Key Moments – Putney Town F.C.

We know from newspaper articles reviewed so far that Putney Town F.C. operated from as early as 1909 to as late as 1928. They were involved in numerous competitions, both league and cup. Articles in the Wandsworth Borough News and South Western Star provide match reports and commentary on associated officials changing roles.

Date	Description	Image
11 September, 1908	Formation of Wandsworth Thursday Football Club A meeting of the newly-formed Wandsworth Thursday Football Club was held on Monday, when the following officers were elected:— Captain, Mr. F. Spackman; vice-captain, Mr. Jason Bolton; treasurer, Mr. P. W. Moore; committee, Messrs. Balderson, Bowley, and Huckle. The president is Sir Henry Kimber, Bart., M.P., and Messrs. T. Legg, A. J. Davis, and H. Reynolds are vice-presidents. The club has entered the West London Thursday League and will run a reserve team. The Richmond Association’s ground in Garratt-lane has been taken for the season. The club colours are green and white. Any gentleman wishing to join either as a playing member, an hon. member, or a committeeman, should apply to Mr. K. Nockolds, 134a, Replingham-road, Southfields. Notes: Sir Henry Kimber (1833–1923) was a prominent local political figure and Member of Parliament for Wandsworth. His appointment as president suggests the club had connections with influential local figures. The club had secured the Richmond Association’s ground in Garratt Lane for the season. Garratt Lane runs through the Wandsworth and Earlsfield area of south-west London.
11 December, 1908	Arthur Thomas Cup: Putney Town vs. Brompton Holy Trinity Putney Town met Brompton Holy Trinity, at Putney Heath, in the second round of the above competition. Putney did not look forward to this encounter with a great degree of confidence, but they rose to the occasion in a splendid manner, and won by 2—1. From the commencement to the end the Putney half-backs and backs worked like Trojans, never allowing Brompton to settle down to their game, while the forwards were continually dashing through and worrying the Brompton defence. The game commenced with Putney playing ten men, J. Aplin, their left back, not having arrived. Nevertheless, the opening exchanges favoured them, and about fifteen minutes from the start, S. A. Simmonds received a pass from the right wing, about 25yds. from goal, and without hesitation, shot hard and straight, planting the ball safely in the corner of the net. Soon afterwards Aplin arrived. A ding-dong struggle ensued, but the Putney defence shaped splendidly against the dashing Brompton forwards, and only rarely did they get near Wood, who brought off two very smart saves. Half-time arrived with Putney leading 1—0. The second half opened with Brompton “all out” for the equaliser, and a great struggle ensued, both goals being visited in turn. Putney had hard luck on two occasions with well-directed shots. Brompton pressed heavily, and a fine shot was put in from the right wing. Wood caught the ball, but the referee promptly blew his whistle, asserting that Wood crossed the line in clearing. This reverse stung Putney to further efforts, and the forwards, ably supported by Osborne and Wooley, were continually pressing. Eventually, after fine play by the left wing, Scarr drew the defence, and made a delightful pass to Simmonds, who, without hesitation, shot well out of the goalkeeper’s reach into the corner of the net, thus registering the second goal for Putney. After many rushes on the part of Brompton, a combined movement by the whole of the Putney forwards carried play into Brompton’s territory, and from a pass by Simmonds, Clarke scored with a fine shot, just as the whistle went for off-side. Names mentioned: J Aplin – LB, S.A Simmonds – F, Wood – GK, Osborne, Woolger, Snare, Clarke
Unknown	Players would “dress” at the Spencer Arms Headrooms v. Putney Town.— Putney Lower Common at 3.15. Dress at “Spencer Arms,” Lower Richmond-road.
