point out that within the Scottish system, they're a Junior club rather than a Senior one.

The house at 8:19 & 8:34 belonged to Jimmy Saville and it’s been boarded up for quite a few years now.

Best football channel on yt in my opinion, really enjoy these types of videos!

Hey Alfie, I can’t believe you used a picture of my teammates that didn’t include me in it at 10:18. Anyways I find it awesome you used us and I think I’ll pitch the idea of us heading to Fort Williams tomorrow

Fascinating to see how many SPFL clubs were in the Highland League when Fort William joined. Elgin City have never climbed higher than League Two, with Peterhead jumping between League One and Two. Inverness Caledonian and Inverness Thistle merged to form Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who now compete in the Championship, with Ross County having established themselves as a side who regularly compete in the Premiership.

After watching, I had a look at their current season out of curiosity. 15 wins and 9 losses in 24 games, no draws. Third in the league with a +33 goal differential. That guy is working magic.

I remember Fort William going on a highly impressive run of 4 games unbeaten a few years back. My local team Billingham Town (Northern League, English tier 9) managed a -181 goal difference a few years back with 8 points on the board. That season included a 14-0 cup defeat to a team 2 tiers lower, where we only fielded 7 players with an injured outfielder in goal.

Judging by the team picture they don't have any goalkeepers. Is that part of their problem 🤔. Great video Alfie 👍

This is the best video you have made in a while. Incredible!

I think this could be counted as your best work yet, which is saying something considering how often you put out top quality content and documentaries

Alfie's the goat, I've legit never seen anyone that loves the world of football (not just a particular team or handful of players) like he does

Superb video with a great deal of information. Thank you. I'd love to see the Fort start to improve under their new manager. Just FYI towards the end of the video you stated that Scotland fans attend more games per capita than any other nation on earth. That's not quite true unfortunately. The Faroe Islands beats that and they beat it by quite a decent margain. I know the Faroes isn't strictly a country but neither is Scotland and they're both part of FIFA so if Scotland counts in that statistic then the Faroes should count as well.

Then why am I losing to them in Football Manager 😭

hey alfie, i think an interesting video would be one on another scottish team, gretna. their rise and fall would make for a gripping video. thanks for constantly entertaining us!

I cant wait to visit Fort William, for the outdoors activity and of course, the football!

I would like to see a video about Bordeaux. They are struggling near the foot of the French league. What's going on with them？Or Galatasaray maybe，struggling in the Turkish league.

I was on holiday in Fort William back in the nineties and decided to take in a game. Typically it rained, and also typically, they lost (albeit only 1-0). I have to say though it is the most scenic setting for a football ground I have ever seen.

This is a very interesting one, we will have to remind you to check in on the team in a few years time

Hi Alfie, there is a documentary on BBC Scotland it's called the fort it's all about fort William football club if you can find it and watch it it's a great insight to what it was like when they was getting smacked 10 - Nill most weeks

Thanks. Now added to my Bucket List of teams to see and hope this video inspires others. The you tube algorithm would confuse all of the mighty unconfused

Can you do a video on Arbroath FC? My home town and they're doing fantastic for a part-time football club.

I always listen to your videos as podcasts lol but I think you would actually make a really good football podcast

What an absolute banger Alfie 🔥🔥🔥

Brilliant ep!

Shame you can’t get the highland league on FM, a fort William save would be great fun

Do a video on FS Micronesia, the worst national team in the world and their performance at the 2015 Pacific Games where they lost their three group games by an aggregate of 114-0, no joke. Lost 30-0 to Tahiti, 38-0 to Fiji and 46-0 to Vanuatu. They aren’t FIFA members but are looking to become one. Would be interesting to see a video on them and why they fared so badly then and what, if/any, progress has been made there.

love the scottish football videos, would love one on St. Johnstone

Great film, really entertaining. Can I ask why no one has replaced them from tier 6, or they do not go to tier 6? Location?

When I looked at the thumbnail I thought it was Hull City at first

Hi Alfie, would really like to see you make a video about another Scottish football team - Vale of Leithen.

The butcher isn't a nick name it's a derogatory name due to his brutal control of the area.

Alfie, you're a real One!

A very friendly club. I visited in 2019. When I told the chairman how far I had come he bought me a beer. Sadly Fort lost the game 4-1 to Wick Academy.

As a proud Spurs fan let me Say this Pretty sure we would manage to lose against this lot

Anyone else watched Loki Doki's FM series on Fort William?

Always felt sorry for them at the bottom of the Scottish Highland league. However, good that you understand that football is not the main game, its Cammanachd, or in English Shinty. An Gearasdan is the original name, and the British troops werent defending it, they were occupying it! Now thats out of the road, thank you for the video, much appreciated

Possibly one of the best openings to a video I've seen in a long time!

