Wigan Album
Wigan Rugby Team
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Photo: Keith
Item #: 33016
Wigan Observer 12 December 1884.
The cup committee for the Wigan Union Charity Challenge Cup competition met at the house of Mr Millington, Legs of Man Hotel, Wigan The competition was described as “the most interesting part of the football season” and the draw took place with 14 teams involved.
Blackrod, Aspull and Wigan were regarded as probably the best 3 clubs in the competition.
Interestingly the journalist reported that the Committee considered the rules that govern the competition and, he reported, “certain delegates seemed to smell a rat”. The "professional question" cropped up (this is a full 10 years before the split in the game in 1895).
The reporter continues, undoubtedly with heavy irony,…..”Fancy this in Rugby football - the pure, unadulterated, amateur game!”
I take from this comment that “professionalism” was a widely known practice even as early as 1884.The split in 1895 was simply making it "official" in my opinion.
Apologies for the poor colour representation but it's the best I could do with the colour enhancement programme.
look at the size of the ball. I would like to see todays kickers kick that fifty yards sorry metres
Smashing photograph. Did you colour enhance it?
Just noticed, there doesn't appear to be any "studs" in their boots.
The serious chap on the end left looks like a young Charlie Chaplin, they are all very serious for that matter. Colour does make them seem more human. I reckon they could be around the age of my Grt grandfather. It must be a change for them wearing boots instead of clogs. I see the dominant colour is 'cherry'. Pre dating cherry and white. Very interesting photograph.
Yes Ron. I used the "facility" offered by the "Find my Past" subscription site. It's an algorithm (whatever that is) and it does the work for you. The results are not the best (other software can do better but can be expensive). I've taken some portraits from this group and they are very good, it makes it appear the photos were taken last week, despite it being some 137 or so years ago. I'll post the one of Jim Slevin (Wigan's first "superstar") he's 4th in from the right at the back, with his hands on the shoulders of the player seated in front of him.
Smashing photograph. Did you colour enhance it?
Interestingly Veronica, it would be another 5 years before Charlie Chaplin was to be born.
I suppose fashion didn't change that much George... there was no Primark in those days, poor things..
What a brilliant photo from the 1800's.I bet the Observer had some good stories from that era.
Probably my favourite photo of all time on wiganworld!. Thanks Keith.
How long before it appears on a local Wigan facebook site?
If anyone is interested I have looked in depth at this period of Wigan’s history, including the said cup competitions and differing jerseys etc that we had.
The Wigan Charity cup comp was massive in the District, dominated by Wigan and Aspull. This photo was taken before the 1885-86 season after the gold medals were awarded. The silver medal was a runners up one from the season before in a loss to Aspull.
Currently doing a history of the Wigan cup if anyone is interested!
Www.earlyWIGANrugby.co.uk if anyone is interested.