1893/94 Season - The Players

Personnel and Style

The squad was a mixture of local players and Scotsmen and most were professionals. It was a fairly settled side with nine of the team playing in nearly every match, but the appearance of a number of players for one or two matches resulted in 26 players being used in all.

On the whole they were a smaller, lighter team than many of their opponents. They played a short passing game which was occasionally varied with an opportune "rush" at the opponents citadel.

Pay and Conditions

At the beginning of the season the players were asked to accept a reduction in wages. A number were not prepared to do this and left the club including James Collins, Harry Reay, Jock Sorley and Andrew Ramsay. This severely weakened United's squad and it took a while for the club to recover.

They set up a desperate search for new blood. Players such as Keir and Inglis were brought down from Scotland on trial but neither proved a success. The club had more success from the local leagues and Willis (from Shankhouse) and Lowery (Blyth) established themselves in the side.

It wasn't easy for the players in those days - especially on away trips - as United could not afford overnight hotel stays so they had to travel down the night before or on the morning of the match. Hardly ideal preparation therefore United's relatively poor away form could be excused.

There were not many "extras" for the players although they did get a present after winning at Small Heath and on the eve of the FA Cup tie with Bolton they were taken to The Royal Theatre to see Dick Whittington; popular manager Mr J Shaw allowing them their own private box.

Some tradition footballing connections were already in existence as captain Graham became mine host at The Duke of Sutherland Hotel on Clayton Street.

Discipline

Some players could be quite difficult and the club faced problems retaining discipline. Left back Miller was a good/bad example as he didn't turn up for training because he didn't like it! He was dropped, suspended and eventually shipped out.