No way! Currently binge watching Loki Doki's Fort William save and this pops up. Alfie with the big dub again 👏 They picked up a big point at home to Huntly at the weekend ⚽️

Mon the Fort! They drew their last game 1-1 vs Huntly and recently got a few loanees from Inverness and have a new manager so things are looking up. Just think how good victory will taste when it does come! Top of my football bucket list is to visit Fort William and to see a game. I would live in the area just to see them every week and support the team whatever way I could

Sometimes I forget that I went to school with some of these players and that this was my local team

Alfie Can you do a documentary on the afc Wimbledon on the nine promotions in eleven years, how they’re a fan own club and how they have a stadium in plough lane now. The story of they lost the club, how the F A allowed that and won’t allow that anymore. How they were very close to moving to ireland How they went up the English football leagues. It would be a good documentary video if you can do this. #thepeopleschannel

After watching this video, I googled the club and found out they had their first away win in 20 years yesterday, I'm super happy. Also, didn't see any losses with more than the difference of 4. The new manager to that club is good it seems. More power to them

The lowest position in UK football, and sitting at the bottom of the UK's highest peak. That's a Gandhi level journey right there. Hinduism, Buddhism and Zen would find the connections and use the power of Ben Nevis I'm sure. I don't mean with rockfalls either. Let Fort William FC be a lesson in 'never giving up' to us all. A bit of communities returning, would do us all good.

My junior football team 1984/85 .... Played: 18 Won: 0, Drawn 1, Lost 17. Goals For: 11 Goals Against: 397 I was the goalkeeper; I won Player of the Year and Players Player of the Year. I'd love to visit Fort William F.C.

Bravo, bravo, bravo Alfie. What an amazing post.

I recognized that manager of theirs from another football video... I think it might've been FNG. From everything I've heard he seems to be a great guy and I wish him and Fort Williams all the luck in the world.

Can you make a video on the 7 nations most likely to become 1st time World Cup winners by the end of the 21st century

Im so sorry but this made me laugh a lot and I'm a Carlisle United fan. Everyone who has stuck with the club are true legends and a credit to the game.

Check out Ibis from Brazil, it used to be the worst team as far as i know

If you like football manager and want to see a series on fort William a RU-vidr named Loki doki did an excellent long series of it and got them all the way to the Scottish premiership. He also did a go fund me so the club could stay afloat.

Man said the manager has an FM degree. I love that. There's hope for all of us.

Wow! I can't believe you've made a video about (insert rival football club)!

Sadly from someone who frequently have watched them due to the team I support being in the league they have just come into a very good amount of money but will most likely to be the first team to ever be relegated from the highland league through the new relegation playoff system.

Alfie, did you ever heard of Íbis FC in Brazil? they are autoclaimed "the worst team in the world", they also went years without winning back in the 80's

How could you not mention Loki Doki ?

C'MON THE FORT..............keep going lads!! It looks like you will never give up. Well done to all of you involved!

Great video - was close to disputing the the claim of being the worst team in UK - I have a season ticket for BCFC - but surely they have the most spectacular setting for a footie club anywhere in the world.KRO

The manager sounds like someone who does it for the love. So much respect for him.

Nice of Alfie to do a video about Norwich

I am a viewer from Fort William and is a few bits of history regarding football you missed. Great documentary nonetheless 👏

How about 7 sides that play "beautiful" football but with not much succes and 7 sides who play "ugly" football with lot of succes

What an incredible video

What happens if the ball go's down the ravine at the home end?! Do they have to mount a month long expedition to go get it?

7 biggest near miss upsets of all time e.g. Kidderminster vs West Ham Got the idea cus I recently found out the student football team of the college I go to (University College Dublin) hit the crossbar at Goodison Park in 1984 in the last minute of a European cup winners cup tie and had it gone in UCD would've progressed on away goals having held Everton 0-0 in Ireland. For those who don't know, that Everton side went on to win the 84/85 first division 13 pts ahead of Liverpool

The players enjoy the view of Fort William so much they forget they are playing a football match

fantastic video

How do teams get promoted from the north calendonian league that's the question do they apply and if so would they replace the bottom team like Fort William

The real danger of being forced into the North Caledonian in the summer with the addition of the new 6th tier. Could see Banks o' Dee taking a few off them in a playoff.

Fort William is some fm save

Unless I missed it, I don't remember hearing it in the video - why do they consistently finish bottom of the league but aren't relegated?

Wait, so you're saying, armed with just the experience of managing computer game football teams, if I try hard enough, there is a probably chance that I could manage a real football club some day?

"Fort William is really remote. A 3 hour drive from Edinburgh..." *laughs in Canadian*