Denaby Utd – Denaby’s Stylish Inside Forward – “Paddy” Fitzgerald (picture)

19 January 1934

South Yorkshire Times, 19th January, 1934

“Paddy” Fitzgerald

Denaby’s stylish inside forward or wing half-back, is known to all his colleagues at Tickhill Square by that name, but actually his christian name is Albert.  Several first-class clubs have had their eyes on him this season and it has been expected weekly that he would leave Tickhill Squae for higher spheres.  It is certainly a long time since Denaby had  a more stylish and intelligent player.

He started the season as a half-back, dropping back of necessity when Denaby had Aistrup and Smith, on the injured list, and was so outstandingly successful that he was retained   in the middle line until injuries to forwards caused hiss return to the attack.  Only 20 years of age, he is a strong and robust player, fearless and determined in the way he tackles, and quick on the ball.  He is a fine close dribbler and has exceptionally good ball control, while he is also adept at feinting and side-stepping.  He has, in fact, all the attributes of a first-rate inside forward but unlike many inside men, he can shoot hard and accurately and has scored some of the most spectacular goals obtained at Tickhill Square this season.

As a boy he played with Maltby Crags School.  On leaving school he had a couple of seasons with Maltby Old Boys and subsequently had a season with Maltby Catholics.  He afterwards played for a short time with Maltby Main and it was from this club that Mexboro’ secured him.  He created a favourable impression at Hampden Road where he was hailed as a second Joe Beresford.  He lost his position owing to injury and after another short spell in junior football in the Maltby district returned to the Midland League when he donned Denaby’s colours during last season. “Paddy” is a useful cricketer as well as a versatile footballer and plays for Maltby Main in the Doncaster league.