The 1907-08 Season
The 1907-08 season started badly. Such was the belief that Wigan Town would fold, director Anthony Swalwell had to place a bond of £20 with the Lancashire Combination as a guarantee that Town would complete their fixtures.
Town started their final season without the services of either leading scorers from
the previous year, nevertheless, they started brightly recording four wins from five outings in all competitions. From then on, everything started to fall apart. Henry Cotton, the new goalkeeper broke his leg during the match against Heywood United on September 18. In early October, after a heavy defeat by Blackburn Rovers Reserves, manager James Harold parted company with the club and while no reason is given for his departure, based on previous incidents it must be assumed that the club owed him money. Following this the better players started to leave or were transferred leaving very little quality in the ranks by Christmas 1907. There is mention of a new manager shortly after Harold left, but it appears that the team was run by a committee from here until the end of the season.
The New Year started with allegations in the local papers accusing Wigan Rugby Club
of purposely scheduling matches to coincide with those of the football club in an attempt to put them out of business. The transfers of Frank O’Hara to Birmingham and Henry Dean to Bury were also completed. Both occasions gave rise to an influx of local amateurs who were to be the mainstay of the club for the rest of the season. On January 22, the Wigan Examiner advertised a meeting at the Golden Lion Hotel welcoming all soccer enthusiasts: this would spell the beginning of the end for Wigan Town F.C.
Defeats were now hitting unprecedented levels and on April 4, Town were beaten
12-0 by Colne, the heaviest defeat of any club to play at Springfield Park. Three days
later a letter was printed in the local papers proposing the formation of a new club, headed by Town treasurer, J.R. Yarwood, which all but abandoned the existing club leaving it to limp to the finish line. In the final seven games Town scored three
goals, whilst conceding 28, including an 8-0 defeat at Nelson and a 10-1 defeat at Haslingden.
At a meeting of the Lancashire Combination Executive Committee on May 9, 1908, the club was fined £22 3s for a number of offences and Mr Swalwell had his deposit
returned as Town had completed their obligations to the League. On May 12 it was announced that the club had not applied for re-election to the Lancashire
Combination, by July 10 all monies paid into the scheme for the new club were returned as sufficient capital could not be raised. The final mention of Wigan Town was on September 15, when Henry Cotton won a court case against the Swalwell brothers and James Owen for unpaid wages……..
Town started their final season without the services of either leading scorers from
the previous year, nevertheless, they started brightly recording four wins from five outings in all competitions. From then on, everything started to fall apart. Henry Cotton, the new goalkeeper broke his leg during the match against Heywood United on September 18. In early October, after a heavy defeat by Blackburn Rovers Reserves, manager James Harold parted company with the club and while no reason is given for his departure, based on previous incidents it must be assumed that the club owed him money. Following this the better players started to leave or were transferred leaving very little quality in the ranks by Christmas 1907. There is mention of a new manager shortly after Harold left, but it appears that the team was run by a committee from here until the end of the season.
The New Year started with allegations in the local papers accusing Wigan Rugby Club
of purposely scheduling matches to coincide with those of the football club in an attempt to put them out of business. The transfers of Frank O’Hara to Birmingham and Henry Dean to Bury were also completed. Both occasions gave rise to an influx of local amateurs who were to be the mainstay of the club for the rest of the season. On January 22, the Wigan Examiner advertised a meeting at the Golden Lion Hotel welcoming all soccer enthusiasts: this would spell the beginning of the end for Wigan Town F.C.
Defeats were now hitting unprecedented levels and on April 4, Town were beaten
12-0 by Colne, the heaviest defeat of any club to play at Springfield Park. Three days
later a letter was printed in the local papers proposing the formation of a new club, headed by Town treasurer, J.R. Yarwood, which all but abandoned the existing club leaving it to limp to the finish line. In the final seven games Town scored three
goals, whilst conceding 28, including an 8-0 defeat at Nelson and a 10-1 defeat at Haslingden.
At a meeting of the Lancashire Combination Executive Committee on May 9, 1908, the club was fined £22 3s for a number of offences and Mr Swalwell had his deposit
returned as Town had completed their obligations to the League. On May 12 it was announced that the club had not applied for re-election to the Lancashire
Combination, by July 10 all monies paid into the scheme for the new club were returned as sufficient capital could not be raised. The final mention of Wigan Town was on September 15, when Henry Cotton won a court case against the Swalwell brothers and James Owen for unpaid wages……..
Wigan Town and the Lancashire Combination
"Harricus” in his Lancashire Letter in the “Athletic News,” says:- “It is not a little singular that a club which for the last two seasons has made application for membership to the Football League, should have to appear before a special meeting of the Second Division of the Lancashire Combination to give some tangible evidence of their ability to complete their fixtures for the forthcoming season.
But somehow Association football in Wigan has not made the headway anticipated. Two previous clubs – and good ones in their class – had to disband, and the financial embarrassment of the present organisation has been almost overwhelming. Their affairs were discussed at great length at the meeting of the clubs, and on the chairman, Mr. Swalwell, agreeing to deposit his personal cheque for £20 as a guarantee that the matches would be fulfilled, their membership with the Combination was not disturbed. Personally I think there are great prospects for the Association game in Wigan, and the future of the Town club should be assured.
If some good sportsmen would put down say, £200, to enable the club to start with a clean sheet next September, he would be doing the Association game in Wigan a great service. Still, the Lancashire Combination does not desire any clubs which have to be bolstered up, when there are others anxious for membership.”
Wigan Observer: July 3 1907: Page 2, column 7
Wigan Town A.F.C.
BURSLEM PORT VALE GOALKEEPER SIGNED
Wigan Town A.F.C., on Tuesday night signed on Henry Cotton, the ex-Burslem Port Vale goalkeeper. Cotton is stated to be 24 years of age, 6ft. in height; and 12 stone 6lbs in weight. The Town have so far signed on for next season :- Cotton and Frodsham (goal) ; Britnell, Shepherd, Boyle (backs) ; Dean, Woods and Culshaw (half-backs) ; Smith, Sutton, Yarwood, Ryding, and Howarth (forwards).
Wigan Observer: July 13 1907: Page 8, column 3
Wigan Town A.F.C.
Mr. Harold, the manager of Wigan Town has succeeded in getting the signature of J. Clarke, a half-back from Chorley. Clarke is the holder of several medals in connection with cup competitions, and it is said that Blackburn Rovers and Accrington Stanley were anxious to secure his services. He is 21 years of age, 5ft. 11in. in height and weighs 12 stone. Last season he played for Adlington.
(report continues but newspaper destroyed at this point)
Wigan Observer: July 24 1907: Page 2, column 7
Wigan Town A.F.C.
Prospects for the Coming Season
Concerning the New Players
[FOOTBALL SPECIAL]
The officials of the Wigan Town A.F.C. have made a big effort to secure a strong team, and there is every reason to believe will acquit itself creditably in the Lancashire Combination. Considerable expense has been incurred in getting this side together, and those at the head of affairs hope that Town will emulate the feat of Oldham Athletic last season by figuring in the first round of the English Cup
Competition proper. Our football expert, “Referee,” has furnished us with the following particulars concerning the probable players :-
H. Cotton, Wigan Town’s new custodian, was born twenty-four years ago at Crewe. He received his “schooling” at Nantwich and from the club of that name he was in 1905 picked up by Burslem Port Vale, for whom he has played with considerable success for three seasons. Cotton, who is six feet in height, and is a teetotaller, should prove a decided acquisition to the Town ranks.
Arthur Shepherd, right full-back, is twenty-two years of age, and formerly assisted Hindley Central. He is a steady reliable exponent, and one of his finest displays was
given against Stoke last season. Shepherd is also numbered amongst the
teetotallers.
Peter Boyle, left back, was born in Ireland 29 years ago, and learnt his football at Coatbridge (Scotland). His first club of any importance was the Albion Rovers, a team that has supplied several prominent players to English clubs, notably, Conlin (Manchester City), J. Scott (Sunderland), A. Scott (Notts Forest), McRoberts (Chelsea), and Cameron (Blackburn Rovers). Boyle migrated to Sunderland in 1896, and after two years was transferred to Sheffield United, where his fame soon
reached the ears of the Irish selectors. He was chosen to play first against England at Southampton in 1900, and has six international caps, the most prized being the one given him when he captained the Irish team which defeated Scotland in 1904 for the first time. Boyle holds three English Cup medals, and is still a great player.
J. Clarke, right half-back, was born at Chorley twenty-two years ago. He played first with Scot Lane, and afterwards with Adlington. He furnished a remarkable display against Wigan Town last year, when Adlington defeated the Town in the Lancashire Cup competition. Clarke stands 5 feet 11inches, and was much sought after by prominent clubs.
H. Dean, the centre-half, also played for Adlington last season, and figured with Clarke against Wigan in the cup tie. Dean is a smart player, and when he assisted the Town last season against Birmingham he was regarded as the best half-back on the field. He is 5 feet 11 ½ inches in height, and is 22 years of age.
Alec. Culshaw, the left half-back, was born in Wigan, and he was the idol of the Springfield Park habitués last season. He is only twenty-one years of age, and many clubs have been anxious to secure his signature. Alec. evidently prefers the bracing
winds of Springfield. He has all the qualifications of a great player, and should one day earn higher distinction. Culshaw is another member of the Town “teetotal” band.
J. Smith, outside right, has scarcely come up with the form he displayed when with Newtown St. Marks, but against Rhyl he gave onlookers a glimpse of what he can do. If well fed he is a glutton for work. He is nineteen years of age and the smallest man in the team.
J. Sutton, the inside right, is looked upon as “an artiste on the ball.” He knows
where the goal is, and invariably he feds his partner judiciously. He performed the “hat-trick” against Rhyl last season. Sutton came to Wigan from Crewe Alexandra, but learnt his football in Scot Lane. He is 22 years of age, and stands 5 feet 9 ½ inches in height.
F. O’Hara, the centre forward, is another old Albion Rover, and a Scotchman. He played for Chelsea last season, scoring 37 goals. O’Hara is without doubt a big capture for Wigan. A dribbler of the first order and very fast. Manager Harold expects O’Hara will do much to bring success to his club. His age is returned at 23 years, and he stands 5 feet 8 ½ inches.
B. Ryding, inside left, hails from Coppull, and has been dubbed the Bloomer of that township. He is a good shot and an unselfish player.
Horace Percy Howarth bears an excellent football name. He is 22 years of age, and played for Wigan against Birmingham and Aston Villa last year. Howarth hails from Hindley Green St. Johns. He is fast and a good shot.
J. Yarwood, the “baby” of the team, is only 17 years of age, and can play in any position. His best position, however, is left-half. Yarwood is also a notable local
swimmer.
The Town have also several good reserves, among them being Britnell, J.T. Frodisham, goalkeeper (who assisted the Town last season), N. Ganner (forward), Atherton, A. Prescott, G. Holding, A. Walford, A. Blackburn, A. Crossland, Warner, and Turner.
The first practice match will be played at Springfield Park this Saturday, when teams representing the Probables and Possibles will turn out at 3.30. Season tickets are to be on sale at the ground, to which a small admission fee will be charged, the proceeds of the “gate” to be handed over to the Wigan Infirmary.
The possible team will be selected from the following :- Frodisham, goal : Britnell and Turner, backs : Holding, Barker, Yarwood,and Evans, half-backs, : Ganner, Molyneux, J. Atherton, Bailes, Champion, Houghton, and Preston, forwards.
Wigan Examiner: August 14 1907: Page 3, column 4
Probables 4-v-1 Possibles
Trial : August 17 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 3-1)
Teams:
Probables: Cotton, Shepherd, Boyle, Clarke, Dean, Culshaw, Smith, Sutton, O’Hara
(2), Ryding, Howarth.
Possibles: Frodisham, Britnall, Robinson, Crossland, Holding, Turner, Wilson, Houghton, Knowles, Champion, Ganner.
WIGAN TOWN AT PRACTICE
The first trial match of the Wigan Town A.F. Club took place at Springfield Park on Saturday Afternoon before a very satisfactory attendance, the gate receipts being in aid of the Wigan Infirmary. Appended are the names of the players:-
Probables: Cotton, goal; Shepherd and Boyle, backs; Clarke, Dean and Culshaw, half-backs; Smith, Sutton, O’Hara, Ryding, and Howarth, forwards.
Possibles: Frodisham, goal; Britnall and Robinson, backs; Crossland, Holding and Turner, half-backs; Wilson, Houghton, Knowles, Champion, and Ganner, forwards.
The operations during the first half were greatly in favour of the Probables, though the Possibles, especially the front rank, displayed capital work at times. Of the
Probables the best exposition was undoubtedly given by the half-backs, who showed splendid judgement, and created a most favourable impression upon the spectators. O’Hara commenced the scoring, after a smart piece of play. The Town centre forward shone in clever dribbles and effective passes, and he gives promise of proving an exceptionally useful exponent for the Springfield Park organisation. Sutton placed the second goal to the credit of the Probables, and then, owing to a misunderstanding between Shepherd and Boyle, the Possibles registered their only goal. Shortly before the interval O’Hara executed another dribble, half the length of the field, and when tackled by Turner he lifted the ball clean over his head and banged into the corner of the net. On ends being changed the Probables were leading by three goals to one. The Possibles had the breeze in their favour in the second half, and had more of the hostilities than was the case prior to the interval.
There were certainly many opportunities of bringing out the qualities of the Probables half-back line and testing the goal-keeping abilities of Cotton. The custodian acquitted himself very well, whilst the halves greatly pleased the officials. In this half only one goal was recorded, and it was scored by Ryding.
Wigan Examiner: August 21 1907: Page 3, column 3
Reds 3-v-1 Stripes
Trial : August 24 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 3-0) : Att, 1000
Teams:
Reds: Frodisham, Britnall, Robinson, Crossland, Holding, Yarwood, Smith, Sutton (2), O’Hara, Ryding, Howarth.
Stripes: Cotton, Shepherd, Boyle, Clarke, Nevinson (pen), Culshaw, Wilson, Martindale, Bailes, Champion, Ganner.
This was the second practice match in which the forwards and backs of the winning side of the previous game were pitched against each other. The match was originally billed as Reds v Black and Whites
WIGAN TOWN AND GLOSSOP
Glossop should have opposed Wigan Town in the Lancashire Combination tournament at Springfield Park, on Tuesday next, but as they desired that the kick-off should be at half-past three and that hour was not to the liking of the Wiganers, who had been anticipating an evening match, it has been mutually agreed that the Town shall proceed to Glossop on Tuesday, the return fixture to be decided at Springfield Park on Saturday, the 7th March.
