LoAFRS 7- Gallagher, Buchan, Stephenson

Legends of Association FOotball Rookie Group 7 – Patsy Gallagher, Charles Buchan, Clem Stephenson

15. Patsy Gallagher (sometime written as Patsy Gallacher  (the Mighty Atom)

Patrick Gallagher, better known as Patsy Gallagher, was a small, but exceptionally skilled Irish footballer, who earned the nickname of “the Mighty Atom”. Gallagher is best known for his play at Celtic, where he is credited with revitalizing the club, which had been struggling when he joined.  Gallagher was exceptionally proficient at dribbling and his ability to attack in close range. In fact, Bleacher Report ranked him 28th of the best football dribblers ever. 

Gallagher also earned recognition from the Celtic Star which named him ” Celtic Player of the Decade” from 1910- 1919.

In addition, to a stellar career at Celtic in the Scottish Football League. Gallagher is also known for scoring one of the most spectacular goals in soccer history.  He apparently dove head first into the goal doing a forward flip with the ball tucked between his legs. Below is an artists depiction of the legendary goal.

Image Source: The Celtic Star

Perhaps, the highest praise came sports writer David Potter who once said:

“Puskas, Maradona, Messi? Ye never saw Patsy Gallacher!”

Rookie Card: Year 1912 – Manufacturer – F & J Smith – Set Name – 150 Footballers- Card Number 50

Image Source: Personal Collection

Card notes: Gallagher debuted in late 1911 at only 20 years old. As the Smith set was issued in 1912, it is likely that Gallagher was only 20 years old in the card picture.

16. Charlie Buchan 

Charles Buchan got his start with Woolwich Arsenal back in 1909, but really established himself as one of the best strikers in the league at Sunderland.  A fantastic goalscorer, he led Sunderland for seven seasons in a career that was interrupted by the first World War right during his prime years. That said, he still managed to become Sunderland’s all-time leader for goals with 209 league goals and is 33rd on Football Leagues all time goals list with 257. He is also a member on the English Football Hall of Fame.

Rookie Card: Year – 1913 Manufacturer -Murray & Sons & Co. Cigarettes – Set Name – Footballers Series J- -Card Number – Unnumbered

Image Source: Wikicommons

Card Notes:

Murray, Sons & Co. Cigarettes were based in Belfast, and issued two sets entitled Footballers. The first set is dated 1912 called Series H and the second is dated 1913 Series J. Buchan has been listed as part of the J series in some sources. However, it is unclear if Buchan was ever issued. As such, until one a H series is produced, I am going to assume that the 1913 J series is Buchan’s first card. Buchan also had a pre-World War 1 card by W.A & A.C. Churchman’s Brown (note there were two Churchman series issued in 1914) , but this card is dated early 1914 so the Murray card predates this card.

In addition, Buchan is included in Taddy 3rd series which also frequently dated 1913. However, based up on the players are on in this set, it was very likely issued in early 1914. For instance, George Utley is included as a Sheffield United player in the Taddy set; however, he played his first game for Sheffield as late as November 1913. Utley also appears in the Murray set, but is listed for Barnsley suggesting that the Murray set was released prior to the Taddy set. In addition, Steve Bloomer is included in the Murray set, but not the Taddy set and played his last game for Derby in January 1914. However, the cards in the Taddy set are very rare and cards may have been issued that have not been recorded into the catalogue.

17. Clem Stephenson

At the top level, Clem Stephenson started career with Aston Villa as an inside forward in 1910. Stephenson had much success throughout his career winning FA cup in 1913 and 1920 and then again with Huddersfield Town in 1922. At Huddersfield Town, he also won the league championship 3 times in 1923–24, 1924–25, 1925–26. Stephenson is one of a handfull of players from that era to elected in the English Football Hall of Fame.

Rookie Card: Year – 1914 Manufacturer – Taddy &Co. – Set Name – Prominent Footballers – 3rd Series – Card Number – Unnumbered

Image Source: Taddy Prominent Footballers

Card Notes: Stephenson’s card from Aston Villa has a London Mixture back indicating the 1914 3rd Series. This series is much scarcer than Taddy’s 1st and 2nd series.

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.