Two Early Football Teams

Who, when, where?
By Ian Blackwell

Two early football teams which are a bit of a mystery. Were they local teams? where were the pictures taken?

The top photo is of Mansfield Forest Villa football team 1908-9, The goal keeper (middle back with hat on) is Harold Ben

All that is known about the second photo is the man with the ball is Martin Wilkinson.

I wonder what colour their shirts were?

Photo: Illustrative image for the 'Two Early Football Teams' page
Photo: Illustrative image for the 'Two Early Football Teams' page
This page was added on 22/04/2011.

Comments about this page

The name of the goal keeper in picture 1 is Harold Bell, my great Uncle.

By Ian Blackwell
On 01/05/2011

Hello Ian. Looking into the 1901 and 1911 census returns, there was a Martin Wilkinson born 1894, Mansfield, living at 48 Nottingham road and also a Harold Bell born 1893, Mansfield living at 67 Nottingham road Harold was in both 1901 and 1911 at 67 Nottingham road. I wonder if the team played on the Forest road ground which is off Nottingham road, hence the footbal team name of Mansfield Forest villa.

By Simon Leivers
On 14/10/2011

Add a comment about this page