Wigan Examiner: August 31 1907: Page 8, column 4
Wigan Town P-v-P Glossop Reserves
League : September 3 1907 : Springfield Park
Wigan Town 3-v-0 Clitheroe Central [1]
League : September 2 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 3-0) : Att, 1500
Teams:
Wigan Town: Cotton, Shepherd, Boyle, Yarwood, Dean, Culshaw, Smith, Sutton,
O’Hara, Ryding, Howarth.
Clitheroe Central: Ireland, Watson, Waite, Lambert, Cawthorne, McKensie, Dodd, Barry, Strachan, Hartley, Briercliffe.
Referee: J.F. Langford (Liverpool)
Glossop Reserves 2-v-1 Wigan Town [2]
League : September 3 1907 : North Road (ht 1-1)
Teams:
Glossop Reserves: Byrne, Ross, Weir, Comrie, Galvin, Gibb, Wooley, Grimes, McKenzie, Tufnall, Gould.
Wigan Town: Cotton, Shepherd, Boyle, Yarwood, Dean, Culshaw, Smith, Sutton, O’Hara, Ryding, Howarth.
WIGAN’S WORRIES
Some of the football critics continue to harp on “Wigan’s Worries.” Under this heading a Manchester writer states:- “Wigan Town, however, were after their election summoned before a special meeting of Second Division clubs, in consequence of certain rumours, but, as a guarantee of good faith, the Wigan treasurer deposited £20 of his own money, so that there will be no doubt about the fixtures being completed. The club is being formed into a limited liability company, as are others in membership with the Combination. This is being done on the advice of the committee, so as to relieve the various directors of personal liability under the workman’s compensation act.
Wigan Examiner: September 4 1907: Page 3, column 6
St. Helens Town 0-v-2 Wigan Town [3]
League : September 9 1907 : Park Road (ht 0-1)
Teams:
St. Helens Town: Yates French, Dickson, Bromage, Burton
Wigan Town: Cotton, Shepherd, Boyle, Yarwood, Dean, Culshaw, Smith, Sutton, O’Hara, Ryding, Howarth.
Wigan Town 2-v-0 Pendlebury
Lancashire Junior Cup : September 14 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 1-0) : Att, 2000
Teams:
Wigan Town: Cotton, Shepherd, Boyle, Yarwood, Dean, Culshaw, Smith, Sutton, O’Hara, Ryding, Howarth.
Pendlebury: Kershaw, Hull, Gregory, Williams, A. Hewitt, Perrin, T. Hewitt, Connors, Chorlton, Riley, Jackson.
Referee: Mr. Connors (Southport)
Football Jottings by "Referee"
It is satisfactory to find Wigan Town making their strength felt in the Lancashire Combination, and I for one shall not be surprised if they make their way to the top of the table.
It was certainly no mean achievement to bring two points away from the St. Helens Town enclosure on Saturday afternoon, but before many weeks are over Boyle and Co. will give the knockout blow to other contingents who are anticipating annexing points at the expense of the Wiganers.
Manager Harold is to be congratulated upon the excellent team he has got together. There are one or two weak spots in the eleven, and Mr. Harold is fully alive to the fact. It only requires a proper appreciation of the public of the Springfield Park lot as
at present constituted to bring about the strengthening process.
Without a doubt the Saints never expected that they would receive a trouncing last week end. They fought hard for goals, but no goals came; Cotton saw to that part of the business.
O’Hara once again demonstrated what an artiste he is in the arena. Wigan are certainly fortunate in having in their midst such a fine exponent of the pastime. When his colleagues fully understand his movements he will show them how the net can be found. Of that I am fully assured.
In Saturday’s encounter the great Bromage seemed bent on taking out of Peter Boyle. The Wigan captain had a big job on hand, but he got the mastery towards the close. Skill and experience did the trick.
Too great praise could not be bestowed on Cotton for his work in goal.
The ex-Burslem Port Vale representative has few, if any, equals in the Combination
at the present time.
The victory over Clitheroe Town and the success at St. Helens have greatly increased the Town’s chances of winning popular favour. My advice to those hundreds of “soccer” enthusiasts who have been in the habit of leaving Wigan at noon on Saturday, is to remain in Wigan, and visit Springfield Park on two or three occasions.
When they have witnessed a couple or so of matches in which Peter Boyle and his colleagues figure I am persuaded they will not again be for ever giving their support to outside organisations, for they will discover smart football at Springfield.
Wigan Examiner: September 14 1907: Page 7, column 2
Wigan Town 3-v-0 Heywood United [4]
League : September 18 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 1-0)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Cotton, Britnell, Boyle, Yarwood, Dean, Culshaw, Wilson, Ryding, O’Hara (2), Sutton, Smith.
Heywood United: Driver
In the second half, Henry Cotton was injured saving a shot and had to be carried from the field where it was discovered he had broken his leg.
Macclesfield 4-v-1 Wigan Town
English Cup : September 21 1907 : Moss Rose (ht 3-0) : Att, 5000
Teams:
Macclesfield: Wilkinson, Yates, Robinson, Pickford, Warham, Hall, Goodwin, Nolan, Case (2), Howard (2, 1 pen), Woodhouse.
Wigan Town: Frodisham, Boyle, Shepherd, Culshaw, Dean, Yarwood, Wilson, Ryding,
O’Hara, Sutton, Smith.
"Harricus” in his Lancashire Letter in the “Athletic News,” says:- “It is not a little singular that a club which for the last two seasons has made application for membership to the Football League, should have to appear before a special meeting of the Second Division of the Lancashire Combination to give some tangible evidence of their ability to complete their fixtures for the forthcoming season.
But somehow Association football in Wigan has not made the headway anticipated. Two previous clubs – and good ones in their class – had to disband, and the financial embarrassment of the present organisation has been almost overwhelming. Their affairs were discussed at great length at the meeting of the clubs, and on the chairman, Mr. Swalwell, agreeing to deposit his personal cheque for £20 as a guarantee that the matches would be fulfilled, their membership with the Combination was not disturbed. Personally I think there are great prospects for the Association game in Wigan, and the future of the Town club should be assured.
If some good sportsmen would put down say, £200, to enable the club to start with a clean sheet next September, he would be doing the Association game in Wigan a great service. Still, the Lancashire Combination does not desire any clubs which have to be bolstered up, when there are others anxious for membership.”
Wigan Observer: July 3 1907: Page 2, column 7
Wigan Town A.F.C.
BURSLEM PORT VALE GOALKEEPER SIGNED
Wigan Town A.F.C., on Tuesday night signed on Henry Cotton, the ex-Burslem Port Vale goalkeeper. Cotton is stated to be 24 years of age, 6ft. in height; and 12 stone 6lbs in weight. The Town have so far signed on for next season :- Cotton and Frodsham (goal) ; Britnell, Shepherd, Boyle (backs) ; Dean, Woods and Culshaw (half-backs) ; Smith, Sutton, Yarwood, Ryding, and Howarth (forwards).
Wigan Observer: July 13 1907: Page 8, column 3
Wigan Town A.F.C.
Mr. Harold, the manager of Wigan Town has succeeded in getting the signature of J. Clarke, a half-back from Chorley. Clarke is the holder of several medals in connection with cup competitions, and it is said that Blackburn Rovers and Accrington Stanley were anxious to secure his services. He is 21 years of age, 5ft. 11in. in height and weighs 12 stone. Last season he played for Adlington.
(report continues but newspaper destroyed at this point)
Wigan Observer: July 24 1907: Page 2, column 7
Wigan Town A.F.C.
Prospects for the Coming Season
Concerning the New Players
[FOOTBALL SPECIAL]
The officials of the Wigan Town A.F.C. have made a big effort to secure a strong team, and there is every reason to believe will acquit itself creditably in the Lancashire Combination. Considerable expense has been incurred in getting this side together, and those at the head of affairs hope that Town will emulate the feat of Oldham Athletic last season by figuring in the first round of the English Cup
Competition proper. Our football expert, “Referee,” has furnished us with the following particulars concerning the probable players :-
H. Cotton, Wigan Town’s new custodian, was born twenty-four years ago at Crewe. He received his “schooling” at Nantwich and from the club of that name he was in 1905 picked up by Burslem Port Vale, for whom he has played with considerable success for three seasons. Cotton, who is six feet in height, and is a teetotaller, should prove a decided acquisition to the Town ranks.
Arthur Shepherd, right full-back, is twenty-two years of age, and formerly assisted Hindley Central. He is a steady reliable exponent, and one of his finest displays was
given against Stoke last season. Shepherd is also numbered amongst the
teetotallers.
Peter Boyle, left back, was born in Ireland 29 years ago, and learnt his football at Coatbridge (Scotland). His first club of any importance was the Albion Rovers, a team that has supplied several prominent players to English clubs, notably, Conlin (Manchester City), J. Scott (Sunderland), A. Scott (Notts Forest), McRoberts (Chelsea), and Cameron (Blackburn Rovers). Boyle migrated to Sunderland in 1896, and after two years was transferred to Sheffield United, where his fame soon
reached the ears of the Irish selectors. He was chosen to play first against England at Southampton in 1900, and has six international caps, the most prized being the one given him when he captained the Irish team which defeated Scotland in 1904 for the first time. Boyle holds three English Cup medals, and is still a great player.
J. Clarke, right half-back, was born at Chorley twenty-two years ago. He played first with Scot Lane, and afterwards with Adlington. He furnished a remarkable display against Wigan Town last year, when Adlington defeated the Town in the Lancashire Cup competition. Clarke stands 5 feet 11inches, and was much sought after by prominent clubs.
H. Dean, the centre-half, also played for Adlington last season, and figured with Clarke against Wigan in the cup tie. Dean is a smart player, and when he assisted the Town last season against Birmingham he was regarded as the best half-back on the field. He is 5 feet 11 ½ inches in height, and is 22 years of age.
Alec. Culshaw, the left half-back, was born in Wigan, and he was the idol of the Springfield Park habitués last season. He is only twenty-one years of age, and many clubs have been anxious to secure his signature. Alec. evidently prefers the bracing
winds of Springfield. He has all the qualifications of a great player, and should one day earn higher distinction. Culshaw is another member of the Town “teetotal” band.
J. Smith, outside right, has scarcely come up with the form he displayed when with Newtown St. Marks, but against Rhyl he gave onlookers a glimpse of what he can do. If well fed he is a glutton for work. He is nineteen years of age and the smallest man in the team.
J. Sutton, the inside right, is looked upon as “an artiste on the ball.” He knows
where the goal is, and invariably he feds his partner judiciously. He performed the “hat-trick” against Rhyl last season. Sutton came to Wigan from Crewe Alexandra, but learnt his football in Scot Lane. He is 22 years of age, and stands 5 feet 9 ½ inches in height.
F. O’Hara, the centre forward, is another old Albion Rover, and a Scotchman. He played for Chelsea last season, scoring 37 goals. O’Hara is without doubt a big capture for Wigan. A dribbler of the first order and very fast. Manager Harold expects O’Hara will do much to bring success to his club. His age is returned at 23 years, and he stands 5 feet 8 ½ inches.
B. Ryding, inside left, hails from Coppull, and has been dubbed the Bloomer of that township. He is a good shot and an unselfish player.
Horace Percy Howarth bears an excellent football name. He is 22 years of age, and played for Wigan against Birmingham and Aston Villa last year. Howarth hails from Hindley Green St. Johns. He is fast and a good shot.
J. Yarwood, the “baby” of the team, is only 17 years of age, and can play in any position. His best position, however, is left-half. Yarwood is also a notable local
swimmer.
The Town have also several good reserves, among them being Britnell, J.T. Frodisham, goalkeeper (who assisted the Town last season), N. Ganner (forward), Atherton, A. Prescott, G. Holding, A. Walford, A. Blackburn, A. Crossland, Warner, and Turner.
The first practice match will be played at Springfield Park this Saturday, when teams representing the Probables and Possibles will turn out at 3.30. Season tickets are to be on sale at the ground, to which a small admission fee will be charged, the proceeds of the “gate” to be handed over to the Wigan Infirmary.
The possible team will be selected from the following :- Frodisham, goal : Britnell and Turner, backs : Holding, Barker, Yarwood,and Evans, half-backs, : Ganner, Molyneux, J. Atherton, Bailes, Champion, Houghton, and Preston, forwards.
Wigan Examiner: August 14 1907: Page 3, column 4
Probables 4-v-1 Possibles
Trial : August 17 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 3-1)
Teams:
Probables: Cotton, Shepherd, Boyle, Clarke, Dean, Culshaw, Smith, Sutton, O’Hara
(2), Ryding, Howarth.
Possibles: Frodisham, Britnall, Robinson, Crossland, Holding, Turner, Wilson, Houghton, Knowles, Champion, Ganner.
WIGAN TOWN AT PRACTICE
The first trial match of the Wigan Town A.F. Club took place at Springfield Park on Saturday Afternoon before a very satisfactory attendance, the gate receipts being in aid of the Wigan Infirmary. Appended are the names of the players:-
Probables: Cotton, goal; Shepherd and Boyle, backs; Clarke, Dean and Culshaw, half-backs; Smith, Sutton, O’Hara, Ryding, and Howarth, forwards.
Possibles: Frodisham, goal; Britnall and Robinson, backs; Crossland, Holding and Turner, half-backs; Wilson, Houghton, Knowles, Champion, and Ganner, forwards.
The operations during the first half were greatly in favour of the Probables, though the Possibles, especially the front rank, displayed capital work at times. Of the
Probables the best exposition was undoubtedly given by the half-backs, who showed splendid judgement, and created a most favourable impression upon the spectators. O’Hara commenced the scoring, after a smart piece of play. The Town centre forward shone in clever dribbles and effective passes, and he gives promise of proving an exceptionally useful exponent for the Springfield Park organisation. Sutton placed the second goal to the credit of the Probables, and then, owing to a misunderstanding between Shepherd and Boyle, the Possibles registered their only goal. Shortly before the interval O’Hara executed another dribble, half the length of the field, and when tackled by Turner he lifted the ball clean over his head and banged into the corner of the net. On ends being changed the Probables were leading by three goals to one. The Possibles had the breeze in their favour in the second half, and had more of the hostilities than was the case prior to the interval.
