Seen him on our Hall of Fame inductees. I know he played for us during our FA cup victory, and the final we lost 2 years prior. He's also the only player to play for us whilst playing for England. There's a separate inductee called 1912 Winners. So why does he get his own personal induction? Is it purely because he's the only player to have played for us & England at the same? Or is there more to him? Very interested to hear if so!
To answer your question no idea. Utley was born in Reform Row, Elsecar,[3] which lies south of Barnsley. He was the 11th and final child of James and Mary Utley. His father was an engine tender at a colliery and his brothers worked in the local coal mines and foundries.[4] On leaving school he became a joiner,[4] but by 1907 he had signed with Barnsley. During his time with Barnsley the club made it to two FA Cup Finals. The first was in 1910, when they were beaten by Newcastle United 2–0 in a replay after a one all draw, and the second was in 1912, when Barnsley managed to defeat West Bromwich Albion by one goal in the replay after the first game ended in a goalless draw.[5] He made a total of 167 league appearances for Barnsley, scoring eight goals.[6] Sheffield Unitededit During the 1913–14 season, Sheffield United were looking to sign a new captain to change their fortunes, having struggled in both the league and cup since the retirement of Ernest Needham.[7] Following a letter of recommendation from United player Billy Gillespie, the man they targeted was George Utley.[8] Utley leads Sheffield United out for the 1915 FA Cup final The committee were not unanimous about signing Utley, who they feared would fetch a large fee.[citation needed] Bolton Wanderers had previously offered £1,500, which had been rejected by Barnsley.[citation needed] The Blades offered more and were also turned down.[citation needed] United offered £2,000 (£290,000. In todays money) which was accepted, making him the joint-most expensive player in Britain at the time.[8] Utley signed a five-year contract, with the promise of a benefit match at the end of it.[8] He made his debut for Sheffield United against Manchester United at Bramall Lane on 22 November 1913, in a match the Blades won 2–0.[9] In the semi-final of the 1914–15 FA Cup, Utley's goal in the 2–1 victory over Bolton Wanderers was described as "the best of his career",[10] as he dribbled the ball 60 yards before scoring.[11] Utley subsequently played in his third FA Cup final as the Blades defeated Chelsea 3–0 on 24 April 1915. Utley, as captain, worked hard and decisively throughout the game, breaking up many Chelsea attacks and providing many passes to the United forwards.[12] Sheffield United's success in the cup when compared to previous seasons was credited to Utley.[2] He left Bramall Lane in 1922, transferring to Manchester City but retired within twelve months of the move.[11] selected to play for England against Ireland. England were defeated 2–1, Ireland's first victory over England; he was not selected to play for England again.[13] This remains the only England appearance by a Barnsley player.[7] £2000 peanuts you would think. The FA passed a rule at its AGM that set the maximum wage of professional footballers playing in the Football League at £4 a week. This was double what a skilled tradesmen received at this time. At the same meeting they also voted to outlaw match bonuses. To encourage men to play for clubs for some time, players were to be awarded a benefit after five years. It was claimed at the time that this was an attempt the curb the power of the wealthier clubs. This new rule was brought in at the beginning of the 1901-02 season. (£8pw In 1920 after the war)
Thanks mate, I've no idea either. Read all that previous to posting, so wondered if there's anything I had missed. I imagine with the inclusion of the 1912 team, it's down to him being the only player to play for us and England at the same time then - a great feat no doubt!
I think the reason is in his citation. One of our greatest players who played in two FA Cup finals for us and was sold for a record fee and is the only player to represent England first team whilst being at Oakwell.He was a highly rated member of the team. Similar to Neil Redfearn who also gets his own place in the Hall of Fame as well as the 1996-97 promotion team.
