List of Doncaster Rovers F.C. players (1879–1918)

Last updated

This list contains players who have appeared in nationally organised first-team competition for Doncaster Rovers from its creation in 1879 until the end of First World War. Players that also represented the club after the war are included.

Contents

Explanation of list

Players should be listed in chronological order according to the season in which they first played for the club, and then by alphabetical order of their surname. Initially, the club only played friendlies, their first cup match being in October 1885. Doncaster joined their first league, the Midland Alliance, in 1890. To varying degrees in subsequent years, friendlies still formed a significant part of the fixtures throughout the season. Further information on competitions/seasons which are regarded as eligible for appearance stats are provided below.

League appearances

League appearances and goals should include data for the following league spells:

Total appearances

The figures for total appearances and goals should include the League figures together with the following competitions:

History

First match as Doncaster Rovers

The first match was in September 1879 when Albert Jenkins got together a group of young men to play against The Yorkshire Institute for the Deaf and Dumb in which they drew 4−4 after being behind 4−0 at half time. It was after this match that the group of players decided to play further games and call themselves Doncaster Rovers on the walk back into the town. The first match played under this name was a 0−0 draw on 3 October 1879 at Rawmarsh F.C.. The line up in a 2−2−6 formation was: [1]

First Football League match

After already playing their first game of the 1901–02 season in the Midland League on 2 September, Doncaster were voted into the Football League following New Brighton Tower folding as a club. Continuing with the squad they already had, the first match was against Burslem Port Vale on Saturday 7 September 1901. The crowd at the Intake Ground was 2,000. It was 0–0 at half time, then Len Goodson scored two for Rovers. The Vale then scored 3 goals, with Frank Bailey getting the equaliser making the final score 3–3. The line up was a 2–3–5 formation of: [1]

Players

NamePositionClub careerLeague
apps
League
goals
Total
apps
Total
goals
Notes
William Bedford Inside right 1879–854During this time, not all scorers in games were recorded
Albert Jenkins Right back 1879–86?Also club founder, captain and secretary
John Mitchell Left back 1879–85Went on to play for Bolton Wanderers on the first day of the inaugural season of the Football League in September 1888
Patrick Stirling 1885?–?Became Mayor of Doncaster in 1914
Billy Bridgewater Inside Right / Centre forward 1886–87 1888–89 1891–93723During this time, not all scorers in games were recorded
Walter Langton Left back / Centre forward 1887−190545284848Appearance stats not including seasons 1887−1901 nor 1903−04 which are likely to at least put him well over 200 total appearances
James Gresham Forward 1890–91712
Bob Herrod Inside Right / Outside Right 1890–911114
Tom Kisbey Centre forward 1890–91912
Jim Massey Goalkeeper 1890–9300
Harry Thickett Full back 18912020Doncaster born, he went on to play for England twice, and won the First Division title once and FA Cup twice with Sheffield United before managing Bristol City
William Hopewell Half back 1892–93
Billy Calder Outside Forward 1893–9659First manager of Doncaster, in 1920
Richard Fenwick Goalkeeper 1893–9400
Jack Eggett Goalkeeper 1894–1903670700Appearance stats not including 1894−1901
Billy Linward Outside Left 1895−19015365
Ellis Wright Left half 1895−1905803833Appearance stats not including 1895−1901, 1903−04
Billy Longden Outside Right / Right half 1896−1902312332Stats only for 1901−02 season, he scored 17 League and 5 other goals in total
Arnold Oxspring Inside Right / Outside Right 1897–19005156
Harry Crump Left half 1900−0101
Len Goodson Outside Left 1900–02 1905−06 1909386406Scored Doncaster's first goal in the Football League

Stats not including 1899–1901, 1905−06 and 1908−09 seasons where he scored 33 league and 14 other goals

