Part One- 5th Sep 1928- see report in original format.

EARLY FOOTBALL IN
KINGSTON.
Recollections of Forty Years Ago
THE Y.M.C.A. CLUB

[ BY WILLIAM G. CARN. ]

When, in July last, I received my notice to attend the annual general meeting of the Kingstonian Football Club it occurred to me that it was almost forty years earlier that I had called a public meeting at the Griffin Hotel to consider the establishment of a representative Association football club for my native town. Forty years devoted to any particular business, occupation or sport may, I think, justly be considered "a pretty good innings," and it has often been suggested that some record by me of the early days of "Soccer" in the Borough and of the development of the Kingston club would be of interest not merely to the present-day players, but, I hope, to a large number of the townfolk, as I cannot but believe that the training of its young men in athletic exercises and in the spirit of sportsmanship - "mens sana in corpore sano"- will, as in later life they settle down to its more serious business, be distinctly beneficial to the community. If I may be permitted to do so I would here express my thanks to the "Surrey Comet" for the repeated statement that in the Kingstonian F.C. as a representative club the town has a valuable asset, and that every possible support and encouragement should be given by those in authority, and the burgesses generally to those who carry out the very arduous work the conduct of such a club entails. How vast the difference between that work and my little efforts of forty years ago will be gathered from these articles.

From Rugby to Soccer.

Now although at school I had always played Rugby I had, even then, a growing conviction football ought to be football and not handball, and when, subsequently, I spent more than one holiday in Birmingham and found myself frequently on the ground of the famous Aston Villa at a time when such stalwarts as Archie Hunter, Eli Davis, J. H. Riddell and Howard Vaughton were in their ranks my own idea was more than confirmed, and I resolved, when opportunity occurred, to see that the Association game was promoted in Kingston.
For in those days football in Kingston meant Rugby - the local club which played on the very ground that is now the home of the Kingstonian F. C. had a good and growing reputation, and it was the only representative club in the town. Harry Edmonds, so long associated with the "Surrey Comet," was for some years secretary, a real good sportsman and always most friendly and willing to help the new organisation which I subsequently started. Another member of the "Surrey Comet" staff who played for the Rugby club at this time was Mr. W. Blacktop.
Curiously enough the Rugby club seemed to break up in the hey-day of its success, for in its later years it "made hay" of most of the teams in opposition to it, but I think that the difficulty which many Rugby clubs have experienced, of getting into higher circles where the players might be more severely tested and gain better experience was a stumbling-block, and for this and other reasons-the growing attraction of the Association code being perhaps one-the old Rugby club with its junior neighbour the Kingston Rangers both died out leaving a clear field to the followers of the dribbling code. There were, of course, at this time some "Soccer" clubs in the district. Messr's. Kelly's employees played as Middle Mill F.C., the Regimental Depot had its team, and Surbiton Hill and a club known as Dittons United were also in existence. Mr Alfred North, another old member of the "Comet" staff, and Mr. Charles Collins, both still active members of the Kingstonians, played for Middle Mill, North going over later to the Rugby game and being a capable exponent of both codes. I do not think he ever played "Soccer" for Kingston, but Collins was a regular member for some years and captain of the team at one time, besides holding other offices.

Meeting at the Y.M.C.A.

It was in the Autumn of 1885 that I called a meeting at the Y.M.C.A., which then met in two modest rooms in Union-street, for the purpose of starting a club in connection with that institution. We obtained the support of thirteen or fourteen playing members, or rather members who wished to play, for some of them knew nothing at all of the game, and with some small honorary support a start was made.
The following were the first officers: President, Captain Cundy; captain, W.G. Carn; treasurer, E.W.Stringer; and secretary, P.Salisbury. Among the original members were George Kerrison (afterwards Mayor of the Borough), R.J. Sivers, for so many years the mainstay of Hampton Wick C.C., G. Chaplin Jones (ex-President of the Chamber of Commerce), Hugh Walmsley, Albert Collins, Bonsor, Briscoe, T.S.Redding (an old school friend with whom as recently as 1926 I was still playing ball games, i.e., tennis and billiards, which I think is rather a record) with one or two others.
The first business was to get the team into shape, and before turning out for some practice games one or two meetings were held at which the rules were read and expounded and diagrams drawn on a blackboard giving some indications of the various tactics to be adopted by players in the different positions in the field, so that by the time we turned out for our first match most of the team had, at any rate, some hazy idea of what was expected of them! We played in Bushy Park, the ground being free of charge, but we had to set up our own posts and gear which, by the kindness of Mr. Sivers, senior, we kept at his house close by.

No Referees.

I fancy our first mach was against Surbiton Hill, and that we lost by 3 goals to 1. In that season we played fourteen games, winning three, losing seven, and drawing four, which we considered a promising start.
Among the early clubs met, in addition to those referred to, were Leatherhead Rose (a club I believe still running), Cobham Hawks, Hanover United (run in connection with the London Polytechnic), St. Mary's, Putney, St. John's, Richmond and Hampton Grammar School. Kingston Grammar School (who usually played Rugby) very obligingly turned to the other code twice a year in order to give us some games, and they usually put up quite a good fight.
I should like to refer to two or three matters in connection with the methods of those days. Teams coming from another district were always met at the railway station and escorted to the dressing room, and if it were known that for some particular reason a player would be late in turning out it was usual to allow a substitute to play until the regular player could take his place.
In case also of any accident in the early part of the game by which a player was prevented from continuing a substitute was again readily permitted to fill the gap.
We played without any referee or umpire - in fact, in those days the referee, as now known, had not been invented. The captains on either side acted as umpires, and any claim for an infringement of rules would be made by the captain of the side affected and allowed by the opposing captain, and I have no hesitation in saying that, although this practice would be inadequate to-day with the keenness and pressure of cup-ties, etc., it worked very well then, and we had very few disputed decisions. Bad language and ungentlemanly behaviour on the field were strongly discountenanced, and I think were considered to call for notice far more than the mere infringement of the rules of play, and I am of opinion that this should be so still, and that referees should be given and should use the fullest powers for stopping unsportsmanlike conduct of any sort.

Expenditure of £3.

Many of the offences like handling, getting offside, and even tripping players are really often quite involuntary and might very well be ignored, but the bad-tempered player, who disputes every decision and puts up a series of petty and mean tricks all through a game, should be given a very short shrift. He spoils the game for players, officials and spectators alike. The financial work of the treasurer was not onerous: our first balance sheet showed an expenditure of £3 or thereabouts; the principal items were: goal-posts, etc., 17s 6d. (our friend Dolling volunteered to make a portable set for this price and must have lost heavily on the transaction!), fixture cards 13s., stationery and postages were about 12s., and a new ball cost 8s 3d. We usually had a new ball for each half of the season. I purchased them from a small practical maker near Charing Cross. The business premises have long since been pulled down, but I always remember the excellent value we got for our money, the balls being equal to many now sold at more than twice the price. So with a few other trifling expenses we came through our first season with a balance sheet which showed that expenditure had just been met by the receipts. Just think of it, £3!
Of course, players besides paying a small subscription paid their own travelling expenses and bought their own jerseys, etc., and in addition rendered all sorts of practical help in painting up the posts and keeping gear in order as was required.
I had occasion to refer to this early balance sheet at a dinner of the Kingstonian club some two or three seasons back, when their accounts for the season were in my hands, and showed that the treasurer had dealt with a total sum of something over £4,000!