There were certainly many opportunities of bringing out the qualities of the Probables half-back line and testing the goal-keeping abilities of Cotton. The custodian acquitted himself very well, whilst the halves greatly pleased the officials. In this half only one goal was recorded, and it was scored by Ryding.
Wigan Examiner: August 21 1907: Page 3, column 3
Reds 3-v-1 Stripes
Trial : August 24 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 3-0) : Att, 1000
Teams:
Reds: Frodisham, Britnall, Robinson, Crossland, Holding, Yarwood, Smith, Sutton (2), O’Hara, Ryding, Howarth.
Stripes: Cotton, Shepherd, Boyle, Clarke, Nevinson (pen), Culshaw, Wilson, Martindale, Bailes, Champion, Ganner.
This was the second practice match in which the forwards and backs of the winning side of the previous game were pitched against each other. The match was originally billed as Reds v Black and Whites
WIGAN TOWN AND GLOSSOP
Glossop should have opposed Wigan Town in the Lancashire Combination tournament at Springfield Park, on Tuesday next, but as they desired that the kick-off should be at half-past three and that hour was not to the liking of the Wiganers, who had been anticipating an evening match, it has been mutually agreed that the Town shall proceed to Glossop on Tuesday, the return fixture to be decided at Springfield Park on Saturday, the 7th March.
Wigan Examiner: August 31 1907: Page 8, column 4
Wigan Town P-v-P Glossop Reserves
League : September 3 1907 : Springfield Park
Wigan Town 3-v-0 Clitheroe Central [1]
League : September 2 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 3-0) : Att, 1500
Teams:
Wigan Town: Cotton, Shepherd, Boyle, Yarwood, Dean, Culshaw, Smith, Sutton,
O’Hara, Ryding, Howarth.
Clitheroe Central: Ireland, Watson, Waite, Lambert, Cawthorne, McKensie, Dodd, Barry, Strachan, Hartley, Briercliffe.
Referee: J.F. Langford (Liverpool)
Glossop Reserves 2-v-1 Wigan Town [2]
League : September 3 1907 : North Road (ht 1-1)
Teams:
Glossop Reserves: Byrne, Ross, Weir, Comrie, Galvin, Gibb, Wooley, Grimes, McKenzie, Tufnall, Gould.
Wigan Town: Cotton, Shepherd, Boyle, Yarwood, Dean, Culshaw, Smith, Sutton, O’Hara, Ryding, Howarth.
WIGAN’S WORRIES
Some of the football critics continue to harp on “Wigan’s Worries.” Under this heading a Manchester writer states:- “Wigan Town, however, were after their election summoned before a special meeting of Second Division clubs, in consequence of certain rumours, but, as a guarantee of good faith, the Wigan treasurer deposited £20 of his own money, so that there will be no doubt about the fixtures being completed. The club is being formed into a limited liability company, as are others in membership with the Combination. This is being done on the advice of the committee, so as to relieve the various directors of personal liability under the workman’s compensation act.
Wigan Examiner: September 4 1907: Page 3, column 6
St. Helens Town 0-v-2 Wigan Town [3]
League : September 9 1907 : Park Road (ht 0-1)
Teams:
St. Helens Town: Yates French, Dickson, Bromage, Burton
Wigan Town: Cotton, Shepherd, Boyle, Yarwood, Dean, Culshaw, Smith, Sutton, O’Hara, Ryding, Howarth.
Wigan Town 2-v-0 Pendlebury
Lancashire Junior Cup : September 14 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 1-0) : Att, 2000
Teams:
Wigan Town: Cotton, Shepherd, Boyle, Yarwood, Dean, Culshaw, Smith, Sutton, O’Hara, Ryding, Howarth.
Pendlebury: Kershaw, Hull, Gregory, Williams, A. Hewitt, Perrin, T. Hewitt, Connors, Chorlton, Riley, Jackson.
Referee: Mr. Connors (Southport)
Football Jottings by "Referee"
It is satisfactory to find Wigan Town making their strength felt in the Lancashire Combination, and I for one shall not be surprised if they make their way to the top of the table.
It was certainly no mean achievement to bring two points away from the St. Helens Town enclosure on Saturday afternoon, but before many weeks are over Boyle and Co. will give the knockout blow to other contingents who are anticipating annexing points at the expense of the Wiganers.
Manager Harold is to be congratulated upon the excellent team he has got together. There are one or two weak spots in the eleven, and Mr. Harold is fully alive to the fact. It only requires a proper appreciation of the public of the Springfield Park lot as
at present constituted to bring about the strengthening process.
Without a doubt the Saints never expected that they would receive a trouncing last week end. They fought hard for goals, but no goals came; Cotton saw to that part of the business.
O’Hara once again demonstrated what an artiste he is in the arena. Wigan are certainly fortunate in having in their midst such a fine exponent of the pastime. When his colleagues fully understand his movements he will show them how the net can be found. Of that I am fully assured.
In Saturday’s encounter the great Bromage seemed bent on taking out of Peter Boyle. The Wigan captain had a big job on hand, but he got the mastery towards the close. Skill and experience did the trick.
Too great praise could not be bestowed on Cotton for his work in goal.
The ex-Burslem Port Vale representative has few, if any, equals in the Combination
at the present time.
The victory over Clitheroe Town and the success at St. Helens have greatly increased the Town’s chances of winning popular favour. My advice to those hundreds of “soccer” enthusiasts who have been in the habit of leaving Wigan at noon on Saturday, is to remain in Wigan, and visit Springfield Park on two or three occasions.
When they have witnessed a couple or so of matches in which Peter Boyle and his colleagues figure I am persuaded they will not again be for ever giving their support to outside organisations, for they will discover smart football at Springfield.
Wigan Examiner: September 14 1907: Page 7, column 2
Wigan Town 3-v-0 Heywood United [4]
League : September 18 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 1-0)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Cotton, Britnell, Boyle, Yarwood, Dean, Culshaw, Wilson, Ryding, O’Hara (2), Sutton, Smith.
Heywood United: Driver
In the second half, Henry Cotton was injured saving a shot and had to be carried from the field where it was discovered he had broken his leg.
Macclesfield 4-v-1 Wigan Town
English Cup : September 21 1907 : Moss Rose (ht 3-0) : Att, 5000
Teams:
Macclesfield: Wilkinson, Yates, Robinson, Pickford, Warham, Hall, Goodwin, Nolan, Case (2), Howard (2, 1 pen), Woodhouse.
Wigan Town: Frodisham, Boyle, Shepherd, Culshaw, Dean, Yarwood, Wilson, Ryding,
O’Hara, Sutton, Smith.
Wigan Town 1-v-2 Blackburn Rovers
Friendly : September 25 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 0-2)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Partington, Boyle, Britnall, Yarwood, Ward, Shepherd, Smith, Sutton,
O’Hara, Ryding, Randles.
Blackburn Rovers: Evans, Crompton, Cameron, Ferguson, Atherton, Bradshaw, Whittaker, Robertson, Martin, Latheron (2), Aitkenhead
St. Helens Town 3-v-1 Wigan Town
Lancashire Junior Cup : September 28 1907 : Park Road (ht 0-0) : Att, 1500
Teams:
St. Helens Town: Arnold, Yates, H. Arnold, Dixon, Stanton, Talbot, Bromage, Greenslade, Barton, Banks, Birchall.
Wigan Town: Boyle, Britnell, Shepherd, Yarwood, Dean, Culshaw, Smith, Sutton, O’Hara, Ryding, Wilson.
Wigan Town 0-v-4 Blackburn Rovers Reserves [5]
League : October 5 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 0-4)
Teams:
Wigan Town: W. Ellison, Shepherd, Boyle, Britnall, Dean, Culshaw, Smith, Sutton, O’Hara, Riding, Yarwood.
Blackburn Rovers Reserves: Hendle, Wison, Suttie, Walmesley, Atherton, Stevenson, Burton, Manson, Davies (2), Crompton, Chadwick.
James Harold either left the club, or was sacked after this game. Peter Boyle was also "given his ticket."
THIS WEEK’S TEAM
DRASTIC CHANGES
The Wigan Town Committee have made drastic changes for the team which journeys to Pendlebury this Saturday to fulfil the rearranged league fixture. In addition to seeking a custodian to fill the gap caused by Cotton, who by the way, was to leave Wigan Infirmary this Wednesday, and is expected to make what will be a welcome
re-appearance against Lancaster on the 2nd November, the Town have enlisted several new players, including Robinson, of St. Helens, who figured in the trial games ; Taylor of Chorley ; Will Smith, of the Wigan Nodescripts ; and Hardman, formerly of Newton St. Marks……
……A practice game is to take place at Springfield Park this Saturday, and any local player desiring a “trial” will be given the opportunity of displaying his prowess. It may be mentioned that Mr. H. Whitfield is at present acting as manager and secretary of the Wigan Town Club.
EX-CANADIAN FOR WIGAN TOWN
Hardman, who is an old Newton St. Marks exponent, has been playing “soccer” in Canada. He was a member of the Buntings team, and from a Canadian newspaper we find a glowing account of his work in the field. The paper gives an account of an encounter in which the Buntings defeated the Woods Mill team by 6 goals to
nothing. The writer says: “Hardman scored four of the goals, and was the star performer on all round playing.” He is to make his first appearance with Wigan town at Pendlebury this Saturday.
Wigan Examiner: October 9 1907: Page 3, column 5
Lancashire Combination Jottings
What's Amiss at Wigan
Matters are not running as smoothly as one could wish in the camp at Wigan, and there is so much scope for development of Association football in the town this has to be regretted. Trouble seems to have arisen in a great measure from the thrashing the Town received at the hands of Blackburn Rovers Reserves a week ago when the Wiganers were defeated by four clear goals, but supporters of the club have been wondering why Peter Bell*, the Irish International, has been dropped out of the
team. Further, Mr. Harold has not been conducting the correspondence of the club this week, these duties having fallen upon the old secretary Mr. Whitfield, and would suggest that all the trouble is not taking place amongst the players, but also among the officials. Internal dissensions are detrimental to the interests of any organisation, but more so when a club is in its infancy, like Wigan Town. Wigan started the season so promisingly that it is hoped that nothing will hinder them from attaining the heights of their ambition. Out advice: Shake hands and be friends.
* Peter Boyle
The Cricket and Football Field: October 12 1907: Page10, column 1
Pendlebury 2-v-4 Wigan Town [6]
League : October 12 1907 : Cheetham Road (ht 1-3) : Att, 1000
Teams:
Pendlebury: Kershaw, Gregory (capt.), Cooke, Hewitt, A. Green, Wharton, Tyldesley, Thornley, Morgan, Eddisbury, T. Hewitt.
Wigan Town: Maines, Robinson, Shepherd, Culshaw Dean (capt.), Yarwood, Ryding, Hardman, O’Hara (2), W. Smith, J. Smith.
BENEFIT CONCERT
The Football Association have granted permission for the holding of a smoking concert, to take place this (Wednesday) evening, at the Golden Lion Hotel, Wallgate, Wigan, the proceeds to be for the benefit of Harry Cotton, the Wigan Town custodian, who whilst assisting the Town against the Heywood United team, on the 18th September, sustained a broken leg.
Wigan Examiner: October 16 1907: Page 3, column 5
Wigan Town 0-v-0 Glossop Reserves [7]
League : October 19 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 0-0)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Maines, Shepherd, Robinson, Yarwood, Dean, Culshaw, J. Smith, W. Smith, O’Hara, Sutton, Ryding.
Glossop Reserves: Anderson, Orr, Dearnley, Bell, Tufnell, Gibbs, Ross, Green, McKenzie, McMillan, Ratcliffe.
Wigan Town 3-v-1 1st Volunteer Battalion Manchester Regiment (Wigan)
Friendly : October 26 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 2-1)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Maines, Britnell, Hague, Culshaw, Leyland, Yarwood, J. Smith, Hardman, O’Hara, Sugden, A.N Other.
1st V.B.M.R.: Sedgewick, Smith, Roper, Ashurst, West, Gore, Blackburn, Dewhurst, Eastham, Green, Rosbottom.
BOYLE GETS HIS TRANSFER
At a meeting of the Wigan Town Committee, on Monday night, an application for a free transfer from Peter Boyle was considered, and it was decided to grant the request of the old Irish International. It is understood that the club is at present in negotiation for the services of a team manager who is well-known in the football
world.
Wigan Examiner: October 30 1907: Page 3, column 6
Wigan Town 0-v-0 Lancaster [8]
League : November 2 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 0-0)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Maines, Shepherd, Robinson, Culshaw, Dean, Yarwood, Smith, Sutton, Langton, O’Hara, Ryding.
Lancaster: Hodgin, Eccleston, Kirkman, Beaver, Swain, Raisbeck, Atkinson, Eagan,
Worthington, Heaney, Horrocks.
Turton 3-v-1 Wigan Town [9]
League : November 9 1907 : Tower Street (ht 2-0)
Teams:
Turton: Barlow, Mather, Haworth, Whitehead, Knowles, Horrocks, Jones, Archer, Waldron, Iddon.
Wigan Town: Maines, Britnell, Dean, Sutton, Ryding.
Wigan Town 0-v-1 Oswaldtwistle Rovers [10]
League : November 16 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 0-0)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Maines, Shepherd, Robinson, Culshaw, Dean, Crossland, Smith, Sutton, O’Hara, Ryding, Yarwood.
Oswaldtwistle Rovers: Cowell, Howard, Chippendale.
Wigan Town 2-v-2 Failsworth (Abandoned after 60 minutes)
League : November 23 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 1-2)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Maines, Shepherd, Robinson, Culshaw, Dean, Crossland, J. Smith, A.N. Other, O’Hara, Ryding, Yarwood.
Failsworth: Rogers, Horrocks, Boyd, Taylor, Wilson, Smith, Mitchell, C. Jones,
S. Jones, Hilton, Thompson.
The match was abandoned due to torrential rain with the score at 2-2 and expunged from the records.
A PUBLIC MEETING
The directors of the Town club are making a special public appeal for support. A meeting is to be held next Monday evening at Minorca Hotel, chair to be taken at eight o’clock. All supporters of the club and well-wishers of the association game are invited to attend.
