The Split
22 Jun 2011

By 1907 the Club had made such progress that it joined the newly formed Amateur Football Association - later to become the Amateur Football Alliance we know today. It is probably fair to say that the current Club membership is at best hazy as to the circumstances of the AFA’s origins. This section explains briefly the reasons for its existence and its relationship to the Football Association.

In 1905 the first rumblings of discontent could be heard from a group of amateurs from Surrey and Middlesex over the direction that the Football Association was seen to be heading. The immediate cause of the trouble was a proposal by the Chairman of the FA Council, J.C. Clegg of Sheffield, that an amendment be made to the rules of the Association requiring County Associations to admit both amateur and professional clubs to membership. A number of these County Associations had by rule expressly confined membership to amateur clubs. These associations included the London FA and the counties of Surrey and Middlesex.

The London FA held a special General Meeting in February 1906 and a motion to alter its rules in line with the proposed FA amendment was carried by a narrow majority. Therefore, only a small, but highly influential body of sportsmen connected with football interests in Surrey and Middlesex were left to stand alone on this matter of principle. While they respected the professional player, they felt strongly that the introduction of professional clubs into formerly wholly amateur associations would be to the detriment of the amateur game. Feelings ran high and a sense of isolation on this matter made the amateurs even more determined to fight against heavy odds for the principles they held.

For this group to succeed, they required a strong spokesman. This they had in Mr H. Hughes-Onslow, a scholarly bachelor who was a practising solicitor, later to become Master of the Supreme Court of Adjudicature. Although not a distinguished footballer, he had represented Old Etonians and his native county of Dorset and had become keenly interested in the legislative side of the game. Therefore both sides had strong leaders with the full support of their respective followers. In the ensuing period the dispute was aggravated by harsh words from both sides. On one hand the FA suggested that class distinction and the old school tie were behind the amateur revolt, while the other side retorted that commercialism was the prime consideration of the FA whose only concern was with the professional game.

In 1907, the amateurs made a couple of positive moves. Firstly they issued a resumé of the scheme they had in mind.

"No restriction of any kind whatever will be placed by this Association upon any of its Clubs in membership for playing with or against Clubs not belonging to this Association."

Secondly, they circulated a letter from Mr Hughes-Onslow to a large number of clubs:

"All amateur clubs in sympathy with the movement to form a new Association are invited to send representatives with full authority to act officially and vote on behalf of their respective clubs, to a meeting to be held at 7pm at the Holburn Restaurant on Monday 8th July."

Three days prior to this meeting, the FA Council issued the following resolution at its annual summer meeting at Malvern:

"That Clubs and players under the jurisdiction of the Football Association must not play with or against Clubs or players not under the jurisdiction of a recognised football association, and that officials of affiliated associations and clubs must not be members of any unaffiliated organisation."

The meeting at Holburn Restaurant must rank as one of the most enthusiastic of its kind ever held. Over 500 representatives attended and it was a case of standing room only for late arrivals. The Hon. Alfred Lyttleton, K.C., M.P., a former England international, occupied the chair and Mr Hughes-Onslow proposed the resolution:

"That in the opinion of this Meeting it is essential for the good of the game of Association Football as played by amateurs that the Amateur Football Association be formed."

This motion was carried amid wild enthusiasm and the first President of the AFA, the Right Hon. Lord Alverstone, Lord Chief Justice of England, was elected. Mr Hughes-Onslow was the first Secretary and within three months of its formation, the AFA consisted of over 900 clubs all over the country.

With hindsight there is little doubt that "The Split" would never have occurred if both sides had used a modicum of diplomacy. During the ensuing years differences have been patched up. Although the original "terms of reconciliation" agreed between the AFA and the FA were unduly restrictive to the AFA, it was Shelton Cox who led the movement to the complete freedom of action as we know it today. It is true to say that in 1998 we are the successors of Hughes-Onslow, the New Crusaders, the Corinthians, and we are pleased to think that in the AFA Leagues and Cup competitions today the best type of amateur football is played. We are proud of the fact that in 1907 Carshalton was one of the founder members of the AFA and our traditions and our attitude to the game are inevitably linked to those of the AFA and its member clubs.