Part Two- 12 Sep 1928- See article in original format.

"THE SAXONS"

A Break With the Young Men's
Christian Association

[ ARTICLE II.: BY WILLIAM G. CARN. ]

In our second season we obtained a private playing field in Spring-grove, next to Beaufort-road, at a rental of £2 2s., and we felt we were getting on. This field, unfortunately, had a thick-set hedge on one side, and our outlay on balls was considerably increased, as the long sharp thorns were continually finding their way into cases and bladders. Our membership increased, Messrs. Philip Marsh, Walter Lea, Bernard Lea (members of well known local families), H.L.Harris (a master at Tiffin), J.G.Peck, and others, bringing a welcome addition to our playing strength.
Harris was one of the best centre-forwards we ever had - he knew the game, kept his wings going admirably and shot well with either foot. He left us after two or three seasons to go to the Congregational College at Caterham, and I believe stayed there till some few years ago, when he went abroad. George Peck was a very useful half back, whose football career came to a most regrettable end. One Christmas eve, I think about 1890, a terrible railway smash occurred on the railway bridge between Hampton Wick and Kingston, and Peck, who had only joined the train at Hampton Wick, had both legs fractured - one in two places - besides cuts and damage to his head and back. In spite of these injuries he managed to crawl out of the wrecked carriage and back to Hampton Wick Station - an extraordinary effort. He made a good recovery, and afterwards pursued his business in the district for several years, but of course, his football days were over. We had the assistance later of his brother Arthur, a fine all-round athlete, who put up an excellent show for us at back for several seasons and played cricket professionally for Hampton Wick C.C. being quite good with either bat or ball. He left the district on taking an engagement as coach to a Yorkshire Club.
There was some re-arrangement of offices during this season. Mr. J.S. Morten, of Surbiton, became President, Harris, took the captaincy with Briscoe as vice-captain and I took over the secretarial post from our friend Salisbury, who removed from the district a little later.

Religion and Sport

I think I may permit myself after all these years to relate a little story about Salisbury - a good, conscientious fellow, a member of St. John's Church and an enthusiastic Sunday School teacher. Some time after the club had started he came to me looking rather troubled and told me that, while he would continue to discharge the secretarial duties, he could not continue to play, as he found that on Sundays his thoughts, instead of being fixed on the services and his Sunday school work, were continually reverting to the doings of the previous afternoon. I had the greatest respect for his feelings and agreed that if football were really interfering with his devotions and church work I would fill his place in the team, although with our small membership the loss of even one player meant adding to our difficulties.
About a month later he came to me again and said" Oh, if you still want me I shall be glad to play again."
"With pleasure," said I, "but what about the Sunday difficulty?"
"Well, to tell you the truth," he replied, "I find that I think a great deal more about the games now that I don't play in them than I did when I took part!"
And so to his and everybody's satisfaction he took up his old position in the team and played with us until he and Briscoe, with their families, moved away to Streatham, where they established a club known as the "Danes F.C." with whom for a few seasons we waged friendly rivalry.
In this season we played 17 matches, winning 6, losing 6 and drawing 5. Our expenditure was represented by the modest sum of about £5, the rent of the field accounting for the increase. I see we invested 17s 10d. in purchasing extra washing bowls and towels, which balanced the cost of goal posts in the preceding season, and our increased membership had brought in a larger revenue, so that we had a balance in hand of about £2 2s.

The Saxons F.C.

In our third season the name of the club was changed. The full name of "The Kingston and Surbiton Y.M.C.A." (as it was then called) was too cumbersome and, as we were not getting all the support we required, we decided to admit non-members of the association to the club, such members however not being eligible for any office. We adopted the name of the "Saxons F.C." while our card showed that we were still in connection with the Y.M.C.A.
Our uniform was a white shirt with cardinal facings and a badge bearing as emblem the White Horse of the Saxons. I still have my badge, a reminder of those happy days when we thought "of naught but such a morrow as to-day, and to be boy eternal" Sir C. Douglas Fox and Sir J. Whittaker Ellis. M.P., helped us this season as Vice-Presidents. Harris was still captain. Mr. Cowdery (the secretary of the "Y.M") was treasurer and I filled the dual roles of vice- captain and secretary. Harris unfortunately left us when half the season had elapsed and Jones then captained the team for that and the following season.

A Journey to Cobham

One of our principal out matches was with the Cobham Hawks, always a keen and useful side, and captained by Mr. Godfrey Lushington, who later became well known at the Bar, and whose father was Judge at the Kingston County Court. The journey to Cobham was a difficult one, as the train service was useless and there were no bus or motor services to solve transit difficulties. We used to accomplish the journey in a vehicle which I can only describe as a cross between a small omnibus and a large hearse. It was black and funereal in appearance, with small windows and little ventilation, making it dark and stuffy inside. Twelve of us (the team and a reserve man) could just squeeze into it and we sat cheek by jowl and jogged uncomfortably and tediously along till we reached our destination. I never really knew where that "bus" came from, but I should imagine it came out of the ark with Noah, and it certainly ought to have gone eventually into a museum.
In that season we played 19 matches, winning 12 and losing 7. I have not any note of the financial matters except that "the balance sheet showed a balance in hand of 11s. 6d." I do not think that our membership was appreciably increased by the facility offered to "outsiders."

Break With the Y.M.C.A.

However, this proved to be our last season in connection with the Y.M.C.A. The powers that were then at the head of affairs looked askance on athletic and other sports. On two evenings in the week we used horizontal and parallel bars in the large room, which was otherwise used for meetings of a religious or educational character, and we could play chess and draughts in the smaller room, used as a tea-room, library and lounge, but a bagatelle board, presented by a friend, was after a short time returned by order of the Committee, and it was stated, by way of complaint, that we were making the Association an Athletic Association.

There were other objections to certain views advocated by members like Charles Knapp (later a distinguished theological scholar), W.H.Wheatcroft (who subsequently went up to Cambridge and qualified for the Bar, but, who, I believe, settled down in the University town as a "coach") and with one or two others I found myself not exactly "kicked out," but in such a position that I had to resign my membership. Happily the times have changed in this respect and the Y.M.C.A., with its commodious new buildings, the gymnasium and its encouragement of sport and all matters that tend to turn out good all-round citizens now runs a successful football team, which, I believe, recently headed its division in the Kingston League.
My resignation from the "Y.M." made it incumbent on me to resign my position as secretary of the Football Club, for which post I was no longer eligible. A meeting was held in July, 1888, at which the position was discussed, and eventually the members decided to dissolve the club's connection with the Y.M.C.A. and I was asked to retain the secretaryship.
In the following season we played in a field in Oil Mill-lane and our headquarters were at the Victoria Hotel, close by. I have forgotten the landlord's name, but he was greatly impressed by our keenness about a game of which he knew nothing. He was a sportsman in his own way, and would speak at some length of the "wrastling" in which he had taken part as a young man in Cornwall.