Wigan Examiner: November 27 1907: Page 3, column 5
Wigan Town P-v-P Turton (Postponed – fog)
League : November 30 1907 : Springfield Park
WIGAN TOWN v TURTON
The Wigan Town club was for the second Saturday in succession made the victim of wretched weather. A week last Saturday Failsworth were the visitors to Springfield Park, and the game had to be abandoned owing to a rain storm. Last week end the Town should have opposed Turton also in the Lancashire Combination tournament. The Park, however, was wrapped in mist, and the conditions were as miserable as it was possible to imagine. Our representative wended his way to the Gidlow
enclosure, and found that there were few enthusiasts who were prepared to brave the fog and cold, most of the followers of the game having apparently formed the opinion that hostilities would not be entered upon. The Wigan players, although they did not don the “war paint,” indulged in a little practice on the cinder path until tidings were brought from those who had to say whether the game should proceed. At a quarter to three the information was conveyed to the waiting “scribes” that the engagement had been postponed. Needless to say the pencillers were truly thankful.
Wigan Examiner: December 14 1907: Page 8, column 3
Wigan Town 1-v-6 Burnley Reserves [11]
League : December 14 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 0-5) : Att, 450
Teams:
Wigan Town: Maines, Robinson, O’Hara, Yarwood, Dean, Culshaw, J. Atherton, Walker, Sugden, J. Smith, F. Smith.
Burnley Reserves: Green, Heyes, Wilcock, Wright, Gawthorne, Mannion, Bradshaw, Beddows (2), Whittaker, Donaghie (2),Valentine.
WIGAN TOWN NEW PLAYERS
Wigan Town have signed on T. Hemmings, an amateur, who has this season assisted Oswaldtwistle Rovers, and Openshaw, a Bolton junior team player. Hemmings is to take Yarwood’s place, Yarwood it is stated, having been approached by a First League club, which is to be reported to the Football Association for having
endeavoured to fix up a “trial” for the Wigan exponent without the consent of the Springfield Park organisation. J. Atherton, the ex-Preston North Ender, was not selected for the Christmas Day match owing to that player having a prior engagement, but he will turn out in the New Year engagements.
Wigan Examiner: December 24 1907: Page 3, column 4
Bryn Central 0-v-1 Wigan Town [12]
League : December 25 1907 : Wigan Road (ht 0-0) : Att, 1500
Teams:
Bryn Central: Foster, Aspey, Hulse, Greenie, Evans, Lowe, Owens, R. Smith
Wigan Town: Britnell, Shepherd, Robinson, Culshaw, O’Hara, F. Smith, J. Smith.
Failsworth 6-v-1 Wigan Town [13]
League : December 28 1907 : Lord Lane (ht 2-1)
Teams:
Failsworth: Rodgers, Boyd, Morris, Mitchell, Starkie (3), Jones, Smith, Hilton
Wigan Town: Maines, Britnell, Wilson, O’Hara, Riding
Referee: Mr. A. Lomax
TO-DAY’S GAME AT SPRINGFIELD PARK
COTTON SELECTED
The kick-off in today’s (Wednesday’s) match at Springfield Park has been fixed for half-past eleven, and the Town have chosen the following to oppose Bryn Central :
Cotton; Shepherd and Robinson; Hemmings, Dean and Culshaw; Goulding, O’Hara, J. Atherton, Ryding and Openshaw. Reserves: Britnell, F. Smith, J. Smith, and H. Atherton. It will be seen that Cotton is selected for the first time since the accident he met with earlier on in the season, whilst there is a newcomer in the front rank in Goulding, who is a local amateur, and who recently assisted Preston North End against the Nomads.
Wigan Examiner: January 1 1908: Page 3, column 4
Friendly : September 25 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 0-2)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Partington, Boyle, Britnall, Yarwood, Ward, Shepherd, Smith, Sutton,
O’Hara, Ryding, Randles.
Blackburn Rovers: Evans, Crompton, Cameron, Ferguson, Atherton, Bradshaw, Whittaker, Robertson, Martin, Latheron (2), Aitkenhead
St. Helens Town 3-v-1 Wigan Town
Lancashire Junior Cup : September 28 1907 : Park Road (ht 0-0) : Att, 1500
Teams:
St. Helens Town: Arnold, Yates, H. Arnold, Dixon, Stanton, Talbot, Bromage, Greenslade, Barton, Banks, Birchall.
Wigan Town: Boyle, Britnell, Shepherd, Yarwood, Dean, Culshaw, Smith, Sutton, O’Hara, Ryding, Wilson.
Wigan Town 0-v-4 Blackburn Rovers Reserves [5]
League : October 5 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 0-4)
Teams:
Wigan Town: W. Ellison, Shepherd, Boyle, Britnall, Dean, Culshaw, Smith, Sutton, O’Hara, Riding, Yarwood.
Blackburn Rovers Reserves: Hendle, Wison, Suttie, Walmesley, Atherton, Stevenson, Burton, Manson, Davies (2), Crompton, Chadwick.
James Harold either left the club, or was sacked after this game. Peter Boyle was also "given his ticket."
THIS WEEK’S TEAM
DRASTIC CHANGES
The Wigan Town Committee have made drastic changes for the team which journeys to Pendlebury this Saturday to fulfil the rearranged league fixture. In addition to seeking a custodian to fill the gap caused by Cotton, who by the way, was to leave Wigan Infirmary this Wednesday, and is expected to make what will be a welcome
re-appearance against Lancaster on the 2nd November, the Town have enlisted several new players, including Robinson, of St. Helens, who figured in the trial games ; Taylor of Chorley ; Will Smith, of the Wigan Nodescripts ; and Hardman, formerly of Newton St. Marks……
……A practice game is to take place at Springfield Park this Saturday, and any local player desiring a “trial” will be given the opportunity of displaying his prowess. It may be mentioned that Mr. H. Whitfield is at present acting as manager and secretary of the Wigan Town Club.
EX-CANADIAN FOR WIGAN TOWN
Hardman, who is an old Newton St. Marks exponent, has been playing “soccer” in Canada. He was a member of the Buntings team, and from a Canadian newspaper we find a glowing account of his work in the field. The paper gives an account of an encounter in which the Buntings defeated the Woods Mill team by 6 goals to
nothing. The writer says: “Hardman scored four of the goals, and was the star performer on all round playing.” He is to make his first appearance with Wigan town at Pendlebury this Saturday.
Wigan Examiner: October 9 1907: Page 3, column 5
Lancashire Combination Jottings
What's Amiss at Wigan
Matters are not running as smoothly as one could wish in the camp at Wigan, and there is so much scope for development of Association football in the town this has to be regretted. Trouble seems to have arisen in a great measure from the thrashing the Town received at the hands of Blackburn Rovers Reserves a week ago when the Wiganers were defeated by four clear goals, but supporters of the club have been wondering why Peter Bell*, the Irish International, has been dropped out of the
team. Further, Mr. Harold has not been conducting the correspondence of the club this week, these duties having fallen upon the old secretary Mr. Whitfield, and would suggest that all the trouble is not taking place amongst the players, but also among the officials. Internal dissensions are detrimental to the interests of any organisation, but more so when a club is in its infancy, like Wigan Town. Wigan started the season so promisingly that it is hoped that nothing will hinder them from attaining the heights of their ambition. Out advice: Shake hands and be friends.
* Peter Boyle
The Cricket and Football Field: October 12 1907: Page10, column 1
Pendlebury 2-v-4 Wigan Town [6]
League : October 12 1907 : Cheetham Road (ht 1-3) : Att, 1000
Teams:
Pendlebury: Kershaw, Gregory (capt.), Cooke, Hewitt, A. Green, Wharton, Tyldesley, Thornley, Morgan, Eddisbury, T. Hewitt.
Wigan Town: Maines, Robinson, Shepherd, Culshaw Dean (capt.), Yarwood, Ryding, Hardman, O’Hara (2), W. Smith, J. Smith.
BENEFIT CONCERT
The Football Association have granted permission for the holding of a smoking concert, to take place this (Wednesday) evening, at the Golden Lion Hotel, Wallgate, Wigan, the proceeds to be for the benefit of Harry Cotton, the Wigan Town custodian, who whilst assisting the Town against the Heywood United team, on the 18th September, sustained a broken leg.
Wigan Examiner: October 16 1907: Page 3, column 5
Wigan Town 0-v-0 Glossop Reserves [7]
League : October 19 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 0-0)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Maines, Shepherd, Robinson, Yarwood, Dean, Culshaw, J. Smith, W. Smith, O’Hara, Sutton, Ryding.
Glossop Reserves: Anderson, Orr, Dearnley, Bell, Tufnell, Gibbs, Ross, Green, McKenzie, McMillan, Ratcliffe.
Wigan Town 3-v-1 1st Volunteer Battalion Manchester Regiment (Wigan)
Friendly : October 26 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 2-1)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Maines, Britnell, Hague, Culshaw, Leyland, Yarwood, J. Smith, Hardman, O’Hara, Sugden, A.N Other.
1st V.B.M.R.: Sedgewick, Smith, Roper, Ashurst, West, Gore, Blackburn, Dewhurst, Eastham, Green, Rosbottom.
BOYLE GETS HIS TRANSFER
At a meeting of the Wigan Town Committee, on Monday night, an application for a free transfer from Peter Boyle was considered, and it was decided to grant the request of the old Irish International. It is understood that the club is at present in negotiation for the services of a team manager who is well-known in the football
world.
Wigan Examiner: October 30 1907: Page 3, column 6
Wigan Town 0-v-0 Lancaster [8]
League : November 2 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 0-0)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Maines, Shepherd, Robinson, Culshaw, Dean, Yarwood, Smith, Sutton, Langton, O’Hara, Ryding.
Lancaster: Hodgin, Eccleston, Kirkman, Beaver, Swain, Raisbeck, Atkinson, Eagan,
Worthington, Heaney, Horrocks.
Turton 3-v-1 Wigan Town [9]
League : November 9 1907 : Tower Street (ht 2-0)
Teams:
Turton: Barlow, Mather, Haworth, Whitehead, Knowles, Horrocks, Jones, Archer, Waldron, Iddon.
Wigan Town: Maines, Britnell, Dean, Sutton, Ryding.
Wigan Town 0-v-1 Oswaldtwistle Rovers [10]
League : November 16 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 0-0)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Maines, Shepherd, Robinson, Culshaw, Dean, Crossland, Smith, Sutton, O’Hara, Ryding, Yarwood.
Oswaldtwistle Rovers: Cowell, Howard, Chippendale.
Wigan Town 2-v-2 Failsworth (Abandoned after 60 minutes)
League : November 23 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 1-2)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Maines, Shepherd, Robinson, Culshaw, Dean, Crossland, J. Smith, A.N. Other, O’Hara, Ryding, Yarwood.
Failsworth: Rogers, Horrocks, Boyd, Taylor, Wilson, Smith, Mitchell, C. Jones,
S. Jones, Hilton, Thompson.
The match was abandoned due to torrential rain with the score at 2-2 and expunged from the records.
A PUBLIC MEETING
The directors of the Town club are making a special public appeal for support. A meeting is to be held next Monday evening at Minorca Hotel, chair to be taken at eight o’clock. All supporters of the club and well-wishers of the association game are invited to attend.
Wigan Examiner: November 27 1907: Page 3, column 5
Wigan Town P-v-P Turton (Postponed – fog)
League : November 30 1907 : Springfield Park
WIGAN TOWN v TURTON
The Wigan Town club was for the second Saturday in succession made the victim of wretched weather. A week last Saturday Failsworth were the visitors to Springfield Park, and the game had to be abandoned owing to a rain storm. Last week end the Town should have opposed Turton also in the Lancashire Combination tournament. The Park, however, was wrapped in mist, and the conditions were as miserable as it was possible to imagine. Our representative wended his way to the Gidlow
enclosure, and found that there were few enthusiasts who were prepared to brave the fog and cold, most of the followers of the game having apparently formed the opinion that hostilities would not be entered upon. The Wigan players, although they did not don the “war paint,” indulged in a little practice on the cinder path until tidings were brought from those who had to say whether the game should proceed. At a quarter to three the information was conveyed to the waiting “scribes” that the engagement had been postponed. Needless to say the pencillers were truly thankful.
Wigan Examiner: December 14 1907: Page 8, column 3
Wigan Town 1-v-6 Burnley Reserves [11]
League : December 14 1907 : Springfield Park (ht 0-5) : Att, 450
Teams:
Wigan Town: Maines, Robinson, O’Hara, Yarwood, Dean, Culshaw, J. Atherton, Walker, Sugden, J. Smith, F. Smith.
Burnley Reserves: Green, Heyes, Wilcock, Wright, Gawthorne, Mannion, Bradshaw, Beddows (2), Whittaker, Donaghie (2),Valentine.
WIGAN TOWN NEW PLAYERS
Wigan Town have signed on T. Hemmings, an amateur, who has this season assisted Oswaldtwistle Rovers, and Openshaw, a Bolton junior team player. Hemmings is to take Yarwood’s place, Yarwood it is stated, having been approached by a First League club, which is to be reported to the Football Association for having
endeavoured to fix up a “trial” for the Wigan exponent without the consent of the Springfield Park organisation. J. Atherton, the ex-Preston North Ender, was not selected for the Christmas Day match owing to that player having a prior engagement, but he will turn out in the New Year engagements.
Wigan Examiner: December 24 1907: Page 3, column 4
Bryn Central 0-v-1 Wigan Town [12]
League : December 25 1907 : Wigan Road (ht 0-0) : Att, 1500
Teams:
Bryn Central: Foster, Aspey, Hulse, Greenie, Evans, Lowe, Owens, R. Smith
Wigan Town: Britnell, Shepherd, Robinson, Culshaw, O’Hara, F. Smith, J. Smith.
Failsworth 6-v-1 Wigan Town [13]
League : December 28 1907 : Lord Lane (ht 2-1)
Teams:
Failsworth: Rodgers, Boyd, Morris, Mitchell, Starkie (3), Jones, Smith, Hilton
Wigan Town: Maines, Britnell, Wilson, O’Hara, Riding
Referee: Mr. A. Lomax
TO-DAY’S GAME AT SPRINGFIELD PARK
COTTON SELECTED
The kick-off in today’s (Wednesday’s) match at Springfield Park has been fixed for half-past eleven, and the Town have chosen the following to oppose Bryn Central :
Cotton; Shepherd and Robinson; Hemmings, Dean and Culshaw; Goulding, O’Hara, J. Atherton, Ryding and Openshaw. Reserves: Britnell, F. Smith, J. Smith, and H. Atherton. It will be seen that Cotton is selected for the first time since the accident he met with earlier on in the season, whilst there is a newcomer in the front rank in Goulding, who is a local amateur, and who recently assisted Preston North End against the Nomads.
