South Yorkshire Times February 6th 1965
Memories Top the Seventy Years Mark
Two South Yorkshire pensioners who between them have spent over 70 years shouting on Midland League club Denaby United, have been able to swop memories of the club’s hey-day, even though they live 20 miles apart.
It all started at Christmas when the “South Yorkshire Times” printed the story of Denaby’s ”longest and most loyal fan”. He is 71-years-old Mr. Walter Glover, formerly of Conisbrough and Denaby, now living at Park Villa, Thrybergh, and who claims he’s supported United for 50 years.
The story brought back memories for 70-years-old Mr. James Pearson, of 21 Southgate, Penistone, who wrote telling Mr. Glover of the “24 years” he supported the Midland League club.
Mr. Pearson, who lived for many years at 34, Warmsworth Street, Denaby, writes to Mr. Glover:
The best team
“I first lived at Conisbrough from 1908 to 1914, then I got married and lived at Denaby until 1925, and then removed to Sheffield, but I still followed Denaby United until I came to Penistone.
“I know you will be pleased to hear the best team I think ever played for Denaby United. I have forgotten just now the outside left, but here is what I can remember – Harrison, Coope and Taylor, Kennedy, Cowan and McGuire, Givens, Brayshaw, Godfrey, Burkinshaw.”
Mr. Pearson adds, “I think Coope and Taylor were the best full backs I ever saw.”
Although Mr. Pearson will be 71 in May, he is obviously from the same mould as Mr. Glover, for he still watches football regularly as a follower of Penistone Church in the County Senior League.
Mr. Pearson was formerly employed on the Hull Barnsley railway line, and was working at Penistone Signal Box when he retired after nearly 50 years’ service.
Mr. Glover now intends to reply to the letter, and who knows . . . he may be able to recall the name of the outside left.