1890–91 Sheffield United F.C. season

Sheffield United
1890–91 season
Chairman Michael Ellison
Secretary Joseph Wostinholm
Midland Counties League 5th
FA Cup First round
(eliminated by Notts County)
Sheffield Challenge Cup Runners up
(beaten by Doncaster Rovers)
Wharncliffe Charity Cup Semi-final
(eliminated by The Wednesday
Top goalscorer League: Watson (10)
All: Watson (13)
Highest home attendance League: 5,700 (v Derby Junction)
Friendly: 14,000 (v The Wednesday)
Lowest home attendance League: 500 (v Kidderminster)
Average home league attendance 3,244 (League)
Home colours
Away colours
← 1889–90 1891–92 →

The 1890–91 season was Sheffield United's second, and their first and only season playing in the newly formed Midland Counties League, as the club sought to establish itself as a major footballing force. The team was selected by the club's football committee and coached by a trainer, but day-to-day affairs were overseen by club secretary Joseph Wostinholm. The club saw a large influx of players during the season as it continued to bolster its numbers with amateurs loaned or signed from other teams in the local area, a policy that resulted in an unsettled side, indifferent league results, and a mid-table finish.

United (nicknamed the Blades) entered the FA Cup once more but were lucky to reach the first round proper, losing to Burton Swifts during qualifying only to see the Staffordshire club disqualified. They also competed in the Wharncliffe Charity Cup and the Sheffield Challenge Cup, in which they were beaten finalists for the second year in succession.

The development of the playing squad continued with the signings of John Drummond and Billy Hendry from Preston North End, who brought experience and a solid professionalism. Harry Lilley was recruited in the early part of the season, and became a regular in United's defence for several seasons.

Background

After a first season of mixed fortunes on the field the football committee recognised the appetite amongst the Sheffield public for the game, as attendances at Bramall Lane had steadily increased.[1] They recognised that league football was essential to grow that interest and offer a better standard of opposition, and had therefore joined the recently created Midland Counties League, although still insisting on organising numerous friendly fixtures.[1] The committee continued to select the team, although J. B. Wostinholm oversaw the day–to–day running of the club.[1]

Kit

Although United's jersey remained predominantly white, thin red vertical stripes were introduced for the first time, which evolved into the solid red and white stripes that the team still plays in today. The team retained the blue shorts and socks worn in the previous season.[2]

Season overview

Midland Counties League

United squad from the 1890–91 season. Pictured are: [rear] Harry Lilley, Charles Stokes (Chairman of Football Committee), JB Wostinholm (Club Secretary), Will Lilley, Charlie Howlett, Mick Whitham, Jack Houseley (trainer) [centre]: Unknown, Unknown, Unknown, Rab Howell, Unknown, H. Stones (Assist. Secretary) [Front]: Unknown, Unknown, Arthur Watson, Unknown
The United squad from 1890–91. Pictured are: [rear] Harry Lilley, Charles Stokes (Chairman of Football Committee), JB Wostinholm (Club Secretary), Will Lilley, Charlie Howlett, Mick Whitham, Jack Houseley (trainer) [centre]: Unknown, Unknown, Unknown, Rab Howell, Unknown, H. Stones (Assist. Secretary) [Front]: Unknown, Unknown, Arthur Watson, Unknown

The previous season had been considered reasonably successful, but United still looked to improve the quality of players in the squad.[1] The players recruited from Scotland during the previous summer had failed to live up to expectations and the majority of them were released; only Calder and Robertson were retained.[3] Billy Bridgewater and Edward Cross were signed from nearby Rotherham Town,[4][5] and Harry Lilley arrived from Staveley during the close season,[6] but the Blades persisted with their policy of utilising guest amateur players from the local area.