Wigan Examiner: January 1 1908: Page 3, column 4
Wigan Town 0-v-1 Bryn Central [14]
League : January 1 1908 : Springfield Park
Teams:
Wigan Town: Cotton, Sheppard, Robinson, Hemmings, Deane, Culshaw, Goulding, O’Hara, J. Atherton, Ryding, Openshaw (Res: Britnell, F. Smith, J. Smith,
H. Atherton)
Bryn Central: Foster, Evans, Hulse, Greenay, Smith, Jenkinson.
Football Jottings by “Referee”
I admit that the Wigan rugby officials are doing their utmost to put a spoke in the wheel of “Soccer.” At the same time let me say that they cannot be blamed for taking every step they can to knock the bottom out of the opposition show.
For the Central Parkites are fully aware of the fact that once “Soccer” got off the mark well it would go off with a swing in the race for popularity. The Town organisation may be despised at the present juncture, but in view of the fact that there is a pre-determination to bring a clashing engagement with every home fixture of the Town, why should the Springfield Committee “buckle” under as they have done hitherto. Surely the conclusion must have been forced home upon the Springfield Park officials that they are not to be allowed an inch of rope if somebody can possibly help it. Again why should they attempt to conciliate those who are professedly implacable?
I am inclined to the opinion I have heard expressed many times this week, that the Wigan rugby club would have done a graceful act by allowing the Town to play their New Year morning’s engagement without having to face an opposition show at Central Park.
You could not persuade the local “Soccer” followers that the “Rugger” people were not hammering at the Town in fixing up a match at Central Park for the same morning.
Let the Town paddle their own canoe. The worst thing they did on Wednesday was to play their combination match at noon. If it had taken place in the afternoon there would have been fewer people at Central Park – fewer by the best part of a thousand!
As a matter of fact the Town simply played into the hands of the enemy. They now know it too!
One has also to offer up a growl at the Town people themselves. I may be mistaken in the view I take, that half-past eleven was scarcely an appropriate hour to commence two “45’s.”
But even a start was not effected then, it was close on twelve o’clock ere the leather was set rolling. Imagine what it meant to those who attended at Springfield Park on Wednesday – to wait twenty minutes and stand for upwards of two hours at a spot exposed to as biting a breeze as could be experienced.
Springfield Park is not an ideal place to foregather at, except on rare occasions, but on New Year’s day the conditions were sufficient to chill the blood of the biggest enthusiast present.
Wigan Examiner: January 4 1908
Wigan Town 1 -v- 3 Pendlebury [15]
League : January 4 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 1-1)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Britnell, Crossland, Robinson, Hemmings, Nevinson, Culshaw,
Goulding, Riding, Sugden, O’Hara, Smith.
Pendlebury: Kershaw, Vickers, Matthews, Williams, Jackson, Morgan, Entwistle, Billington, Thorne, Jackson, Mather.
Wigan Town and Their Players
Free Transfers Granted
Wigan Town have had some trouble with two or three of their professionals, whose recent displays have not given satisfaction. The result has been that O’Hara, the centre forward, Dean, centre half, and Sutton have all been granted free transfers and their places will be filled by amateurs who can at least be relied upon to do their level best for the club. Hilton, an amateur, of Ince, will play inside right, while the directors are in communication with other amateurs, one of whom will appear at inside left.
The directors hope that the “soccer” followers in the town will rally round them and turn up in numbers for the match against St. Helens Town, at Springfield Park, this Saturday.
Wigan Examiner: January 8 1908: Page 3, column 4
Lancashire Combination Jottings
Wigan's future:- The Wigan club is apparently in a bad way just now, and it seems impossible for them to continue after this season, for the Rugby game has got such a hold on the sporting public of the town that the Association club gets little or no support. Quite recently the club has gone down a lot, and the players are all being given their transfers, two already having been picked up by Hindley Central. Really one is beginning to wonder how they expect to finish this season, and it was unfortunate that in to-days Derby game with St. Helens Town, the great international Rugby match between England and New Zealand was down for decision at Central Park, and where there will be tens at the Association match, thousands were expected at the Rugby encounter.
The Cricket and Football Field: January 11 1908: Page 12, column 3
Wigan Town 1-v-1 St. Helens Town [16]
League : January 10 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 1-0)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Britnell, Sheppard, Robinson, Hemmings, H. Atherton, Culshaw, Goulding, J. Atherton, A.N. Other, Hilton, Riding. (Res: Crossland, J. Smith, Sugden)
St. Helens Town: Banks
NEW PLAYERS FOR WIGAN TOWN
HALSALL, OF BRYN CENTRAL, SECURED
Wigan Town continue to strengthen their ranks, and this week three more “captures” are reported. The most important of the new arrivals is undoubtedly the Bryn Central forward, Halsall, who has been angled for during a considerable period, and will make his debut with the Springfield Park contingent at Blackburn, this Saturday, against the Blackburn Reserves. The other two new players are F. Larkin, a stalwart goalkeeper, who has hitherto assisted St. Cuthbert’s, Pemberton, and J. Corwood, who learnt his football in the Crewe League, and who has been a full member of the Holmes Chapel team.
Wigan Examiner: January 15 1908: Page 3, column 5
BURY SIGN ON H. DEAN
It was generally felt that when Wigan town officials decided to give him a free transfer Henry Dean would soon become associated with a club of good standing, and the report that he has signed on by Bury has created no surprise. The Adlington man, who played many fine games fro the Springfield Park organisation, stands 5ft. 11ins, weights 11 1/2 stone, and is 23 years old.
Wigan Examiner: January 22 1908: Page 3, column 5
Blackburn Rovers Reserves 6 -v- 0 Wigan Town [17]
League : January 18 1908 : Ewood Park (ht 2-0) : Att, 3000
Teams:
Blackburn Rovers Res.: Evans, Suttie, Wolstenholme, Atherton, Griffiths, Pearson, Whittaker, Aitkenhead, Crompton, Burton (2), Bradshaw.
Wigan Town: Partington, Sheppard, Britnell, Hemmings, Yarwood, Riding, Goulding, Atherton, Halsall, Sugden, Corwood.
Referee: Mr. E.T. Yates (Bolton)
A meeting of the members and supporters of the Wigan Town Club has been convened for this Thursday at 8 o’clock at the Golden Lion, and attendance of “soccer” enthusiasts will be cordially welcomed.
Wigan Examiner: January 22 1908: Page 3, column 5
Heywood United 4 -v- 3 Wigan Town [18]
League : January 25 1908 : Bamford Road (ht 3-1)
Teams:
Heywood United: Standring, Maher, Preston, Poulson
Wigan Town: Partington, Sheppard, Robinson, Hemmings, Culshaw, Yarwood, J. Atherton, Halsall (2), Hilton, Riding, A.N.Other. (Res: Sugden, Hardman, W. Blackburn)
Heywood United started the game with 9 men as two players turned up late.
WIGAN TOWN AND AMATEURS
As the Wigan Town Club is without a fixture this Saturday, the opportunity is to be taken of giving a “trial” to several amateurs. The Combination team is therefore to turn out in a practice game at Springfield Park, and the kick-off is fixed for three
o’clock.
Wigan Examiner: February 1 1908: Page 8, column 5
Frank O’Hara
Transferred to Birmingham
Wigan Town have transferred their centre forward, Frank O’Hara, to Birmingham, and the Scot left Wigan on Friday of last week.
O’Hara learned his football with Coatbridge, afterwards migrated to Glasgow, and in the season 1905-6 he registered no fewer than 37 goals for Chelsea*.
(*Chelsea Reserves)
WIGAN TOWN RES. v WEST END UNITED
The Town have also formed a Reserve team, and this Saturday they will meet West End United at Springfield Park. The selected team is : E. Winstanley : Blackburn and Langton : S. Crossland, Atherton and G. Watkinson : Wilson, McBrien, W. Robinson, J. Hague and Corwood.
Wigan Examiner: February 5 1908: Page 3, column 4
Football Jottings by “Referee”
……..An encouraging sign from the Springfield Park Club is the appearance of the Reserve team again. I was under the impression that the second team had “kicked the bucket,” but evidently they missed it!
The Reserve team were to entertain a team under the classic name of “West End United.” Probably the next tidings will be “West End Disorganised!”
I notice that a correspondent in the “Examiner” this week is putting forward a suggestion re the formation of a new Association club in Wigan. These suggestions have been coming in for the last decade, but “Soccer” does not prosper. However, the latest suggestion is a novel one, and there can be no harm in bringing it forward.
The writer of the letter is willing to form a kind of football savings’ bank, whereby he thinks funds may be obtained in a year or so to start a football club on really sound lines. The investment is said to be secure enough, although the waiting process and the doubtful result of the labours might be considered tedious.
The Scheme which he propounds is that about a thousand (not ten mind you) ardent enthusiasts of soccer should “bank” one shilling a week for twelve months. The “conglomeration” of shillings would thereby enable the promoters to get the
necessary foundations for the club, and then the deed is done. And like the “quack” says; “If it doesn’t suit you, get your money back!”
The Suggestion is ingenious, and the only difficulty will be finding a sufficient number of enthusiasts “to speculate a bob a week". I further fancy, however, that the savings bank success would prove altogether too slow.
Wigan Examiner: February 8 1908: Page 7, column 2 & 3
WIGAN TOWN v. HYDE
On Saturday Wigan Town were without an engagement in the Lancashire Combination, but this week Hyde will be visited. The Town management continue their policy of scouring the district for likely players, and thus giving local talent a chance, and they have signed on a left full back named Peters who hails from Hindley Central. He will figure in the Town team at Hyde.
Wigan Examiner: February 5 1908: Page 8, column 5
Hyde 3 -v- 2 Wigan Town [19]
League : February 8 1908 : Ewen Fields (ht 1-2)
Teams:
Hyde: Bradley, Hall, Monks
Wigan
Town: Partington, Sheppard, Peters, Hemmings, Culshaw, Yarwood, Atherton,
Halsall, Hilton, Ryding, F. Smith. (Res: Britnell, J. Smith, W. Hardman)
Wigan Town 4-v-0 Newton-le-Willows [20]
League : February 15 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 1-0)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Larkin, Shepherd, Britnell, Crossland, Culshaw, Yarwood, Atherton, Hilton, Halsall, Riding, Smith.
Newton-le-Willows: Saxon, Parkin, Robinson, Gardner, Lee, Watkinson, Jenkinson,
Lowe, T. Fletcher, Lucas, G. Fletcher.
WIGANERS INDULGE IN PRACTICE
The Town officials have decided to make a big effort to enable the club to escape from the last four positions in the League table, and with that object in view the players are having practices, the first taking place on Wednesday of the present week.
Wigan Examiner: February 19 1908: Page 3, column 7
Lancaster 2-v-1 Wigan Town [21]
League : February 22 1908 : Giant Axe (ht 1-1)
Teams:
Lancaster: Hodgson, Eccleston (P), Kirkman, Worthington, Swain, Raisbeck, Atkinson, Beaver, Wright, Heaney, Horrocks.
Wigan Town: Partington, Shepherd, Fairhurst, Yarwood, Culshaw, Crossland, Atherton, Hilton, Halsall, Ryding, Sugden.
Referee: Mr. J. Kenny (Preston)
Wigan Town 1-v-2 Hyde [22]
League : February 25 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 1-1)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Partington, Britnell, Fairhurst, Yarwood, Culshaw, Crossland, Atherton, Hilton, Halsall, Ryding, F. Smith.
Hyde: Shawcross, Ellison, Fitzsimmons, Cooper, Monks, Taylor, Kay, Youd, Bowden, Bradley, Robinson.
League : January 1 1908 : Springfield Park
Teams:
Wigan Town: Cotton, Sheppard, Robinson, Hemmings, Deane, Culshaw, Goulding, O’Hara, J. Atherton, Ryding, Openshaw (Res: Britnell, F. Smith, J. Smith,
H. Atherton)
Bryn Central: Foster, Evans, Hulse, Greenay, Smith, Jenkinson.
Football Jottings by “Referee”
I admit that the Wigan rugby officials are doing their utmost to put a spoke in the wheel of “Soccer.” At the same time let me say that they cannot be blamed for taking every step they can to knock the bottom out of the opposition show.
For the Central Parkites are fully aware of the fact that once “Soccer” got off the mark well it would go off with a swing in the race for popularity. The Town organisation may be despised at the present juncture, but in view of the fact that there is a pre-determination to bring a clashing engagement with every home fixture of the Town, why should the Springfield Committee “buckle” under as they have done hitherto. Surely the conclusion must have been forced home upon the Springfield Park officials that they are not to be allowed an inch of rope if somebody can possibly help it. Again why should they attempt to conciliate those who are professedly implacable?
I am inclined to the opinion I have heard expressed many times this week, that the Wigan rugby club would have done a graceful act by allowing the Town to play their New Year morning’s engagement without having to face an opposition show at Central Park.
You could not persuade the local “Soccer” followers that the “Rugger” people were not hammering at the Town in fixing up a match at Central Park for the same morning.
Let the Town paddle their own canoe. The worst thing they did on Wednesday was to play their combination match at noon. If it had taken place in the afternoon there would have been fewer people at Central Park – fewer by the best part of a thousand!
As a matter of fact the Town simply played into the hands of the enemy. They now know it too!
One has also to offer up a growl at the Town people themselves. I may be mistaken in the view I take, that half-past eleven was scarcely an appropriate hour to commence two “45’s.”
But even a start was not effected then, it was close on twelve o’clock ere the leather was set rolling. Imagine what it meant to those who attended at Springfield Park on Wednesday – to wait twenty minutes and stand for upwards of two hours at a spot exposed to as biting a breeze as could be experienced.
Springfield Park is not an ideal place to foregather at, except on rare occasions, but on New Year’s day the conditions were sufficient to chill the blood of the biggest enthusiast present.
Wigan Examiner: January 4 1908
Wigan Town 1 -v- 3 Pendlebury [15]
League : January 4 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 1-1)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Britnell, Crossland, Robinson, Hemmings, Nevinson, Culshaw,
Goulding, Riding, Sugden, O’Hara, Smith.
Pendlebury: Kershaw, Vickers, Matthews, Williams, Jackson, Morgan, Entwistle, Billington, Thorne, Jackson, Mather.
Wigan Town and Their Players
Free Transfers Granted
Wigan Town have had some trouble with two or three of their professionals, whose recent displays have not given satisfaction. The result has been that O’Hara, the centre forward, Dean, centre half, and Sutton have all been granted free transfers and their places will be filled by amateurs who can at least be relied upon to do their level best for the club. Hilton, an amateur, of Ince, will play inside right, while the directors are in communication with other amateurs, one of whom will appear at inside left.
