Mexborough and Swinton Times September 3, 1910
Footballer and Denaby Girl.
The magistrates learned something about footballers and their wages during the hearing of the application by Gertrude Rosser, single, of Denaby, who summoned George Blackburn, professional footballer, of Huddersfield, to show cause, etc.
Defendant did not appear.
Mr. W. Baddiley said Blackburn, as a professional footballer, was worth four pounds a week. He had been courting Miss Rosser for three years, but when he was informed about her condition he transferred his affections to another girl. He admitted paternity, but considering that as a footballer he would get about a good deal, he (Mr. Baddiley) considered it best to have an order obtained in open court.
The girl concerned, who lives at 94, Doncaster Road, Denaby, said her child was born in July ‘Last. Defendant, with whom she kept company for three years, had promised to marry her, had written her several letters, and given her his photo. Last April witness and her sister saw him in Worksop, and he admitted liability.
In a letter received on Saturday last he expressed his readiness to pay. As a footballer he had been with Denaby United, Glossop and Bradford before signing-on for Huddersfield.
Lily Shaw, married sister, of complainant, spoke to Blackburn admitting liability at Worksop.
The Chairman asked Mt. Baddiley if the four pounds a week was good all the year round?
Mr .Baddiley: Yes, these good men are retained by the trig teams—and a good man like him is sure of the money for years.
The Chairman: Blackburn is a good man then?
Mr Baddiley: oh yes, why only the other day football club paid £1,000 for a man against whom your worships made an order some time ago on a similar charge.
An order for three shillings weekly was made against Blackburn