1 January, 1909	Putney Town v Annandale The Town met their great rivals, Annandale, on Christmas morning. The weather being clear, though rather cold, the result was a most enjoyable and well-contested game. Annandale were evidently “all out” for a win, and placed a very strong side in the field, their team being reinforced by four or five Putney “Congs.” men. The Town kicked off, and the first fifteen minutes saw the play in mid-field. The “Townies” gradually assumed the upper hand, however, and Simmonds, their pivot, opened the scoring with a good shot. A few minutes later the same player received a judicious pass from the outside-left, and safely steered the ball into the net. This put Annandale on their mettle, and they took up the attack for a time, but Putney’s defence prevailed in the end. When the whistle went for “lemon time” the “Townies” were leading by 5–0, Simmonds (2), Snare (2), and Green 1, being the scorers. Annandale re-shuffled their forwards for the second half, but this did not prevent Putney scoring again, Green drawing the defence, and then passing across to the other wing for Moore to score with a “net-breaker.” As is often the case when a side hold a big lead, the Town slackened down considerably after this. Annandale, in spite of being faced with such a big deficit, continued to play with pluck and determination, and were able to score three times before the end. Final: Putney Town 6, Annandale 3. For the winners, the forwards and halves played splendidly. It speaks well for the losers that they played up so perseveringly, even after being six to the bad. Notes: The report is particularly interesting because it suggests that Putney Town had a strong enough squad to reinforce Annandale with four or five players, presumably reflecting the close relationship or shared playing resources between local clubs.
1 January, 1909	A Secretary’s Resignation. I am informed that Mr. Simmonds has resigned from the secretaryship of Putney Town F.C., and that Mr. A. W. Wood, of 25, Piggott-road, Fulham, has taken over the charge of the secretariat.
8 January, 1909	Wandsworth & Borough League Putney Town were third in the A Section, with six points from six matches.
12 February, 1909	Putney Town Vs Westminster Wesley Putney Town journeyed to Brentford, to do battle with Westminster Wesleyans. The afternoon was an ideal one for football, the teams being well matched the result was an extremely enjoyable game. Putney, with a smart run down the left wing, early tested the home goalie, who, however, saved in smart style several times. Then the Wesleyans took up the running, but found the Town’s backs a little too strong for them. The game was very fast, and the ball travelled from end to end with clockwork regularity; but try as they would neither team could score, and half-time arrived with the score-sheet blank. On resuming, the Wesleyans attacked immediately, but were driven back, and Dark, the Town’s inside-left, started a pretty movement by a pass out to the right wing. From some fine combined play by the whole of the forwards, the Town’s pivot obtained the final centre, and being well placed, scored with a low shot, far out of the goalkeeper’s reach. The Wesleyans’ play deteriorated somewhat after this reverse, but they played in a very sportsmanlike manner, and although hard pressed just at this particular time, refrained from kicking out. Putney were now very aggressive, and their centre-forward, breaking through “on his own,” was within four yards of goal, when he was very heavily charged over, his head striking the ground with considerable force; luckily for him the turf where he fell happened to be very soft, or he might have been seriously injured. A penalty was deserved, but evidently the referee did not see the incident. Soon afterwards, Wood, the Town’s right half, in endeavouring to put too much fancy work in an overhead kick, received an injury to the nose. Nothing further of note occurred, and the Town ran out winners of a well-contested game by 1 goal to nil. Putney had to call on their Reserves, as no fewer than three of their regular players were ill, but the Wesleyans were also handicapped in a similar manner, and had to play two substitutes, one being such a passenger in the first half, that they consulted Putney’s captain, who consented to allow them to play another man in the second half.