Membership Grows

Our membership was increasing. Mr. H.W. Hill (now of Bournemouth), Messrs. G.Bayton, C.Collins, Kemp, Ocock, Truss and others being regular and valued players, while considerable help was obtained from Messrs. Heseltine and Dalgety of the Old Etonians at such times as the Old Boys made no claim on their services. Bayton, like Collins, is still to be found following the fortunes of the Kingstonians, their enthusiasm in no way diminished by the passing of 40 years!
In 1889-90 we ran two teams and were "going strong." Mr. Bedford Marsh was president, Mr. R.N. Ferguson, a kind and genial friend always, also an Old Etonian, was added to the list of vice-presidents, Heseltine captained the first XI., and Albert Collins the second team. H.W. Hill was treasurer and G.C. Jones assisted me in the secretariat.
I have no details of playing results or finances of these years, but they were increasingly satisfactory. I would like to refer to some of the key players. In Christopher Heseltine we had a fine full-back. Tall and well built, he tackled resolutely, and, kicking with judgement, always found his forwards. At that time he played centre-half for the Old Etonians, who were then turning out one of the strongest teams that ever wore the light blue and white colours. The brothers Gosling were then in the team and on one occasion - a cup tie - they fielded an eleven of which only Heseltine and one other lacked their International caps! I was always under the impression that Heseltine would have gained his had he taken his football more seriously. He afterwards bowled with considerable success for Hampshire, and was, I believe, about the only bowler in England from whom Bobby Abel, Of Surrey, never scored very freely.
In Billy Ocock we had a fast and attractive outside right who, like Billy Soper of to-day, always came up from a spill with a smile on his face. Kemp was our outside-left - an unassuming, keen player with a wonderful natural action of his left foot. I have seen him score goals from the touch line near the corner flag at seemingly impossible angles. Like Ocock he was always a popular player, and they both assisted us for several seasons.

Part Three- 19 Sep 1928- See article in original format.

"Kingston Wanderers."

Great Things Done for Charity.

[ ARTICLE III.: BY WILLIAM G. CARN. ]

It was during the third season of our career as the Saxons that one first became conscious of the fact that the club was really fighting its way to the forefront of Kingston Association circles. The pride of place had, until then, I believe, gone to the Middle Mill F.C. who, for a few seasons, had a very successful team. A very tricky forward line included North. McKelvie and the brothers Peperall, while in their defence were to be found Ernie Sayers, C. Colllins and F. C. Lenham, all of whom subsequently joined our ranks, where they did yeoman service and captained the side in succession. On such occasions as we had met the redoubtable "Mill" we had been badly beaten.
I think in one match, which was played in the old cricket field, we went down to the tune of 7-0; but lately we had improved a lot, and the Mill, following a rather unexpected defeat in the semi-final of the Surrey Junior Cup, had gone down a little, so that when we met them in the season under notice there was a feeling unexpressed but definite, that the supremacy in local football was at issue. Our defence had been improved by the addition of P.G. Lloyd (now manager of the Corporation Sewage Works). Who for several seasons proved a "worrier" at centre-half, and also by the inclusion at back of another Etonian, R.N. Gunter, a friend of Heseltine. The match was played on the Fairfield, and was stoutly contested before a good muster of spectators. At half-time the score was one goal each. In the second half the fleet-footed forwards of the Mill hurled themselves repeatedly at our defence. North, I remember, played a great game at outside right, but found Gunter impassable. Gradually the attack weakened, and towards the close of play a well-placed kick by Heseltine left Jones very little to do in going on to score the winning goal, and from that day, I think, there has never been any doubt as to our position among Kingston clubs.

"Kingston Wanderers"

It became apparent, too, that the club should be more formally identified with the town. The name of "Saxons" shorn as it was of any connection with the Y.M.C.A., no longer identified the club with the locality, so that the season of 1890-91 found us playing as "Kingston Wanderers," the name of Kingston alone being associated with the Rugby club, as I have already said. We now used the Fairfield as our ground and the "Cricketers" became, and was for several years, our headquarters. I have no note of the details, but this season was a most successful one. We ran two teams regularly, and the first XI only lost one match during the season. In addition to those mentioned, the names of G. and F. Whenman, W.Thau, A. Peck, G.S. Cousins, C.J.Rowles, C.Ware and S. Borlase occur to me among those appearing in the cherry and white stripes which we now played in. Borlase was a member of the local police, a big and fast forward, who marred his proficiency by over-much dribbling, but who was always a player to be reckoned with. I believe I am correct in saying that he won the 120 yards open hurdles championship three years in succession at the Crystal Palace sports. Mr Thau, who is so well known in the town in connection with school work and swimming (and who was then known as Hurliman), had played for Weybridge. George Whenman, who is still about, was an admirable centre-half, and his tall brother kept goal for us. In 1891-92 E.E. Sayers was captain, with F.C. Lanham as his deputy. The playing strength of the club was so good that it was a moot point during one or two seasons whether the second XI. would not have beaten the first team had they played each other. I know that as secretary I was often asked by the juniors to arrange such a trial, but I think the opportunity never presented itself. I think I acted as secretary during the three years' existence of the Wanderers, with Chas. Collins as my assistant.

Great Work for Charity.

We were admittedly the leading "Soccer" team of the town now, and as such the Rugby club, which at this time initiated the custom of playing a charity match for the benefit of local charitable institutions, invited us to assist in this good work by playing a match on their ground in Richmond-road before the Rugby game. I think Surbiton Hill furnished the opposition usually on these occasions.
A charity match then was a very different affair from one of the present day. Charity ties, even with the attraction of a game under both codes for 6d., probably did not attract more than 500 people, apart from club members, but even this was considered a satisfactory result. To-day we think we have done well if we do not take £100 or more at a Kingstonian charity tie; and the amount brought in by the three rounds of the Surrey Competition in which the Kingston club plays, together with the takings in the Teck Cup and other local charity matches, probably brings the total amount received locally for charitable purposes to at least £500.
I doubt if many people realise the enormous sums raised by Soccer clubs for charity to-day. Some few years ago the Kingstonians were dining at the Griffin Hotel after a charity match, and, the hotel's accommodation being heavily taxed on that occasion, a small private party were accommodated at a table in another room. Our old friend W.J.Wilson, of Surrey, was present, and, in proposing his health, I had purposely given him a lead on the matter of charity funds, and he gave some details of the amount raised that year in Surrey alone - nearly £4,000 - and it was interesting to notice the look of surprise which came upon the faces of the ladies and gentlemen at the other table, who, obviously, had never thought that football had this practical and commendable side.
It would be interesting to know the amount raised by the Football Association through all channels over the country. I believe the sums taken at the practice games in August approximate to £20.000, and the whole fund raised in the season is probably not less than £100,000. I can confidently assert that neither the Rugby game nor cricket, nor any other form of organised sport, raises anything like the sums annually sent to our hospitals by the Association authorities, and the few but persistent detractors of the game, who occasionally air their views in print, might bear this in mind when next they desire to write on a subject of which they apparently know very little. I have written at some length on the point, as I think the old "Wanderers" may take a just pride in claiming that remembrance of them rests chiefly on this association with the early movement for the help of the sick and suffering rather than for any "pot-hunting," for in those days we were content with our friendly games. We were in several cup competitions, and Leagues simply did not exist. It is rather a pleasure to note that the club still meets with its greatest successes in the charity competitions of the Surrey and London Associations, having appeared on ten occasions in the final of the Surrey Charity Shield Competition in the last twenty years.

