Ernest Milton

Ernest Milton (7 August 1897 – 2 September 1984) was an English footballer who played as a left or right back for Sheffield United in The Football League. Born in Kimberworth near Rotherham he also had a spell for Kilnhurst Town as well as guesting for Birmingham, Rotherham County and Barnsley during World War I.

For the British actor, see Ernest Milton (actor).

Ernest Milton
Personal information
Date of birth (1897-08-07)7 August 1897[1]
Place of birth Kimberworth, England
Date of death 2 September 1984(1984-09-02) (aged 87)[2]
Place of death Sheffield, England[2]
Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)[2]
Position(s) Defender
Youth career
Parkgate Christ Church
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
19??–1917 Kilnhurst Town
1917–1927 Sheffield United 203 (3)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Career

Milton played youth football with Parkgate Christ Church,[1][3] and started his playing career, while working as a miner, with Kilnhurst Town. He was with Kilnhurst at the outbreak of World War I but was recommended to Sheffield United.[2]

Having impressed in a trial, Milton joined United as an amateur in 1917, aged 20.[4] He played regularly during the war, and occasionally appeared as a guest player for Birmingham, Rotherham County and Barnsley.[2]

With the war over Milton was offered a professional contract with Sheffield United, but despite playing the first game of the 1918–19 season he left United claiming he had 'signed by misinterpretation'.[2] After a spell training with various clubs he wrote to United in March 1919, offering his services and hoping there would be 'no ill-will' if he returned.[2]

United agreed and Milton replaced pre-war full back Jack English, who had elected not to return to the club.[2] Cementing his place in the first team Milton was virtually ever present for the next four years. Despite this he was not widely appreciated and the local media suggested that he had 'not lived up to his early promise'.[2] When United signed Len Birks in October 1924 it looked like Milton's tenure was drawing to a close but he regained his place in the side and played in the Blades' winning 1925 FA Cup Final team.[5] The following season was more difficult however, and a mixture of a long-standing ankle injury, his lack of pace and the introduction of the new offside rule meant that he only played twelve more times and was finally released in May 1927.[2]

Personal life

Milton was the younger brother of Sunderland player Albert and Coventry City's Alf.[2] Following his retirement from football Milton worked for a coal merchant before setting up his own business. He also became a county-level bowls player and continued to live less than a quarter-of-a-mile from Bramall Lane.[2]

Honours
Sheffield United

References
  1. Joyce, Michael (2004). Football League Players' Records 1888 to 1939. Nottingham: Tony Brown. p. 186. ISBN 1-899468-67-6.
  2. Denis Clarebrough & Andrew Kirkham (2008). Sheffield United Who's Who. Hallamshire Press. pp. 228–229. ISBN 978-1-874718-69-7.
  3. "Ernest Milton Payer Profile". lfchistory.net. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
  4. "A History of Sheffield United Chapter 5". Retrieved 10 February 2013.
  5. "1925 FA Cup Final Result". sportingchronicle.com. Archived from the original on 14 August 2016. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
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