19 February, 1909	Wandsworth and Battersea League: Putney Town vs Wandle Athletic Putney Town met Wandle Athletic, in the Wandsworth and Battersea League. The Town lost the toss, and were set to face a slight wind. Wandle attacked at once, and were evidently after an early goal, as could be seen by their eagerness; but Putney’s backs cleared, and set their forwards on the move. It was obvious that the Townies meant to make the League leaders go all the way to win. From a throw in, Simmonds, with a screw-shot, tested Wandle’s goalie, who cleared comfortably, and away went their forwards like a piece of well-oiled clockwork; but the Town’s backs were quite safe. The exchanges were very even so far, first one and then the other team attacking; Simmonds, with a fine forward pass, got the Town’s right-wing going, and Rossant, finishing up a grand run down the wing with a splendid shot, which honestly deserved to score, had the mortification to see it brilliantly caught by Wandle’s keeper and cleared. Wandle then made a raid on the Town’s goal, and for quite two minutes heads and ball were bobbing up and down about a yard out of the goal mouth. Clark, the Town’s goalkeeper, threw up his hands (not with any hope of catching the ball; but in utter amazement), and the ball finally hopped over the bar and crawled down the back of the net—a very lucky escape. After this narrow shave Putney transferred the play to the other end, and were successful in forcing a corner. This was admirably “middled” by Rossant. Wandle’s keeper rushed out to punch away, but was only partly successful, and the ball, being passed back to Osborne (Putney’s right-half), that enterprising player scored his first goal this season with a shot which threatened to knock the back of the net out. Try as they would, Wandle could not equalise, and half-time arrived with the Town leading 1—0. On resuming it was seen that Wandle’s “skipper” (who had quite a serious look on his face) had re-shuffled his men, and they at once proceeded to attack, but could get no further than the backs. About half way through this half their outside-left sent in from long range, the ball entering the top far-corner of the net. The Town’s forwards, after this, appeared to be a little disheartened, and did not play with the same dash. But the defence, believing in the motto, “All or nothing,” played well up the field, a little too far as it happened. Wandle’s inside-right ran through, and with no one to beat but the goalie, simply walked the ball over the line. Not profiting by this lesson, Putney still persisted in playing too far up the field, and presented Wandle with another soft chance, which was accepted in the same manner. Result: Putney Town 1, Wandle Athletic 3. It was unfortunate for Putney that they had two of their regular players ill, but that, of course, is all in the luck of the game. It certainly looked like a win for Putney till the latter part of the second-half, and then the dash of Wandle’s forwards gained the day, and undoubtedly the better team won on the run of the play. Players mentioned: Simmonds, Rossant, Clark – GK
16 April, 1909	Putney were comfortably behind the leading pair: Battersea Creighton had 19 points from ten matches, and Wandle Athletic had 15 from nine.
18 June, 1909	League Administration Announcement The following clubs which will join next season, are Battersea Constitutional, Balham Corinthians, Belmont Institute, Bolingbroke Athletic, Garton Rovers, Putney Town, Southfields, Stamford Congregational, St. Michael’s, Clapham Institute, and Victoria Athletic (Clapham).
15 October, 1909	Putney Town had made a strong start to the season. The clipping records an 8–0 win over Zenora, and the Division I table places Putney fourth.
12 November, 1909	Putney Town vs Battersea Amateurs Putney Town and Battersea Amateurs met at Putney. The match was productive of some very poor football. The Town, although facing the sun, had slightly the better of the first half. Wilding, the Amateur’s goalkeeper, was greatly responsible for the visitor’s downfall, four of the goals being very easily obtained. The Amateurs were one man short. It was some time before the Town settled down, but when they did they soon found the weak spots, and but for some poor shooting the scoring would have been very heavy. Half-time arrived with the Amateurs down three goals to nil. In the second half Putney went off with a rush, but were soon driven back by Smelt, who was playing a good game at back. He set the Amateurs going, and some pretty passing between Quaintance, Martin, and Winford led up to the latter scoring a fine goal for the Amateurs. This success livened up things a little, but Putney, taking the upper hand, scored three more goals, thus winning a very poor game by 6 goals to nil.
31 December, 1909	Putney Town vs Garratt-lane Mission Garratt-lane Mission visited Putney Town, at Putney Lower Common, on Boxing Day, the game resulting in a win for Garratt-lane Mission by 5 goals to 1. Garratt-lane proved much the better team, easily accounting for the home team by 5 goals to 1. There were about 500 spectators, the majority of which journeyed from Garratt-lane. Saunders won the toss for the Mission, who, right from the kick-off, took up the attack and gave the Putney defence an anxious time. The Mission early forced a corner, which was beautifully taken by Martin, with the result that Gentry put the Lane one up. From the re-start the home team got going, but could get no further than Godbold, who checked the outside-left splendidly. From his clearance the visitors again made for the home goal, and Clark, with a good shot from long range, completely beat the Putney goalie, thus putting the Mission further ahead. Putney here again had a turn, but could make no impression on the Lanes’ defence, who were playing in grand style. A fine clearance by Stacey put Gentry in possession. Gentry centred, and Martin headed a grand goal. Hereabout the Lanes were having things all their own way. In endeavouring to stop the Mission forwards one of the Putney players fouled Martin in the dreaded area, and the Mission scored from the resultant penalty. Almost from the kick-off Putney got away, and in trying to clear the greasy ball one of the backs put through his own goal, and thus put Putney one up. From now till half-time the Mission had most of the play, but no more goals were scored, and the teams crossed over with the Mission leading by 4 goals to 1. After the interval Putney had more of the play, but were never allowed to become dangerous. The Mission defenders were always on the alert. From a nice pass by Clark, Harrison scored a fifth for the Lanes. Then the game became very rough, and Nash had to leave the field, while several others were limping. Thus ended a hard and exciting game, won by the better team. The Mission were represented by Saunders; Godbold, Stacey; Newton, Ratliff, R. Merrett; Gentry, Clark, Nash, Harrison, Martin.