Merging the Forces

It has been said "Happy is the country that has no history." There are but few outstanding features that I can recall of the career of the Kingston Wanderers, but I have a distinct feeling that we were a happy and friendly company, pursuing an evenly successful course, not harassed over-much by rules or restrictions. Affiliation to County Associations was not essential, and we chose our opponents from such clubs as we found to be good sporting opponents.
A good many new clubs were springing up in the district now, among them being Kingston Rovers, Surbiton Melrose and Malden, and while that was satisfactory as a sign of increasing interest, it became apparent that each of these clubs, with one or two outstanding players, was likely to minimise the attainment of the object I had had in mind for some time, i.e., the focussing in a representative club of the best playing ability in the district.
And so the next and final move was made, and in 1893 I called a meeting at the Griffin Hotel, inviting all interested in the formation of such a club, with a special appeal to local clubs to consider the advisability of joining forces. Our good friend Mr. R.N. Ferguson presided, Mr. J. P. Asher, hon. Secretary of the Surrey F. A. attended; Mr. Stonehouse, of Middle Mill (who afterwards joined the committee) was present, with the crack players of the East Surrey Regimental team- Messrs. Arnold and Smith; a fair muster of our own members, and two or three strangers, one of whom (a Mr. Alexander) joined us. Frankly the meeting was a disappointment. I had hoped for more support for the projected club. However, those present unanimously supported the proposal. Mr. Asher pointed out the advantages to be gained from affiliating to Surrey and taking part in its competitions, and he himself promised his help as far as county work would allow, and in the result it was decided that the club should thenceforth be known as the Kingston-on-Thames Association F.C., wearing as uniform a royal blue shirt with the borough arms in white as a badge. (In later years these colours were transposed, the shirt being white, with the badge worked in blue.) And so from that modest beginning we set out on the long, long trail that has led at length to the position of today- an established club with a creditable record, with a ground, and property approximating in value to £10.000!

Part Four- 26 Sep 1928- See article in original format.

MATCH REMINISCENCES

[ ARTICLE IV.: BY WILLIAM G. CARN.]

Curiously enough, I have no records of the earliest days of the Town Club, and my memory is not clear about this period. Mr. Ferguson continued to be our president, and Mr. David Judd, Mr. Alfred Daws and Mr. J. Davidson were among our early vice-presidents. The two first-named gentlemen at later periods rendered active and invaluable service to the club, and I shall have occasion to refer to them later. Mr. Davidson is, happily, still with us and a regular visitor to the Richmond-road ground. I do not remember who was our first captain. Jack Craig, who came to us from the Ferry Works F.C., held that position in one of the club's early years, and I think Arthur Peck and Fred Lanham were among the captains of that period. I continued to act as secretary for another season or two, when the duties were taken over by P. G. Lloyd (now manager of the Corporation Sewage Works), who carried on for some seasons with marked ability. He also played centre-half very effectively, being of the "worrying" type of player "that sticketh closer than a brother." It was a distinct loss to the club when he resigned in consequence of a little feeling provoked by the fact that some of the players who shirked paying their expenses for away matches made complaint when they found that, for the home matches, they were passed over in favour of those who filled the bill (in both senses) in the games played away. On Lloyd's retirement I believe. C.J. Bartley, a non-playing member, acted as secretary and treasurer, discharging his duties with quiet efficiency, and for some time I acted as chairman of the committee.

" Throwing in."

Ernie Sayers was another of our halves about this time- a most effective player, but of scrupulously fair methods, and on the other wing we had Charles Collins. His particular forte was throwing-in from touch. In those days the player was allowed to run up to the line and hurl the ball in any direction, practically using but one hand. At this time the leading professional team was Sunderland, known as "the team of all the talents," and they had wing-half (I think Hugh Wilson), who, taking such a throw near the goal-line, could place the ball in the goalmouth and immediately in front of his centre forward with far more accuracy than any free-kick would have given, and goals were frequently scored from such throwing-in, the forwards having little to do but "nod" the ball into the net.
Collins had this trick quite at his fingers' ends, and I have often seen him deftly fling the ball almost on to the head of our centre-forward (who knew what to expect) and who, meeting it sharply, sent it crashing into the rigging. And so that section of the football fraternity who always seem to be out to penalise brains and to bring everything down to an even level of mediocrity made the usual protest, and the rule was altered. Somewhat curiously, although the throw-in was rendered much less effective, it has been more or less a source of annoyance ever since. Easily infringed, the rule entails a penalty disproportionate to the offence, and is therefore irritating.

A Reliable Goalkeeper.

Another ex-captain of the club deserves more than passing mention, I allude to Frederick Charles Lanham. A natural sportsman, he came out with astonishing records for his "lob" bowling on the cricket field, and for several seasons he kept goal with conspicuous success in the winter game. Tall, rather slouching and frail in appearance, he had an indomitable spirit, and the fiercest attack on his goal was met by a clever and unflustered bit of work bespeaking the cool head and active brain controlling a very safe pair of hands. He helped us right well for several seasons when we were still fighting our way upward, and I think, kept goal for us first time we got into the Surrey Junior Cup final. We drew with Chertsey at Weybridge 3-3, but went down before them in the replay at Guildford, a ground which, for many years spelt failure for the Kingston team.
It was my pleasure long years after Lanham retired from the game to call occasionally at his modest hostelry and talk about old times. His eyes would brighten and his face become animated as we talked. To the end he was always a keen supporter of the club, and it came to me as a personal loss when I called only a year or so ago at the house and learnt that this good sportsman had passed away.

Goalkeeper's Achievement.

I always remember as a somewhat unusual incident the scoring of a goal by Lanham from his position as goalkeeper. We were playing a team on the Fairfield who were rather outclassed- the score being about 12 or 13 goals to nil against them. At one time we were pressing very heavily, and Lanham had followed his backs up the field and was standing well in his opponents' half. The ball eventually was sent up past our backs to Lanham who, of course, could not use his hands, but with a deft thrust of his head he sent it over the shoulders of the intervening players right into the visitor's goal-net.

On Hampton Court Green.

Our first step as a junior club, now affiliated to Surrey, was to enter the Junior Cup Competition, and one of our early ties was with the Molesey club and played on Hampton Court Green. It was an appalling day- heavy rain and half a gale of wind rendered football nigh impossible. However, the match was played, and we lost, but conditions had been such that we felt justified in appealing to Surrey. I think most of the requirements as to the pitch and the appurtenances of the game had been nullified by the weather. There were no touch or goal lines - they had been entirely washed out - and the high wind blew down the goalposts, which could not be replaced, and they were left on the ground until such times as the players got near that part of the ground, when spectators held them more or less upright until the attack on the goal ended. So for this, and several other reasons, we appealed, and I well remember the amusement of the Surrey Council when the appeal was read. I was young and unversed in such matters, and I set out item by item the breaches of rules complained of, giving the requirements of each rule and showing in what respect it had been infringed. The document ran into several sheets of foolscap, and I recall that Mr. Asher, having broken down with laughter after reading out about half this screed, it was continued by Mr. Glanvill. It was my first acquaintance with the County authority, which I joined in the following year, and of which I remained a member for many years, retiring only last season. I think Walter Read was in the chair on the occasion in question. We won our appeal, but we did not win the cup either in that or in any other subsequent seasons. The nearest we got to it being, as I have said in 1896.

