Jerry Best was an outstanding goalkeeper. On many occasions it was only his sheer brilliance that saved City from severe drubbings. Best was however, an unlikely goalkeeper, for he was a slight figure, standing only Sft 7inches. Not surprisingly he is City's shortest ever keeper and was a talking point at away games. Despite his size he was an outstanding custodian and was watched frequently by representatives of First Division clubs. After he claimed his place over Christmas 1920 he missed only seven games in six years, all through injury, and he became the first player to make 200 League & Cup appearances for City - at Southampton on the last day of the 1924-25 season. City's financial problems in 1926 resulted in all players being offered reduced wages. Best refused to sign and he surprisingly did not find a new club until the start of the new season. Ironically he joined Halifax Town from whom City had acquired Best's replacement Jimmy Newton. He only played 9 matches for The Shaymen and 26 for Rotherham.
Penalties faced (22 - 1 saved)
1920-21
21 December 1920 v Rochdale A, FA Cup 6th Qualifying Round Replay, scored - T Byrom
26 February 2021 v Stockport County A, Division Two, scored - Westby Heath
19 March 2021 v Clapton Orient H, Division Two, scored - George Bradbury
30 April 2021 v Barnsley A, Division Two, scored - Jimmy Spoors
1921-22
5 November 1921 v Derby County A, Division Two, scored - Harry Wightman
10 December 1921 v West Ham United A, Division Two, scored - Syd Puddefoot
24 December 1921 v The Wednesday H, Division Two, scored - Archie Ratcliffe
1922-23
30 September 1922 v Manchester United A, Division Two, scored - Bill Henderson
28 October 1922 v Derby County A, Division Two, scored - Harry Wightman
18 November 1922 v Stockport County A, Division Two, scored - Tommy Green
19 December 1922 v Fulham A, Division Two, scored - Jimmy Torrance
19 December 1922 v Fulham A, Division Two, scored - Jimmy Torrance
31 March 1923 v Barnsley A, Division Two, scored - Ernie Hine
1923-24
25 August 1923 v Barnsley H, Division Two, saved - Brough Fletcher
1924-25
25 October 1924 v Port Vale A, Division Two, scored - Jack Maddock
20 December 1924 v Derby County A, Division Two, scored - Albert Fairclough
1 January 1925 v South Shields A, Division Two, scored - Mick RidleÂ
7 February 1925 v Bradford City A, Division Two, scored - Reuben ButlerÂ
1925-26
5 September 1925 v Southport A, Division Three (North), scored - Billy Tyler
10 October 1925 v Barrow A, Division Three (North), scored - Ben Brelsford
31 October 1925 v Grimsby Town A, Division Three (North), scored - Jimmy Carmichael
28 November 1925 v Worksop Town A, FA Cup 1st Round, scored - Spink
