1890–91 Sheffield United F.C. season

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

Sheffield United
1890–91 season
ChairmanMichael Ellison
SecretaryJoseph Wostinholm
Midland Counties League5th
FA CupFirst round
(eliminated by Notts County)
Sheffield Challenge CupRunners up
(beaten by Doncaster Rovers)
Wharncliffe Charity CupSemi-final
(eliminated by The Wednesday
Top goalscorerLeague: Watson (10)
All: Watson (13)
Highest home attendanceLeague: 5,700 (v Derby Junction)
Friendly: 14,000 (v The Wednesday)
Lowest home attendanceLeague: 500 (v Kidderminster)
Average home league attendance3,244 (League)

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

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

Background

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

Kit

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

Season overview

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

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

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

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

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

FA Cup

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

Local cups

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

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

Friendlies

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

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

Squad

Source:[3]

First team

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

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

Players leaving before end of the season

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

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

Transfers

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

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

League table
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
3 Lincoln City 18 7 6 5 34 21 +13 20
4 Derby Midland 18 8 4 6 28 28 0 20
5 Sheffield United 18 8 3 7 32 25 +7 19
6 Burton Wanderers 18 7 4 7 25 33 −8 18
7 Rotherham Town 18 7 4 7 20 28 −8 18
Source: [3]

Squad statistics

Appearances and goals
As of the end of the season[3]
No. Pos Nat Player TotalMidland Counties LeagueFA Cup
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
FW Billy Bairstow 14314300
FW Billy Bridgewater 22918940
FW William Calder 16412242
MF Gavin Crawford 545400
GK R. Creighton 101000
DF Edward Cross 21016050
MF Samuel Dobson 515100
FW John Drummond 515100
GK Richard Fenwick 101000
FW William Getliff 100010
MF George Groves 13010030
DF Billy Hendry 707000
DF Jack Houseley[note 1] 101000
DF Rab Howell 23218250
GK Charlie Howlett 24019050
DF Jack Hudson 201010
DF Harry Lilley 20015050
DF Harry Munro 101000
FW W. Robertson 20516342
DF G. Smith[note 2] 202000
DF Ned Stringer 505000
FW Arthur Watson 2413191053
DF Michael Whitham 26021050
Players who left before the end of the season:
FW A.D. Barber 101000
FW T.B.A. Clarke 503020
DF J. Jeeves 302010
FW Bernard Shaw 16211052
DF Harry Thickett 101000

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

Results

Source:[3]

Key

  Win   Draw   Loss   Void

Midland Counties League
13 September 1890 Burton Wanderers1–1Sheffield UnitedDerby Turn
Howell   ' Attendance: 'Large'
20 September 1890 Sheffield United3–0Rotherham TownBramall Lane
Unknown   '
Bridgewater   ',  '		 Attendance: 5,500
27 September 1890 Sheffield United0–1Long Eaton RangersBramall Lane
Attendance: 3,000
18 October 1890 Lincoln City2–1Sheffield UnitedJohn O'Gaunts
Unknown   ' Attendance: 2,000
27 October 1890 Sheffield United1–1Burslem Port ValeBramall Lane
Robertson   ' Attendance: 2,000
1 November 1890 Sheffield United4–0KidderminsterBramall Lane
Robertson   '
Watson   ',  '
Clader   '		 Attendance: 500
8 November 1890 Gainsborough Trinity4–1Sheffield UnitedThe Northolme
Robertson   ' Attendance: 2,000
22 November 1890 Sheffield United2–1Lincoln CityBramall Lane
Bairstow   '
Watson   '		 Attendance: 1,500
20 December 1890 Derby Midland2–5Sheffield United?
Calder   '
Bridgewater   ',  ',  '
Watson   '		 Attendance: 'Good'
25 December 1890 Sheffield United2–0Derby JunctionBramall Lane
Bridgewater   '
Unknown   '		 Attendance: 5,700
27 December 1890 Kidderminster0–2Sheffield UnitedChester Road
Bridgewater   '
Watson   '		 Attendance: 2,000
10 February 1891 Staveley2–0Sheffield United?
Attendance: 3,000
21 February 1891 Sheffield United0–1Derby MidlandBramall Lane
Attendance: 4,000
28 February 1891 Derby Junction1–3Sheffield UnitedDerby Arboretum
Crawford   ',  '
Drummond   '		 Attendance: 2,000
7 March 1891 Sheffield United2–1Gainsborough TrinityBramall Lane
Bairstow   '
Crawford   '		 Attendance: 4,500
23 March 1891 Sheffield United2–2Burton WanderersBramall Lane
Howell   '
Munro   '		 Attendance: 1,500
27 March 1891 Rotherham Town0–1Sheffield UnitedClifton Lane
Attendance: 4,500
28 March 1891
[note 3] 		Long Eaton Rangers2–3Sheffield UnitedLong Eaton Stadium
Watson   ',  '
Bridgewater   '		 Attendance: 2,000
4 April 1891 Sheffield United5–0StaveleyBramall Lane
Dobson   '
Bridgewater   '
Watson   '
Crawford   '		 Attendance: 1,000
13 April 1891 Burslem Port Vale3–1Sheffield UnitedAthletic Ground
Watson   ' Attendance: 2,000