United were now playing in the Midland Counties League but results were indifferent, with the Blades winning only twice in their opening eight fixtures.[3] Their fortunes began to improve in November and December however as they registered a series of victories including an impressive 4–0 win over Kidderminster at Bramall Lane and a 5–2 victory at Derby Midland.[3] Despite the relative failure of their previous recruitment in Scotland, by the end of the year United had signed Gavin Crawford and Harry Munro from north of the border as the Blades entered 1891 in more positive form.[7][8]

Following a league fixture break during January 1891 United resumed their campaign in February, but the form they had shown in the run up to Christmas deserted them, and results were inconsistent.[1] In the midst of congested fixture list the Blades finished the season fifth in the league (out of ten sides) and once again resolved to improve the quality of players by recruiting established professionals ahead of the next season.[1] They duly negotiated the transfers of John Drummond, Billy Hendry and Samuel Dobson from Preston North End,[9][10][11] then one of the top sides in the country, and they arrived over a number of weeks through February and March to bolster United's first team options. The most significant signing during the season was that of a young Ernest Needham from Staveley in February 1891. Although he did not play for United in the 1890–91 season he went on to become one of the club's greatest players, making more than 500 appearances.[12]

Gavin Crawford
Gavin Crawford arrived from Farfield Rangers in Scotland in November 1890 to bolster the attack.

FA Cup

Having had relative success during their first FA Cup campaign the previous season United struggled to replicate that form and were fortunate to make it past the qualifying rounds in 1890. Having narrowly defeated Derby Junction they lost 2–1 to Burton Swifts in the next game, but the Staffordshire club was subsequently disqualified for fielding an ineligible player. Matlock and Loughborough were then easily despatched as United reached the first round proper of the cup for the second time.[3] This was as far as the Blades would progress however, as they met Notts County at Bramall Lane in mid–January only to be trounced 9–1 by the visitors, a result that remains the club's worst in the competition.[3]

Local cups

United once again entered the Sheffield Challenge Cup and reached the final for the second season in succession. After a straightforward 7–1 victory over Attercliffe in round one the Blades made their way past Kilnhurst in the semi-final at the second time of asking.[3] On 21 March they met near neighbours Doncaster Rovers in the final, but despite having home advantage, with the game being played at Bramall Lane, United lost 2–1.[3]

The team entered the Wharncliffe Charity Cup at the semi-final stage but were drawn against established cross-city rivals The Wednesday. Despite increasing rivalry between the clubs, a relatively small crowd of just over 3,000 spectators were present at Wednesday's Olive Grove ground to watch them beat United 2–1.[3]

Friendlies

Despite now playing competitive league football United continued to fill the fixture list with numerous friendlies, which ultimately led to them playing 64 first-team games over the course of eight months.[3] There was a noticeable improvement in the quality of opposition however, as a number of the more established professional teams visited Bramall Lane during the first half of the season, drawing reasonable crowds in the process. Although there were early season losses to Everton and Preston North End, United secured victories against Bolton Wanderers and Derby County, both at the time members of the Football League First Division.[3]

The second half of the season saw a continued run of exhibition games but the quality of opposition was, at times, not as high. Despite lesser opposition, results tailed off as the fixture congestion these games created began to take its toll on the squad, most notably at the point when United's involvement in the Sheffield Challenge Cup meant that they had two first-team games scheduled for the same day.[3] Rather than cancelling the pre-arranged friendlies the Blades went ahead with both fixtures, splitting the first team between them.[3] The highlight of the fixture calendar did result from a friendly match however, as a then record 14,000 Sheffielders were present at Bramall Lane in January to watch United beat local rivals The Wednesday for the first time, running out 3–2 victors.[3] January also saw United take on their first ever non–English team when they played Scottish side Linthouse, although the match was limited to only 35 minutes each way owing to poor light.[3]

Squad

Source:[3]

