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1884-1907
A prolific scorer for the Rovers in the early twentieth century. He was in fact, for a time, their record all-time goal scorer. Tragically, he died at the age of 23 as a result of complications from an injury received whilst playing football for the Rovers.
Having previously played for Stoke St. Michaels in the Bromsgrove League he made his debut for the Rovers at outside right against Redditch Excelsior in the Birmingham & District Junior league in October 1904. He was the leading scorer for the Rovers in their successful 1904/05 season, where they finished runners-up in the Birmingham & District Junior League.
He left the Rovers in in November 1905, joining Stourbridge. He re-joined for 3 matches in January/February before joining Halesowen but once again he returned to the Rovers in April 1906.
In September 1906 he scored his 34th goal, passing the all time Rovers goal scoring record, which had been held by F. Parker since the 1890s.
He left the Rovers once again in October 1906 to play for his home town team, Malvern Link, but returned once again in April 1907.
He played and scored in a game against Langley, St Michaels on 30 November 1907, picking up an injury to his knee. It is thought this injury became infected, causing tetanus. He played in a game against Stirchley United the following Saturday, which was abandoned just after half-time due to fog. In the In the days following that match he complained of stiffness in the jaw. This worsened as the week went on, he was hospitalised and passed away at Bromsgrove Cottage Hospital on Wednesday 4 December.
The inquest concluded he died of heart failure following convulsions caused by lockjaw sustained from an injury to his knee sustained whilst playing football.
Away from football he was a painter who worked at Saltley Gas Works.
Stats:
1904/05: 21 appearances, 16 goals
1905/06: 15 appearances, 15 goals
1906/07: 9 appearances, 6 goals
1907/08: 10 appearances, 9 goals
Total: 55 appearances, 46 goals
Hat-tricks (6)
Vs Brades Park, Birmingham & District League, 22 April 1905, Well Lane
Vs Redditch Excelsior, Birmingham & District League, 25 April 1905, Well Lane
Vs Bournville Athletic, Birmingham & District League, 23 September 1905, Well Lane
Vs Redditch Town, Birmingham & District League, 7 October 1905, Well Lane
Vs Nuneaton Town, Birmingham & District League, 29 September 1906
Vs Rowley United, Birmingham & District League, 7 September 1907
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D.O.D:
04/12/1907
Died:
Bromsgrove
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