Chris took on the responsibility as player manager within the first season (2001-2002) with Adrian acting as assistant manager. Having played very few friendly matches, the team played their first competitive game against the Veterans in the MCL 2nd Division and successfully won 11-0! The team then went on to gain valuable experience in their first season, finishing in a respectable mid-table position and losing to 1st Division’s St Bartholomews in the MCL Akeju Cup quarter–finals.

The second season (2002-2003) witnessed Adrian take responsibility as manager with Chris assisting in an advisory capacity. With some additional players (mainly from former West Derby Evangelical Church members) the team gained strength and won the 2nd Division title to gain promotion. In addition, a great cup run saw the team progress to their first final in the MCL Akeju Cup, only for the team to be beaten by 1st Division champions Breckfield Crusaders. Despite the loss, it was great experience for the players and management,

During the third season (2003-2004), FC West Derby competed for the first time in the MCL 1st Division and National Christian Cup. The team was again managed by Adrian Rogers, with Tony Mullane taking on a coaching role. The club went on to finish 3rd in the league and win their first cup coming from 0-2 down to beat Focus 3-2 in the MCL Akeju Cup final. The team also enjoyed success in the National Christian Cup beating teams from Sheffield, Loughborough, Swansea and Tiverton to reach the National Christian Cup final. Unfortunately, FC West Derby were beaten 2-0 in the final, which was played at Macclesfield Town FC’s Moss Rose Stadium, by MCL1st Division champions and rivals FC Bootle.