In The Shadow of War - Part 1
22 Jun 2011

In the years following "The Split" the Club entered the AFA Senior, Surrey Senior and AFA Junior cups. In 1909-10 Carshalton entered league football for the first time by joining the newly formed AFA League - the Surrey Amateur League. Indeed this season was to prove the most successful so far in Carshalton’s short history as they finished as Champions of the Surrey Amateur League. Easter tours were still popular and the Club toured Kent, meeting Tunbridge Wells, Margate Wanderers and Ramsgate St George’s.

It was at this time that Mr ER Cooke handed over as Secretary of the Club to John Davis. Mr Cooke had guided the Club through its formative years from the second season onwards - a period of 10 exciting seasons of continuous development. He had also been a member of the Surrey FA Committee until "The Split" and was then elected to the newly formed Surrey AFA Committee.

In 1910-11 the Club enjoyed further success. The Reserves made a good impression in the AFA Junior Cup beating Minerva 4-2, Oxted 7-1, Parthian Reserves 4-1 and Old Citizens Reserves 5-1 before bowing out in the semi final to City Albion. In goal was AC Kent with other regulars being Lee Gann, John Davis, Marshall, Fairbanks, Edwards, Cyril Hallam, and Wilfred Gann. The team’s record was the most successful of any side in the Club’s fledgling history:

Played 24
Won 17
Drawn 4
Lost 3
Goals For 100
Goals Against 33

A further competition was entered during 1910-11 - the International Challenge du Nord. This competition was divided into two knockout sections - English and French, with the winners of each section playing each other over two legs. Carshalton managed to reach the final of the English section, losing to Cambridge Town. However, they were not to be denied their trip to the continent, as the Easter tour took them to Roubaix - one of the cradles of French football.

In 1912 the Club was elected to the Southern Amateur League. At this time the League was devoted to first teams only and was divided into two sections comprising the following clubs:

Section A - Civil Service, Ealing Association, Eastbourne, Hampstead, Ipswich Town, Westminster Bank, Oxford, New Crusaders, Casuals, Townley Park

Section B - Alleyn Old Boys, Aquarius, Bowes Park, Carshalton, Cheshunt, Crouch End Vampires, Norsemen, Reigate Priory, Richmond Association

It was at the end of this season that the Club’s name first appears on the list of winners of the AFA Surrey Senior Cup, when they beat Westminster Bank 3-2 in the final. In the same year Beddington Park hosted the final of the AFA Junior Cup in which Civil Service Reserves beat Oxted 2-1.

The following season, 1913-14 was the most successful the Club had enjoyed to date. In only its second season in the SAL, Carshalton finished top of Section ‘B’, thus gaining promotion to Section ‘A’. The League record read:

Played 16
Won 12
Drawn 4
Lost 0
Goals For 45
Goals Against 18
Points 28

Needless to say there was no Section ‘A’ for Carshalton to compete in the following season, due to another "unnatural break" in the Club’s history. The Club has seen the country at war three times in its lifetime, but this was the first occasion play had actually been suspended - an interruption that was to last five years.

This break came at a peak in the Club’s history. It had developed from a side playing friendly games against local Junior clubs to a firmly established Senior Club, fielding four sides every week, and taking its place in the premier division of the top and most exclusive AFA League of its time. The administrative side had been in the hands of three outstanding individuals - CD Dally, the enthusiastic first Hon. Secretary, who although in office for only one season, was nevertheless connected with the Club for a considerable period, ER Cooke and John Davis. It is difficult to pick out stalwarts on the field of play but amongst the names that appear consistently in the various records is Dick Reynolds, captain of the Club from 1911 until 1914 and considered one of the finest centre halves and captains the Club has ever had. Also prominent in the records are Wilfred Gann (centre forward with the hottest shot in the Club), the brothers Gillie and Wilfred Reay (full backs) and Charlie Rutherford (half back). F.N. Burnett perhaps held the long service record at this time, being captain of the Club in 1899-1900 and still playing in the first team in 1913-14. He was a great worker for the Club and undoubtedly contributed a great deal towards the success of those early days, both on and off the field.

The success of the Club up to the time of the First World War was due to the splendid Club spirit of all its members. It should be remembered that prior to the 1914-18 War, everyone worked on Saturdays until 1pm or 2pm and sometimes later. It was not unusual to find a first team player playing for the second or third team if he was unable to get away from work in time to travel with the first team.

Another interesting feature of this early part of the Club’s history is the number of brothers who were playing - Lewis, Bernard and John Davis; Percy, Fred and Jack Dupre; Guy, Kenneth and Cyril Hallam; Gillie and Wilfred Reay; Lee and Wilfred Gann; Leonard, Harold and Reg Palmer; Bernard and Sam Jones; Harold and Norman Hancock.

