Singers FC – The key figures

Lionel Bird takes a detailed look at some of the key figures in the history of Singers FC

WILLIE STANLEY (1883-1885)

Willie was born in Birmingham on 12 February 1861, although his family originated from Wolverhampton.  He came to Coventry in 1881 having secured employment as a bicycle machinist at the Singer factory, situated in Alma Street, Hillfields.  Willie was the primary force behind the formation of the football club on 13 August 1883 and became its first secretary/manager.  He was first mentioned as a player on 7 November 1885.  He played at centre-forward against the Royal Artillery team in a match which Singers won 12-1.  Willie left Coventry in 1885 and established his own bicycle business in the Ryecroft district of Walsall.  He returned to our city at the turn of the century and commenced business with his brother, Enoch, who was a pioneer in the local motorcycle manufacturing sector.  The Stanley Cycle Company was based in Day’s Lane, Hillfields and was acquired by George Singer in 1905.  Circumstantial evidence suggests Willie finished his working career as an employee of the Humber Company.  Willie died aged 72 at his home, 27 Charterhouse Road, Coventry on 13 June 1933.

GEORGE EDWARD BOWERS (1883-1888)

George was born in Wolverhampton on 28 December 1865.  He was the step-brother of Willie Stanley and present at the meeting which formed the football club.  The Bowers family moved from Wolverhampton to Coventry in 1882 after George had secured employment as a bicycle machinist at the Singer factory.  He predominantly played as an outside right (right winger).  He retired from football at the end of the 1887/1888 season having made just three appearances during that campaign.  He later became a fried fish dealer owning premises in Much Park Street.  According to the 1911 Census George was proprietor of a fried fish saloon situated in King William Street, Hillfields, near to the Highfield Road Stadium.  He finished his working career as a watchmaker and resided at 54 Hill Street, city centre.  George died aged 85 at High View Hospital, Exhall on 8 March 1951.

HENRY HATHAWAY (1883-1888)

Henry was born in Aston, Birmingham on 27 April 1858.  He moved to Coventry around 1880 and lived at 22 Yardley Street, Hillfields.  He was employed at the Singer factory and was present at the meeting when the football club was formed.  Henry replaced Willie Stanley as secretary/manager at the beginning of the 1885/1886 season.  Lack of match reports in our local press make it impossible to state how many games he played for Singers F.C.  Henry was a centre-half and his last known appearance was against Langley Green Victoria (Oldbury) on 7 April 1888.  He also played rugby union football for the Singer XV.  Sometime around 1890 he acquired a job with the Humber Company.  He later became a committee member of the Rudge Football Club, Singers’ arch rivals.  In 1901 Henry and his family were living in Hunslet, Yorkshire.  He was employed as a bicycle fitter.  After the death of his wife in 1925, he moved to Leeds, residing with his brother, Frederick.  Henry died aged 69 at 123 Beckett Street, Leeds on 26 November 1927.

JOSEPH CHARLES COLLINS (1883-1895)

Joe Collins was born in Lyndon, West Bromwich on 25 September 1867.  He came to Coventry in 1882 having acquired a job as a bicycle machinist at the Singer factory.  He is a founder member of the football club.  Joe and his family resided at 48 Highfield Road from 1894 until the turn of the century.  He made over 45 appearances as a defender.  His last game for Singers F.C. was against Small Heath Reserves on 22 February 1890, in which he suffered a serious injury within the first five minutes.  Joe attempted to tackle Bushill, the Small Heath forward.  Collins stumbled, the two players collided and Bushill landed on Joe’s head.  Collins lay on the pitch completely motionless.  Fortunately, a local practitioner, Doctor Ratcliffe, was present at the game.  He attended to Joe and realised he was paralysed with a severe spine injury.  Ratcliffe arranged for Joe to go to Queens Hospital by taxi-cab.  After examination, some doctors feared Joe could be dead within the hour.  Thankfully he survived and left the hospital on 17 March, but his football career was over.  Joe received in excess of £50 from a special benefit fund introduced to offset any potential loss of factory wages.  He proceeded to serve as a regular committee member of Singers F.C., acted as a linesman and also qualified as a local referee.  He replaced Edwin Kirk as secretary in 1893.  In later years Joe secured employment at the London Docks working as a Lighterman.  This involved the movement of goods via flat-bottomed barges.  Having retired he went to live with his son Hubert in Sharnford, Leicestershire.  Joe died aged 89 at the Sundial Nursing Home, Leicester, on 21 December 1956.

