Black Week at Tickhill Square

This has been the blackest week of the season for Denaby United

In the space of a few days the committee received notification the sudden tragic death on Saturday of brilliant young reserves inside left John Webster, and a simultaneous request by two senior side defenceman, goalkeeper Ted Smethurst, and fullback Malcolm Lawley placed on the transfer list.

Secretary-manager of the club. Mr. Arthur Roberts. told a “South Yorkshire Times” reporter this week that a place in the Midland League forward line was almost a certainty for popular 20-years-old Webster. “All he needed was a little more experience.” he said. “When we gave him a trial in the first team a few weeks ago he scored twice in the first eleven minutes.

“He had the right sort of team spirit, too. When the reserves were at Parkgate the goalkeeper failed to turn up and John volunteered straight away.”

The funeral at Kirk Sandall on Wednesday was attended by club President, Mr, Sam Peck, committee member Mr C.Smith, second team trainer Mr W Reeve and Mr Roberts.

The request of Smethurst and Lawley to be placed on the transfer list is the biggest bombshell of the season as far as the committee is concerned. The decision not to release either of the two players unless a reasonable transfer fee is offered was made on the grounds that Denaby, struggling

in the bottom quarter of the League, are unable to release two first team men of their calibre without some form of remuneration. Both Smethurst and Lawley will, a “South Yorkshire Times.” sports reporter understands, be asked to meet the committee to explain the reasons for their request, possibly this week-end.

The fact that both players have been “relegated” to the second team during the past few weeks may have something to do with their request. Mr. Robert’s explanation is that Smethurst, who is 20. Is considered to be one of the League’s most brilliant goalkeepers, is being given a rest for the time being and that Lawley, (21) is temporarily off-form.

Mr. Roberts added the last word: “I have no doubt that both Smethhurst and Lawley will be back in the first team quite soon.’

Perhaps the one bit of news this week is that Austin Egan the 26-years-old inside right who has been out of the game since ,March when he broke a leg at Tickhill Square, made a spectacular come-back with the reserves at Thorncliffe last week.