Eddie Jenkins (footballer, born 1909) facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Edwin Jonathan Jenkins | ||
| Date of birth | 16 July 1909 | ||
| Place of birth | Cardiff, Wales | ||
| Date of death | 5 August 2005 (aged 96) | ||
| Place of death | Cardiff, Wales | ||
| Playing position | Wing half | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1930–1934 | Cardiff City | 77 | (0) |
| 1934–1935 | Bristol City | ||
| 1935–???? | Newport County | ||
|
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Edwin Jonathan Jenkins (born July 16, 1909 – died August 5, 2005) was a professional footballer from Wales. He played as a Wing half. Eddie, as he was known, started his career with Cardiff City in 1930. He played many games for them between 1932 and 1934. Later, he also played for Bristol City and Newport County.
Contents
Growing Up in Cardiff
Eddie Jenkins was born in Cardiff, Wales. His father was a blacksmith at a steelworks. Later, his dad started his own milk delivery business. Eddie went to Howard Gardens School. When he was 14, he left school to help his father with the milk business.
Eddie's Football Journey
Starting as a Milkman and Player
While working as a milkman, Eddie played amateur football. He played for local teams like Splott Labour Amateurs and Cardiff East. Coaches from Cardiff City noticed his talent. They invited him for a tryout. Eddie joined the club in 1930.
Playing for Cardiff City
Eddie made his first professional game on February 4, 1930. It was a match against Bradford City. Cardiff City lost that game 2–1. He played a few more games that season. This was because the team captain, Fred Keenor, was leaving.
Cardiff City was relegated to the Third Division South. For his second season, Eddie was a backup player. He made only five appearances. But in the 1932–33 season, he became a regular player. He took the spot from William Roberts.
Challenges and New Teams
Cardiff City had a tough time in the Third Division South. They finished 19th in 1933. In 1934, they finished last. The new manager, Ben Watts-Jones, let many players go. Eddie was one of them.
After leaving Cardiff, Eddie was offered a contract by Tottenham Hotspur. But he decided not to join them. He thought working in the milk business had better chances for him. However, he soon returned to football. He joined Bristol City for one season. After that, he moved to Newport County. He finished his professional football career there.
Life After Football
Serving in World War II
When World War II started, Eddie joined the Royal Navy. He served in places like the Far East and North Africa. He was given the Africa Star medal for his service.
Returning Home and New Roles
After the war, Eddie came back to Britain. He joined his father's milk company. He also became a Freemason, which is part of a special social group. Eddie also became a qualified football referee. He even wrote a book about the area of Cardiff where he grew up. The book was called The Splott I Remember.
Eddie Jenkins passed away on August 5, 2005, in Cardiff. He was 96 years old. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living former player for Cardiff City.