At Guildford.

In that season we drew the game on the first meeting, but on the dreaded Guildford ground we could do nothing right, although we had quite as much of the play as our opponents. Arthur Short, I believe, then captained the team. He had played a great game at back all the season, and had been particularly deadly with penalties, but in this match, with the score at one goal all, he signally failed with a penalty kick awarded to us, and both the team and its supporters seemed to feel that luck was, indeed, against us, and play fell off accordingly, while Chertsey, taking heart from the "let off" went on to score two more goals. As a matter of fact we never won the Junior Cup until we had become a senior club playing a senior and junior XI., the first success being in 1907. We always did pretty well in the competition, but equally we always failed in the penultimate stages, and had so much bad luck in this respect that, at last, we decided to "go senior" before ever winning the junior pot.
In this year however (1896). we won the newly-established Kingston League competition, of which I shall say more in a later article. We also repeated this success with our junior team in 1906-7 and 1907-8.

Changes in Officers.

In 1897-98 G.J.Tully captained the side, with Hutchison as vice-captain and W.A.Douglas, of Hampton Wick, had succeeded to the secretarial post. In 1898-99 F.P. Cunliffe was captain, E.H. Forster vice-captain, and Messrs. Godfrey and Wilkinson were joint secretaries, positions which they filled most ably for several seasons. We were running two teams regularly, and made our entry into the old West Surrey League in this season.
For several years we waged a vigorous but always very friendly contest with Woking, Guildford and the other teams included in that competition.
We began to "get on" financially too, and, following one or two seasons on a field lent us by Mr. Harry Offer, we obtained a private ground in Dinton-road, where our gates often reached the hitherto undreamt of sum of £20.

A Good Friend.

Another good friend and sportsman who has recently joined the great majority must be referred to in this connection. I refer to the late Mr Alfred Daws. In his young days an ardent cricketer, in his later years he took the greatest interest in "soccer," and while we were on the Dinton-road ground his help to the club was invaluable. He always guaranteed the rent, paying it in advance. He then busied himself in dressing and manuring the ground and getting it into good condition. He sublet the outlying portions, and with fees received for grazing, etc., generally raised something like £20 of the £30 which we paid for rent. At home and away matches his cheery smile was always to be seen.
In those days the spectators' point of view was often an uncomfortable one. There were no stands on amateur grounds- one stood on the bare ground, and in the depth of winter the cold struck into one's feet and legs badly. I mentioned this discomfort Mr Daws one day, and he replied: " Well, my boy, you should do as I do. I keep a special pair of boots with extra thick soles, and I always put on two pairs of knitted socks! " Enthusiasm conquers everthing! Mr Daws retained his interest in the club up to the end. I met him about a fortnight before he died, when he expressed his regret that increasing infirmity made it impossible for him to attend the matches except in very fine weather.

Final Tie Experiment.

Our tenure of Dinton-road lasted till about 1903. Interest in the club had increased, and our gates were so much improved that in 1901 the Surrey F.A. decided to try the experiment of playing their final tie at Kingston. The opposing teams were Ewell and Weybridge, the latter being a very powerful side, a fact we were to appreciate later. For the match in question the arrangements were still a bit crude. We had small enclosure fenced off and seats placed inside the ropes. Collins and W. B. Browne (another of our enthusiasts) were stationed at the gates with bags and baskets to issue to the spectators, several hundreds of whom came from Weybridge and Ewell, and, flinging themselves en masse at our fence and gates, easily evaded the custodians, and before help could be obtained to stem the tide a great many had forced their way in and enjoyed their sport free of charge. However, a member of the committee lent their aid, order was restored, and the rest of the visitors paid for admission, and, in spite of the loss sustained by reason of the early raiders' free entrance, the takings reached £100- a record for Surrey to that date. Of course, we now expect about three times this amount from a final tie.
I think that match was memorable as being the last occasion in which A.M. Walters, who played for Ewell, appeared in an important match. The old International and Corinthian player, with his equally famous brother "P.M." with W.R. Moon keeping goal behind them, formed probably the finest defence that ever represented England in international contests.

TO THE EDITOR.
Sir- I notice that two errors crept into my football reminiscences last week. In referring to the incident of Mr. Wilson's speech at the Griffin it stated that the private party were put into "another" room, instead of "our" room. Otherwise we should not have seen them. And in referring to the fact that the Kingston Wanderers' chief endeavours were in aid of charity and not pot - hunting my statement that we were in no cup competitions was transposed into "several."- I am, etc., WILLIAM G. CARN.

Part Five- 3 Oct 1928- See article in original format.

FORMATION OF A LEAGUE.
[ ARTICLE V.: BY WILLIAM G. CARN.]

I have said that in our early days Leagues were non-existent. There was one old-established league in the county, known as the West Surrey League, and confined to a few clubs in the Guildford district. However, in 1896 there was an awakening in the Eastern part of the county. Mr. Alan V. N. Shaw, who had recently come into the district and had allied himself to the Kingston Club, was as keen about establishing a local League as I had been to create a representative club. There were a good many clubs now in the district and it was obvious that any scheme which would induce them to pull together would benefit local football. I can scarcely indicate the enormous amount of energy and enthusiasm Mr. Shaw brought to the work; he seemed to be continually getting hold of club representatives and others who were likely to help, and, with the natural eloquence of his race, so impressed them with the desirability and advantages of such a competition that the project was taken up by various leaders of local football, and eventually a meeting was called to discuss the formation of a League.
Mr. Rowland Moores, of the Hampton Hill F.C., brought a great deal of interest to bear on the project. Mr. H. L. Bourke, the well-known sporting correspondent of the London press, who was then secretary of the North Middlesex League - one of the strongest combinations in the London area - and his brother, Mr. A. Roston Bourke, so well known for his pioneer work in connection with the old Referees' Association, also shewed considerable interest, and our friend Mr. W. Hunt, of The Cricketers, who was at that time treasurer of the Kingston Club, brought matters to a head by offering the handsome challenge cup which is still competed for by clubs in Division 1. of the League, and is known as the " Hunt " Cup. A meeting was held to constitute the League, under the name of Kingston and District Football League, when the following 14 clubs pledged themselves to support the venture: East Molesey Rangers, Hampton Hill, Ham and Petersham, Hersham, Isleworth, Kingston-on-Thames, Kingston Rovers, Sunbury, Surbiton Rangers, Dittons United, Malden, Middle Mill, Surbiton Melrose and Walton Juniors, and they played with some reserve teams in two divisions. The Mayor (Mr. J. B. Walker) was our first President. I was Chairman; Mr. C. Spearing (of the "Comet" staff) treasurer, and Mr. A. V. N. Shaw secretary .

Cup and Medals.