The directors hope that the “soccer” followers in the town will rally round them and turn up in numbers for the match against St. Helens Town, at Springfield Park, this Saturday.
Wigan Examiner: January 8 1908: Page 3, column 4
Lancashire Combination Jottings
Wigan's future:- The Wigan club is apparently in a bad way just now, and it seems impossible for them to continue after this season, for the Rugby game has got such a hold on the sporting public of the town that the Association club gets little or no support. Quite recently the club has gone down a lot, and the players are all being given their transfers, two already having been picked up by Hindley Central. Really one is beginning to wonder how they expect to finish this season, and it was unfortunate that in to-days Derby game with St. Helens Town, the great international Rugby match between England and New Zealand was down for decision at Central Park, and where there will be tens at the Association match, thousands were expected at the Rugby encounter.
The Cricket and Football Field: January 11 1908: Page 12, column 3
Wigan Town 1-v-1 St. Helens Town [16]
League : January 10 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 1-0)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Britnell, Sheppard, Robinson, Hemmings, H. Atherton, Culshaw, Goulding, J. Atherton, A.N. Other, Hilton, Riding. (Res: Crossland, J. Smith, Sugden)
St. Helens Town: Banks
NEW PLAYERS FOR WIGAN TOWN
HALSALL, OF BRYN CENTRAL, SECURED
Wigan Town continue to strengthen their ranks, and this week three more “captures” are reported. The most important of the new arrivals is undoubtedly the Bryn Central forward, Halsall, who has been angled for during a considerable period, and will make his debut with the Springfield Park contingent at Blackburn, this Saturday, against the Blackburn Reserves. The other two new players are F. Larkin, a stalwart goalkeeper, who has hitherto assisted St. Cuthbert’s, Pemberton, and J. Corwood, who learnt his football in the Crewe League, and who has been a full member of the Holmes Chapel team.
Wigan Examiner: January 15 1908: Page 3, column 5
BURY SIGN ON H. DEAN
It was generally felt that when Wigan town officials decided to give him a free transfer Henry Dean would soon become associated with a club of good standing, and the report that he has signed on by Bury has created no surprise. The Adlington man, who played many fine games fro the Springfield Park organisation, stands 5ft. 11ins, weights 11 1/2 stone, and is 23 years old.
Wigan Examiner: January 22 1908: Page 3, column 5
Blackburn Rovers Reserves 6 -v- 0 Wigan Town [17]
League : January 18 1908 : Ewood Park (ht 2-0) : Att, 3000
Teams:
Blackburn Rovers Res.: Evans, Suttie, Wolstenholme, Atherton, Griffiths, Pearson, Whittaker, Aitkenhead, Crompton, Burton (2), Bradshaw.
Wigan Town: Partington, Sheppard, Britnell, Hemmings, Yarwood, Riding, Goulding, Atherton, Halsall, Sugden, Corwood.
Referee: Mr. E.T. Yates (Bolton)
A meeting of the members and supporters of the Wigan Town Club has been convened for this Thursday at 8 o’clock at the Golden Lion, and attendance of “soccer” enthusiasts will be cordially welcomed.
Wigan Examiner: January 22 1908: Page 3, column 5
Heywood United 4 -v- 3 Wigan Town [18]
League : January 25 1908 : Bamford Road (ht 3-1)
Teams:
Heywood United: Standring, Maher, Preston, Poulson
Wigan Town: Partington, Sheppard, Robinson, Hemmings, Culshaw, Yarwood, J. Atherton, Halsall (2), Hilton, Riding, A.N.Other. (Res: Sugden, Hardman, W. Blackburn)
Heywood United started the game with 9 men as two players turned up late.
WIGAN TOWN AND AMATEURS
As the Wigan Town Club is without a fixture this Saturday, the opportunity is to be taken of giving a “trial” to several amateurs. The Combination team is therefore to turn out in a practice game at Springfield Park, and the kick-off is fixed for three
o’clock.
Wigan Examiner: February 1 1908: Page 8, column 5
Frank O’Hara
Transferred to Birmingham
Wigan Town have transferred their centre forward, Frank O’Hara, to Birmingham, and the Scot left Wigan on Friday of last week.
O’Hara learned his football with Coatbridge, afterwards migrated to Glasgow, and in the season 1905-6 he registered no fewer than 37 goals for Chelsea*.
(*Chelsea Reserves)
WIGAN TOWN RES. v WEST END UNITED
The Town have also formed a Reserve team, and this Saturday they will meet West End United at Springfield Park. The selected team is : E. Winstanley : Blackburn and Langton : S. Crossland, Atherton and G. Watkinson : Wilson, McBrien, W. Robinson, J. Hague and Corwood.
Wigan Examiner: February 5 1908: Page 3, column 4
Football Jottings by “Referee”
……..An encouraging sign from the Springfield Park Club is the appearance of the Reserve team again. I was under the impression that the second team had “kicked the bucket,” but evidently they missed it!
The Reserve team were to entertain a team under the classic name of “West End United.” Probably the next tidings will be “West End Disorganised!”
I notice that a correspondent in the “Examiner” this week is putting forward a suggestion re the formation of a new Association club in Wigan. These suggestions have been coming in for the last decade, but “Soccer” does not prosper. However, the latest suggestion is a novel one, and there can be no harm in bringing it forward.
The writer of the letter is willing to form a kind of football savings’ bank, whereby he thinks funds may be obtained in a year or so to start a football club on really sound lines. The investment is said to be secure enough, although the waiting process and the doubtful result of the labours might be considered tedious.
The Scheme which he propounds is that about a thousand (not ten mind you) ardent enthusiasts of soccer should “bank” one shilling a week for twelve months. The “conglomeration” of shillings would thereby enable the promoters to get the
necessary foundations for the club, and then the deed is done. And like the “quack” says; “If it doesn’t suit you, get your money back!”
The Suggestion is ingenious, and the only difficulty will be finding a sufficient number of enthusiasts “to speculate a bob a week". I further fancy, however, that the savings bank success would prove altogether too slow.
Wigan Examiner: February 8 1908: Page 7, column 2 & 3
WIGAN TOWN v. HYDE
On Saturday Wigan Town were without an engagement in the Lancashire Combination, but this week Hyde will be visited. The Town management continue their policy of scouring the district for likely players, and thus giving local talent a chance, and they have signed on a left full back named Peters who hails from Hindley Central. He will figure in the Town team at Hyde.
Wigan Examiner: February 5 1908: Page 8, column 5
Hyde 3 -v- 2 Wigan Town [19]
League : February 8 1908 : Ewen Fields (ht 1-2)
Teams:
Hyde: Bradley, Hall, Monks
Wigan
Town: Partington, Sheppard, Peters, Hemmings, Culshaw, Yarwood, Atherton,
Halsall, Hilton, Ryding, F. Smith. (Res: Britnell, J. Smith, W. Hardman)
Wigan Town 4-v-0 Newton-le-Willows [20]
League : February 15 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 1-0)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Larkin, Shepherd, Britnell, Crossland, Culshaw, Yarwood, Atherton, Hilton, Halsall, Riding, Smith.
Newton-le-Willows: Saxon, Parkin, Robinson, Gardner, Lee, Watkinson, Jenkinson,
Lowe, T. Fletcher, Lucas, G. Fletcher.
WIGANERS INDULGE IN PRACTICE
The Town officials have decided to make a big effort to enable the club to escape from the last four positions in the League table, and with that object in view the players are having practices, the first taking place on Wednesday of the present week.
Wigan Examiner: February 19 1908: Page 3, column 7
Lancaster 2-v-1 Wigan Town [21]
League : February 22 1908 : Giant Axe (ht 1-1)
Teams:
Lancaster: Hodgson, Eccleston (P), Kirkman, Worthington, Swain, Raisbeck, Atkinson, Beaver, Wright, Heaney, Horrocks.
Wigan Town: Partington, Shepherd, Fairhurst, Yarwood, Culshaw, Crossland, Atherton, Hilton, Halsall, Ryding, Sugden.
Referee: Mr. J. Kenny (Preston)
Wigan Town 1-v-2 Hyde [22]
League : February 25 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 1-1)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Partington, Britnell, Fairhurst, Yarwood, Culshaw, Crossland, Atherton, Hilton, Halsall, Ryding, F. Smith.
Hyde: Shawcross, Ellison, Fitzsimmons, Cooper, Monks, Taylor, Kay, Youd, Bowden, Bradley, Robinson.
Wigan Town 1-v-3 Nelson [23]
League : March 3 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 0-2)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Partington, Shepherd, Yarwood, Taylor, Halsall, F. Smith
Nelson: A.N. Other, Hulmes, Mather, Prosser, Bradshaw, Dawson, Smith (2), Boardman, Moffat, Simpson.
Wigan Town 1-v-1 Failsworth [24]
League : March 7 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 1-1)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Partington, Shepherd, Heyes, Crossland, Culshaw, Yarwood, Atherton, Hilton, Halsall, Ryding, Smith.
Failsworth: Lawton, Horrocks, Boyd, Smith, Wilson, Thompson, Starkie, Heap, Hilton, Jones, Andrews.
Re-arranged match from 23.11.1907
Wigan Town 3-v-0 Turton [25]
League : March 11 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 0-0)
Teams:
Wigan Town:
Turton:
Well-known Amateurs Signed On.
Wigan Town are making a big effort, despite the ill-luck which attends them, to escape the bottom four rungs of the league ladder, and for to-day’s (Wednesday) match at Springfield Park, with Turton, some important changes have been made in the team. T.G. Yuill and R.T. Wallwork, two international players, along with the Wigan amateur, J. Healy, have been signed on by the Town management, and are expected to render good service to the club. Youill is still on the Oldham Athletic register, and J. Healy is also on the Preston North End list, but it is expected that the necessary transfers will have been completed in time for the players to turn out for the Town in to-day’s match.
Wigan Examiner: March 11 1908: Page 8, column 5
Wigan Town 3-v-0 Bacup [26]
League : March 14 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 1-0)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Partington, Britnell, Heyes, Yarwood, Culshaw, H. Gee, Goulding, Hilton, Halsall (2), Ryding, F. Smith.
Bacup: Walsh, Lord, Stanford, Howarth, Bilsberry, Holland, Coupe, Shoreman, Downing, Alcock, Cranna.
Wigan Town 2-v-2 Stalybridge Rovers [27]
League : March 18 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 2-2) : Att, 1000
Teams:
Wigan Town: Partington, C. Armstrong, H. Heyes, Yarwood, Shepherd, P.Hesketh,
J.G. Youill, Hilton, Halsall, J. Smith.
Stalybridge Rovers: Cairns, Hodgkinson.
Oswaldtwistle Rovers 1-v-0 Wigan Town [28]
League : March 21 1908 : Roe Greave Road (ht X-X)
Teams:
Oswaldtwistle Rovers: Smith, Marsh, Cowell, Heaton, Smithies, Baldwin, Riley, Lindley, Woodcock, Dewhurst, Entwistle.
Wigan Town: Partington, Shepherd, Heyes, Yarwood, Cartwright, Culshaw, J. Smith,
Hilton, Halsall, Riding, F. Smith.
Referee: Mr. Connor (Southport)
Stalybridge Rovers 4-v-1 Wigan Town [29]
League : March 28 1908 : Crookbottom (ht 2-1)
Teams:
Stalybridge Rovers: Worsley, Goodwin, Lappin, Patterson, Bateman,
Wilshaw, Redfern.
Wigan Town: Partington, Britnell, Yarwood, J. Atherton, J. Smith, Halsall.
WIGAN TOWN v. BURNLEY
This re-arranged game should have been played at Burnley on Monday, but Wigan failed to put in an appearance. Wigan wired about one o’clock that the players had missed the train, and Burnley officials replied saying they would be expected on a later train. A large crowd, estimated at from two to three thousand, assembled, and large numbers waited for some time, till, in fact, the rain dispersed them.
Wigan Examiner: March 31 1908: Page 3, column 4
Colne 12-v-0 Wigan Town [30]
League : April 4 1908 : Green Street (ht 7-0)
Teams:
Colne:Johnson (4), Lewis (3), Timmins (2), Scott, Tracey, McGrain.
Wigan Town: Halsall.
The game was delayed by 50 minutes as Town arrived late with six of the usual players and five amateurs, having had great difficulty raising a team.
Burnley Reserves 4-v-0 Wigan Town [31]
League : April 6 1908 : Turf Moor (ht 0-0) : Att, 2000
Teams:
Burnley Reserves: Green, Beddows (2), Mason, Ogden, Bellon
Wigan Town: Partington
WIGAN NEW ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL SCHEME
TO THE WORKING MEN OF WIGAN AND DISTRICT
To the Editor of the Wigan Observer
Sir,- The scheme for the above has commenced and the committee appeal to all who wish for first-class football in Wigan to join at once and make it possible, Since the formation, February 27th, £170 have been taken up in shares. The terms of membership are that each member shall take one or more £5 shares, and shall pay not less than 6d. per week for each share taken up. Should the scheme not be successful all moneys paid will be repaid in full so no one takes any risk of losing his money until the members themselves vote for the club to commence.
The club once commenced success must follow, and the committee wish it to be understood that the scheme is on its trial for six months to see if the men of Wigan and district wish for Association football. If first-class football is required in Wigan will all who wish to see the scheme on a sound footing to join at once, so that at the end of six months the members and committee can see whether to continue or to bring it to a close.
The committee wish it to be distinctly understood that the present scheme is not connected with any scheme in existence, but has been proposed through past failures of Association football, to now see if Wigan cannot rise to the occasion, and make the scheme a success. But success means at least one thousand members to join. And one thousand members at one shilling per week for twelve months would bring two thousand six hundred pounds into the club, and that would mean the club would have a good foundation. The next monthly meeting takes place on Monday, April 27, 1908, at the Golden Lion, Wallgate. Come in hundreds.
Yours
THE COMMITTEE
Wigan Observer: April 7 1908: Page 3, column 6 &7
Wigan Examiner: April 7 1908: Page 3, column 3
Wigan Town 1-v-1 Northern Nomads
Friendly : April 8 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 1-0)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Partington, Britnell, Yarwood, Baron, H. Anderson, Hilton, Halsall, R. Fisher, Ryding, N. Marsden.