In summary, this was a period of the Club’s development of which today’s successors to those early enthusiasts can be justly proud. The Club was built on firm foundations and the way ahead wide open for future development in the spirit of true Amateur Football.

1920s
22 Jun 2011

With the cessation of hostilities in 1918, it was not long before the thoughts of old Carshalton members began to turn to ways and means of re-starting the Club. Although there was a lot of hard work "behind the scenes" it was not until 1919 that action really took place. On 1st September 1919 an Extraordinary General Meeting was attended by ET Gann (Chairman), FW Buckland, Norman Hancock, A Grave, WT Piggott, Lee Gann, Wilfred Gann, D Field, Basil Brill, Jock Walker, Cyril Hallam and John Davis (Secretary).

Although the Club had no ground, as Beddington Park had been ploughed up during the War, it was unanimously decided that the Club should recommence activities as soon as possible. The Southern Amateur League too had reorganised itself and Carshalton supported its efforts by rejoining immediately. Jock Walker was elected skipper and the Club ran 2 sides. A pitch was found at the Croydon Airport until the ground at Beddington Park had been resewn with grass. Carshalton were contracted to their new landlord’s suppliers for teas and this cost a total of £25 for the season – an expense the Club could not continue to bear for any length of time. On moving back to Beddington Park, the Club’s tea ladies actually made a profit of £4 in the first season and this source of revenue continues to this day. The playing record in the first season since the War was not exceptional, but did ensure Section "A" football the following season.

SAL Section 'A'
Played 14
Won 4
Drawn 1
Lost 9
Goals For 25
Goals Against 30
Points 9
5th place

At the end of 1919-20, having set the wheels in motions once more, that great servant of the Club, John Davis retired from the office of Hon. General Secretary. Not only had he served Carshalton in this capacity since 1909, he also served the Surrey Amateur League, the Surrey AFA and the Surrey AFA’s Referees’ Society. Instead of the Secretaryship, he turned his attention to finance and remained as Treasurer until 1923. His successor in office was David Gibson and his first year was notable for being the first year of captaincy of one of the great Carshalton characters, Gillie Reay. The 1st XI had a more successful season in terms of points, but ended in a lower league position…

SAL Section 'A'
Played 20
Won 8
Drawn 3
Lost 9
Goals For 45
Goals Against 50
Points 19
6th place

1920-21 also saw the Reserves enter league football by joining the newly constituted Reserve Section of the SAL.

In 1921-22 the Club made a temporary departure from Beddington Park. A new ground was leased at the Croydon Sports Club ground in Plough Lane, where play continued until 1924. Very little is known of the exact reasons for the departure, and as for the eventual return to Beddington Park, there are extensive minutes regarding the negotiations with the Beddington Cricket Club before this happy state was achieved. The move to Plough Lane had an unsettling influence on the 1st XI, who were relegated from the premier Division of the SAL for the first time due to their record of

SAL Section 'A'
Played 20
Won 6
Drawn 1
Lost 13
Goals For 23
Goals Against 62
Points 13
10th Relegated

At the end of season AGM, David Gibson announced that he was unable to continue as Secretary and a true Carshalton legend CH Shelton Cox was elected in his place. During his first season in charge, it was decided that the "A" Team should re-enter competitive football and they played in both the AFA Minor Cup and the Surrey Amateur League. The 1st XI finished 4th in the lower division, but failed to threaten an immediate return to the top flight.

SAL Section 'B'
Played 18
Won 11
Drawn 1
Lost 6
Goals For 33
Goals Against 18
Points 23
4th place

Also during this season another Carshalton "Hall of Famer" was elected to the Club – AA Barnes.

During the following season, 1923-24, the 1st XI got a little closer to promotion, but just missed out with a league finish of

SAL Division 2
Played 20
Won 14
Drawn 3
Lost 3
Goals For 64
Goals Against 26
Points 31
3rd place

It was to be the Reserves who excelled, finishing fourth in their league with a record of

SAL Southern Section
Played 14
Won 8
Drawn 3
Lost 3
Goals For 38
Goals Against 24
Points 19
4th place

They also reached the final of the AFA Junior Cup losing 0-4 to London County Westminster & Parrs Bank and won the AFA Surrey Junior Cup for the first time in the Club’s history.

