Menu
23/03/2004
Footballer excess nothing new says historian
High profile football seems to have been haunted recently by tales of heavy-drinking, high wages and easy sex - but such accusations are nothing new, according to a University historian who's been researching an Irish soccer star of the 1890s.
Dr Neal Garnham, a senior lecturer in the Academy for Irish Cultural Heritages, says the antics of international Jack Reynolds rank with alleged excesses that have been levelled against some of today’s top stars in English football.
Reynolds played for both Ireland and England, won a clutch of medals with clubs such as West Bromwich Albion and Glasgow Celtic and was an integral part of the League and Cup double winning side at Aston Villa in 1897.
But away from the pitch, he was on the road to ruin. One of the most highly paid players of his day, he spent much of his money on drink and a lot of time in female company. At one stage he disappeared on a drinking binge for a week. He fathered at least one illegitimate child. His heavy drinking eventually blighted his career and he died alone in a boarding house at the age of 48. He spent his later years working as a miner in Sheffield.
Dr Garnham says much of Reynolds’ trouble lay in the fact that players of the time were required to do comparatively little training and consequently had a great deal of time on their hands.
"The problem in the 1890s was possibly much the same as today," Dr Garnham said. "Young men were paid comparatively high wages and had a great deal of time to spend them. Also many, including Reynolds, were real celebrities. As such their company was much sought after, not least by pub landlords looking to attract customers."
Dr Garnham will be talking about Reynolds and discussing his own current work in a lecture to the Ulster Society for Irish Historical Studies, in the School of History at Queen’s University, Belfast on Thursday at 7pm.
(MB)
Dr Neal Garnham, a senior lecturer in the Academy for Irish Cultural Heritages, says the antics of international Jack Reynolds rank with alleged excesses that have been levelled against some of today’s top stars in English football.
Reynolds played for both Ireland and England, won a clutch of medals with clubs such as West Bromwich Albion and Glasgow Celtic and was an integral part of the League and Cup double winning side at Aston Villa in 1897.
But away from the pitch, he was on the road to ruin. One of the most highly paid players of his day, he spent much of his money on drink and a lot of time in female company. At one stage he disappeared on a drinking binge for a week. He fathered at least one illegitimate child. His heavy drinking eventually blighted his career and he died alone in a boarding house at the age of 48. He spent his later years working as a miner in Sheffield.
Dr Garnham says much of Reynolds’ trouble lay in the fact that players of the time were required to do comparatively little training and consequently had a great deal of time on their hands.
"The problem in the 1890s was possibly much the same as today," Dr Garnham said. "Young men were paid comparatively high wages and had a great deal of time to spend them. Also many, including Reynolds, were real celebrities. As such their company was much sought after, not least by pub landlords looking to attract customers."
Dr Garnham will be talking about Reynolds and discussing his own current work in a lecture to the Ulster Society for Irish Historical Studies, in the School of History at Queen’s University, Belfast on Thursday at 7pm.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 November 2024
New Plan Aims To Tackle Substance Use In NI
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has launched a new strategic plan to improve substance use services across Northern Ireland. The Substance Use Strategic Commissioning and Implementation Plan 2024-2028 outlines a four-year strategy to reform and recommission these vital services.
New Plan Aims To Tackle Substance Use In NI
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has launched a new strategic plan to improve substance use services across Northern Ireland. The Substance Use Strategic Commissioning and Implementation Plan 2024-2028 outlines a four-year strategy to reform and recommission these vital services.
23 March 2022
New High Street Task Force Report Published
A new High Street Task Force report, produced by the Northern Ireland Executive, has been published, making 14 key recommendations.
New High Street Task Force Report Published
A new High Street Task Force report, produced by the Northern Ireland Executive, has been published, making 14 key recommendations.
30 August 2002
Protestant High School vandalised in north Belfast
A predominantly Protestant High School in north Belfast has been vandalised causing £10,000 worth of damage. Around 200 windows were broken at Castle High School in Fortwilliam Park at around 6pm on Thursday evening.
Protestant High School vandalised in north Belfast
A predominantly Protestant High School in north Belfast has been vandalised causing £10,000 worth of damage. Around 200 windows were broken at Castle High School in Fortwilliam Park at around 6pm on Thursday evening.
15 April 2010
Quinn To 'Accept Full-Time Administrator'
There's been a virtual 'U-Turn' by the belagured Quinn Group with news that it is to tell the Dublin High Court that it will no longer object to the permanent appointment of administrators to Quinn Insurance, owned by Sean Quinn (pictured).
Quinn To 'Accept Full-Time Administrator'
There's been a virtual 'U-Turn' by the belagured Quinn Group with news that it is to tell the Dublin High Court that it will no longer object to the permanent appointment of administrators to Quinn Insurance, owned by Sean Quinn (pictured).
16 January 2018
Cllr Carole Howard Appointed New High Sheriff Of Belfast
Councillor Carole Howard has been sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Belfast, succeeding Alderman Tom Haire to become the 118th High Sheriff of the city and the 12th woman to hold the position.
Cllr Carole Howard Appointed New High Sheriff Of Belfast
Councillor Carole Howard has been sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Belfast, succeeding Alderman Tom Haire to become the 118th High Sheriff of the city and the 12th woman to hold the position.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