First team

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player
England FW Billy Bairstow
England FW Billy Bridgewater
England DF L. Brownlow
Scotland FW William Calder
Scotland MF Gavin Crawford
England GK R. Creighton (guest player from Sheffield Club)
England DF Edward Cross
England MF Samuel Dobson
Scotland FW John Drummond
England GK Richard Fenwick (guest player from Sheffield Club)
England FW William Getliff
England MF George Groves (captain)
No. Position Player
England DF A. Hemmingfield
Scotland DF Billy Hendry
England DF Rab Howell
England GK Charlie Howlett
England DF Jack Hudson
England DF Harry Lilley
Scotland DF Harry Munro
England DF Ernest Needham
Scotland FW W. Robertson
England DF Ned Stringer
England FW Arthur Watson
England DF Michael Whitham

Players leaving before end of the season

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player
England FW A.D. Barber (guest player from Sheffield Club)
England FW T.B.A. Clarke
England FW A.R. Elliman
No. Position Player
England DF J. Jeeves (guest player from Sheffield Club)
England FW Bernard Shaw (guest player from Sheffield Club)
England DF Harry Thickett (guest player from Hexthorpe Wanderers)

Transfers

In

Position Player Transferred from Fee Date Source
FW England Billy Bridgewater Rotherham Town Signed August 1890 [4]
DF England Edward Cross Rotherham Town Signed August 1890 [5]
DF England A. Hemmingfield Doncaster Rovers Signed August 1890 [13]
DF England Harry Lilley Staveley Signed August 1890 [6]
FW Scotland Gavin Crawford Fairfield Rangers Signed November 1890 [7]
DF Scotland Harry Munro Somerton Athletic Signed December 1890 [8]
FW England William Getliff Darnall Signed January 1891 [14]
MF Scotland John Drummond Preston North End Signed February 1891 [9]
DF Scotland Billy Hendry Preston North End Signed February 1891 [10]
DF England Ernest Needham Staveley Signed February 1891 [12]
DF England George Groves Sheffield Club Signed March 1891 [15]
MF England Samuel Dobson Preston North End Signed 14 March 1891 [11]

Out

Position Player Transferred to Fee Date Source
FW Scotland James Duncan Released Free June 1890 [16]
MF Scotland Donald Fraser Released Free June 1890 [17]
FW Scotland Dugald Galbraith Released Free June 1890 [18]
DF Scotland L. Gilmartin Released Free June 1890 [19]
DF England Walter Hobson Owlerton Free June 1890 [20]
DF England S. Mack Crewe Alexandra Free June 1890 [21]
FW England Billy Mosforth Released Retired June 1890 [22]
FW England T.B.A. Clarke Sheffield Club Free December 1890 [23]

League table

Source:[3]

Pos Team Pld W D L F A GD Pts
1Gainsborough Trinity1810445821+ 3724
2Long Eaton Rangers1810265033+ 1721
3Lincoln City187653421+ 1320
4Derby Midland188462828020
5Sheffield United188373225+719
6Burton Wanderers187472533-818
7Rotherham Town187472028-818
8Burslem Port Vale187293543-816
9Derby Junction185581830-1215
10Staveley1824121957-388

Squad statistics

Appearances and goals

As of the end of the season[3]
No. Pos Nat Player TotalMidland Counties League FA Cup
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
FW England Billy Bairstow 14 3 14 3 0 0
FW England Billy Bridgewater 22 9 18 9 4 0
FW Scotland William Calder 16 4 12 2 4 2
MF Scotland Gavin Crawford 5 4 5 4 0 0
GK England R. Creighton 1 0 1 0 0 0
DF England Edward Cross 21 0 16 0 5 0
MF England Samuel Dobson 5 1 5 1 0 0
FW Scotland John Drummond 5 1 5 1 0 0
GK England Richard Fenwick 1 0 1 0 0 0
FW England William Getliff 1 0 0 0 1 0
MF England George Groves 13 0 10 0 3 0
DF Scotland Billy Hendry 7 0 7 0 0 0
DF England Jack Houseley[note 1] 1 0 1 0 0 0
DF England Rab Howell 23 2 18 2 5 0
GK England Charlie Howlett 24 0 19 0 5 0
DF England Jack Hudson 2 0 1 0 1 0
DF England Harry Lilley 20 0 15 0 5 0
DF Scotland Harry Munro 1 0 1 0 0 0
FW Scotland W. Robertson 20 5 16 3 4 2
DF England G. Smith[note 2] 2 0 2 0 0 0
DF England Ned Stringer 5 0 5 0 0 0
FW England Arthur Watson 24 13 19 10 5 3
DF England Michael Whitham 26 0 21 0 5 0
Players who left before the end of the season:
FW England A.D. Barber 1 0 1 0 0 0
FW England T.B.A. Clarke 5 0 3 0 2 0
DF England J. Jeeves 3 0 2 0 1 0
FW England Bernard Shaw 16 2 11 0 5 2
DF England Harry Thickett 1 0 1 0 0 0

