A Maker of Players

The new trainer to the Denaby United football club is “new” only to the younger generation. The club and he are old associates. He was born in the district, became prominent as a footballer in the Mexboro’ District Schools Association games, and played for Denaby when they were members of the Sheffield Association League in the old, old days.

“Bill” Lawley has a thorough knowledge of the game and a fund of dry humour that makes him one of the most popular figures in local football. Apart from his capabilities as a trainer, he has a notable record as a player and runner. When quite -young he joined Denaby, and older followers of the club will remember his fine work as left back and captain in those distant days. When Denaby joined the Midland League competition in 1902 he was the first captain and trainer, and in that season enjoyed a benefit. He was an idol of the crowd then.

He was the first player for whom Denaby got a transfer fee. He went to Barnsley who in turn transferred him to Manchester United, with whom he got two goals in the only match he played for them. He returned to his native district for private reasons.

It was a loss to Denaby when he went to South Elmsall some years ago to train the Frickley team. There he saw a Yorkshire League team turned into a Midland League side.

In 1924 he had a breakdown in health and had to hand over the work to another. He was_ welcomed back to Denaby at the start of this season.

Lawler has “spotted” many players who have ‘`risen from the ranks,” notably Jimmy Harrop, who went from Denaby to Sheffield, and later captained Aston Villa; Teddy Glennon, who went to Rotherham and then to Sheffield Wednesday, where a broken leg ended his playing career. At Denaby he played with “Cocky” Bennett.

He is also interested in boxing, and at South Elmsall brought out many promising youths. In his day he was the finest runner in Denaby, and won many prizes.