HENRY BANKS (1883-1892)

Affectionately known as “Little Harry” due to his diminutive stature.  He was born in Coventry on 3 December 1863.  In 1881 he was employed as a die-sinker and resided with his family in Aston, Birmingham.  He commenced his football career with Saint Savior F.C. (Saltley) before joining Saltley Villa F.C.  Henry returned to his native city in 1882 having secured employment at the Singer factory.  He attended the meeting which formed Singers F.C. the following year.  He made in excess of 64 appearances, mostly as a winger or inside forward.  His last match for the club was against Leicester Fosse on 19 November 1892.  Soon after Henry became ill with consumption which effectively finished his playing career.  However, he felt strong enough to make a guest appearance for Birmingham Southfield against Singers, on 3 December 1892.  Southfield arrived at the Stoke Road Ground with only eight players, so Henry put on his boots for a final cameo performance in a game which Singers won 13-1.  The Harry Banks Benefit Match played against Hednesford Town on 10 February 1894, raised much needed money for him and his family, as his health deteriorated.  Henry died aged 30 from consumption at home, 17 Winchester Street, Hillfields, on 28 December 1894.  His death certificate indicates he was employed as a toolmaker. 

FRANCIS MOSELEY (1883-1889)

Francis was born in Birmingham on 20 December 1864.  The 1891 Census indicates he lived at 38 Aylesford Street, Hillfields and was employed as a bicycle fitter at the Singer factory.  Francis is a founder member of the football club and attended the meeting at the Lord Aylesford Inn, situated just a few doors away from where he resided.  Lack of match reports from 1883 to 1887 make it impossible to state how many games he played.  However, more detailed reports after that indicate he made 19 appearances mainly as an inside forward.  His last match for Singers F.C. was against Aston Shakespeare (Birmingham) on 2 March 1889.  He hung his football boots up and became Singers’ regular linesman.  Francis was appointed assistant secretary to James George Morgan at the Annual General Meeting held prior to the 1889/1890 season.  He was also appointed a member of the Singers F.C. Committee and served in this capacity until 1896.  Francis died aged 60 on 31 July 1925.

SAMUEL BULLIVANT (AKA SAMUEL HEATH: 1883-1890)

Samuel was born in Birmingham on 29 January 1866.  His father, John Bullivant, had died the previous year.  Samuel left his home in Aston and came to Coventry having secured employment as a bicycle fitter at the Singer factory.  He is a founder player of the football club and played under the name of Samuel Heath, having been adopted by William Heath.  Samuel’s mother, Elizabeth Bullivant, had married William Heath in Aston in 1879.  Samuel made in excess of 42 appearances, mainly as an inside forward/centre forward.  His playing career was cut short by injury.  His last reported match for the club was the away fixture against Leicester Teachers F.C. on 25 October 1890, a game which Singers won 6-3.  In 1891 Samuel lived with his wife Jane at 50 Vernon Street, Hillfields.  Also residing there was William Cashmore, the ex-Singers player and current Principal Trainer for the club.  Samuel was appointed Assistant Trainer for Singers F.C. after retiring from playing football.  When Cashmore stepped down from his role, Samuel replaced him and served as Principal Trainer until 1908.  In 1915 he became Trainer for the Stoke Albion F.C., a local team based at the Rose & Woodbine public house situated in North Street, Upper Stoke.  His five sons all played football at local amateur level and one proceeded to become a qualified referee.  Samuel died aged 72 at 94 North Street on 13 September 1938.