Top Scorers

Place Nation Position Name Midland Counties League FA Cup Total
1 England FW Arthur Watson 10 3 13
2 England FW Billy Bridgewater 9 0 9
3 Scotland FW W. Robertson 3 2 5
4 Scotland FW William Calder 2 2 4
Scotland MF Gavin Crawford 4 0 4
5 England FW Billy Bairstow 3 0 3
6 England DF Rab Howell 2 0 2
England FW Bernard Shaw 2 0 2
7 England MF Samuel Dobson 1 0 1
Scotland FW John Drummond 1 0 1
Totals: 35 9 44

Results

Source:[3]

Key

      Win       Draw       Loss       Void

Midland Counties League

FA Cup

Source:[3]

Sheffield Challenge Cup

Source:[3]

Wharncliffe Charity Cup

Source:[3]

Friendlies

Source:[3]

Notes

Source:[3]

  1. ↑ Jack Houseley was a former player in the Sheffield area who was acting as United's trainer. He played one Midland Counties League game as an emergency stand in because both Edward Cross and Harry Lilley had missed their train and were unable to play.
  2. ↑ There are no surviving records as to the identity of G. Smith or whether he was registered by United or a triallist. It is possible that he may be Thomas Smith who played for the Blades the following season.
  3. ↑ United played with 10 men after Edward Cross and Harry Lilley missed their train to the game.
  4. ↑ Although United lost the fixture Burton Swifts were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player meaning their place in the next round was handed to the Blades.
  5. ↑ Originally to be played in Loughborough but switched to Bramall Lane.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 United played two first team fixtures on the same day
  7. ↑ Only 35 minutes played in each half due to failing light

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Gary Armstrong and John Garrett (2006). Sheffield United FC – The Biography. Hallamshire Press. p. 43. ISBN 1-874718-65-2.
  2. ↑ Matthews, Clarebrough and Kirkham (2003). The Official Encyclopaedia of Sheffield United. Britespot. p. 61. ISBN 1-904103-19-7.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Denis Clarebrough & Andrew Kirkham (1999). A Complete Record of Sheffield United Football Club 1889–1999. Hallamshire Press. pp. 72–73. ISBN 0-9508588-2-X.
  4. 1 2 Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, p. 65.
  5. 1 2 Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, pp. 93–94.
  6. 1 2 Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, p. 205.
  7. 1 2 Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, pp. 93.
  8. 1 2 Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, p. 237.
  9. 1 2 Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, pp. 108–109.
  10. 1 2 Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, p. 157.
  11. 1 2 Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, p. 105.
  12. 1 2 Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, p. 240.
  13. ↑ Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, p. 155.
  14. ↑ Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, p. 133.
  15. ↑ Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, p. 141.
  16. ↑ Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, pp. 109–110.
  17. ↑ Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, p. 127.
  18. ↑ Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, p. 129.
  19. ↑ Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, p. 136.
  20. ↑ Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, p. 161.
  21. ↑ Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, p. 219.
  22. ↑ Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, pp. 235–236.
  23. ↑ Clarebrough and Kirkham 2008, p. 84.

Bibliography

  • Clarebrough and Kirkham (2008). Sheffield United Who's Who. Hallamshire Press. ISBN 978-1-874718-69-7. 

External links

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