John Thomas (Welsh footballer)

John William Thomas (date of birth unknown) was a Welsh footballer who played as an outside right for Sheffield United and Gainsborough Trinity.

John Thomas

Personal information
Full name	John William Thomas[1]
Place of birth	Wales[1]
Date of death	March 1920[1]
Playing position(s)	Outside Right
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1889–1890	Gainsborough Trinity
1891	Sheffield United	1	(1)
1891–1893	Gainsborough Trinity
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Football career

The Welshman (as he was referred to in the local press)[1] was signed by Sheffield United on 5 May 1891 from Gainsborough Trinity.[1] Gainsborough had just won the Midland Counties League and Thomas was signed to bring added potency to United's attack.[1] Thomas started the first seven of United's games in the 1891–92 season including scoring in their first ever game in the Northern League against Sunderland Albion.[2] Despite this he then lost his place to a young Ernest Needham and, unable to reclaim his position in the side, Thomas returned to Gainsborough Trinity in December 1891.[1]

References

1. Denis Clarebrough & Andrew Kirkham (2008). Sheffield United Who's Who. Hallamshire Press. p. 314. ISBN 978-1-874718-69-7.
2. Denis Clarebrough & Andrew Kirkham (1999). A Complete Record of Sheffield United Football Club 1889-1999. Hallamshire Press. pp. 74–75. ISBN 0-9508588-2-X.