JAMES GEORGE MORGAN (1888-1893)

James was born in Wolverhampton Street, Dudley on 11 September 1858.  He came to Coventry circa 1882 and lived with his wife Mary at Ryton Cottages, off Payne’s Lane.  In 1888 he became proprietor of a tobacconist shop situated in Canterbury Street, Hillfields.  James was employed as a bicycle machinist at the Singer factory, leaving his wife to run the shop.  He replaced Henry Hathaway as secretary at that time.  James often displayed his team selection for upcoming games in his shop window, which always attracted a crowd of enthusiastic local youngsters.  Morgan was an astute official with an excellent reputation, who was well respected throughout Midlands football circles.  In recognition of his achievements he was elected to the Executive Committee of the Birmingham & District Football Association in 1891.  Under his guidance Singers won four trophies in two years (1891 & 1892).  James was also a champion of promoting local football in Coventry.  He became the first chairman of the Midland Daily Telegraph Football Challenge Cup Association in 1892.  Morgan transformed Singers F.C. from an enthusiastic works team into one of the best junior clubs in the Midlands.  He was the first non-playing secretary and it could be stated his role resembled that of a manager.  He retired from office in 1893 and was succeeded by Edwin Kirk.  In 1901 James was employed as a manager at the Singer factory.  His last employment was as a clerk at the Coventry Chain Factory, Spon End.  He was closely associated with Coventry & Warwickshire Hospital and the Hospital Saturday Fund from 1888 to 1932.  He also served as a deacon at Well Street Church from 1911 to 1925. James died aged 76 at his residence 37 Oldfield Road, Chapelfields on 24 May 1935.

THOMAS JAMES CASHMORE (1888-1900)

Thomas was born on 23 November 1864 in Dublin, Ireland.  The 1891 Census confirms he was employed as a bicycle machinist and lodging with Horace Bailey’s family at 62 Lower Ford Street.  Bailey worked at the Singer factory and later served on the football club’s committee.  Incidentally, Henry Hathaway was his next-door neighbour.  Thomas married Julia Twitchings in 1891 and the couple lived at 93 Colchester Street and later at 51 Winchester Street.  He made 206 appearances for Singers F.C., initially as a forward before moving to full back.  He was one of the true heroes of the Singers period who led by example.  His last game for Singers was against Worcester Rovers on 26 February 1898.  Thomas was appointed secretary at the 1895 AGM, replacing Joe Collins.  He worked tirelessly in this capacity and corresponded with the Football Association in 1898, regarding the name change from Singers F.C. to Coventry City F.C.

Thomas resigned from office in acrimonious circumstances at the 1900 AGM.  He was paid £10 over a twenty week period to cover operational expenses.  The club’s chairman, Thomas Owen, took issue with this.  A club member, Mr. Mitchell, openly criticised the payment.  This seemed totally unfair as Thomas had been offsetting some of the club’s expenses himself.  Upon resigning he said: “The amount mentioned covers incidentals week by week of a varied character.  The committee must know I have continually been putting my hand in my pocket.  I will conclude by thanking for the last time the presidents, vice presidents, members and season ticket holders.  I thank those players who have assisted me in the past during times of adversity”.  Thomas made two appearances for Coventry City whilst in his mid-30’s.  He played at right half in the 3-1 defeat at Hereford Thistle on 22 April 1899.  His other appearance was at left back in the 4-1 defeat at Kidderminster Harriers on 17 February 1900.  He and his family left Coventry shortly after this and moved to Wolverton, Buckinghamshire.  He had secured employment as a railway fitter with the London & North Western Railway Company.  Thomas died aged 90 at Highfield Nursing Home, Newport Pagnall on 7 January 1955.

EDWIN KIRK (1888-1896)

Edwin was born on 6 May 1866 at 34 Union Street Bulls, Coventry.  He was known locally as “Teddy”.  In 1881 he was employed as an apprentice watch finisher and lived at 57 Butts, Spon End.  In 1891 he resided with his parents at 99 Vine Street, Hillfields and married Amy Burton in 1901.  He later worked as a commercial clerk/cashier at a builders company.  Kirk was an all-round sportsman who also excelled in cycling, cricket and rugby union.  His first reported appearance for Singers was against Bournville Villa (Birmingham) on 26 November 1888, playing on the left-wing.  Edwin converted to being a goalkeeper in December 1889.  His brilliant performances between the posts warrants the accolade of him being the first in a long list of outstanding goalkeepers for the club.  He was appointed captain of the Craven Cricket Club in 1891.  Teddy starred in Singers’ legendary triumphant cup teams of 1891 and 1892.  He was appointed secretary of Singers F.C. in December 1893 having retired from football, replacing James George Morgan in that position. 

