19.8.14

Sheffield and England in the 19th Century...

The City of Sheffield was a major centre of footballing development , and its influence on the evolution of the Association game cannot be overlooked.  There were Sheffield men present in the England XI right from the very start. Charlie Clegg played in the 5th 'Alcock International' and also in the first official international in 1872. Clegg, who went on to be a massively influential administrator, later complained about the snooty attitude of his southern teammates. 
During the 19th century 7 Sheffield based clubs had players capped by England:

Reverend John Robert Blayney Owen


Jack Hunter - in the 7 internationals in which he played England won only once and conceded 31 goals! He went on to lead Blackburn Olympic to FA Cup victory, being largely responsible for the professional approach they took to the game. 


Billy Mosforth-The Little Wonder, often described as England's first working class player (more on this matter in the near future) and the first player to represent both Wednesday and Sheffield United.

United's first international- Harry Lilley

 Michael Whitham


Raby Howell- the first Roma to play for England.

England's most famous 1 cap wonder? Billy Foulke

The Wednesday

Charles Clegg
Forward
1 cap
1872
William Clegg
Half Back
1 cap
1873
Billy Mosforth
Outside Left
5 caps
1877-82
Teddy Brayshaw
Centre Half
1 cap
1887
Billy Betts
Centre Half
1 cap
1889
Fred Spiksley
Outside Left
7 caps
1893-98
Tom Crawshaw
Centre Half
10 caps
1895-1904

Sheffield FC

John Owen
Forward
1 cap
1874
John Hudson
Half Back
1 cap
1883

Owlerton

William Carr
Goalkeeper
1 cap
1875

Heeley

Jack Hunter
Half Back
7 caps
1878-1882

Sheffield Albion

William Clegg
Forward
1 cap
1879
Billy Mosforth
Outside Left
4 caps
1879-80

Thursday Wanderers

Thomas Heathcote Sorby
Forward
1 cap
1879

Sheffield United

Harry Lilley
Left Back
1 Cap
1892
Michael Whitham
Right Back
1 Cap
1892
Ernest Needham
Half Back
16 Caps
1894-1902
Raby Howell
Right Half
1 Cap
1895
Billy Foulke
Goalkeeper
1 Cap
1897
Tommy Morren
Centre Half
1 Cap
1898
Harry Thickett
Right Back
2 Caps
1899