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. From 1 June 2025, Calpe City became part of the club.
History 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). The club derive their nickname The Magpies from Newcastle United. 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. 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.Magpies appoint Wilson as head coach GibFootballTalk. 8 October 2016. Retrieved 5 January 2017. 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 third 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.
The appointment of Nathan Rooney midway through the 2021–22 season saw a significant upturn in Magpies' fortunes in the league, with a fourth-place finish and a first Rock Cup final. In June 2022, the club rebranded as FCB Magpies. The next season, along with an overhaul of the club's image, saw more improvement, with a third-place finish and victory in the 2022–23 Rock Cup. However, on 17 May 2023, Rooney announced his departure from the club,Nathan Rooney departs Magpies Bruno's Magpies. 17 May 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2023. 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, but were then themselves knocked out in the next round by F.C. Copenhagen after losing 8–1 on aggregate.
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.Club Joint Statement April 2025 FCB Magpies. 6 April 2025. Retrieved 7 April 2025. This launch was delayed by a year in June, however, meaning that the club would continue to operate as FC Magpies for one more season, in order to allow the club to compete in UEFA competitions. However, by 2026 all talk of the new club had ceased, with Calpe City instead absorbed into the FC Magpies identity.
Current squad
First team As of 29 August 2026.FC Magpies Squad UEFA.com. Retrieved 31 July 2023.First Team Squad Bruno's Magpies. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
Club staff PositionNameClub ManagementHead Coach Youri LoenAssistant Head Coach Javi SánchezGoalkeeper Coach Francisco JiménezStrength & Conditioning Coach Oli WilliamsHead Physiotherapist Jaydan LaraEquipment Manager Garry LoweAnalyst Salvador GómezBoardChairman Haig OundjianVice-chairman Aaron EdwardsFinancial Director Mike NichollsTechnical Director Terrence JolleyYouth Development Manager Terrence JolleySecretary David Frier
Honours Rock Cup: 2 2022–23, 2024–25 Pepe Reyes Cup: 1 2023 GFA Challenge Trophy: 1 2020–21 Gibraltar Second Division: 1 2018–19 Gibraltar Division 2 Cup: 1 2018–19
Club achievements Best league finish – Third, 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 CompetitionPlayedWonDrewLostGFGAGDWin% Legend: GF = Goals For. GA = Goals Against. GD = Goal Difference.
Season Competition Round Club Home Away Aggregate 2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League 1Q Crusaders2–11–33–4 2023–24 UEFA Europa Conference League 1Q Dundalk0–01–31–3 2024–25 UEFA Conference League 1Q Derry City2–01–2 3–2 2Q Copenhagen0–31–51–8 2025–26 UEFA Conference League 1Q Paide Linnameeskond2–31–43–7
Notes 1Q: First qualifying round 2Q: Second qualifying round
References
External links
Matchday programme