Kirk made an emotional comeback in the 1895/1896 season, when the club was experiencing a poor run of results.  His last appearance for Singers was against Shrewsbury Town on 7 April 1896.  In total he made 147 appearances.  Teddy now became a prominent player for the successful Coventry & North Warwickshire Cricket Club.  He also qualified as a football referee and officiated in many local games.  He registered as a player for Rudge-Whitworth F.C. (1896/1897 season) and acted as cover for Elsby, their regular goalkeeper.  In April 1897 Edwin played for Rudge-Whitworth in three consecutive cup finals.  Rudge-Whitworth beat Warwick United 3-0 in the Birmingham Junior Cup Final held on Saturday 10 April.  The following Saturday Rudge-Whitworth lost 3-1 to Leamington Town in the Leamington Hospital Cup Final.  A week later Rudge-Whitworth won 4-0 against Progress F.C. (Foleshill) in the Nuneaton Cottage Hospital Cup Final.  This match brought an end to his football career.  Edwin died aged 90 at Coventry & Warwickshire Hospital on 8 April 1957.  His death was the result of an accident at home having fallen in the bedroom.

FRANK MOBLEY (1890 – 1901)

Without doubt the best player of the Singers period.  Frank was born in Handsworth, Birmingham on 21 November 1868 and was educated at St. James School.  He learned the game by playing in the cobbled streets and on wasteland close to where he lived.  His first job was as a labourer at the Smethwick Carriage Works and later played for the works team.  Mobley joined Singers in 1890 from Smethwick Carriage Works F.C.  The 1891 Census confirms he was a boarder aged 22 at George Allen’s residence, 44 Raglan Street, Hillfields.  He was employed as a machinist at the Singer factory.  Frank was a centre-forward with exceptional ability, despite his height (approximately 5 feet 6 inches) and weight (10 stones 8 pounds).  He scored 21 goals in 27 appearances for Singers in the 1890/1891 season.  The following year he bagged 42 goals in 34 games which greatly enhanced his reputation as a prolific goal scorer.

Frank signed for Second Division Small Heath F.C. (later Birmingham City F.C.) in the summer of 1892, after being recommended by Harry Edwards, the former Singers player.  When Edwards signed for Small Heath he said to Alfred Jones, the club’s secretary: ” You have left the best man behind at Coventry”.  Having made the huge step-up to play at Second Division level, Mobley continued to terrorise defences. Between 1892 and 1894 he scored 40 goals (League & FAC) which ultimately helped Small Heath win promotion to the First Division.  Frank’s goal scoring record at this level is good considering he was playing amateur football two years previously.  Here is a breakdown (League only): 1894/1895 29 appearances/11 goals and 1895/1896 28 appearances/11 goals.

In the summer of 1896 Mobley decided to join Bury, another First Division club and stayed for just one season.  From 1897 to 1899 he played for Gravesend United F.C. in the Southern League.  Frank’s last game for Gravesend was against Swindon Town on 15 April 1899, where he scored a goal in the 5-1 victory.  It appears he then retired from football and returned home to Birmingham, where he married Harriet Elizabeth Hunt in 1900.  The couple had a son, also named Frank.  Mobley came out of retirement later that year to assist Coventry City, who were second from bottom in the Birmingham & District League.  He made his debut aged 31 on 13 October in the 6-2 away defeat against Stoke City Reserves.  During the 1900/1901 season he made 22 appearances and scored 7 goals.  His last match for the club was at Highfield Road in the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa Reserves on 27 April 1901.  Mobley finally hung up his boots in 1902 after being injured in a road traffic accident.  He was crossing the Stratford Road in Birmingham and was hit by a car.  Frank died aged 87 at his son’s residence in Sparkbrook on 9 February, 1956.  His funeral and subsequent burial took place at Yardley Wood Parish Church five days later. 