16 September, 1910	ARTHUR THOMAS MEMORIAL CUP COMPETITION. A general meeting of those interested in this competition was held on Monday last at the Red Lion Hotel, Walham Green. The following were present:—Messrs. W. J. Footman (president), P. K. Wright (Fulham Park F.C.), E. Ross (St. Andrew’s), R. Iles, jun. (Fulham Amateurs), J. A. Dorman (West London Old Boys), A. Thomas (City of Westminster), H. Watts (St. Matthew’s, Fulham), P. Siggs (Crabtree Hall), W. Ross (West Kensington), W. R. Gutteridge (Brompton Holy Trinity), A. W. Wood and F. Osborne (Putney Town), L. C. Bowker (hon. secretary), and V. H. A. Evans (assistant secretary). —After the minutes of the last meeting had been read and adopted, the question of medals for last season’s winners and runners up was again raised. —The secretary read a letter which he had forwarded to the London Football Association, soliciting their opinion with regard to the resolution of the previous meeting (which was to the effect that medals should be presented to both elevens) and also the reply he received from them. The secretary of the L.F.A. expressed his opinion that the meeting ought to have accepted the offer of the clubs to forego their medals. —A discussion on this point took place, and on the proposition of Mr. Iles, seconded by Mr. Wood, the minute of the last meeting which dealt with this matter was rescinded. —On the motion of Mr. Siggs, seconded by Mr. W. Ross, it was decided to accept the offer of the clubs, but to supply medals to three or four of the St. Andrew’s team, who are giving up the game. —Messrs. Siggs, Iles, Wood and E. Ross, together with the President, were selected to form a sub-committee for the purpose of appointing the team to represent this Competition v. Fulham Reserve in the charity match at Craven Cottage on October 1st. The clubs were instructed to send in their nominations of players by the 20th inst. —The Secretary read the letter that, in accordance with the wish of the previous meeting, was sent to the secretary of Fulham Amateurs, in reference to the action of that club in making statements in the local press instead of laying their complaint before the representative council of the Competition. —After the matter had been discussed, it was resolved that the secretary be empowered to report the matter to the London Football Association. —The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the Chairman. Players mentioned: A.W.Wood, F.Osborne
30 January, 1911	Announcement of James Alfred Kendrick, the new secretary of the South London League. MR. JAMES ALFRED KENDRICK, who succeeds Mr. S. R. Catt, one of the founders, as secretary of the South-London League, was born at Stepney, educated at East London College, acquired, inter alia, a love for football, and joined the Seven Kings F.C. This club started among the juniors and climbed up into membership with the London League. Mr. Kendrick being secretary and subsequently chairman. In 1902 he met with a nasty accident whilst playing, dislocating his shoulder and breaking the shoulder blade and collar bone. Forbidden to play, he took to refereeing, and held the position of referees’ secretary to the Ilford and District League for some years. A defective vision brought on the objection called “glasses,” which disqualified him as a referee and he forthwith commenced to play again, this time with the Putney Town F.C. of the committee of which club he is now a member. Mr. Kendrick is a clerk with a speciality in technical education, in which line he has had ten years’ experience.
