ALTRINCHAM FC PLAYERS OF 1947-48
The following text is by A. Hughes, Vice-Chairman of Altrincham FC from the Cheshire League Challenge Cup Final programme, v. Macclesfield, 28 April, 1948. Information below in italics is courtesy of Terry Rowley.
After a long lapse Altrincham and Macclesfield appear again in the Final of the Cheshire County League Challenge Cup. It was in season 1932-33 that the Moss Laners were successful whilst "Macc" have twice held the trophy -the seasons being 1924-25 and 1931-32, so whichever team wins it is certainly not out of turn.
When Altrincham were the winners Alf Steward, the goalkeeper, had the unique experience of playing on both sides. This is how it came about. Steward was player-rv,anager with the Manchester North End Club who were also in the Final, and the tie was played at North End's ground and resulted in a draw. There was no time left to re-play the game as it was on the last day of the sllason, so it was played at Moss Lane early in the following season and, in the meantlme, Steward had been appointed player-manager for Altrincham and played in the Altrincham goal.
Both Macclesfield and Altrincham have been very inconsistent in the League games but have shown fighting spirit in the Challenge Cup engagements, After a draw in the Semi-final on their own ground Macc put up an excellent performance to beat Mossley at Seel Park. Altrincham also gave their best display of the season in beating South Liverpool by the odd goal. Therefore to-day's game should be a battle royal. If the game is a draw at the end of 90 minutes, the replay will be at Macclesfield on Friday night, April 30th.
Here are Pen Pictures of some of the players.
Jack MILLS, the Altrincham Captain and full back, secured from Chester early in the season, came as a centre-half, but made a success of the full back position. Kicks, best with left foot but prefers right back. One of the few players Altrincham have paid a transfer fee for. Cool and resourceful. Jack (John) Mills was born in Bagillt on 19 December 1920. 12st and 6 0” tall, he played for Chester (05/1946), 1946/47, Altrincham 1947-48, 48-49 (91 games 0 goals) and Distillery 49/50 (Ireland)
Neil BALDWIN came as an Amateur. Soon signed pro. Spotted playing for Langdale, a local side, a young player [goalkeeper] of promise. He played for Altrincham 1946-47 (am.), (Pro) 47-48,48-49, 49-50, Wellington (champions 50/51 51/52, 52/53), Congleton Town 54/55, Altrincham 1957-58, 59-60. Altrincham Trainer 1960/61. Played 102 games for the club.
LANGDON, a half back with a good style, Amateur, formerly with Stockport County. a half back with a good style, Amateur, formerly with Stockport County. Played 13 games for Alty.
WHITTAKER, big and robust centre half, Amateur secured from Newton Heath Loco. Altrincham 1948/49, played 19 games 0 goals.
Terry HESSION, left back, a pro., strong and forceful, on his day a grand player. Manchester United Wartime player (1944/55, 1 game), Altrincham 1946-47, 47-48, 48-49. Died of TB. Played 121 games and scored 6 goals for Altrincham
PORTER, an amateur, his speciality good distribution. 23 games 1 goal
KEGGANS, secured from Stalybridge, a pro., form in and out but a good player on his day. 32 games 3 goals
Albert FOULDS, robust and a good schemer, a pro., product of the reserve side. Albert Foulds was born in Salford, 8 August 1919. He played for Altrincham in 1938/39, 46-47,47-48, Chester (08/48) 1949/50, Rochdale (09/50) 1950/51-52/53, Crystal Palace (07/53) 1953/54, Crewe (01/54) 1953/54), Congleton Town 54/55. As an Altrincham pre-war player he appeared in 9 games plus 59 games 32 goals.
Walter JONES, big and strong, runs like a deer, highly popular with the crowd, How many goals? Ask Walter. Captain of Rochdale Cricket Club, played for Rochdale in 3rd Division. Walter Jones was born in Rochdale, 9 January 1925. Played for St Chads, Rochdale (11/46) 1946/47 2 appearances and 2 goals. He scored 29 goals for Rochdale Reserves including 3 hat tricks, Altrincham 1947-48, 48-49, 49-50, 50-51, 51-52, 52-53. He was an amateur. However, he signed professional Rugby League terms with Rochdale Hornets 1952/53 and died 15 May, 2001 – (See Alty Legendsfor more)
Cyril BARCLAY, amateur, very popular, quick thinker and good ball control, matured with Altrincham Amateurs. Played 359 games and scored 88 goals for Altrincham. 1946/47-55/56. He was player/trainer for Altrincham Reserves 1956/57. His brother Alan also played for Altrincham.
John CHAPMAN, a relative of the late Herbert Chapman, manager of Arsenal, and also related to Major Buckley, now manager of Leeds United. An amateur, former clubs Hull City and Shrewsbury. He joined from Hull City and played for Altrincham just in the 1947-48 season. He was 5ft '7ins tall and weighed 11st 2lb. He played 16 games, scoring 2 goal.
Gardiner BROWN. an Irishman, a pro. formerly with Ashton United, good body swerve, plays right or left inside, has been off with a thigh injury. He was at Altrincham for 1947-48 as a 22year old Ulsterman. He played 14 games and scored 9 goal.
LEWIS, wing half, good in a tackle and a good shot. Ex Rhyl, he played for Altrincham in 1947-48 in 41 games and scored 6 goals.