The Cup presented by Mr. Hunt was won in the first year by Kingston, and Mr. Valentine Knapp, a Vice-President, kindly presented the players with very attractive medals, the Borough Arms in gold being displayed on a silver shield. I recollect that there was some little trouble with the manufacturers over the delay in delivering these medals, or some small default connected with them, and I had to write and complain about it. The manufacturers at first were inclined to resent this but, following a little good tempered sarcasm in one of my letters, they made the amende honourable and not only sent me an extra medal for my own use, which I still have, but were good enough for some time after to consult me with reference to heraldic designs of other medals they were asked to make.
The great event of the League's first season was the match played against the North Middlesex League. As I have said, this was one of the strongest combinations round London, and we felt we were "up against it." However, we gave a lot of attention to the selection of our team and eventually the game was played on the Fairfield, and we won by the sufficient margin of 3 goals to 1. We were indebted largely for this result to the clever work of I. T. Townsend at centre forward. He had recently signed on for Kingston, but had been playing for Surbiton Hill. His very promising career came to a tragic end soon after, for he was drowned while bathing in the Thames the following summer. His cries for help were most regrettably unheeded by some folk near by in boats who thought he was merely joking, and when assistance reached him it was too late.
Our first season was quite a success from the playing point of view, although I think one team withdrew before the end of the period, but financially we found ourselves in a bad way. In our enthusiasm we had published a very complete handbook, with photographs of leading players, etc. and found later that the expense incurred exceeded our whole revenue out of which ordinary working expenses had to be paid. As an advertisement it may have been worth the money, but at the time it threatened to bring the new League to a speedy dissolution. However, by the kindness of Mr. Spearing, who took the matter up and who kept a very firm grip over our finances for the next two or three seasons until we had got into a state of solvency again, we got over this difficulty.

A Little Rift.

In our second season the championship was won by Brentford F.C., who were then running an amateur team. I believe the club took up professionalism soon after. They were the first club to induce a Kingston player to join the ranks of the paid players, our outside left, "Ebbie" Andrews playing for them in that position. I remember that we were put into a somewhat difficult position that season. Interest in local football had been greatly stimulated by the League, and the committee felt that the accommodation provided at the Cricketers would be insufficient for the supporters who would attend the meeting held for distribution of the cups and medals, and it was arranged to hold this at the Kingston Hotel. Our old friend Mr. Hunt, it will be understood, felt rather hurt about this, and I fancy something was said which led him to harden his heart and decline to hand over the cup, which was in his keeping, except at his own hotel. So that the Brentford team had to be content to take away their medals, leaving the cup behind them. However, this impasse was only temporary; mutual regrets were expressed. The League meetings were restored to the Cricketers and the cup sent to the winners. I mention the matter merely to show how easily difficulties may arise where action is taken without very full consideration and consultation with all interested parties. On the retirement of Alderman Walker in 1900, the League honoured me by appointing me its President, which position I held for five years, during which period I acted as referee regularly in League games, and it was only the calls made on my time by the County Association and in other ways that led me to discontinue active and direct work for the League.

Flourishing Organisation.

I am proud to have been associated with its inception, for the Kingston and District League has more than justified all we ever hoped for it. It is now a flourishing organisation with a membership of about 60 clubs, all operating within six miles of the Coronation stone. The clubs play in five divisions, each having its appropriate trophy, and besides carrying out a keen and interesting competition also take their part in the local efforts for charity with most successful results. I have often thought what a dominating power in Surrey football the League might be, but has never troubled to be. For many years I believe it had no kind of representation on the Council. I was of course always prepared to further its interests, but was not in active touch with the League. Leagues as such had no claim to nominate a representative, and it has only been in the last few years that one or two of the League clubs are have succeeded in getting representatives elected to the County Committee. Matters that affect the convenience of Kingston clubs are discussed and frequently settled by gentlemen who are not always actuated by any particular regard for or knowledge of local conditions and circumstances, and it rests with the Kingston clubs themselves to say how far they wish to make their presence felt at headquarters. Each club is entitled to have two votes at the Surrey general meeting, so that any nominations made by League clubs, or any resolution framed by the League, might be backed by some 100 votes or more?- sufficient to outweigh any adverse voting from the London area. Just fancy ! A resolution might conceivably be carried that the Kingstonians should be allowed to play a Charity Final on their own ground for once. The mind boggles at the thought but "verbum sap"!

Kingston Minervas.

Before turning from the affairs of the Kingston League which, happily, needs no "writing up" now to promote its success, I would like to refer to my last association with it. When my son, Councillor Blake Carn, left school he was rather too youthful and inexperienced to gain a place in the Kingston reserve team, quite a strong junior side, so that for three seasons prior to the war he played in the ranks of Kingston Minerva, one of the League clubs. It was quite a small club, only mustering about 15 or 16 playing members, and I naturally took considerable interest in it. I found them quite the old-fashioned type of amateur sportsmen, paying their own expenses, playing a good keen game, and not very much concerned with cups or medals so long as they enjoyed good games. The outbreak of war led to calling up of most, if not all, of the active members, and I think at the end of that dreadful period of the regular playing members only my boy and one other were left of the Minerva XI.
No other club had lost such a heavy proportion of members, and it was, I believe, the only local club which was practically "wiped out" beyond any chance of reconstruction. I would like to think that the League will not altogether forget the good work of Tommy Bird, its secretary, and those very gallant gentlemen who once constituted the Minerva F.C.

Part Six- 10th Oct 1928- See article in original format

SOME LEAGUE MATCHES.
[ ARTICLE VI. : BY WILLIAM G. CARN.]

I think it was in the season of 1896-7 that we decided to "go Senior." (Note the season was actually 1894-1895) We had met with no success in the Junior Cup Competition, but we felt we were only retarding our own development by limiting our energies to that class of football. Our second string was quite good enough to make a show among junior clubs, and our entry in the Senior Competition might very well lead to an improvement of the first XI .
Our usual luck followed this ambitious essay; we were drawn against Weybridge in the very first round, they being by far the strongest team in the county. At that time they were captained by George Cotterill, who, with G. J. Veitch, formed the Corinthian and England left-wing, and were one of the most effective pairs that ever appeared in that position. They also played in the same position for Weybridge, who had Basil Pares and another well-known player (whose name I cannot recall) in the front rank. Harold Wetton, a famous Old Westminster player, was at centre half, and other first-class men appeared in the red, white and black colours of Weybridge. The match was played on the Fairfield, and we went down heavily, the score being 12-0 against us. As a matter of fact the game was far from uninteresting. Percy Lloyd played the game of his life at half back. It was quite amusing to see Cotterill, who must have scaled about 14 stone, being worried by Lloyd, who probably touched 9 stone 6 lbs. On one occasion Lloyd took the ball and slipped through the burly Corinthian's legs with it! Another player who distinguished himself, in spite of the heavy score against him, was our goal-keeper, and I think, Mr H. G. Hodder, of London-road "kept" for us at that time (Note: there is no mention in reports of Hodder playing any games for the club including this one) . I remember that Weybridge were courteous enough on that occasion to allow us to play a substitute till our proper custodian arrived, as he was not ready at the start of the match. I have alluded to this old-time courteous practice before. Unhappily modern football legislators have rendered it impossible now.
At that time we played matches regularly with a very pleasant and capable side known as Croydon Park, and they happened to meet us the week after our defeat by Weybridge and made merry at our expense. This proved the wisdom of the maxim that "he laughs best who laughs last," for in the next round of the Senior Cup the Park team were themselves drawn against Weybridge and went down a trifle worse than we had done : 13-0.

