Billy Mosforth facts for kids
Billy Mosforth in his United kit
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | William Mosforth | ||
| Date of birth | 2 January 1858 | ||
| Place of birth | Sheffield, England | ||
| Date of death | 11 July 1929 (aged 71) | ||
| Place of death | Sheffield, England | ||
| Playing position | Inside or Outside Left | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1873–1879 | Sheffield Albion | ||
| 1878–1888 | The Wednesday | ||
| 1879 | → The Zulus | 1 | (0) |
| 1875–1884 | → Hallam | ||
| 1883 | → Sheffield Rovers | ||
| 1884–1886 | → Heeley | ||
| 1886–1889 | → Lockwood Brothers | ||
| 1889–1890 | Sheffield United | 0 | (0) |
| National team | |||
| 1877–1882 | England | 9 | (3) |
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William Mosforth (born January 2, 1858 – died July 11, 1929) was a famous English footballer. He played as an inside or outside left forward. Billy, as he was known, was born in Sheffield. He played for many clubs there. Most of his career was with The Wednesday. Later, he joined Sheffield United. He played in their very first season. Billy retired from football in 1890. He played nine times for the England team. This was a record at the time! He scored three goals for his country between 1877 and 1882.
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Playing for Clubs
Billy Mosforth played his entire career in his hometown of Sheffield. People called him the 'Little Wonder' or 'The Sheffield Dodger'. This was because he was quite small. Many thought he was the best local player of his time. He was amazing at controlling the ball. He could also cross the ball well. His long dribbles were famous. Sometimes, he would run the entire length of the pitch with the ball!
He was also great at the "screw shot." This was a special way to kick the ball. It made the ball bend in the air. This technique was developed in Sheffield back then. Now, it's a common skill in football.
Mosforth started playing for Sheffield Albion. He made his first team appearance at just 14 years old. He was known for switching teams often. He also made money from playing. Back then, amateur players could play for more than one club. This was allowed by FA rules. Billy probably got paid for playing, even though he was an amateur.
There's a funny story about him. Once, he ran onto the pitch wearing Hallam colours. Someone in the crowd shouted, "10 bob and free drinks, Billy, if you'll change your shirt!" He quickly ran back to the dressing room. He came back wearing a Sheffield Wednesday shirt! Even with this, he was chosen to play for the Sheffield Football Association in 1876. He was only 18.
In 1878, Billy joined The Wednesday. He stayed with them for almost ten years. He scored their first ever goal at their Olive Grove ground. But he still played for other local teams too. In 1879, he played for a touring team called The Zulus. This team was set up to help families affected by the Zulu War.
However, there was a problem with The Zulus team. It was found out that the players were making money themselves. This was against the rules for amateur players at the time. Billy and many other Wednesday players wanted to become professional. They even played for a new team called Sheffield Rovers. This team wanted to be Sheffield's first professional side. But Billy returned to The Wednesday after professionalism was allowed.
After leaving The Wednesday, Billy saw an advertisement. It was asking for players to form a new team, Sheffield United. He was one of the first to sign up. He played for the new club at Bramall Lane for one season. This was before they joined The Football League. He had the honor of scoring United's first goal at the ground. He was also one of the first players to play for both big Sheffield teams.
Billy was also the first Blades player to be 'substituted'. This happened before substitutes were officially allowed. A teammate was late for a game against Bolton Wanderers. This was also the first game ever played under floodlights! Billy was asked to play until his teammate arrived.
Playing for England
Billy Mosforth played his first game for England in March 1877. It was a friendly match against Scotland. He played a total of nine times for his country. He scored three goals for England.
International Goals
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Result | Competition | Scored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 April 1879 | Kennington Oval, London |  Scotland |
5–4 | Friendly | 1 |
| 2 | 13 March 1880 | Hampden Park, Glasgow | Scotland |
4–5 | Friendly | 1 |
| 3 | 13 March 1882 | Racecourse Ground, Wrexham |  Wales |
5–3 | Friendly | 1 |
Amazing Records
Billy Mosforth holds several cool records in football:
- He was the first player to play for both Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United.
- He was the first player to score for both Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United.
- He scored the first goal at Sheffield United's home ground, Bramall Lane.
- He was the first Sheffield United player to be 'substituted' in a match.
- At one point, he held the record for the most England caps (games played) for his country.
- He played in the first professional football game ever played under floodlights.
- He scored Sheffield Wednesday's first ever goal at their Olive Grove ground.
Life Outside Football
Billy Mosforth worked as an engraver. This means he carved designs into metal or other materials. He was also a great all-around athlete. He competed in running races, both flat races and hurdle races. He also played cricket for Hallam Cricket Club. After he stopped playing football, Billy became a licensee in Sheffield. This means he ran a pub or a similar business.
