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F.C. Magpies
Association football club in Gibraltar From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Football Club Magpies, also known as FC Magpies, is a semi-professional football team from Gibraltar. They play in the Gibraltar Football League and the Rock Cup.[3][4] From 1 June 2025, Calpe City became part of the club, following a merger with Calpe City, with the new club commencing play in the 2026–27 season.
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History
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The club was formed in 2013 as Football Club Bruno's Magpies, initially as a group of friends who drank at the Bruno's Bar & Restaurant (a bar in Gibraltar).[5][6][7] The club derive their nickname The Magpies from Newcastle United.[1][2] In its first two seasons, the club achieved respectable mid-table finishes in the Gibraltar Second Division. Mick Embleton was appointed the first manager of the team and was instrumental in the initial setting up, organising and managing of the squad.
With the introduction of Chestertons, a Gibraltarian real estate agent, as the sponsor in 2015–16, the intent grew more serious, with moves to professionalise the club and establish a fanbase with the introduction of matchday programs and incentives for fans who attended games.[citation needed] The club finished fourth in that season and were the runners-up in the Second Division Cup, losing in extra time to Second Division champions Europa Point.
In October 2016, the club appointed Davie Wilson as manager, who has previously been assistant-manager the Gibraltar national football team and had recently departed Gibraltar Premier Division side Lions.[8] The club enjoyed a dominant start to the campaign, however a faltering winter saw them embroiled in a title race with the resurgent Gibraltar Phoenix. Ending the season in second place, they entered the play-off with Manchester 62, who finished 9th in the 2016–17 Gibraltar Premier Division. However, a 3–1 defeat ensured that The Magpies remained in the Second Division for the following season.
In August 2017, the club announced a new sponsorship deal with GVC Holdings. The side finished 3rd in the league that season, however, in May 2019 they completed a league and cup double, securing the Second Division title while also winning the Second Division Cup. After the season concluded, the club announced that former Watford chairman and British Olympian Haig Oundjian had purchased a stake in the club and become co-chairman with Louis Perry.[9]
The appointment of Nathan Rooney midway through the 2021–22 season saw a significant upturn in Magpies' fortunes in the league, with a 4th-place finish and a first Rock Cup final. In June 2022, the club rebranded as FCB Magpies.[10] The next season, along with an overhaul of the club's image, saw more improvement, with a 3rd-place finish and victory in the 2022–23 Rock Cup. However, on 17 May 2023, Rooney announced his departure from the club,[11] only to return as manager on 1 September. A third place finish followed ensuring another season of European football. On 18 July 2024, Magpies knocked Derry City out of the UEFA Conference League qualifying rounds,[1][2] but were then themselves knocked out in the next round by F.C. Copenhagen after losing 8–1 on aggregate.[12]
On 6 April 2025, after securing their second Rock Cup victory against Lions Gibraltar the week prior, the club announced a merger with youth club Calpe City FC, with the new entity, Calpe City Magpies, officially launching on 1 June 2025.[13] This launch was delayed by a year in June, however, meaning that the club would continue to operate as FCB Magpies for one more season, in order to allow the club to compete in UEFA competitions.
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Current squad
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First team
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Out on loan
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Club staff
Honours
- Rock Cup: 2
- 2023
- GFA Challenge Trophy: 1
Club achievements
- Best league finish – 3rd, Gibraltar Football League: 2022–23, 2023–24
- Biggest win – 17–0 vs Hound Dogs, 15 February 2025
European record
- Accurate as of match played 17 July 2025
Legend: GF = Goals For. GA = Goals Against. GD = Goal Difference.
- Notes
- 1Q: First qualifying round
- 2Q: Second qualifying round
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References
External links
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