THOMAS BIRD (1890 – 1897)

Thomas was born in West Smethwick, Birmingham on 11 April 1868.  He joined the club from Smethwick Carriage Works F.C. in 1890, at the same time as Frank Mobley.  He was employed as an iron turner at the Singer factory.  Thomas married Sarah Ann Hill in Handsworth on 28 March 1891.  The couple are listed on the 1891 Coventry Census as residing at 60 Howard Street, close to the city centre.  Thomas was a highly rated inside forward and was the captain of the famous “Little Blackbirds” team which won four trophies during 1891 and 1892.  He made his debut in the 5-3 defeat at Leicester Fosse F.C. on 13 September 1890.  His last competitive game for Singers was in the 4-0 home victory over Halesowen on 20 April 1897.  In total he made 197 appearances for the club and scored 98 goals.  The 1901 Coventry Census confirms he was living at 117 Eagle Street, Hillfields with his wife and two children.  Prior to the 1910/1911 football season the Singer Company introduced a departmental football competition.  The Singer Challenge Cup trophy was presented by Mr. W. E. Bullock, company manager.

This cup competition was played on a charity basis which specifically benefited the Singer Sick & Benevolent Fund, which Thomas Bird fully supported.  At the company’s Annual Dinner held at the Crown Hotel, Canterbury Street, Hillfields in May 1911, Thomas said: “I know the fund has been of the greatest benefit to some of the workmen and I am pleased to say that it is in a very good financial position”.  The first winners of the challenge cup was the Motor Department team captained by A. Williamson.  Thomas was a great servant to the football club.  He also has the distinction of working for the Singer Company for 50 years.  Prior to his death he lived with his wife at 82 George Street, Hillfields.  Thomas died aged 71 at his daughters residence, 15 Norman Place Road, Coundon on Monday 6 November 1939.  His funeral and subsequent burial was held at Coventry Cemetery three days later.        

WILLIAM DORRELL (1890 – 1892)

William (affectionately known as Billy) was born at Woodbine Cottage, Wright Street, Aston on 30 October 1872.  His older brother, George Freeman Dorrell, also played for Singers F.C., between 1888 and 1892.  William joined the club in 1889 and was employed at the Singer factory as a bicycle machinist.  He made his debut at inside left against Smethwick Carriage Works on 5 October and scored a goal in the 2-1 victory.  He was a key member of the famous cup winning team (1891 & 1892) having forged a great understanding with Frank Mobley.  William played the majority of his games as a left winger and Mobley benefited from many of his accurate crosses.  In total William played 66 games for Singers and scored 46 goals in three seasons.  He married Clara Amelia Davis, a clerk at the Singer factory, in Coventry on 30 January 1892.  In the summer of that year he signed for Leicester Fosse F.C., at the same time when Mobley joined Small Heath F.C.  The loss of these two quality players was a massive blow to the football club.  Dorrell faced his former teammates in the opening game of the 1892/1893 season.  He played his part in a match which Fosse won 10-1.  William’s excellent performances exhibiting his speed and skill brought him to the attention of Aston Villa F.C.  He joined them the following season.  His transfer fee, reported to be in the region of £250, was sensational at the time and raised many eyebrows within the football fraternity.  It proved to be money well invested as Villa were crowned First Division champions in 1894.

William’s son, Arthur Reginald Dorrell, was born in Small Heath in 1896.  He was a member of the successful Aston Villa F. A. Cup winning team of 1920 and was also capped by England on two occasions.  William rejoined Leicester Fosse F.C., now in the Second Division, in March 1896 and scored 24 goals in 63 appearances over the next two seasons.  Unfortunately, he was forced to retire aged 26 in 1899 due to injury.  He became a landlord of a public house in Leicester.  Later in the year he recovered sufficiently and made a comeback by signing for Belper Town F.C.  He was later on the books of Burslem Port Vale F.C. for the 1905/1906 season but never played for the first team. William’s second marriage was to Maria Ford in 1908 but unfortunately she died nine years later.  His third marriage was to Alice Fredrica Allgood in 1918.  During World War Two William worked on munitions and gun barrel production at an engineering company.  In 1952 he was still an employee of Jones & Shipman Toolmakers, Leicester, working as a machined parts inspector.  William died aged 80 at home, 50 Lancashire Street, Leicester on 14 February 1953.  He is buried in section E at Leicester’s Belgrave Cemetery.