Northern Nomads: A.J. Kelly, C. Armstron, C. Makinson, T. Lymm, T. Rothwell,
T. Barlow, J. Yuill, T. Taylor, H. Gee, G.H. Barow, H. Wren
Clitheroe 4-v-0 Wigan Town [32]
League : April 13 1908 : Waterloo (ht X-X)
Teams:
Clitheroe: Cross
Wigan Town:
Wigan Town played the entire game with ten men.
NEW ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB FOR WIGAN
To the Editor of the Wigan Observer
Sir,-Let me appeal to the public of Wigan re Mr. Yarwood’s scheme for the above new club. Six weeks ago a dozen men took shares to start the above club, and now they have reached three dozen, and Mr. Yarwood seems satisfied at the way it is going on, but I am not, as I think that those people that like the game and are constantly saying that is what is wanted, should come forward and join at once and not wait till asked. At the members first monthly meeting it was passed that members can join and pay from 6d. per week, so that is within the reach of all. Now there is no excuse for holding back, but come if you want this scheme to be a success, as it is to my mind the only way that Wigan is going to have a successful team. Mr. Yarwood explained at the last meeting how hard it is for ten men with small capital to run a team, as it always means dipping their hand down to keep it going. Now with a thousand members paying their subscription, we should be always sure of money coming in for the first three years. And then there would be gate money taken at each match, which would ensure success. Hoping you will find a small space in your paper,
I remain yours,
A MEMBER
Wigan Observer: April 14 1908: Page 3, column 5 & 6
WIGAN NEW ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB
the Editor of the Wigan Observer
Sir,-I have for a long time considered the reason why Wigan has not been successful in the Association game of football, considering the majority of football clubs in the district play the Association game, and I have come to the conclusion that the town is simply a working class community, and that with Mr. Yarwood there are no men in good circumstances that have the popular game at heart sufficient to take the matter up to make first-class football a success.
Now I have seen in the papers where a rather unusual scheme has been suggested, and the scheme undoubtedly has a novelty about it, but in my mind it has been well thought out, and one I would venture to guess will give some room for thought among the workers of Wigan and district who delight when their hard work is done to go and watch the very popular game on Saturdays.
I see the promoters ask for members to join and pay 1s. per week for twelve months and then 6d. per week for a further twelve months (very good). Now I would like to suggest for the benefit of the people that cannot afford 1s. per week to let them join and pay up their shares at not less than 6d per week, and by that means the club would get more members, and more members would mean more support. The funds would steadily rise, and sooner the club would be able to make its start. Wishing the promoters success and thanking you in anticipation for a small space in your valuable paper.
A SUPPORTER
Wigan Observer: April 14 1908: Page 11, column 3
Newton-le-Willows 0-v-1 Wigan Town [33]
League : April 17 1908 : The Nursery Ground (ht 0-0)
Teams:
Newton-le-Willows: Saxon, Lucas,
Wigan Town: Partington, Britnell, Heyes, Baron, Ryding, H. Atherton, Wallace, T. Taylor, Hilton, Hardman, Marsden.
Town played the last 15 minutes with ten men as Marsden could not continue.
Bacup 1-v-0 Wigan Town [34]
League : April 18 1908 : West View (ht X-X)
Teams:
Bacup:
Wigan Town:
Wigan Town featured several local amateurs.
Wigan Town 0-v-1 Haslingden [35]
League : April 20 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 0-1)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Partington, Britnell, Yarwood, Atherton, Ryding, Culshaw, J. Smith, Hilton, Fisher, Halsall, Marsden.
Haslingden: Bradley, O’Brien, Rylance, Leeming, Marsh, Hodgkinson, W. Smith, Cairns, McDermott, McGuigan, Hincks.
Nelson 8-v-0 Wigan Town [36]
League : April 21 1908 : Seedhill (ht X-X)
Teams:
Nelson:
Wigan Town:
Haslingden 10-v-1 Wigan Town [37]
League : April 27 1908 : The Clarence Ground (ht 4-0)
Teams:
Haslingden: Hinks (3), Skingsley (3), Roberts (2), Hall (2).
Wigan Town: Partington, Hilton.
THE PROPOSED NEW ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB
TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENTS
A meeting with respect to the above should have been held at the Golden Lion on Monday evening, but owing probably to the short notice, not many attended; consequently, it was decided to postpone the same until Friday evening at 8.30 o’clock, at the same place. Two new members joined the club, bringing the total membership to 43. As each of these represents five pounds, it will be seen that the club is doing well financially. Furthermore, a local gentleman has promised, in addition to taking shares, that if the committee can secure members to represent £1500, he will make it into £2000. It is hoped that Association followers will give the committee the chance to accept this most generous offer.
If possible, the committee are trying to run an amateur team next season, with a well known custodian and right outside, who have both played at Springfield Park this season. Several local amateurs have promised to play, and the committee have hopes of securing a ground in a most central position. Of course the arrangement is only temporary, as the committee are not to start a professional club until they have £2000 wherewith to begin work. This we think is a wise precaution, and it therefore rests with local football supporters whether the scheme is a success or not.
The secretary will be pleased if all members of the committee will be present at the meeting on Friday night.
Wigan Observer: April 28 1908: Page 3, column 5
NEW WIGAN ASSOCIATION SCHEME
The Editor has received the following communication from the Secretary :- The
1907-8 football season is over. 1980-9 season will soon be here. Now then, Wigan, what are you prepared to do towards helping the above scheme for Wigan? Many say we want a first class football team. What are you prepared to do to get it? There is a scheme in the town whereby a first class Association team can be got together, but help is needed. We want 1,000 to take up the shares that are offered. The terms for a £5 share are payable from 6d. per week until paid. When we have £2,000 in the bank we are prepared to start first-class Association football, and once started with a good bank account success will be the result. The scheme has been started two months, and up to now we have shares taken up to the amount of £200. We also have good promises from several gentlemen who are prepared to take shares amounting to £150 to £200, providing the scheme is supported. If you want a successful Association team, join at once. The shares are paid every Friday evening at the Golden Lion Inn, Wallgate, from 8.30 till 9.30, where all information can be obtained. No start, get your money back in full.
WIGAN TOWN
The end of the season will doubtless be welcomed by all who take an interest, active or otherwise, in association football in Wigan and district. This, we think, will apply especially to those who have followed the fortunes of Wigan Town through what has proved to be a most disastrous season. At the opening in September everything appeared to point to the club having a successful season, but this, unfortunately, has not proved the case as anyone can see upon referring to the league table. It is more than passing strange that Association football does not pay in the town. Of course we are well aware of the strong counter attraction, but that has not prevented Bradford City from entering the First division of the English League, nor Oldham Athletic from all but accompanying the first named, and that in their first season; and yet they have had to contend with precisely the same opposition. The failure to run a successful team is all the more surprising when one thinks of the admirable
ground, with electric cars running from the heart of the town to practically the gates for one penny. Perchance, in the near future, the town will possess a first-class club, but for the present, we are afraid the many – yes, many Association followers will have to travel each Saturday to see first class Association football. ………
……….. The future of the club will now, in all probability, be decided at the annual
meeting of the Lancashire Association, as the Town have to re-apply for admission to the Lancashire Combination. As there are several new applicants for admission, so we understand, it is a moot point as to whether the Town will be successful or not.
Wigan Observer: May 2 1908: Page 11, column 4 & 5
Wigan Town 1-v-4 Colne [38]
League : May 2 1908 : Springfield Park (ht X-X)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Larkin, Atherton, Swift, Wallace.
Colne: Mitchell, Tracey, Lewis, Green (P), McGrain.
Wigan Town had a “scratch” team.
The final Lancashire Combination league table for 1907/08:
League : March 3 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 0-2)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Partington, Shepherd, Yarwood, Taylor, Halsall, F. Smith
Nelson: A.N. Other, Hulmes, Mather, Prosser, Bradshaw, Dawson, Smith (2), Boardman, Moffat, Simpson.
Wigan Town 1-v-1 Failsworth [24]
League : March 7 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 1-1)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Partington, Shepherd, Heyes, Crossland, Culshaw, Yarwood, Atherton, Hilton, Halsall, Ryding, Smith.
Failsworth: Lawton, Horrocks, Boyd, Smith, Wilson, Thompson, Starkie, Heap, Hilton, Jones, Andrews.
Re-arranged match from 23.11.1907
Wigan Town 3-v-0 Turton [25]
League : March 11 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 0-0)
Teams:
Wigan Town:
Turton:
Well-known Amateurs Signed On.
Wigan Town are making a big effort, despite the ill-luck which attends them, to escape the bottom four rungs of the league ladder, and for to-day’s (Wednesday) match at Springfield Park, with Turton, some important changes have been made in the team. T.G. Yuill and R.T. Wallwork, two international players, along with the Wigan amateur, J. Healy, have been signed on by the Town management, and are expected to render good service to the club. Youill is still on the Oldham Athletic register, and J. Healy is also on the Preston North End list, but it is expected that the necessary transfers will have been completed in time for the players to turn out for the Town in to-day’s match.
Wigan Examiner: March 11 1908: Page 8, column 5
Wigan Town 3-v-0 Bacup [26]
League : March 14 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 1-0)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Partington, Britnell, Heyes, Yarwood, Culshaw, H. Gee, Goulding, Hilton, Halsall (2), Ryding, F. Smith.
Bacup: Walsh, Lord, Stanford, Howarth, Bilsberry, Holland, Coupe, Shoreman, Downing, Alcock, Cranna.
Wigan Town 2-v-2 Stalybridge Rovers [27]
League : March 18 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 2-2) : Att, 1000
Teams:
Wigan Town: Partington, C. Armstrong, H. Heyes, Yarwood, Shepherd, P.Hesketh,
J.G. Youill, Hilton, Halsall, J. Smith.
Stalybridge Rovers: Cairns, Hodgkinson.
Oswaldtwistle Rovers 1-v-0 Wigan Town [28]
League : March 21 1908 : Roe Greave Road (ht X-X)
Teams:
Oswaldtwistle Rovers: Smith, Marsh, Cowell, Heaton, Smithies, Baldwin, Riley, Lindley, Woodcock, Dewhurst, Entwistle.
Wigan Town: Partington, Shepherd, Heyes, Yarwood, Cartwright, Culshaw, J. Smith,
Hilton, Halsall, Riding, F. Smith.
Referee: Mr. Connor (Southport)
Stalybridge Rovers 4-v-1 Wigan Town [29]
League : March 28 1908 : Crookbottom (ht 2-1)
Teams:
Stalybridge Rovers: Worsley, Goodwin, Lappin, Patterson, Bateman,
Wilshaw, Redfern.
Wigan Town: Partington, Britnell, Yarwood, J. Atherton, J. Smith, Halsall.
WIGAN TOWN v. BURNLEY
This re-arranged game should have been played at Burnley on Monday, but Wigan failed to put in an appearance. Wigan wired about one o’clock that the players had missed the train, and Burnley officials replied saying they would be expected on a later train. A large crowd, estimated at from two to three thousand, assembled, and large numbers waited for some time, till, in fact, the rain dispersed them.
Wigan Examiner: March 31 1908: Page 3, column 4
Colne 12-v-0 Wigan Town [30]
League : April 4 1908 : Green Street (ht 7-0)
Teams:
Colne:Johnson (4), Lewis (3), Timmins (2), Scott, Tracey, McGrain.
Wigan Town: Halsall.
The game was delayed by 50 minutes as Town arrived late with six of the usual players and five amateurs, having had great difficulty raising a team.
Burnley Reserves 4-v-0 Wigan Town [31]
League : April 6 1908 : Turf Moor (ht 0-0) : Att, 2000
Teams:
Burnley Reserves: Green, Beddows (2), Mason, Ogden, Bellon
Wigan Town: Partington
WIGAN NEW ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL SCHEME
TO THE WORKING MEN OF WIGAN AND DISTRICT
To the Editor of the Wigan Observer
Sir,- The scheme for the above has commenced and the committee appeal to all who wish for first-class football in Wigan to join at once and make it possible, Since the formation, February 27th, £170 have been taken up in shares. The terms of membership are that each member shall take one or more £5 shares, and shall pay not less than 6d. per week for each share taken up. Should the scheme not be successful all moneys paid will be repaid in full so no one takes any risk of losing his money until the members themselves vote for the club to commence.
The club once commenced success must follow, and the committee wish it to be understood that the scheme is on its trial for six months to see if the men of Wigan and district wish for Association football. If first-class football is required in Wigan will all who wish to see the scheme on a sound footing to join at once, so that at the end of six months the members and committee can see whether to continue or to bring it to a close.
The committee wish it to be distinctly understood that the present scheme is not connected with any scheme in existence, but has been proposed through past failures of Association football, to now see if Wigan cannot rise to the occasion, and make the scheme a success. But success means at least one thousand members to join. And one thousand members at one shilling per week for twelve months would bring two thousand six hundred pounds into the club, and that would mean the club would have a good foundation. The next monthly meeting takes place on Monday, April 27, 1908, at the Golden Lion, Wallgate. Come in hundreds.
Yours
THE COMMITTEE
Wigan Observer: April 7 1908: Page 3, column 6 &7
Wigan Examiner: April 7 1908: Page 3, column 3
Wigan Town 1-v-1 Northern Nomads
Friendly : April 8 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 1-0)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Partington, Britnell, Yarwood, Baron, H. Anderson, Hilton, Halsall, R. Fisher, Ryding, N. Marsden.
Northern Nomads: A.J. Kelly, C. Armstron, C. Makinson, T. Lymm, T. Rothwell,
T. Barlow, J. Yuill, T. Taylor, H. Gee, G.H. Barow, H. Wren
Clitheroe 4-v-0 Wigan Town [32]
League : April 13 1908 : Waterloo (ht X-X)
Teams:
Clitheroe: Cross
Wigan Town:
Wigan Town played the entire game with ten men.