John Murphy Inside Left / Left half 1900−04628658Stats not including Midland League seasons 1900−01 and 1903−04 when he scored 22 league goals
George Simpson Full back 1900−03642652Stats not including 1900−01
Tommy Vail Centre forward 1900−012026
Frank Bailey Outside Left 1901–02226236
Arthur Birch Right back 1901−04340340Stats not including 1903−04 season
Ernest Dowson Right half 1901−022020
Arthur Jones Centre half 1901−02211231
Billy Langham Outside Right 1901–03 1906−0762166516Playing stats for first period, scored 9 League goals in second period
Manny Lindley Outside Right 1901–021010
John McKenzie Right half 1901−022020
Ike Marsh Left back 1901−03332353
Frank Pepper Right half 1901−021010
Jack Price Forward 1901–0359176118
Jack Aston Inside Forward 1902–03303313
Fred Bann Centre half 19021010
Phil Bratley Centre half 1902−033030
Alonzo Drake Forward 1902–03367377
Frank Foxall Inside Left 1902–03122122
Andrew Gordon Centre half 1902−05430460
Charlie Laverick Full back 1902−048080Stats not including 1903−04 season
Willie Nettleton Outside Right 1902–031111
John Parker Centre forward 1902−032121
James Pettit Right half 1902−031010
Arthur Pyle Inside Right 1902–035252
George Ratcliffe Left winger 1902–03277287
Charlie Richards Inside Right 1902–037070
Harry Roberts Centre forward 1902−09519522Includes all goals, but only Football League appearances
Albert Robinson Left back 1902−033030
Jack Stables Goalkeeper 1902–031010
Tom Woodland Outside Left 1902−034040
E Bradley Inside Left 1903−054040Stats don't include 1903−04 where he scored 3 league goals
Jimmy Dyer Forward 1903–041111
Joe Moran Outside Left 1903–041212
Willie Wragg Wing half / Full back 1903?−04?00
Sam Bedford Outside Right 1904−061010Stats only for 1904−05 season, he scored 1 league goal in 1905−06
Josh Burn Right back 1904–05190210
William Butler Left back 1904–067070Stats not including September 1905−October 1906
James Carnegie Centre forward 1904–05143153
George Crowcroft Inside Left 1904–050010
Harry Davies Left back 1904–05261281
Teddy Daw Goalkeeper 1904–052020
Charles Flowitt Inside Left 1904−053030
James Gould Inside Left 1904−052020
Jimmy Hanson Inside Right 1904−05142162
Eddie Harling Goalkeeper 1904–051010
Sinjon Hawkins Right back 1904−051010
David Howard Right back 1904−051010
Len Hyde Inside Right / Outside Right 1904–05321331
Billy Law Outside Left 1904–05262272
George McGhee Inside Forward 1904–05113113
James McIntyre Inside Left 1904–058080
Matt Moralee Half back 1904–06322342Stats for first season, also scored 1 League and 2 FA Cup goals in second season
Bob Norris Left half 1904−05213233
Laurie Pember Inside Left 1904−05170190
Joe Raby Inside Forward 1904–052020
John Russell Inside Right 1904–053040
Bert Shinner Inside Forward 1904–05123143
Tommy Thorpe Goalkeeper 1904–05310320
Tommy Tompkins Forward / Half back 1904–05151172
George Whittaker Outside Right 1904−052020
Alf Wilkinson Centre forward 1904−052020
Jack Almond Forward 1905–0688
Bill Brelsford Centre half / Right half 1907−1056
Fred Charles Inside Forward 1907–09711
Fred Thompson Goalkeeper 1908–0900
William Jex Inside Left 1908−09 1910−11 1913−14654958Appearances not including 1913−14
John Allen Full back 1909−1000
John Pattinson Winger 1909, 1912–131012
Tommy Simons Centre forward 1909−101214
Peter Turner Inside Forward 1909–1000
Billy Bromage Outside Left 1910–132026
Samuel Gunton Full back 1910−1100
Charlie Woodruff Outside Right 1910–131820
Tommy Astill Inside Left 1911–131418
Harry Bromage Goalkeeper 1911–1300
Harold Buddery Forward 1911–132224
Fred Shreeve Full back 1911−1333
Bert Cook Outside Left 1912–1345
Arthur Reed Forward 19120012
Willis Walker Goalkeeper 1912–191400
Bob Hewitson Goalkeeper 1913?–?00
Tommy Birtles Outside Right 1914–1568
Jack Hall Outside Right 1914–1555
Freddy Hicks Right half back 1914–1500
Horace Husler Goalkeeper 1914–1500
Charles Alton Full back 1915−1600
Bernard Frith Outside Left 1915–?11
Alfred Smelt Right back 1915−?00


Notes

    Related Research Articles

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Harry Thickitt</span> English footballer & manager

    Henry Thickitt was a professional footballer and Manager. Born in Hexthorpe, Doncaster he played as a defender primarily for Sheffield United with whom he won the First Division once, the FA Cup twice and gained two caps for England. He then went on to achieve relative success as the manager of Bristol City.

    William Henry Brelsford, known as Bill or Beau Brelsford, was an English footballer who played for Doncaster Rovers and Sheffield United. He was a hardworking player and could play as a right half or centre half.

