LoAFRS 2 – Foulke, Needham, Goodall

Legends Of Association Football Rookie Series Group 2 -Fatty Foulke, Ernest Needham and John Goodall

4. William Foulke – Football League Career 1894–1908

William “Fatty” Foulke was an enormous figure in Association Football both literally and figuratively. He is best known for his giant stature and being the heaviest footballer ever weighing over 330 lbs; however, Foulke was also terrific keeper and the backbone of a dominant Sheffield United defense.

Only the next legend on our list, Ernest Needham, received more honours than Foulke at Sheffield. Foulke is one of the most sought after figures among card collectors due to his colourful antics both on and off the field. He was purportedly so angry with the officiating that he left his shower and completely stark naked chased the referee after a game, who had to take refuge by locking himself in a cupboard. With stories like that, I  mean, who wouldn’t want a Foulke’s card? 

Rookie card: Year 1896 – Manufacturer Ogden’s Cigarettes – Set – Guinea Gold Footballers Base M(d) Set 385s – Card # – Unnumbered – Blank Back

Card Notes:

This Foulke card (spelled Foulkeo on the card)  almost certainly predates the 1899 card issued by Guinea Gold as a part of the Footballers & Cyclists series.  Foulke gained weight during his career and he is clearly heavier in the 1899 series. However, it is not entirely clear what year this card was issued but reasonable to assume late 1896. The Guinea Gold Footballers set was likely issued over a period of time between 1896-1897 and I suspect that cards were issued by certain teams earliest. Several Scottish players representing Sunderland from this series left the team in 1897, which suggests that the photos from the set predate this time.  The image was subsequently used in several other later card issues such as the Will’s and Clarke issue of 1902. The Ogden’s Guinea Gold Base M set has several player overlap with Cohen Weenen and Co.s Circus Girl cigarette cards which were issued in 1897.  

5. Ernest Needham – Football Career 1891 – 1909

Ernest “Nudger” Needham was a sensational player and absolute institution for Sheffield United from 1891 until 1910.  Although he did not make the Football League Legend’s list, I have added him as my top pick for a player that should have been included. As Sheffield’s captain from 1895 to 1905, United won the Football League First Division in 1898 and the FA Cup in 1899 and 1902.. He was tactically gifted and was considered equally strong defensively and offensively.  

Rookie card: Year 1899 – Manufacturer Ogden’s Cigarettes – Set Guinea Gold (Set 82S ~ Mf) ~ Footballers & Cyclists- Card # Unnumbered Blank Back

Card Notes:

Ogden’s Cigarette Company often featured events from the FA Cup on their cards. Sheffield United won the FA Cup in April 1899 and to honor the winners, Ogden’s issued a special card release, which featured all the players on the Sheffield United team. Needham, who was captain of the team, is featured for the first time on a card in this set.

6. John Goodall – Career 1888–1904

John Goodall was the 3rd selection on the 100 Legends of Football league after Archie Hunter of Aston Villa, who retired just shortly before cigarette football cards started being produced. John Goodall’s career started in 1885 for Preston North End before the formation of the Football league in 1888. Preston, the best football team the game had ever seen, were so feared they were called “the Invincibles” and Goodall was their star player. Goodall captained a finely tuned tactical offense at Preston which won 42 consecutive games between 1887 and 1888.

Right at the peak of his career, Goodall moved to Derby County where he gained even more widespread notoriety as one of the best center forwards in the game. In fact, in the 1890s, Goodall was effusively praised by journalists of the day as:

“the best footballer to ever kick a ball” and “the greatest footballer ever to put on a jersey”.

While a young Steve Bloomer was emerging as a great talent, it was John Goodall who was considered Derby’s top player during the 1890s. In fact, years later, when Bloomer was asked to pick the greatest centre forwards, Bloomer selected Goodall as his first pick. “Johnny was a genius, There is not a shadow of a doubt about that.”

Considering the success of his start at Preston at the formation of the Football League and Derby County, I would suggest that Goodall be considered “player of the decade” from 1890 – 1899.

Rookie card: Year 1900 – Manufacturer – Ogden’s Cigarettes – General Interest (95) – Card # Unnumbered Blank Back

Card notes:

While the Ogden’s card was issued quite late in his career, it is the earliest depiction of John Goodall profiled on a cigarette card. The photo is taken from the 1895 Associated Press “Famous Footballers” photo shoot and Goodall is wearing his English Uniform.  The card caption says Derby which suggests the card is dated between 1899 and 1900. Goodall played at North Preston until 1899 but on May 1st left for Derby County FC. However, Goodall, who was in the twilight of his career, only stayed until October 25 1899 when he left to assume a coaching role and captain at New Brighton Tower. However, he rejoined Derby county in May of 1900 and stayed there until he took up another coaching position at Glossop FC on January 31, 1901.  It is most likely then that this card was issued in late 1899 or early 1900.

John Goodall is also pictured on Percy Cadle’s Cigarette set “Footballers” in 1904 although the card is supposed to be his brother Archie.

The information provided is based upon research conducted on the subject; however, football cards and their issued dates should be considered vast evolving subject matter. I will update to the best of my knowledge as new information comes available but no one source should be considered definitive. If you have comments or corrections, please contact me and I will do my best to provide the most accurate information available.