Before 1911, what we now recognize as Seel Park was merely a neglected cricket ground and the site of a former waste tip. Mossley FC made the significant move from Luzley to our current location in 1911, then referred to as Seel Fold, with the headquarters situated in the Highland Laddie Hotel adjacent to the ground. Mossley’s inaugural match at Seel Fold occurred on Saturday, September 23rd, 1911, when they triumphed over Stalybridge St Peters with a score of 4-0 in the Ashton & District League.
In 1912, efforts were made to partially enclose the ground with a wooden fence. A stand capable of accommodating 430 spectators was erected on the area previously occupied by the waste tip, on the popular side, courtesy of J.S. Adams Ltd., who also provided dressing rooms at the venue. This development occurred in 1920.
The installation of the first turnstiles took place in 1921, and the following year witnessed the construction of wooden ‘sleeper’ terracing on the main stand side.
Further enhancements occurred in 1927 as three new bays were added to the popular side stand, increasing its capacity to shelter 1,000 spectators. The Mossley Co-operative Society contributed by constructing refreshment buildings at Seel Fold.
Seel Fold underwent a name change in 1931, being rechristened as Seel Park to project a more contemporary identity. The subsequent year, 1932, saw the installation of a new stand at the Park End.
A new main stand, capable of seating 300 individuals, was erected on the Market Street side of Seel Park in 1936.
In 1947, concrete walls were erected around the perimeter of the pitch, alongside the construction of new terracing throughout the ground.
Mossley AFC assumed full ownership of Seel Park from the owners ‘Stamford Estates’ for £1,200 in 1948. Subsequently, concrete terracing was constructed in front of the main stand, along with the establishment of a concrete players tunnel leading from the dressing rooms. Additionally, concrete enclosure walls for the main stand and brick lavatories were built during this time.
In 1949, new refreshment rooms, offices, and dressing rooms were erected by the Supporters Club.
In 1952, brand new turnstiles were constructed, which are the same ones visitors use today when entering Seel Park. The following year saw the inauguration of a new social club on the premises.
In 1969, the dilapidated popular side stand was demolished, and the fencing was replaced with a concrete wall, funded by the proceeds from the sale of Alan Roberts to Bradford Park Avenue.
A new stand was erected on the popular side by Weldem Ltd in 1970, made possible by the sale of goalkeeper Gary Pierce to Huddersfield Town in 1971. This development was further complemented in 1972 by the installation of brand new floodlights.
In 1979, a new Social Club was inaugurated on the grounds, while the sale of Eamonn O’Keefe to Everton in 1980 provided funds for the construction of a new stand at the Park End, along with terracing and barriers around the front of the Social Club.
Following severe storm damage in 1987, the Main stand had to be demolished, and a new structure seating 220 spectators was erected in its place, named the ‘James Anderson Stand’ after the then-Club President. The stand, costing £17,000, was funded in part by a grant from Tameside Council.
In 1988, amidst financial struggles, the ground was sold to investors. These investors subsequently sold the ground to Tameside Council in 1990, which then leased it back to Mossley AFC.
Work on new terracing around the ground commenced in stages in 1996, with a new perimeter wall built at the School End in 1997. In 1999, the old social club was refurbished and reopened as the boardroom and sponsors lounge.
New ‘dug-outs’ seating twelve individuals each were constructed in 2000. Major repainting of the perimeter walls was also undertaken, and the tea bar was extended. The old supporters club behind the Park End goal was renovated and reopened as a Souvenir Shop.
A new drainage system on the pitch, costing £14,000, was completed in 2001, while the Social Club also underwent re-roofing. Additionally, the terracing behind the School End goal was extended.
In 2003, the Social Club entrance was adapted for wheelchair access, and a new veranda was constructed on the ground side of the club.
The wooden benches in the main stand were replaced by tip-up seats in 2005.
By 2008, the terracing on the Hanover Street side was completed, marking the culmination of Seel Park’s concrete terracing on all four sides. The changing rooms were also redesigned and extended.
In 2009, two floodlight pylons collapsed, leading to the condemnation of the remaining six pylons. Consequently, all midweek home games had to be played at Hurst Cross until new floodlights were installed.
A six-pylon floodlighting system, costing just over £30,000, was installed in the summer of 2010, thanks to funds raised by supporters, donations from local businesses, and Tameside MBC.
In 2018, the away changing rooms were extended to comply with FA regulations. The changing rooms, social club, and Bob Murphy Suite were all re-roofed in 2020.
The Club Shop was renovated and reopened in 2021 next to the Park End stand.
In 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the floodlights were upgraded to a new system using LED lights, ensuring the ground would have the highest lux readings in its history.