WALTER EDMOND (1883 – 1895)

Walter was born in Severn Road, Welshpool, Montgomeryshire on 22 October 1868.  Exactly when he came to Coventry is unclear.  However, an article in the Midland Daily Telegraph (3 September 1894) states: “Wal Edmond has played with Singers since the Birds (reference to the Little Blackbirds nickname) became a club”.  This suggests he is a founder player of Singers F.C. in 1883.  The club was formed on 13 August that year which means he was approaching his fifteenth birthday.  He was employed at the Singer factory as a cycle polisher.  Walter was an accomplished wing half, consistent and well-known for his efficient tackling.  The local newspapers did not contain match reports on a regular basis until the 1887/1888 season, which means Walter’s playing record is incomplete.  However, it can be stated he made 184 appearances for the club between 1887 and 1895.  The 1891 Coventry Census lists Walter as living with his parents, James and Mary, at 31 Alma Street, Hillfields.  He was nominated captain of Singers F.C. prior to the 1894/1895 season by his fellow players, a great honour indeed.  This was the first season the club competed in the Birmingham & District League.  In 1898 Walter married Emma Thompson in Coventry and the couple had six children.  The 1901 Census states the Edmond family was living at 49 Colchester Street, Hillfields.  Sadly, Walter died aged 40 at that residence on 26 February 1909 after suffering from pneumonia for two weeks.  He was interned at Coventry Cemetery on 1 March 1909.         

ARTHUR CHARLES ROBINSON (1895 – 1914)

Arthur, affectionately known as “Nat”, was born in Court 23 rear of 10 Spon Street, Spon End on 28 February 1877.  In 1891 he lived at Court 48 rear of 4 Spon Street, with his parents and seven siblings.  He was an outstanding goalkeeper who made his debut in the away fixture against West Bromwich Albion Reserves on 1 February 1896.  In total he made 110 appearances for Singers/Coventry City between 1896 and 1899.   Arthur’s brilliant performances between the sticks alerted Small Heath F.C.  He signed for them in the summer of 1899 and in total made 306 appearances for the Birmingham club.  He was a regular member of the Small Heath team which won the Second Division championship in 1901, conceding only 24 goals.   Arthur married Florence Beatrice Ballard in Coventry in 1904.  During his spell at Small Heath F.C. he was selected to play for the English Football League XI against the Irish League XI.  The game took place on Saturday 13 October 1906 in Belfast.  A crowd estimated at 15,000 saw England win 6-0.

In 1908 Ogden’s Tobacco Company issued a set of cards featuring famous footballers, inserting them into cigarette packets. Robinson was featured with card number 37. He joined First Division Chelsea later that year but only stayed in London for one season.  Arthur signed for Coventry City prior to the 1910/1911 season and was understudy to Bob Evans.  He played in the 3-0 defeat at Portsmouth on 28 January 1911, his only league appearance.  He also played in the 5-0 defeat at Burnley in the F. A. Cup Third Round on 25 February 1911.  He then retired from football aged 34 and became the licensee of the Old Ball Hotel, Walsgrave Road.  Around 1914 he became the landlord of the Red Horse Inn, Barras Green.  In July that year he came to Coventry’s rescue by playing five games deputising for Sid Blake, City’s first choice goalkeeper.  His last appearance was in the 1-0 home win against Llanelly on 27 March 1915.  This brought an end to an incredible playing career.

