CHARLES FORD SMITH - PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLER
Charles Ford Smith, the fourth child of John and Annie Smith of 4, then later, 20 Alexandra Street, was born in Victoria Garesfield in August 1898. His father, John Smith, originally from Newcastle, had arrived in Victoria Garesfield around 1891 and by 1901 was employed as a deputy overman at the colliery. Ten years later, in the 1911 census, he gives his profession as ‘keeker’, or inspector, at bank, and Charles’ elder brother, James, is recorded as working as a driver in the mine. Charles may have worked at Victoria Garesfield before serving in the Royal Artillery in WW1. Upon his return home after the war, Charles played for the local football team Spen Black & White. |
HIGH SPEN BLACK AND WHITE
The Black & White were a leading local team, and had won the Northern Alliance league in 1914/15; the Northern Alliance league being a feeder to the North Eastern league - the best league in the region. At that time, they played the likes of Blyth Spartans and Newcastle Reserves in cup competitions and also played in the FA cup qualifying rounds. Photo opposite: Northern Alliance league standings from 1919-1920. |
Charles played the 1920-21 season for the Black & White, including two cup finals.
Presumably, as the Black & White was such a strong team locally, in April 1921 Charles was spotted and signed by one of the nationally then leading teams: Bolton Wanderers.
Presumably, as the Black & White was such a strong team locally, in April 1921 Charles was spotted and signed by one of the nationally then leading teams: Bolton Wanderers.
FOOTBALL NEWS…. In view of the fact that Bolton visit Burnley next Saturday…The people are not regretting giving chance their young half-back Charlie Smith… This boy played a very polished game on Saturday. He signed at the opening of the season from Spen Black and White in the North-Eastern Alliance, and, like Longworth, is a Newcastle boy. Twenty-one years of age, he is 5ft 11 in. and weighs 11st. 71b.
Extract from article in the Burnley News - Wednesday 22 February 1922 |
After playing just a few games for Bolton Wanderers, in January 1923 Charles transferred to Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic, playing for them on a regular basis until September 1928 when it is believed his career ended due to injury.
One of the highlights of Charles’s career as a professional footballer was a replay match against Liverpool in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. Charles and his team mates had held Liverpool to a draw at home, but lost in the replay. Nonetheless, it meant that Charles played at Anfield; Liverpool being a leading side even then.
In 1928, Charles returned to the local area and again took up with Spen Black & Whites, playing with the team as late as 1930.
Sadly, in early the same year Charles contracted TB and spent over a year in isolation in Wolsingham sanatorium. In April 1934, aged just 35, he died at his parents' home in Alexandra Street, Victoria Garesfield. He is buried at St Patrick's Church.
Sadly, in early the same year Charles contracted TB and spent over a year in isolation in Wolsingham sanatorium. In April 1934, aged just 35, he died at his parents' home in Alexandra Street, Victoria Garesfield. He is buried at St Patrick's Church.
Having someone from the village play for leading national teams must have been a matter of great pride for Garesfielders along with the many football enthusiasts in the surrounding villages of Highfield, High Spen and Chopwell.
Photos and information courtesy of Alan Payling, Charles' Ford Smith's grandson, February 2021.
Contribution regarding Spen Black & White gratefully received from Chris Earley.
Contribution regarding Spen Black & White gratefully received from Chris Earley.