South Yorkshire Times February 26, 1949
“Cocky” Bennett
Mr. Sparling tells the story of “Cocky” that I had not heard before (and I thought I had heard them all) but it has an authentic ring. It is the story of a joke played by that man mountain, Bill Foulke, in his day prince of goalkeepers , big as he was.
Foulke and Bennett were great pals.
Walter had had a good day at Doncaster and won £25.
When he came to Bramall Lane to train the following day, he had the money in his pocket and mentioned the fact. When he went out on to the field. Foulke said to the others: “Let’s breech Walter.” No sooner said than done; at any rate to the extent of £15. It was a dangerous trick, but men as big as Bill Foulke can live dangerously.
Curiously enough, Bennett never missed the money, or at any rate never complained, though he did mention at the weekend that he was a “bit short” Never mind, Walter,” said Foulke, “I know a chap who is offering to give you £5 a goal for any you score to-morrow.” Next day Bennett played a wonderful game did the hat-trick, and to his delight and gratification was solemnly presented in the dressing-room with £15 from the anonymous admirer. It was a long time before anybody dared tell “Cocky” where the money really came from.