Against West Croydon.

In our next season we did somewhat better; we were drawn against West Croydon at Croydon (note: this was actually 4 seaons later). They were one of the strongest clubs in the competition, but we managed to draw with them at two goals all- a feat which was described in the Press as "the surprise of the round." As a matter of fact we should really have been returned the winners, for Ebbie Andrews, receiving a long pass near goal, put the ball through and was promptly given "off-side" by the referee, who had not noticed that a Croydon back actually touched the ball in a vain attempt to stop its passage up to Andrews. On the replay at Kingston we made one or two changes in our team, which, unfortunately, did not prove any improvement, and we lost by 2 goals to 1.
I do not know whether we have, as a club, had more than our share of bad luck; sometimes I think we have. The match in question is always linked in my memory with a shocking accident to my brother-in-law, Frank G. White, who played for us for one or two seasons while he was qualifying as a marine engineer in London. He wrote me as to this match that he would run down and have a last kick for Kingston, as he had to join a ship at Barry Dock on the following Sunday. He played his customary effective game at back for us and left for Wales that evening. On the following day he met with a severe accident on the railway line in the docks, which might very well have deprived him of his life. Owing largely to his indomitable pluck he made a wonderful recovery, and though he could take no further part in athletics he, like so many others, still retains considerable interest in the club, and those old members who knew him will be glad to learn that he is still hale and hearty. Members of the team of his day were Cunliffe, who captained the side, Robinson, S. Harris, Cyril Richards, and Dabell (another Isle of Wight man).

Senior Cup Won at Last.

It was a long time before we attained our ambition to win the Senior Cup. We went near it in 1907, when we met Clapham in the final. At that time Fred J. Hudson, Admirable Crichton of athletics, was captain, equally good at forward or full back, a fine cricketer, a competent tennis player, a trained singer and possessor of other personal attractions which simply resulted in hero-worship on the part of the school boys of Kingston, over whom his influence was unbounded, and I have often thought the Education Committee did not display any great acumen in allowing him to leave the town. Besides Hudson we had the ever popular Bertie Grant, T Rutherford Seed and other men all connected with the scholastic profession in the team; all good examples of the all-round Englishman, equally capable at work or at play.
We had our usual bad luck in regard to the Clapham match, which was played on Easter Monday. On the previous Saturday we had played a League game in which our opponents had endeavoured to barge their way to victory by mere physical force where football tactics failed. They did not win, but they effectually lamed Hudson, and, in a less degree, Grant and another player, and so we turned out for our final with three "crocks" in the team. Hudson was really not fit to play, but no doubt as captain he felt it his duty to turn out. He was a mere shadow of his real self at back, and his inability to run at any pace led to our undoing. Grant played well and pluckily till towards the end of the game, when his injuries began to tell, and in the end the score against us was 3-1.
It was reserved for the Old Kingstonians to bring the Senior Cup to Kingston for the first time in 1911, and it last graced our table in 1925, following a victory over Redhill.
Before turning from our early cup days I would like to express my regret that such excellent clubs as West Croydon and Croydon Park have long since gone under, and it is surprising that a large district like Croydon has no senior club.
My friend, Mr. W.E.Dobb, of Surrey, is looking after the rising generation at Croydon, and has, in promoting the Youths' Cup Competition, laid a foundation from which I hope big events may arise, but Croydon seems to want a local A. V. N Shaw to start a League and other enthusiasts to revive the old-time reputation of the Senior Club.

East and West Surrey League.

Kingston's other early activities as a senior club were connected with the East and West League. This body, formed originally as the West Surrey League, was, I believe, established before the County Association itself, but had languished in the early ninetie's for lack of members. Its sphere was extended to include East Surrey clubs, and, under Mr. J. P. Asher's guidance, a very successful competition was carried on for some years- Kingston, Woking, Walton, Addlestone ( with A. H. Bell as captain ), Chertsey, Camberley, Dorking, Guildford and Godalming, with one or two other teams taking part.
We had many enjoyable games, particularly with Woking. We usually beat them on their own ground, and they invariably repaid us in our own coin by winning at Kingston; but the games were always played in a particularly friendly spirit, which, I hope, still prevails at our less frequent meetings with them since they went into "higher class" football (all Isthmian Leaguers, please rise and bow!). Our great ambition in this League was to beat Guildford. The "county town" had a strong team then. In Arnold, Bewsey and Gwyn they had a defence which was very hard to beat. The players mentioned represented Surrey on many occasions, and they had other strong players. However, we succeeded in beating them at Kingston in Cunliffe's time. I remember Sid Harris running through to score the winning goal for us with a shot which went in off the bar, the score being 2-1, but for several seasons we could never do the trick on the Guildford ground.
Fred Hudson eventually crowned his many successes by scoring a goal in a hard-fought match there which was sufficient to give us the victory- it was a wonderful single-handed effort. He was playing forward in that match, and, taking the ball near the half-way line, put in a dazzling dribble, beating several opponents, and finished with a careful shot just beyond the goalkeeper's outstretched hands. I much hope that, in spite of the professional opposition, the Guildford F. C. may still revive their former high status and meet the support they deserve.
In 1903-4, in addition to playing in this League, we played also in the London League. It made a very heavy call upon the team, and my recollection is that the experiment was not satisfactory from any point of view, and in the following seasons the first XI. contented themselves with the Surrey Competition only, and the second XI., rising into notice with such players as W. H. O. Steer, A. M. Daniel, G. Birch, Danny Emms, and others, represented us with distinction in the Junior Cup and Kingston League circles.

Part Seven- 17th Oct 1928- See article in original format

Changes in Play and in Rules.

[Article VII.; BY WILLIAM G. CARN]

In the course of years there have naturally been several modifications in the rules and the methods of playing the game, and before concluding my notes in relation to the Kingston Club I want to refer to some of these alterations.
When I first saw Aston Villa play - it was against Edinburgh University -I think in 1883, the formation of the team was six forwards and two half-backs. It might seem that this must have rendered the work of the backs extremely arduous, but I think there was no undue advantage to the attack in that formation. For one thing individual dribbling was practised considerably more than it has been in later times, and the rules as to passing and throwing-in corresponded to those still in force in the Rugby game- the ball could not be passed forward and the throw-in had to be straight. And so the halves were not easily put out of position, and the whole defence held their own quite adequately, as was shown by the scoring, which was very similar to that obtaining under present conditions.
I think a definite defect was that the two centre players frequently got in each other's way, and when one of them eventually was relegated to the half-back line, leaving only five forwards, and the forward pass allowed, it made for a faster and better game. In this respect it is interesting to note that the present forward positional play - known as the W formation - is only a reversion to the methods of early years; it was always insisted that directly a team lost the initiative and were being attacked the inside forwards should drop back to assist the defence till the ball could be sent up to the extreme wing men or to the centre, when the inside players would again close up and complete the line of attack.

Corinthian Style Preferred.