FA Cup

Source:[3]

4 October 1890 First qualifying roundDerby Junction0–1Sheffield UnitedDerby Arboretum
Clarke   ' Attendance: 2,000
25 October 1890
[note 4] Second qualifying round		Burton Swifts2–1Sheffield UnitedPeel Croft
Watson   ' Attendance: 3,500
15 November 1890 Third qualifying roundSheffield United3–0Matlock TownBramall Lane
Unknown   '
Shaw   ',  '		 Attendance: 2,000
6 December 1890
[note 5] Fourth qualifying round 3		Sheffield United6–1LoughboroughBramall Lane
Robertson   ',  '
Watson   ',  '
Unknown   '
Calder   '		 Attendance: 2,800
17 January 1891 Round 1Sheffield United1–9Notts CountyBramall Lane
Calder   ' Attendance: 9,500

Sheffield Challenge Cup

Source:[3]

11 January 1891 Round 1Sheffield United7–1AttercliffeBramall Lane
Bairstow   ',  ',  '
Clarke   '
Watson   ',  '
Shaw   '		 Attendance: 2,000
31 January 1891 Semi-finalSheffield United3–3KilnhurstBramall Lane
Bairstow   ',  '
Robertson   '		 Attendance: 4,500
14 March 1891
[note 6] Semi-final replay		Sheffield United4–1KilnhurstBramall Lane
Robertson   '
Howell   ',  '
Watson   '		 Attendance: 3,500
21 March 1891
[note 6] Final		Sheffield United1–2Doncaster RoversBramall Lane
Howell   ' Attendance: 3,500

Wharncliffe Charity Cup

Source:[3]

23 April 1891 Semi-finalThe Wednesday2–1Sheffield UnitedOlive Grove
Drummond   ' Attendance: 3,250

Friendlies

Source:[3]