3 February, 1911	Putney Town (B) vs St Michael & All Angels This Richmond and District League match was played on Saturday last, on the ground of Putney Town, namely, Barnes Common. It was a glorious day for footer, and both teams were at full strength, with the exception of Nash, one of the St. Michael’s halves, who has poisoned his arm, Morton playing in his stead. Faulkner won the spin for the Saints, and decided to play with a slight wind. Play was around the centre for a few minutes, when the Saints’ forwards broke away, and a promising dash ended in the ball going behind. Both sides were pressing hard for a goal, when, from a corner by Tyler, A. Trevellen headed the ball back to Faulkner, who made no mistake with a low shot, which completely beat the goalie, thus giving the Saints the lead twenty minutes from the start. Putney tried hard for a goal after this, but could not pierce the defence of Hills, E. Trevellen, and Carter, who were playing splendidly. Faulkner broke through on his own about eight minutes from half-time, and scored a beautiful goal for the Saints, thus giving them a lead of 2—0 at half-time. After change of ends play was for a long time in the Saints’ half, which gave Morton, Armour, and Bowling plenty of work (as half-backs) to do. All three, with the backs and goalie, were working magnificently, but eventually Putney’s centre-forward scored their first goal, but soon after Dryden scored another goal for the Saints with a surprise long shot. The Saints again had the best of matters for a short time, the forwards working together beautifully, but Putney again pressed, and scored their second goal a minute before the whistle blew for time, leaving St. Michael’s winners of a grand game by 3—2.
4 November, 1911	South Western Cup: Putney Town vs Mortlake Club & Institute Mortlake Institute were at home on Saturday last to Putney Town in the first round of the South Western Cup. At the start play was very even, and nothing was scored until close upon half-time, when, following some fine play on the left-wing, H. Barker was able to score for the Institute. Putney went away with a rush from the kick-off, and Newman in goal was called upon to save. Mortlake were soon round the visitors’ goal again, and were awarded a penalty for hands, which was saved. Half-time arrived with the Institute leading by the only goal. For about twenty minutes in the second half, Putney were kept on the defensive, and the home team had hard luck in not scoring. Putney’s forwards, however, always seemed dangerous when they got away, and about ten minutes from time the visitors equalised. Each side played hard for a winning goal, but time arrived with the scores level.
28 December, 1912	South Western Cup: Baroda 4 Putney Town 3
15 March, 1913	Wimbledon Raleigh vs. Putney Town Raleigh were very poorly represented in a “friendly” match with Putney Town at Raynes Park on Saturday, only [six] of the regular eleven being available. Putney had much the better of the exchanges throughout, their forwards and halves combining very effectively, but Raleigh were not idle, and Hatton had the satisfaction of scoring the first goal midway through the first half. Putney soon equalised with a very soft shot, [Burgis] being so interested in an adjoining match as to allow the ball to pass unnoticed into the net. After the interval the visitors continued to press, scoring on two occasions, and although both points were very unsatisfactory there can be no question as to Putney deserving their lead. Shortly before the close, Girling headed the ball into the net from a corner-kick taken by Hatton, but Raynes could not draw level and had to admit defeat by 3 goals to 1. Gielgud, Hatton and Dyuett were perhaps the pick of Raynes, and Alec Scott, who was playing his first game with the first team, showed promising form. The winners were much the heavier side, and well deserved their win.
September, 1914	Putney Town F.C. Players join the Territorial or Regular Forces A snippet from The Wandsworth Borough News Sept 1914. Courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive.
September, 1928	Southern Suburban League: Putney Town vs Ashtead The Putney Town Football Club commenced its first season by visiting Ashstead to play the home club in a Southern Suburban League fixture. To the delight and satisfaction of the large number of supporters who accompanied the team, the Town was successful in winning by two goals to one, thus obtaining two points in its first league engagement. Owing to the indifferent state of the ground the players on both sides experienced many difficulties throughout the game. A goal was scored by Putney Town after about 20 minutes’ play, but was disallowed owing to some minor infringement on the part of one of the Town players. As the game progressed the Ashstead players became more aggressive and they dominated the game for a considerable time, and a goal was scored by them after a breakaway on their left wing in the first half. On resuming in the second half the Putney players had to play against the wind, but this did not deter them. Headed by the Town’s forwards upon the opposing goal and the effect of getting the Ashstead defence out of gear, and Gosham, the Town’s centre forward, scored two smart goals.