NEW ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB FOR WIGAN
To the Editor of the Wigan Observer
Sir,-Let me appeal to the public of Wigan re Mr. Yarwood’s scheme for the above new club. Six weeks ago a dozen men took shares to start the above club, and now they have reached three dozen, and Mr. Yarwood seems satisfied at the way it is going on, but I am not, as I think that those people that like the game and are constantly saying that is what is wanted, should come forward and join at once and not wait till asked. At the members first monthly meeting it was passed that members can join and pay from 6d. per week, so that is within the reach of all. Now there is no excuse for holding back, but come if you want this scheme to be a success, as it is to my mind the only way that Wigan is going to have a successful team. Mr. Yarwood explained at the last meeting how hard it is for ten men with small capital to run a team, as it always means dipping their hand down to keep it going. Now with a thousand members paying their subscription, we should be always sure of money coming in for the first three years. And then there would be gate money taken at each match, which would ensure success. Hoping you will find a small space in your paper,
I remain yours,
A MEMBER
Wigan Observer: April 14 1908: Page 3, column 5 & 6
WIGAN NEW ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB
the Editor of the Wigan Observer
Sir,-I have for a long time considered the reason why Wigan has not been successful in the Association game of football, considering the majority of football clubs in the district play the Association game, and I have come to the conclusion that the town is simply a working class community, and that with Mr. Yarwood there are no men in good circumstances that have the popular game at heart sufficient to take the matter up to make first-class football a success.
Now I have seen in the papers where a rather unusual scheme has been suggested, and the scheme undoubtedly has a novelty about it, but in my mind it has been well thought out, and one I would venture to guess will give some room for thought among the workers of Wigan and district who delight when their hard work is done to go and watch the very popular game on Saturdays.
I see the promoters ask for members to join and pay 1s. per week for twelve months and then 6d. per week for a further twelve months (very good). Now I would like to suggest for the benefit of the people that cannot afford 1s. per week to let them join and pay up their shares at not less than 6d per week, and by that means the club would get more members, and more members would mean more support. The funds would steadily rise, and sooner the club would be able to make its start. Wishing the promoters success and thanking you in anticipation for a small space in your valuable paper.
A SUPPORTER
Wigan Observer: April 14 1908: Page 11, column 3
Newton-le-Willows 0-v-1 Wigan Town [33]
League : April 17 1908 : The Nursery Ground (ht 0-0)
Teams:
Newton-le-Willows: Saxon, Lucas,
Wigan Town: Partington, Britnell, Heyes, Baron, Ryding, H. Atherton, Wallace, T. Taylor, Hilton, Hardman, Marsden.
Town played the last 15 minutes with ten men as Marsden could not continue.
Bacup 1-v-0 Wigan Town [34]
League : April 18 1908 : West View (ht X-X)
Teams:
Bacup:
Wigan Town:
Wigan Town featured several local amateurs.
Wigan Town 0-v-1 Haslingden [35]
League : April 20 1908 : Springfield Park (ht 0-1)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Partington, Britnell, Yarwood, Atherton, Ryding, Culshaw, J. Smith, Hilton, Fisher, Halsall, Marsden.
Haslingden: Bradley, O’Brien, Rylance, Leeming, Marsh, Hodgkinson, W. Smith, Cairns, McDermott, McGuigan, Hincks.
Nelson 8-v-0 Wigan Town [36]
League : April 21 1908 : Seedhill (ht X-X)
Teams:
Nelson:
Wigan Town:
Haslingden 10-v-1 Wigan Town [37]
League : April 27 1908 : The Clarence Ground (ht 4-0)
Teams:
Haslingden: Hinks (3), Skingsley (3), Roberts (2), Hall (2).
Wigan Town: Partington, Hilton.
THE PROPOSED NEW ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB
TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENTS
A meeting with respect to the above should have been held at the Golden Lion on Monday evening, but owing probably to the short notice, not many attended; consequently, it was decided to postpone the same until Friday evening at 8.30 o’clock, at the same place. Two new members joined the club, bringing the total membership to 43. As each of these represents five pounds, it will be seen that the club is doing well financially. Furthermore, a local gentleman has promised, in addition to taking shares, that if the committee can secure members to represent £1500, he will make it into £2000. It is hoped that Association followers will give the committee the chance to accept this most generous offer.
If possible, the committee are trying to run an amateur team next season, with a well known custodian and right outside, who have both played at Springfield Park this season. Several local amateurs have promised to play, and the committee have hopes of securing a ground in a most central position. Of course the arrangement is only temporary, as the committee are not to start a professional club until they have £2000 wherewith to begin work. This we think is a wise precaution, and it therefore rests with local football supporters whether the scheme is a success or not.
The secretary will be pleased if all members of the committee will be present at the meeting on Friday night.
Wigan Observer: April 28 1908: Page 3, column 5
NEW WIGAN ASSOCIATION SCHEME
The Editor has received the following communication from the Secretary :- The
1907-8 football season is over. 1980-9 season will soon be here. Now then, Wigan, what are you prepared to do towards helping the above scheme for Wigan? Many say we want a first class football team. What are you prepared to do to get it? There is a scheme in the town whereby a first class Association team can be got together, but help is needed. We want 1,000 to take up the shares that are offered. The terms for a £5 share are payable from 6d. per week until paid. When we have £2,000 in the bank we are prepared to start first-class Association football, and once started with a good bank account success will be the result. The scheme has been started two months, and up to now we have shares taken up to the amount of £200. We also have good promises from several gentlemen who are prepared to take shares amounting to £150 to £200, providing the scheme is supported. If you want a successful Association team, join at once. The shares are paid every Friday evening at the Golden Lion Inn, Wallgate, from 8.30 till 9.30, where all information can be obtained. No start, get your money back in full.
WIGAN TOWN
The end of the season will doubtless be welcomed by all who take an interest, active or otherwise, in association football in Wigan and district. This, we think, will apply especially to those who have followed the fortunes of Wigan Town through what has proved to be a most disastrous season. At the opening in September everything appeared to point to the club having a successful season, but this, unfortunately, has not proved the case as anyone can see upon referring to the league table. It is more than passing strange that Association football does not pay in the town. Of course we are well aware of the strong counter attraction, but that has not prevented Bradford City from entering the First division of the English League, nor Oldham Athletic from all but accompanying the first named, and that in their first season; and yet they have had to contend with precisely the same opposition. The failure to run a successful team is all the more surprising when one thinks of the admirable
ground, with electric cars running from the heart of the town to practically the gates for one penny. Perchance, in the near future, the town will possess a first-class club, but for the present, we are afraid the many – yes, many Association followers will have to travel each Saturday to see first class Association football. ………
……….. The future of the club will now, in all probability, be decided at the annual
meeting of the Lancashire Association, as the Town have to re-apply for admission to the Lancashire Combination. As there are several new applicants for admission, so we understand, it is a moot point as to whether the Town will be successful or not.
Wigan Observer: May 2 1908: Page 11, column 4 & 5
Wigan Town 1-v-4 Colne [38]
League : May 2 1908 : Springfield Park (ht X-X)
Teams:
Wigan Town: Larkin, Atherton, Swift, Wallace.
Colne: Mitchell, Tracey, Lewis, Green (P), McGrain.
Wigan Town had a “scratch” team.
The final Lancashire Combination league table for 1907/08:
WIGAN TOWN’S TROUBLES
At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Lancashire Combination, held at Bolton on Thursday night, fines of £3 3s were imposed on Wigan Town for not fulfilling their match at Haslingden, ……..
……… As Wigan Town and Newton-le-Willows had not paid fines previously inflicted on them, they are to be reported to the annual meeting which will be held at Bolton on the 21st of May. The deposit of £20, which Mr. Swalwell had down as a
guarantee the Wigan Club would go through the season was returned. …….
……… Wigan Town were ordered to pay a referee’s fee which they owed within seven days. A number of claims were made by clubs for loss of gate. Bacup were awarded £5 from Wigan Town; Heywood £5 from Haslingden; Haslingden £14 from Wigan Town; and Barrow £5 from Carlisle United.
Wigan Observer: May 9 1908: Page 12, column 5
THE OUTLOOK FOR THE LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
THE WIGAN TOWN CLUB
By“Football Field”
The secretary’s letter-box has already been laden with applications for places in next season’s Combination, and not a few applications from strange faces have been brought to the notice of that defatigable official. Many of the present members of the Lancashire Alliance cast longing glances at the senior company, and one is not surprised to find Walkden Central and Fleetwood Amateurs among the aspirants. Others are Great Harwood, who have made previous bids for admission, Padiham, Stockport County, Eccles Borough, Salford United, and Rochdale Town. The four unfortunates, Oswaldtwistle, Failsworth, Newton-le-Willows, and Wigan Town are also certain to be considered along with the newcomers mentioned, and whilst the two first named might be looked upon with a certain amount of favour, there is a good deal of doubt about the chances of either Wigan or Newton-le-Willows. Both these clubs were mulcted in penalties of £3 3s on Thursday for not observing Combination rules and claims representing a small fortune are outstanding against Wigan for loss of gates.
WIGAN TOWN
Wigan Town apparently seem to be the special prey of the “fine” committee of the Lancashire Combination. As a matter of fact the club seems to have been carried on with a complete disregard of the rules. But the Association game is apparently not wanted in Wigan, and no matter how enthusiastic the committee may be, the
public’s money is absolutely essential to success. –“Athletic News.”
Wigan Observer: May 12 1908: Page 4, column 5
WIGAN TOWN AND THE COMBINATION
At the meeting of the Lancashire Combination held on Thursday night Ashton Town were re-elected members without going to ballot. Wigan Town did not apply for
re-admission.
Wigan Observer: May 23 1908: Page 12, column 5
THE NEW WIGAN ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB
FAILURE OF THE SCHEME
We are informed that the scheme for the establishment of a new and important Association football club in Wigan has proved a failure. It will be remembered that the leading idea was that a start should not be made with a professional team until sufficient capital had been accumulated, and that shareholders should contribute some small sum per week with the idea of raising the necessary sum without any great call upon them. The scheme was at first looked upon with great favour, and much support was promised. Difficulties have however arisen. Certain people have lost their enthusiasm, and the contributions have not been satisfactory, and in the end Mr. J.R. Yarwood who took the initiative in the matter, has decided to give the scheme up and pay all the money out on Friday night, July 10th at nine o’clock, at the Golden Lion Hotel.
Wigan Observer: June 30 1908: Page 3, column 4
Action Against Wigan Town Directors
At the Wigan county court, today, Judge Bradbury heard an action in which Henry Cotton, the well known goalkeeper, was the plaintiff, and the defendants were William Swalwell and Anthony Swalwell, directors, and James Owen, secretary of Wigan Town Association Football Club. Cotton, who was legally represented by Mr. Eddleston of Crewe, was described as a professional footballer, residing in Railway street, Crewe, and sought to recover the sums of £25 under an agreement, and £8 under a promisary note as wages due when a player for the Town club. The point raised by Mr A. Smith for the defence was whether the defendants were personally liable. After hearing Cotton’s evidence, his Honour gave a verdict against the three defendants for the £8, and judgement was also entered against William Swalwell for £20, costs being allowed in each instance.
Wigan Examiner: September 15 1908: Page 3, column 7
At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Lancashire Combination, held at Bolton on Thursday night, fines of £3 3s were imposed on Wigan Town for not fulfilling their match at Haslingden, ……..
……… As Wigan Town and Newton-le-Willows had not paid fines previously inflicted on them, they are to be reported to the annual meeting which will be held at Bolton on the 21st of May. The deposit of £20, which Mr. Swalwell had down as a
guarantee the Wigan Club would go through the season was returned. …….
……… Wigan Town were ordered to pay a referee’s fee which they owed within seven days. A number of claims were made by clubs for loss of gate. Bacup were awarded £5 from Wigan Town; Heywood £5 from Haslingden; Haslingden £14 from Wigan Town; and Barrow £5 from Carlisle United.
Wigan Observer: May 9 1908: Page 12, column 5
THE OUTLOOK FOR THE LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
THE WIGAN TOWN CLUB
By“Football Field”
The secretary’s letter-box has already been laden with applications for places in next season’s Combination, and not a few applications from strange faces have been brought to the notice of that defatigable official. Many of the present members of the Lancashire Alliance cast longing glances at the senior company, and one is not surprised to find Walkden Central and Fleetwood Amateurs among the aspirants. Others are Great Harwood, who have made previous bids for admission, Padiham, Stockport County, Eccles Borough, Salford United, and Rochdale Town. The four unfortunates, Oswaldtwistle, Failsworth, Newton-le-Willows, and Wigan Town are also certain to be considered along with the newcomers mentioned, and whilst the two first named might be looked upon with a certain amount of favour, there is a good deal of doubt about the chances of either Wigan or Newton-le-Willows. Both these clubs were mulcted in penalties of £3 3s on Thursday for not observing Combination rules and claims representing a small fortune are outstanding against Wigan for loss of gates.
WIGAN TOWN
Wigan Town apparently seem to be the special prey of the “fine” committee of the Lancashire Combination. As a matter of fact the club seems to have been carried on with a complete disregard of the rules. But the Association game is apparently not wanted in Wigan, and no matter how enthusiastic the committee may be, the
public’s money is absolutely essential to success. –“Athletic News.”
Wigan Observer: May 12 1908: Page 4, column 5
WIGAN TOWN AND THE COMBINATION
At the meeting of the Lancashire Combination held on Thursday night Ashton Town were re-elected members without going to ballot. Wigan Town did not apply for
re-admission.
Wigan Observer: May 23 1908: Page 12, column 5
THE NEW WIGAN ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB
FAILURE OF THE SCHEME
We are informed that the scheme for the establishment of a new and important Association football club in Wigan has proved a failure. It will be remembered that the leading idea was that a start should not be made with a professional team until sufficient capital had been accumulated, and that shareholders should contribute some small sum per week with the idea of raising the necessary sum without any great call upon them. The scheme was at first looked upon with great favour, and much support was promised. Difficulties have however arisen. Certain people have lost their enthusiasm, and the contributions have not been satisfactory, and in the end Mr. J.R. Yarwood who took the initiative in the matter, has decided to give the scheme up and pay all the money out on Friday night, July 10th at nine o’clock, at the Golden Lion Hotel.
Wigan Observer: June 30 1908: Page 3, column 4
Action Against Wigan Town Directors
At the Wigan county court, today, Judge Bradbury heard an action in which Henry Cotton, the well known goalkeeper, was the plaintiff, and the defendants were William Swalwell and Anthony Swalwell, directors, and James Owen, secretary of Wigan Town Association Football Club. Cotton, who was legally represented by Mr. Eddleston of Crewe, was described as a professional footballer, residing in Railway street, Crewe, and sought to recover the sums of £25 under an agreement, and £8 under a promisary note as wages due when a player for the Town club. The point raised by Mr A. Smith for the defence was whether the defendants were personally liable. After hearing Cotton’s evidence, his Honour gave a verdict against the three defendants for the £8, and judgement was also entered against William Swalwell for £20, costs being allowed in each instance.
Wigan Examiner: September 15 1908: Page 3, column 7
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