Football writing, thoughts and more by Gary James
Today I’ll be attending a blue plaque unveiling by Viv Anderson for Andrew Watson at Crossley Heath School in Halifax. Watson is regarded as the first black football international and attended Heath Grammar School as a boy. I’m looking forward to this recognition for a football pioneer. The blue plaque unveiling details can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/andrew-watson-commemorative-plaque-unveiling-with-viv-anderson-tickets-1236202838969
You can find out more on Watson here:
On this day (3 September) in 1892 Ardwick AFC (a significant part of Manchester City’s roots) played their first League game. They defeated Bootle 7-0. This contemporary newspaper article talks of the game. Notice the mention of an ‘ordinary’ game with Nottingham Forest – what that means is a friendly in today’s language. Back then the regular games were friendlies, so they were considered ‘ordinary’, and League or FA Cup competition was considered the rarity. That all changed over time!
Notice at the bottom of this cutting the mention of Broughton Rangers. They were a prominent rugby team, later became Belle Vue Rangers, and the ground that is opening here is Wheater’s Field. Their home before the Cliff.
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