A photograph (circa 1922) supplied by Rita Warwick, Arthur’s granddaughter, suggests he played for an amateur team based in the Barras Green area of Coventry.  Prominent teams at that time were Barras Green F.C., Barras Athletic F.C. and Barras House F.C.  Arthur became a qualified referee and officiated in local amateur matches.  He was a main catering supplier for Coventry City for many years.  This business venture was continued by his daughter, Edna Bass, after her father’s death.  Arthur was a member of the Stoke Philanthropic Society.  He was also a promoter of the annual boxing tournaments held in the city in support of the Crippled Children’s Guild.  He was referred to by some people as the “Footballer Philanthropist”.  Arthur died aged 52 at the Red Horse Inn on 15 May 1929.  Such was his popularity that over a thousand people attended his funeral which took place at Coventry Cemetery four days later.  The roads leading to the cemetery were thickly lined long before the funeral cortege arrived.  Amongst the mourners were former teammates Bob Evans, Charlie Roberts, Fred Chaplin and former CCFC director David Cooke.  Coventry City was represented by two directors, notably Harry Olliver and Walter Young.  Also present was Harrold Suddens, who was associated with Arthur during their junior football days regarding Lord Street F.C.  Approximately one hundred floral tributes were present, including wreaths from the Directors of Coventry City F.C., Customers of the Old Ball Hotel and the Old Red Horse, Stoke Philanthropic Society, Friends of the 1925 Club and the Coventry Carnival Committee.   

JOSEPH RICHARD WHITEHOUSE (1895 – 1904)

Joseph, affectionately known as “Joe”, was born in Birmingham on 7 December 1875.  He was one of eight siblings.  His family was living at 2 East Street, Hillfields according to the 1881 Census.  His sister, Mary Ann, married William Henry Cashmore, Singers principal trainer, in Coventry in June 1889.  Another sister, Jane, married Singers F.C. player Samuel Bullivant (aka Heath) in Coventry in November 1890.  In 1891 Joe resided with his family at 50 Vernon Street, Hillfields.  His occupation is described as “iron turner in the bicycle trade”.  He married Rose Hannah Lewin at Saint Peter’s Church, Hillfields on 11 July 1896.  The couple had four children.  Joe began his football career in 1892 with junior club Saint George’s F.C., who played most of their games at Spencer Park, Earlsdon. 

The following year he played at junior level for Stoke Village F.C., who were headquartered at the New Inn public house.  The majority of their games took place at a pitch situated in Bulls Head Lane, Stoke.  Joe, who was a half-back, joined Singers in 1895 and made his debut in the home game against West Bromwich Albion Reserves on 7 September.  He eventually forged a great partnership with Charlie Roberts and Charlie Lomas, to form a formidable half-back line regarded by some supporters as the best the club had assembled.  He was a member of the Singers team which played their last match under that title.  This was against Foleshill Great Heath F.C. at Stoke Road Ground on 30 April 1898.  Joe also played in Coventry City’s inaugural game after the name change.  This was at Wellington Town F.C. on 3 September 1898.  He also played in City’s first match at Highfield Road Ground on 9 September 1899.  City beat Shrewsbury Town 1-0 with a goal by centre-forward Mark Rideout. 

His last competitive game for Coventry was in the 1-1 draw against Wolves Reserves on 2 January 1904.  In his nine seasons with the club he made 285 appearances (league & cup).  He was awarded a Benefit Match in recognition of his loyal service.  This was against Aston Villa Reserves on 6 April 1904.  City won 2-1.  Gate receipts and other fundraising initiatives raised £69 for him, equivalent to approximately £7,000 today (2024).  City played Small Heath, who had Arthur Robinson in goal, in a friendly home match on 30 April 1904.  Coventry won 2-1 and Joe had a goal disallowed for offside.  This was his last appearance for Coventry City.  The 1911 Coventry Census states he was employed as an engine fitter.  Joe died aged 63 at his residence, 43 Burns Road, Stoke, on 5 June 1939.  His funeral and interment took place at Stoke Parish Church three days later.

ALBERT ALLDRICK (1893 – 1899) 

Albert was born in Bishopsgate Street, Birmingham on 19 May 1870.  The 1881 Census states he was living with his family at 40 Landsdowne Street, Aston Park, Birmingham. He joined the Royal Warwickshire Regiment at Warwick Depot on 4 February 1887, having signed up for 12 years service.  His Army Service Record states he was 18 years-old, but in fact he was 16 years and 8 Months.  The form also indicated he was 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 9 stone 2 pounds.  Albert was initially stationed at Budbrooke Barracks Depot, Warwickshire.  He was a member of the Regimental football team which played locally in Coventry and Warwickshire. 