    The 1994–95 season was the 106th season in existence for Sheffield United, during which they played in Division One under manager Dave Bassett, having been relegated from the Premier League the previous season. With various factions attempting to take over the club, little money was invested in the side and they were unable to make an immediate return to the Premier League, finishing 8th.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">1914–15 Sheffield United F.C. season</span> Sheffield United 1914–15 football season

    The 1914–15 season was the 26th season in existence for Sheffield United, during which they played in Division One. At this time the club did not employ a manager, with the team being selected by the Football Committee although the club secretary, John Nicholson, undertook many of the duties now associated with a team manager. The club continued to establish itself as one of the top sides in the country, finishing sixth in the First Division and beating Chelsea 3–0 in the final to become winners of the FA Cup.

    The 1915–16 season was the 27th season in existence for Sheffield United. Following the outbreak of World War I the English Football League and cup competitions were suspended, instead the team played in two regional competitions competing in the Midland section. With players away on active service or engaged in the war effort the first team squad was augmented by a series of guest players. These players were usually local born footballers who were home on leave from the army or had returned to the city to take up their former professions. Some were former Blades players whilst others would go on to sign for the club after the end of the war.

    Harold Buddery was an English footballer who played for Portsmouth in the Football League and also had spells with Doncaster Rovers, Southend United and Rotherham Town.

    Frederick 'Fred' Charles was an English footballer who played as an inside forward for Sheffield United in the Football League along with spells at Doncaster Rovers and Castleford Town.

    Herbert Cook was an English footballer who played a handful of games in the Football League for Sheffield United. He also had spells at a number of other local teams including Doncaster Rovers and Chesterfield.

    John Almond was an English footballer who played as a forward. Born in Darlington, County Durham, he spent the majority of his career in and around the Yorkshire area with spells at Leeds City, Bradford City, Doncaster Rovers and Sheffield United where he played over 100 games, winning the First Division championship in 1898 and gaining an FA Cup winners medal having scored in the 1899 final.

    The 1889–90 season was the first in existence for Sheffield United. Having not been elected to any organised league at that point they predominantly played friendly fixtures but did enter the FA Cup for the first time as well as locally arranged cup competitions The Sheffield Challenge Cup and the Wharncliffe Charity Cup. The club did not employ a manager in this period; tactics and team selection were decided by The Football Committee and the players were coached by a trainer. J.B. Wostinholm held the position of club secretary, dealing with player transfers and contracts, arranging matches and dealing with the FA. The first season was deemed a reasonable success with steady attendances to home games and progress in the FA Cup although the fluctuating nature of the team meant that consistency was never really achieved.

    William Calder was a Scottish footballer who played as a forward for Sheffield United, Gainsborough Trinity, Barnsley St. Peter's and Doncaster Rovers.

    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.

    William Bridgewater was an English footballer who played as a forward. Born in Parkgate, Rotherham he began his career with a short spell at Doncaster Rovers before moving across the Pennines to play for Newton Heath. Still an amateur whilst in Manchester he also appeared for Oldham Olympic and Gainsborough Trinity as a guest player during this period before returning to Doncaster Rovers.

    Richard A. Fenwick was an English footballer who played as a goalkeeper. An amateur player with Sheffield Club Fenwick began assisting nearby Sheffield United as a guest player in January 1890, as allowed under FA rules at the time. He played in several games during United's inaugural season and remained connected to the club for the following two years. His one competitive game came in the Midland Counties League against Derby Midland in February 1881.

    Bernard L. Shaw was an English footballer who played for Sheffield United as a forward. Born 'locally' Shaw was an amateur player who guested for both The Wednesday and Sheffield United on occasions as allowed by FA rules at the time. Although more often used in friendly fixtures he did represent United in both the FA Cup and the Midland Counties League.

    The 1891–92 season was the third in existence for Sheffield United. This was their first season playing in the recently formed Northern League as the club sought to establish itself as a major footballing force. The Blades had a reasonably successful season, finishing third in the league, and registering some comprehensive victories along the way. They improved on the previous season by reaching the second round proper of the FA Cup and were victorious in the local cup competitions, winning both the Sheffield Challenge Cup and the Wharncliffe Charity Cup for the first time.

    John William Thomas was a Welsh footballer who played as an outside right for Sheffield United and Gainsborough Trinity.

    Frederick H. Davies was an English footballer who played as an inside forward for Sheffield United between 1891 and 1894.

    John "Tiny" Smith was an English footballer who played as an inside right.

    Alfred Settle was a professional footballer who played for Sheffield United and Lincoln City as a left-half between 1936 and 1946.

