George Farmer (footballer, born 1863)

George Farmer (13 Dec 1862 – 4 May 1905) was a Welsh footballer who played in the Football League for Everton.[1] On signing from Oswestry Town he became Everton's first ever professional player, and was the first player to score in a recognised competitive match for the club - a 2–2 draw in an FA Cup first round replay against Bolton Wanderers.[2]

George Farmer
Personal information
Date of birth 13 Dec 1862
Place of birth Oswestry, England
Date of death 4 May 1905
Place of death Liverpool, England
Position(s) Half back
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1881–1885 Oswestry Town
1885–1890 Everton 31 (1)
1890 Liverpool Caledonians
Liverpool South End
Rock Ferry
International career
1885 Wales 2 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Early career

Farmer was originally a skinner by trade. He signed for his local club, Oswestry Town, then known as Oswestry White Stars, in 1881. In 1884 he helped Oswestry Town to win the Welsh Cup and, they reached the Final, as cup-holders the following year. He was awarded two caps by Wales in 1885 (against England and Scotland). He was signed by Everton in February 1885 and made his Everton debut in March 1885 against Crewe Alexandra. In the 1885–86 season he scored 34 goals from 41 games and played in six different positions. He scored 23 goals in the 1886–87 season and 15 goals in 1887–88. In the pre-Football League era he played 131 times for Everton scoring 80 goals. Farmer was 5'6" tall, he was a clever, constructive player, noted as a 'fine passer' who was capable of 'beautiful work'. He was also adept with in-swinging corner-kicks.[3]

1888-1889 season

Farmer made his League debut on 8 September 1888, playing as a winger, at Anfield, the home of Everton. The home team defeated the visitors Accrington 2–1. Farmer scored his debut and only League goal on 6 October 1888, playing as a wing–half, at Anfield. Everton defeated the visitors Aston Villa 2–0 and Farmer scored the second of the two Everton goals. Farmer appeared in 21 of the 22 League matches played by Everton and scored one League goal.[4][5]

End of career

Farmer played more as a reserve player in 1889–90 but he did make ten appearances. He left Everton in 1890 and played for a number of non-league Merseyside clubs before retiring as a player. His life after football is not in the records. He died in Liverpool on 4 May 1905 at the age of 42.[6]

References
  1. Joyce, Michael (2004). Football League Players' Records 1888 to 1939. SoccerData. p. 86. ISBN 1-899468-67-6.
  2. Doyle, Paul. (4 October 2014). "500 up – Everton getting set for historic goalscorer against Manchester United". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
  3. Matthews, Tony (2004). Who's Who of Everton. Mainstream Publishing. p. 84. ISBN 1-84018-819-7.
  4. Metcalf, Mark (2013). The Origins of the Football League. Amberley. p. 52. ISBN 978-1-4456-1881-4.
  5. "English National Football Archive". Retrieved 9 February 2018. (registration & fee required)
  6. Matthews, Tony (2004). Who's Who of Everton. Mainstream Publishing. p. 84. ISBN 1-84018-819-7.
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