He joined the RWR 1st Battalion in May 1887.  For some reason he deserted in June 1890 for 140 days.  He served 36 days in a military prison and was reinstated as a private in November 1890.  He then served in India with the RWR India 2nd Battalion from November 1890 until December 1891.  During this period he was promoted to Lance Corporal.  The 2nd Battalion served in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) from December 1891 until November 1892.  Albert was discharged at his own request in Ceylon upon payment of £18 under Article 609 of the Royal Warrant (1892).  He made his debut for Singers F.C. in the home match against Unity Gas on 14 January 1893, less than two months after returning home.  Albert married Florence Louisa Stocks in Coventry on Christmas Day 1893.  The couple had two sons, Albert and Leonard.

According to Leonard, his father had a reputation as a “tough tackling full back”.  Albert made 152 appearances for Singers prior to the name change.  He also made 32 appearances for Coventry City during the 1898/1899 season.  He made his CCFC debut in the home game against Aston Villa Reserves on 24 September 1898.  His last match was in the away fixture at Hereford Thistle on 22 April 1899.  At the time of his marriage Albert was living in Gosford Street and was employed as a machinist at the Singer factory.  As the company progressed he later became a coach builder and motor car fitter.  The 1911 Census states he resided at 6 Newnham Road, Hillfields.  At some point Albert and Florence ran a fish & chip shop in North Street, Upper Stoke.  One of Albert’s hobbies was being a pigeon keeper, apparently this was a family tradition.  Albert died aged 69 at home, 71 Burlington Road, Hillfields on 25 February 1940.  He was buried at Coventry Cemetery (London Road) on 3 March.

CHARLES ROBERTS (1893 – 1901)

Charles was born in Queen Street, West Bromwich on 30 May 1868.  Exactly when he came to Coventry is unknown.  He married Clara (surname unknown) in West Bromwich in 1889.  The couple had eight children.  Charles made his debut in the home game against Gresley Rovers (Derbyshire) on 2 September 1893.  He played at centre-forward that day.  During the course of the 1893/1894 season he also played as a winger and inside forward, scoring 12 goals, before converting to a centre-half, a position in which he excelled for many years.  In total he made 163 appearances for Singers F.C.  He also played 81 games for Coventry City F.C., the last of which was in the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa Reserves at Highfield Road on 27 April 1901.  Charles’s elder brother, Robert James (born West Bromwich 1864), was a famous goalkeeper for West Bromwich Albion F. C.  Known as “Bob” Roberts, he played for the Baggies in three successive F. A. Cup finals, notably 1886, 1887 and 1888.  Bob’s excellent performances earned him two England caps, against Scotland (1887) and Ireland (1890).

He died in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1929.  The 1901 Coventry Census states the Roberts family resided at 6 Gilbert Place, Brook Street, Hillfields.  Charles was employed as a cycle brazier, most likely at the Singer factory.  The 1911 Coventry Census indicates he was employed as a brass brazier at the Premier Bicycle Company and lived at 26 Gilbert Street, Hillfields.  Charles died aged 73 at the Emergency Hospital, Nuneaton on 5 October 1941, having suffered a brain hemorrhage.  Details of his funeral are unknown.  However, this acknowledgement appeared in the Midland Daily Telegraph (11 October): Mrs. Roberts, sons and daughters, of 83 Colchester Street, wish to thank all kind friends, neighbours, customers of the Waterloo Tavern and Mrs. Boyes and Flora, for kindness shown in their sad bereavement.

William Reaves married Amy Roberts, Charles’s daughter, in Coventry in 1923.  He wrote a letter to CCFC regarding the club’s Faithful 25 Fan Club, an initiative where Derrick Robins, Sky Blues chairman, would nominate the club’s best 25 supporters.  The letter was reproduced in the match programme for the home game against Manchester City on 19 October 1968.  Here is an extract: My wife and I have been supporting the City since 1918 in our courting days.  We have now been married for 45 years and are just as crazy about the game as when we were youngsters.  I am now 72 years of age and my wife, Amy, is 70.  I sincerely hope you will consider our application to join the Faithful 25 Fan Club. William and Amy were successful in their application, as confirmed by an article which appeared in the home match programme versus Leeds United on 16 November 1968.