The Club celebrated its return to Beddington Park in 1924-25 by not only winning the AFA Surrey Senior Cup, beating Kew Association 2-0, but also finishing runners up in the league to Old Lyonians, thereby regaining their position in Division 1. Their record read…

SAL Division 2
Played 20
Won 15
Drawn 1
Lost 4
Goals For 50
Goals Against 27
Points 31
2nd place

This season was eclipsed by the following season of 1925-26. Though the team only fared averagely in the higher division:

SAL Division 1
Played 20
Won 9
Drawn 2
Lost 11
Goals For 37
Goals Against 47
Points 20
9th place

it was in the AFA Senior Cup that they achieved real success. The skipper of that year, Jack Lindsay describes Carshalton’s progress in his own words.

"The story really begins when we found ourselves up against Barclays Bank in the semi final at the Bromley Town’s ground. We had a good side and had been playing good football, but our wildest dreams hadn’t visualised ourselves being in the AFA Final. Barclays were led by that fine player Jack Cooper, and I well remember him shaking my hand before the game and saying how sorry he was they’d have to beat Carshalton to reach the Final. We had lost two good forwards in Hancock and Serin, but we’d had many pep talks and I was sure we could make up with enthusiasm for these losses. As it was, the following names will give some idea of the strength of the side: Schofield, Wright, Ross, Hines, Clark, Winter, Morris, King, the Theobald twins and myself. My optimism was justified and we brought off an excellent 2-1 win through goals scored by Winter and Morris. In the Final at Brentford’s ground, Lensbury were a good side and their chief danger was young Rutherford at outside right. The story was a sad one – in the first half Wright and Clark outclassed Rutherford, but alas! After the interval Wright under-estimated Rutherford, Schofield made one of his very occasional slips – and the Cup was Lensbury’s!"

1926 / 27
1st Team - Division 1
Played 22
Won 8
Drawn 4
Lost 10
Goals For 39
Goals Against 63
Points 20
10th place

For the next 7 seasons the Club remained in Division 1 of the SAL, but struggled against relegation in every season. It has to be remembered that this was a very strong league, which contained many gate taking Clubs and including such big clubs as Ipswich Town, Hastings & St Leonards, Cambridge Town and Eastbourne. As a private club Carshalton achieved considerable success merely by competing against these big clubs and maintaining its position for so long.

The 1st XI followed the previous season’s AFA Senior Cup Final appearance with a 4-1 victory at Crouch End in Round 1 in front of a crowd of over 500. This was to be as far as they progressed as they went down 3-1 in a replay at Kew Association following a 2-2 draw at Beddington Park. In the AFA Surrey Senior Cup Carshalton beat Old Rutlishians 4-2 in the semi final with goals from HM Cornford and a hat-trick from Ronnie Morris. In the final at Exiles Ground in Twickenham, Carshalton once again faced Kew (who had reached the final of the AFA Senior Cup the previous week), and fought out a tight 0-0 draw, thus sharing the trophy. In the league, Carshalton struggled in the lower reaches of the First Division for most of the season. The match report on the 6-1 defeat in a mud bath at Old Lyonians in March boldly predicted swift revenge the following week in the return fixture. No idle boast, as remarkably they secured a 1-0 victory on a "slightly more appropriate surface for passing football".

The Club News
1926 saw the historic decision to start "The Carshalton Club News". This was the brainchild of the Hon. General Secretary CH Shelton Cox and his idea was presented to the Committee in the autumn of 1926. Despite reservations about finances, his proposal was accepted, and so on 13th November 1926, Shelton Cox edited the first copy. The purpose of the Club News was outlined in his first editorial.

CARSHALTON FOOTBALL CLUB NEWS.

Week ending Saturday, Nov. 13th. 1926

-------------------------------

The committee of the above Club have tried for some time to evolve a scheme whereby all items of news could be conveyed to all members and supporters. We have tried the local press. Sometimes our reports go in - more often they don’t. We have decided to be independent of them all and run our own "Newspaper". Through this medium we hope to knit the whole Club together and promote a much greater interest. Our efforts will necessarily be crude - we’re not Journalists but Footballers - however, we are sure our members and supporters will criticise us kindly and let our sincerity outweigh our shortcomings.

