George Groves (footballer)

George Jasper Groves (19 October 1868 – 18 February 1941) was an English footballer who played as a defender, primarily for Sheffield United. He also played first-class cricket for Nottinghamshire.

George Groves
Personal information
Full name George Jasper Groves
Date of birth (1868-10-19)19 October 1868
Place of birth Nottingham, England
Date of death 18 February 1941(1941-02-18) (aged 72)
Place of death Newmarket, England
Playing position(s) Defender
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1888 Heeley
1888–1891 Sheffield Club
1889–1891 → Sheffield United (guest) 0 (0)
1891–1896 Sheffield United 12 (0)
1892–1896 → Woolwich Arsenal (guest)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Football career

Born in Nottingham Groves was an amateur player who played regularly in the Sheffield area from around 1888 when he represented Heeley.[1] He moved to Sheffield Club later the same year but almost immediately began guesting for nearby Sheffield United (as allowed by FA rules regarding amateurs).[1] After appearing regularly in friendly and exhibition fixtures he was signed on a permanent basis by United in March 1891 and remained with the club until the summer of 1896.[1]

Known as 'Mr. Groves' in match reports he was initially a regular for United and was usually named captain but less than a year after joining he moved to London and from then on would only make irregular appearances for the club.[1] He would also appear as a guest for Woolwich Arsenal during the same period but with the game becoming increasingly professional he drifted away from league football.[1]

Cricket career

Groves played in 17 first-class cricket matches for Nottinghamshire in 1899 and 1900, playing as a lower-middle-order right-handed batsman.[2]

Personal life

Groves was a journalist, covering numerous sports in particular cricket and horse racing.[1] Groves retired to Newmarket after his playing career was over, where he continued to write for the Sporting Chronicle until his death.[3] Groves was killed when the Chronicle's offices were hit by a German bomb while he was working on 18 February 1941.[3]

References
  1. Denis Clarebrough & Andrew Kirkham (2008). Sheffield United Who's Who. Hallamshire Press. p. 141. ISBN 978-1-874718-69-7.
  2. "Player Profile: George Groves". www.cricketarchive.com. Retrieved 3 November 2013.
  3. Garrett, John (2 August 2013). "Early Groves". Folklore and Fables. UTB - the Official Matchday Programme of Sheffield United FC 2013–14. Sheffield United F.C.: 14–15.
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