John Wildsmith

John Bennison Wildsmith (17 June 1911 – 11 January 2003) was an English footballer who played as an inside right or outside right in the Football League for Darlington. He also played for Darlington Grammar School Old Boys.[1]

For the Australian cricketer, see John Wildsmith (cricketer).

John Wildsmith
Personal information
Full name John Bennison Wildsmith[1]
Date of birth (1911-06-17)17 June 1911[1]
Place of birth Darlington,[1] England
Date of death 11 January 2003(2003-01-11) (aged 91)[2]
Place of death Darlington, England
Position(s) Inside right, outside right
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
– Darlington Grammar School O.B.
192?–1934 Darlington 6 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Life and career

Wildsmith was born in Darlington, County Durham, and played football for Darlington Grammar School Old Boys team before joining Darlington F.C.[1] He was playing for their North Eastern League team by January 1929, at outside right in a visit to Hartlepools United's reserves.[3] In October 1930, against Carlisle United's reserves, he was "a danger spot throughout the game" and scored twice as Darlington came back from a three-goal deficit to draw the match.[4] He made his first-team debut the following season, playing at inside right against Stockport County on 14 November 1931, and turned a pass smartly to Mitchell, who with a characteristic cross-shot flashed the ball into the net" for Darlington's opening goal in a 2–0 win.[5] He made only six appearances in the Football League side, the last of which was in the 1933–34 season.[1]

He was also a keen cricketer and played cricket for Darlington and Durham.

Wildsmith died in Darlington in January 2003 at the age of 91.[2]

References
  1. Joyce, Michael (2004). Football League Players' Records 1888 to 1939. Nottingham: SoccerData. p. 280. ISBN 978-1-899468-67-6.
  2. "Mr John Bennison Wildsmith". England Death Records, 1998-2015. Retrieved 18 June 2020 – via FamilySearch.org.
  3. "United Reserves v. Darlington Res". Northern Daily Mail. West Hartlepool. 12 January 1929. p. 8 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  4. "Carlisle lose a three goals lead". Lancashire Daily Post. 27 October 1930. p. 9 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  5. "Bad temper at Darlington". Yorkshire Post. 16 November 1931. p. 15 – via British Newspaper Archive.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.