To Playing Members we have this very important detail to drive home. YOU WILL IN FUTURE RECEIVE NO ADVICE CARDS FROM VIC GREAVES. Selections and Directions will be given in the news sheet. Look for your name and team etc., and take that to be your advice. If you CANNOT play you must let Vic Greaves know AT ONCE. The News Sheet will reach you Wednesday morning so no time must be lost in advising your inability to play.

Those members whose names do not appear in the selections are liable to be called upon at the last minute. It is their duty whether selected or not to say if they cannot play.

It is the Committee’s hope that this somewhat expensive and ambitious venture will be a success and achieve the end in view - The greater efficiency and success of our fine old Club.

The first edition contained reports on the 1s 2-0 league defeat at Bank of England, the Reserve’s league game at home to Merton (2-2 with goals from Les Duff & W.Benwell), the "A"’s 4-1 defeat at the hands of Reigate Priory’s reserves, the "B"’s 4-1 defeat of Norsemen (a brace each for JH Ablett and RS Lucas) and the "C"’s shambles - fielding only 8 players at Wembley(!) against Swiss Bank. Some things never change, as the first edition concluded with a reminder from the Hon. Treasurer regarding subscriptions. Reassuring to note that this is not a modern disease!

"He also, with much respectful diffidence, reminds our Vice-President that six inches of suitably inscribed cheque paper is worth - well, just what’s written on it."

Many editorials that season reflected that football was still very much an amateur sport, with special emphasis on the Corinthian code. There were numerous references to Public School football, Varsity football and surprise, surprise, lamentations about the lack of good young players. "It’s strange isn’t it? Take a young fellow of 18 - fit, splendid physique, keen, all the make up of a star man except the football brain and the necessary clever feet".

By the end of the season it was clear that The Club News had achieved its aims - namely to knit the Club together. "We feel we’re IN IT now - just one fine Club - not a number of teams, each just keen about themselves". Shelton Cox’s vision was rewarded at the end of the season with full backing from the AGM to continue issuing the Club News and "authority to make a charge to defray the cost of it." This venture represents a milestone in the Club’s history – an ambitious step taken by a far sighted and enterprising Committee that has paid – and is still paying – handsome dividends for the Club. The Club News was the first of its kind issued and whilst several clubs followed our lead, many have subsequently dropped out of existence. Even today, there are few clubs issuing a comparable weekly publication and we can be proud of the fact that from November 1926 to the present day, the Club News has continued to service the membership, providing results, teamsheets, match reports and healthy (and unhealthy) debate. In 1926, the appearance of the News had an electrifying effect on the Club, and we can be sure that its disappearance today would have an equal effect – in the opposite direction.

1927 / 28
1st Team - Division 1
Played 24
Won 6
Drawn 8
Lost 10
Goals For 57
Goals Against 73
Points 23
9th place

After briefly flirting with relegation, an uninspired 1st XI managed a mid table position. The team reserved its best form for the AFA Surrey Senior Cup. A closely contested semi final ended with a narrow 2-1 win over Old Westminster Citizens. Once again Kew Association were the opponents in the final, which was played at the Lensbury Club in Teddington. Carshalton opened the scoring after 10 minutes when skipper Leo Winter headed in from the keeper’s punch. The lead was doubled after a "scrimmage" on the line when controversially the referee judged the ball to have crossed the line. Winter added a third just before half-time. It was a completely different story in the second half, though. Kew scored twice in quick succession and the Carshalton goal had a number of close escapes. However Carshalton held on to win 3-2. Man of the Match was Carshalton’s keeper Reg Schofield whose 2 point blank saves kept Kew at bay. The team that day read: Reg Schofield, Len Ross, Stephen Wheeler, Cedric Webb, Jack Lindsay, E Hines, Leo Winter, R Fletcher, AG Gates, Ronnie Morris, AA King.

The Reserves also had a season to remember, securing second place in Division 1 with a record of:

Played 18
Won 13
Drawn 1
Lost 4
Goals For 56
Goals Against 31
Points 27
2nd place

and reaching the semi finals of the AFA Junior Cup, where they lost 3-2 in a thriller with Aquarius.