It has been for some time a matter of discussion as to how the separate units in the forward line should be met by the defence- formerly the wing halves marked the wing forwards, and the backs were left to deal with the inside forwards, the centre-half looked after the opposing centre, and the backs were left to deal with the inside forwards, which left the backs fairly much in the middle of the ground and able to cover their own goal. Modern professional football has adopted the other method. i.e., the halves concentrate and check the inside players, leaving the wing men to be tackled by the backs. The Corinthian style, however, still adheres to the former method, which I am quite sure is the correct one. The backs now are frequently to be seen right out on the touch line, and then if they are beaten by the winger have to make a frantic and often futile dash towards goal, hoping to get there in time to check the rush of the on-coming inside players. With the scope given to forwards by the modern off-side rule anything which tends to put the backs out of position is a source of danger- how many goals one sees scored to-day where the scorer has a clear run up to the unprotected goalkeeper! And how many dangerous runs are started because the speedy winger, lying out on the touch line, is not shadowed by the half-back and gets into his stride before the back can come across to challenge him. And so with much respect for the professional footballer, I prefer the old Corinthian model- the formation adopted by such brilliant exponents of the game as P.M. and A. M. Walters, Wreford-Brown, Holden-White and Middleditch.

Goalkeeping in Former Days.

The goalkeeper of to-day of course enjoys an easy and sheltered position compared to the days of Swepstone, Moon, Mills-Roberts, and other great custodians; there was no protective "goal area" - the keeper was allowed "to use his hands in defence of his own goal," and it was left to the referee to decide how far out and in what circumstances handling the ball might be in defence of goal - the "goalie" could be charged although not playing the ball, and the practice was, as soon as a wing forward put in a long shot, for his centre forward to put his head down and propel the goalkeeper with some violence into the net.
I remember very well seeing Dr. Mills-Roberts, who kept goal for the famous Preston North End in their palmy days, being carried into goal on the shoulders of the opposing centre-forward, but cleverly pushing out a shot from that precarious position. "Bob" Roberts, the famous custodian of the old West Bromwich Albion, offered considerable refutation of the accepted idea that a goalkeeper should, when possible, use his hands. He was a very tall man and habitually played in long white trousers, cut in somewhat nautical style over the feet, and he used his feet in defence whenever possible. On a dirty day I need hardly say the result of his efforts was indicated very plainly on the legs of his erstwhile "whites."
But Roberts was a genius, and much latitude is allowable to those superior beings- I cannot advise the Kingstonian goalie to copy either his mode of dress or defence. Reference to the West Bromwich team reminds me that their famous outside right, Billy Bassett, whom I unhesitatingly assert to be the finest winger I have seen, is, I believe, still actively controlling the affairs of the "Throstles" as a director of the club.

The Triangular Attack.

It was the Preston team, who, in their great days, perfected the triangular attack on the part of the wing players with their half-back in support- either forward when checked and unable to pass the ball to his colleague would heel it back to the close following half, who sent it up smartly to the other forward, by which time forward No. 1 had shaken off his opponent and was again ready to accept a pass- a very effective plan of campaign.
I would like to mention the method of low passing by which the Everton team some years ago won the League Championship. The plan adopted was to avoid all "lofting" the ball. The backs sent passes along the ground to their halves, who in similar manner fed their forwards. I don't think in a general way this method would prove the best to adhere to, but they brought it to a very high pitch of perfection, and it was successful, at any rate for a time, and when one sees the deplorable waste of effort by many of the lofty "passes" of today one sighs - if not for the severe ground passing of this kind - for the well judged low trajectory kicks of W.J. Oakley and C.B.Fry.

The Offside Rule.

The present off-side rule is of course another concession to the footballer who does not care so much for brains as for weeding out such advantage as they may confer and reducing everyone to a state of level mediocrity, but it has removed the difficulty raised by thousands of players and spectators who steadfastly declined to read or to attempt to understand the old rule, has saved the referee from a lot of unmerited abuse, and has undoubtedly quickened up the game without leading to the glut of goals anticipated. And there is really still a chance for enterprising forwards to get a good advantage under the rule, so I will not really complain of the amendment. I would like to point out, however, the prevailing custom of referees in adjudging a player off-side quite regardless of the fact that he is not near the ball and not interfering with any player, is not in accordance with the note on the rule promulgated by the F.A. This point and the question of charging by a fair shoulder to shoulder charge are matters requiring a great deal more consideration by many referees, who simply will not allow anything like a charge, however fairly made, by which a player may be sent to grass, while one sees tremendous amount of tricks, which should be foreign to the game, pass unchecked.

Intentional Handling.

One of the great blots on the game is the amount of intentional handling that one sees in the penalty area. It is, of course, rather a dangerous risk, but it is sometimes a risk which the back deliberately takes, knowing what a large percentage of spot kicks fail. I would have the rule altered so that in case of two deliberate offences by a player in the penalty area, or the repetition of such offence after previous warning in any other part of the field, it should be treated as a ground for sending off, and I think the penalty area itself might very well be extended to a line drawn 25 yards from the goal line, so that any offence for which a penalty kick is given might be penalised in a larger area than the present penalty area. Anything which may eliminate the penalty kick from the game altogether would, to my mind, be a boon, for a penalty goal is the most unsatisfactory feature of the game, but sending a man off unfortunately means in many cases loss of wages and hardship on innocent people. But among amateur players no quarter should be given to the intentional offender.

Referees and Umpires.

I have said that in my early days we played without referees or umpires other than the captains of the teams; the later stage of development saw two umpires and a referee, and the method of working was that if the two umpires agreed and signalled agreement by raising their flags the referee was bound to stop the game and award the prescribed penalty, or if one umpire raised his flag and the referee agreed with him he could act similarly. This system worked very well, and it was always certain that two out of three officials were in agreement. The method was altered in favour of a sole referee mainly on the grounds that it was difficult and expensive to get three independent judges for every match; but today in all competitions one finds that neutral three men have to be appointed, and as they as well as the referee are paid - not only their expenses but a fee - for their services, there is no reason at all why the best of three opinions should not again prevail and the referee be relieved from the responsibility in giving decisions which are often (by precedent of position or other reason) quite incorrect and which the two linesmen (or umpires) would have agreed to decide differently.

The Right and Wrong Kind of Referee.

I am bound to say that I think the practice of turning all referees and linesmen into professionals, i.e., persons who follow a sporting occupation for reward, has not improved the type of official. In the old days when a player got a little too old to continue playing he continued to satisfy his sporting proclivity by acting as a referee, bringing his practical experience to the game and a character moulded by the training and influences that some years of actual play had brought to bear upon him; but recently one finds young men of no experience as players, and sadly lacking in anything like personality, taking up the difficult and delicate task of refereeing, lured thereto by the opportunity afforded of adding to an afternoon's enjoyment a quite substantial sum of money; and while there are no doubt many exceptions, I do not think the same good type of man is found today either in professional or amateur matches.
At the same time I would appeal most strongly for implicit acceptance of a referee's decision, whether he be a good, bad, or merely indifferent performer, and perhaps the moral support given him by the knowledge that spectators are with him and not hostile will have effect of drawing his very best out of him, leading to the firm but kindly manner, the all-seeing eyes and the understanding intelligence which mark the perfect referee.

(Many thanks to Peter Pepperrell who translated this article in full from the original JPG reports).