South Yorkshire Times, May 30, 1959
Denaby Plan to Sign Three League Men
IF the close season efforts of Denaby United officials succeed,”fans” will see three or four experienced League players in action at Tickhill Square next season.
Denaby United Secretary-manager, Arthur Roberts, announced this week that only six of the 23 players on club books had been offered terms for next season. “Goal King” Paul Swaby (picture) , has signed for South Shields.
Included in future plans will be efforts to secure three or four experienced League players, Mr. Roberts told a “South Yorkshire Times” Sports reporter this week. Promising second team junior football players will fill the remaining vacancies.
Offered Terms
“Ted” Smethurst, Jimmy Williams, Collin Jordan, Brian Smith and Malcolm Lawley have been offered terms for next season.
This selection should come as no surprise to ardent Denaby supporters. All five players justified their place in the Midland League team in matches last season.
The hero of many a game, ‘keeper Smethurst, was sought after by several clubs in the season’s latter stages. Williams is a former league player, Jordan a brilliant defender, Smith a tricky winger and Lawley a dependable left half.
Mr. Roberts said it was hoped to secure a league player to fill Swaby’s position, although he had been a sad loss to the club, they could not compete with the South Shields offer, he said.
For months many United officials have stressed the fact that the inclusion of league players in the team would prove a valuable “gate” attraction. One official has expressed the opinion that it would be better to offer attractive term to two or three League players and rely on youngsters to make up the team, than recruit from other clubs it the Midland League,