1 September 1890 Sheffield United9–0Sheffield ClubBramall Lane
Bridgewater   ',  ',  '
Clarke  ',  ',  '
Watson   ',  '
Calder   '		 Attendance: 2,000
11 September 1890 Sheffield United2–0IncognitiBramall Lane
Clarke  '
Robertson   '		 Attendance: 850
22 September 1890 Sheffield United0–3Preston North EndBramall Lane
Attendance: 3,500
29 September 1890 Sheffield United1–2Nottingham ForestBramall Lane
Watson   ' Attendance: 2,500
6 October 1890 Sheffield United1–2EvertonBramall Lane
Robertson   ' Attendance: 2,500
11 October 1890 Sheffield United5–1Birmingham St. George'sBramall Lane
Shaw   '
Watson   '
Bridgewater   '
Robertson   '		 Attendance: 2,250
20 October 1890 Sheffield United4–1Derby CountyBramall Lane
Robertson   '
Bridgewater   '
Shaw   ',  '		 Attendance: 3,000
5 November 1890 Sheffield United4–2ArdwickBramall Lane
Howell   '
Robertson   '
Watson   '
Unknown   '		 Attendance: 3,500
17 November 1890 Sheffield United2–1Bolton WanderersBramall Lane
Watson   '
Bridgewater   '		 Attendance: 2,500
8 December 1890 Sheffield United3–2Middlesbrough IronopolisBramall Lane
Watson   ',  '
Robertson   '		 Attendance: 1,500
15 December 1890 The Wednesday2–1Sheffield UnitedOlive Grove
Robertson   ' Attendance: 10,000
30 December 1890 Sheffield United7–0CasualsBramall Lane
Bairstow   ',  ',  '
Clarke   '
Watson   ',  '
Shaw   '		 Attendance: 2,000
2 January 1890
[note 7] 		Sheffield United2–1 LinthouseBramall Lane
Calder   '
Unknown   '		 Attendance: 1,250
3 January 1891 Darlington St. Augustine's1–5Sheffield United?
Bridgewater   ',  '
Own goal   ',  '
Robertson   '		 Attendance: 'few'
5 January 1891 Sheffield United2–3CorinthiansBramall Lane
Calder   '
Watson   '		 Attendance: 3,500
12 January 1891 Sheffield United3–2The WednesdayBramall Lane
Watson   '
Howell   '
Calder   '		 Attendance: 14,000
24 January 1891 Middlesbrough2–1Sheffield UnitedLinthorpe Road
Watson   ' Attendance: 1,500
26 January 1891 Sheffield United0–1Grimsby TownBramall Lane
Attendance: 3,000
7 February 1891 Newcastle East End4–0Sheffield UnitedStanley Street
Attendance: 800
9 February 1891 Sheffield United6–4Heanor TownBramall Lane
Bairstow   ',  ',  ',  '
Whitham  '
Elliman   '		 Attendance: 1,000
14 February 1891
[note 6] 		Derby County3–2Sheffield UnitedRacecourse Ground
Drummond   '
Bridgewater   '		 Attendance: 1,000
16 February 1891 Sheffield United3–0Rotherham TownBramall Lane
Watson   ',  '
Crawford  '		 Attendance: 2,000
2 March 1891 Sheffield United1–4Nottingham ForestBramall Lane
Robertson   ' Attendance: 3,000
14 March 1891 Attercliffe1–4Sheffield UnitedOld Forge Ground
Crawshaw   ' (o.g.)
Shaw   '
Bridgewater   '		 Attendance: 'Large'
21 March 1891
[note 6] 		Royal Arsenal1–1Sheffield UnitedKennington Oval
Getliffe   ' Attendance: 3,800
30 March 1891 Sheffield United3–1Darlington St. Augustine'sBramall Lane
Getliff   ',  '
Watson   '		 Attendance: 'Not large'
1 April 1891 Middlesbrough Ironopolis4–0Sheffield UnitedParadise Ground
Attendance: 900
6 April 1891 Ardwick4–1Sheffield UnitedHyde Road
Watson   ' Attendance: 2,300
11 April 1891 Sheffield United2–2Newcastle East EndBramall Lane
Crawford   '
Bridgewater   '		 Attendance: 3,000
18 April 1891
[note 6] 		Lincoln0–1Sheffield UnitedJohn O'Gaunts
Crawford   ' Attendance: 1,000
18 April 1891
[note 6] 		Matlock3–2Sheffield UnitedCauseway Lane
Cheffins   '
Anon   '		 Attendance: 'Poor'
25 April 1891 Stockton3–0Sheffield United?
Attendance: 2,000

Notes

Source:[3]

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

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

Bibliography
  • Clarebrough and Kirkham (2008). Sheffield United Who's Who. Hallamshire Press. ISBN 978-1-874718-69-7.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
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