LoAFRS 8 – Scott, Middelboe, and Gallacher

Legends of AssocIation Football Group 8 – Elisha Scott, Nils Middelboe and Hugh Gallacher

The first seven posts identified Legends from the Pre-World War 1 era. Now we move on to the post-World War 1 era starting in the 1920s

During the World War 1, understandably not many football cards were produced. F &J Smith produced a set in 1917; however, things really started to get back to normal around 1920 when Godfrey Phillips produced its first Pinnace cards in what would prove to be a monster set. The cards in this set were issued between 1920 -1923 although they have been notoriously difficult to date. Several other brands such as Gem, Magnet, Boys’ Friend and DC Thomson would shortly after start issuing their own cards.

18. Elisha Scott Football League Career 1912–1934

Liverpool, having already been blessed with with best keeper of the previous pre World War 1 era with Sam Hardy, were blessed again with Elisha Scott after the World War 1. Scott who,was from Northern Ireland began with Liverpool in 1912 but his duties were interrupted by the War. He played mainly in Northern Ireland after the outbreak of War, but rejoined Liverpool in 1919. Scott quickly established himself as the number 1 and was instrumental in Liverpool’s team that won the league championship in 1922 and 1923. He was selected to the Football League 100 Legends list and is considered one of the greatest keepers in the history of British Football.

Rookie card 1 : Year circa 1922 – Manufacturer -Godfrey Phillips – Set – Pinnace -Card No. 870

Image Source: Personal Collection

Card Notes:

Pinnace first issue consisted of 400 players, but by October 1921 they had expanded the set to 1000 players. As Scott is 870, it is likely that he was issued in the fall 1921 by Godfrey Phillips. There are numerous backs and variations with the Pinnace set which makes identifying the chronological order or release challenging. The images shown above are the KF size which is the smallest issued. Pinnace also issued and LF and a Cabinet Photo. The printers appeared to correct for unclear number in the lower left hand corner. It is likely that the hard to see numbers were issued before the clearer version. In addition, there are two potential backs.

One states “Photo” known as the Photo backs while the other states “Pinnace Photo” known as the Pinnace backs.

Image Source: Personal Collection

In addition, the Pinnace collection offers LF size with a slightly different back. Because Godfrey Phillips offered 1 LF size for 25 of KF sizes, the LF and Cabinet are relatively scarcer cards.

Image Source: Personal Collection

Collectors interested in learning more about Pinnace cards should check out the website: Pinnace Cards | The ONLY site on the ‘net dedicated to ‘Pinnace’ cards (wordpress.com)

Rookie card 2 : Year 1922 – Manufacturer – DC Thomson – Set – Signed Real Photos of Footballers – Card No.

Elisha Scott’s next earliest card is a few months later from DC Thomson Signed Real Photos of Footballers from the Adventure series dated 28 January, 1922 card number 20.

19. Nils Middelboe Football League Career 1913 -1923

Middleboe is another addition to my rookie list despite not appearing on the Football League 100 Legends list. The” Great Dane” was Chelsea’s first international signing despite being an amateur status throughout his career. Middelboe started playing in Copenhagen in 1903 and won the silver medal for Denmark in the 1908 and 1912 only losing to England who was the dominant team at that time. The 1908 Olympic games were played in England and Middelboe made an powerful impression on the English fans with his fluid play. The Sweden games of 1912, Middelboe was captain of the Danish side. Middelboe was the first ever international player to be signed by Chelsea joining them in 1913. As captain of the 1912 Danish team, he likely impressed his opposite English Captain Vivian Woodward, who would have had to try to penetrate Middelboe’s great defense. The following year, Middelboe joined Woodward’s team Chelsea but, like Woodward, played solely as an amateur.

Middelboe had such a reputation that he was handed the captaincy upon his arrival at Chelsea. Middelboe was lightning fast and agile; in fact, he was a champion track athlete in both the 4 x 100 meter and triple jump and set National records in the 800 meter and triple jump. In addition to quickness, he had a huge frame at 6′ 2″ that made strong in the air and one of the best defenders of his generation.

Rookie card: Year 1922 – Manufacturer – Godfrey Phillips – Set – Pinnace – Card No. 673

Image Source: Personal collection

Card Notes:

Like Scott, Middelboe’s first card was likely in the autumn of 1921 showing him with Chelsea. Interestingly Middelboe had a second card released (but with the same number) later in the series. Middelboe is shown playing with Casuals which it is thought he joined around 1923 making this card a later version.

Image Source: PinnaceCards

20. Hughie Gallacher – Football League Career 1925 -1939

The Scotsman Hugh Gallacher was a scoring sensation in the 1920s and is considered by some to be the greatest striker ever to play for Newcastle United even edging out the great Alan Shearer. Gallacher ranks 10th all-time goals scored at the top tier with 246 and an impressive 0.69 goals per game ratio. He is a member of both the English And Scottish Football Hall of Fame.

Rookie card: Year 1922 – Manufacturer -Godfrey Phillips – Set – Pinnace – Card No. 1254

Image Source: PinnaceCards

Card Notes:

Gallagher’s card is in what is know as the “high series” of the Pinnace set. Cards above 936 are scarcer than the lower number cards. Gallacher was playing with the Airdrieonians prior to joining Newcastle in 1925.