South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 7 August 1943
Retirement
Mr. James Hancock, of Doncaster Road, Conisborough, on Saturday, retired from the position of screen foreman at Cadeby Colliery, a position he has held for 22 years. The occasion was marked by a little ceremony in the time office, when Mr. E. T. Hardy presented, on behalf of the workmen and officials, National Savings Certificates. Mr. Hardy said it was always with a tinge of regret that he parted with officials. He paid tribute to the way in which Mr. Hancock had carried out his duties and thanked him for his loyalty. Mr. Hancock suitably responded.
He is well known in the district for his connection with sport, particularly football. He started his football career with Denaby United in 1889 in the Sheffield League. In 1897 he joined Mexborough for one season in the Midland League. He had by then attracted the attention of several League clubs and eventually signed for Chesterfield, then in the Second Division, and during his two seasons with them he had the distinction of playing against Sheffield Wednesday in the opening match at their present ground at Hillsborough in 1899, when Chesterfield were beaten 5-1.
When Denaby first entered the Midland League in 1902, Hancock returned to them and spent nine seasons with them. Older Denaby supporters will remember the fine defence Denaby had in Hancock, Welsh and Townley. Mr. Hancock left Denaby in 1910 to take over the managership of Frickley Colliery F.C. and remained for ten years, after which he returned to Denaby as manager, where he ended his career in the sporting field.
During Mr. Hancock’s management at Denaby and Frickley, he was responsible for the transfer of many prominent players. Teddy Hancock, the well-known Liverpool and Burnley player, is his son. Mr. Hancock was born at Methley and came to Denaby when he was 17. He has been employed at Denaby for 43 years.