Mexborough & Swinton Times, June30, 1906

Denaby United Football Club.
Tea And Presentation Of Cup And Medals.

In connection with Denaby United Football Club, winners of the Sheffield Challenge Cup, a tea and presentation took place on Tuesday evening. About 100 sat down to an excellent repast supplied by Mr. and Mrs. T. Weston, the proprietor. After tea the presentation took place in the large concert room, before about 150 interested persons. The chair was occupied by Mr. Dunn, the president of the club. The presentations were made by Mr. W. H. Chambers. Amongst those present were: Messrs. C. Bury, W. Wright, T. Athron, T. Weston, G. Milnes, W. I. Gibbs, E. Robinson, G. L. Robinson, W. Astbury, E. Sheldon, J. Dollison (Staffordshire), T. Peters (secretary the club), and others.

The CHAIRMAN, in opening, said they were all well aware of the occasion they were called together upon, and that was the presentation of the cup and medals in connection with the Sheffield Challenge Cup. He should like to point out that the management committee, who had been appointed to look after the interests of the clubs, intended to carry on the business in the best possible manner, and if any player had a grievance he should bring it before the committee, and not voice it in other places. All players would be treated in a respectable manner. There were perhaps certain persons, who did not look at these matters through the same spectacles that the committee did. Referring to the winning of the Sheffield Challenge Cup and medals, he said he was sure all the club’s supporters would feel very proud indeed of their winning in such a meritorious fashion such a splendid trophy. It had been no mean achievement, and they had had to light hard. There was one drawback, however, and one which the public little knew about. They were aware the club had played in two semi-finals and final, which collectively realised in gate money about £160. Of that handsome sum Denaby’s share was only £10. 14s. 7d., and £2 6s. for travelling expenses. (Shame.) Although they were proud they had won the cup, they could not congratulate themselves from a financial point of view. If they were to receive the same treatment as this in other competitions, they would not be able to keep the football club very long in a financial position. They were all pleased to see Mr. Chambers amongst them that night, and they would all appreciate his presence. (Applause.) They all knew what a great amount of interest Mr. Chambers took in the doings of the club, and as he had said, many times before, Mr. Chambers was the father of the Denaby United F.O. (Applause.)

Mr. Chambers said it was gratifying to him to be asked to take part in such an auspicious gathering. The Denaby club had made themselves to envy of all the other clubs who competed for the Cup, and it was a great credit to them, as this was the chief event in the district. They were to be congratulated upon their victory, and there was nobody more proud of what they had achieved than he was, (Hear, hear.) This spirit of emulation, so long as it was directed in the proper channels, was commendable in every way, not only in business matters, but also in all kinds of recreation. It brought out, or should do, the best that was in them. He could not say that he know much about football now; he did not understand it a bit, because it was so refined to what the game used to be when he played some 30 years ago, and remarking with a laugh, ‘it wants to be.’ The rough work that prevailed at the earlier periods of the game had nearly all died out, and if anybody wished to see what the old way was like, he would recommend then to go and see a Staffordshire fight. (Laughter.) He had great pleasure in presenting the cup to Mr. Lawley, the captain, send the medals to the following players. Messrs. Lawley, Hancock, Weleh, Nimrod, Lees, Lindley, Docherty, Hellings, Lavery, Tompkins, and Cutts. Mr. Chambers remarked that the reserve team had done some good work by securing second position in the Sheffield Association League, and the committee had recognised what they had done by presenting them with medals. He hoped they would go one better next season. He the presented medals to Messrs. Chadfield (captain), Hudson, Marshall, Hawkins, Sheldrake, Whitchouse, Cook, Wilkinson, Lawton and Davies.

The Chairman’s, in thanking Mr. Chambers for his presence, said they would all be pleased to hear what Mr. Chambers had said. He should, however, like to say something about the support that was necessary to carry this and other institutions of a similar character through. They were unable at all times to do what they would like with their players. If they wanted Midland League football maintaining at Denaby the spectators would have to support the cause right heartily. He was proud to think that Mr. Chambers took such a great amount of interest in their doings, and he, on behalf of the committee, thanked him for his presence that night.

Mr. Chambers said it always gave him pleasure if he could meet them in matter of this kind. It was now 25 years since he became known to the Denaby people, and the longer he knew them the more he respected them. (Applause.)

The rest of the evening was spent in conviviality, and songs, etc. Were given at intervals by Messrs. T. Oldfield, Robinson, Johnson, Atkin, Rattigan, Daly, Mincher and others. Mr. Leebeater acted as accompanist.