    References

    General
    Specific
    1. 1 2 Bluff, Tony (2011). Donny:Doncaster Rovers F.C. The Complete History (1879−2010). Yore Publications. ISBN   978-0-9569848-3-8.
    2. Jack Almond:- Clarebrough, Denis; Kirkham, Andrew (2008). Sheffield United Who's Who. Hallamshire Press. p. 33. ISBN   978-1-874718-69-7.
    3. Tommy Birtles:- "Player profile - Tommy Birtles". Swindon-Town-FC. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
    4. Bill Brelsford:- Clarebrough, Denis; Kirkham, Andrew (2008). Sheffield United Who's Who. Hallamshire Press. p. 65. ISBN   978-1-874718-69-7.
    5. Billy Bridgewater:- Clarebrough, Denis; Kirkham, Andrew (2008). Sheffield United Who's Who. Hallamshire Press. p. 65. ISBN   978-1-874718-69-7.
    6. Harold Buddery:- Clarebrough, Denis; Kirkham, Andrew (2008). Sheffield United Who's Who. Hallamshire Press. p. 72. ISBN   978-1-874718-69-7.
    7. Billy Calder:- Clarebrough, Denis; Kirkham, Andrew (2008). Sheffield United Who's Who. Hallamshire Press. p. 76. ISBN   978-1-874718-69-7.
    8. Fred Charles:- Clarebrough, Denis; Kirkham, Andrew (2008). Sheffield United Who's Who. Hallamshire Press. p. 52. ISBN   978-1-874718-69-7.
    9. Bert Cook:- Clarebrough, Denis; Kirkham, Andrew (2008). Sheffield United Who's Who. Hallamshire Press. p. 89. ISBN   978-1-874718-69-7.
    10. Jimmy Dyer:- "James Arthur Dyer profile". mufcinfo. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
    11. Bernard Frith:- "Players 1914-15". Sky is Blue. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
    12. Frank Foxall:- Joyce, Michael (2004). Football League Players' Records 1888 to 1939. Nottingham: SoccerData (Tony Brown). p. 94. ISBN   978-1-899468-67-6.
    13. Bob Herrod:- "Player profile - Bob Herrod". Foxestalk. Archived from the original on 2 May 2013. Retrieved 25 January 2013.
    14. Bob Hewitson:- Joyce, Michael (2004). Football League Players' Records. soccerdata. p. 123. ISBN   1-899468-63-3.
    15. Freddy Hicks:- "Player profile - Freddy Hicks". Swindon-Town-FC. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
    16. Albert Jenkins:- Bluff, Tony (2011). Donny:Doncaster Rovers F.C. The Complete History (1879−2010). Yore Publications. ISBN   978-0-9569848-3-8.
    17. Billy Law:- Jones, Trefor (1996). The Watford Football Club Illustrated Who's Who. p. 143. ISBN   0-9527458-1-X.
    18. John Mitchell:− Marland, Simon (2011). Bolton Wanderers: the complete record. DB Publishing. ISBN   978-1859839720.
    19. Joe Moran:- "Player profile - Joe Moran". Foxes History. Archived from the original on 6 June 2013. Retrieved 25 January 2013.
    20. Matt Moralee:- "Liverpool 1 - 0 Doncaster Rovers". LFCHistory.net. Retrieved 21 January 2013.
    21. Matt Moralee:- Brodie, John; Dickinson, Jason. Sheffield Wednesday: The Complete Record. DB Publishing. ISBN   9781859839737.
    22. Jack Price:- Joyce, Michael (2004). Football League Players' Records 1888 to 1939. Nottingham: SoccerData (Tony Brown). p. 212. ISBN   978-1-899468-67-6.
    23. Arthur Reed:- Matthews, Tony (1995). Birmingham City: A Complete Record. Derby: Breedon Books. p. 119. ISBN   978-1-85983-010-9.
    24. Charlie Richards:- Bostock, Adam; Pilger, Sam; Butler, Cliff; Mitten, Andy; Meek, David; Taylor, Frank OBE; Barnes, Justyn; Tyrell, Tom; Ferguson, Jim (2001) [1998]. The Official Manchester United Illustrated Encyclopedia (3rd ed.). London: Manchester United Books. ISBN   0-233-99964-7.
    25. Fred Shreeve:- "Frederick Shreeve" . Retrieved 7 June 2011.
    26. Fred Shreeve:- "West Ham United Statistics - Frederick Shreeve" . Retrieved 7 June 2011.
    27. Alfred Smelt:- "Players 1914-15". Sky is Blue. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
    28. Peter Turner:- Jones, Trefor (1996). Watford Football Club Illustrated Who's Who. p. 229. ISBN   0-9527458-0-1.
    29. Charlie Woodruff:- "charlie woodruff - fact file". ?. Retrieved 24 January 2013.