The most successful side in the Club was the "A" XI. In 27 games they won 22, drew 1 and lost only 4, scoring an astonishing 152 goals - a Club record. One of the stalwarts of the season was none other than Jock Walker, Club skipper in 1919-20. Not surprisingly they won the Surrey Amateur League with a record of:

Played 10
Won 9
Drawn 0
Lost 1
Goals For 63
Goals Against 13
Points 19
1st place

The Club News continued to be dominated by an obsession with amateurism. Stories of players swapping SAL clubs for "expenses" and "an offer I could not refuse" were not uncommon and Shelton Cox was forthright in denouncing the "gate taking" Clubs for bending the amateur ideals. Many other issues were also raised in the Club News – for instance, from 24th December 1927…

PLEASE DON’T
A member was noticed shaking hands with a goal scorer on Saturday, why not kiss him, or present him with a bunch of Violets.

1928 / 29
1st Team - Division 1
Played 22
Won 6
Drawn 4
Lost 12
Goals For 41
Goals Against 58
Points 16
10th place

The retirements of key players including Ronnie Morris, Fred Wright and Len Ross, meant that the 1st XI had to blood young Reserve players, such as Eric Alexander, George Headon and Stephen Wheeler. This team took time to gel and consequently early season results gave cause for concern. As the season progressed, the side recovered and there were notable successes, especially away from home. The last league games had to be played without the services of Reg Schofield, Cedric Webb and Horry Walter resulting in an anxious run in. Thankfully the spirit in the side and youthful enthusiasm carried the team through and Division 1 status was secured for another season. There was the customary appearance in the AFA Surrey Senior Cup Final, thanks to wins over Old Guildfordians 9-0, Old Tennisonians 6-1 and Catford Wanderers 4-1. The team came off the rails against old rivals Kew Association in the final, losing 7-2. The most notable addition to the Club that season was top scorer Horry Walter, who was to be a leading light in the Club for many years, both as a player and later in an administrative capacity, and ultimately as President in the 60s and early 70s.

The Club side of 1928-29 was the Reserves, who finished second in Division 1 for the second successive season with a record of:

Played 16
Won 10
Drawn 5
Lost 1
Goals For 51
Goals Against 22
Points 25
2nd place

They also reached the semi finals of both the AFA Junior Cup and the AFA Surrey Junior Cup. However, the month of March proved disastrous. Going into it, they were chasing a remarkable treble. Within 4 weeks they had lost both semi finals and a 4-3 defeat to eventual champions Westminster Bank put paid to their chances in the league. The 2-1 reverse at Gunnersbury Park to RNVR 1st XI in the AFA Surrey Junior Cup was their first defeat in 33 games! The following Saturday they lost 3-2 in the AFA Junior Cup at home to Credit Lyonnais following a 0-0 stalemate two weeks previously. In total that season they played 29 games, winning 18, drawing 8 and losing 3, scoring 96 goals and conceding 46.

Another team with reason to be proud was the "A" XI who finished 3rd in the Surrey Amateur League. It was with some pride that the Club now felt strong enough to field 6 sides on a regular basis. The Club News celebrated this milestone in the Club’s history.

"In the year 1898 when CD Dally was the first Sec. and the Rev. LW Hallward, MA was first captain none could have imagined that the Club would exist till now and that the foundations so truly laid would support the stress and strife of the years that followed. The Club steered a sound course through the troubled seas of the ‘Split’. Anything might have happened. The easy course was to abandon the AFA and go over to the FA. In fact as some of you will remember the AFA themselves counselled disbandment. It was clubs such as ours that refused to disband so the AFA continued. Then the war - and afterwards - some of you will remember that meeting behind trenches - the photographer wasn’t it? Again the whole Club might have faded away. But it didn’t, fellows like John Davis, Jock Walker, Gillie Reay, Arthur Greaves, Basil Brill, Lee Gann to mention just a few, just don’t fade away. They are fixed points in a somewhat shifty sporting world. And so, today - six sides - plenty of enthusiasm - a fair name and fine captains. The mantle of 1898 has fallen on worthy shoulders."

Off the pitch, the Club members were looking resplendent in their Club blazers - tailor made, all wool, green and white stripes with monogram on the pocket - and all for only 53/-. Scenes from a different era, and 1928-29 saw the end of an era. Shelton Cox announced that he was unable to continue as Hon. Secretary. He had held the office since 1922 and had done more than anyone towards putting Carshalton on the sound basis it was then, and had laid the foundations upon which the Club could build for the future. It has always been a feature of Carshalton history that there has always been someone ready to fill the gap and in 1929-30 the Club was indeed fortunate enough to have Graham Swales to take over the reins of Hon. Secretary.

1929 / 30
1st Team - Division 1
Played 22
Won 6
Drawn 2
Lost 14
Goals For 35
Goals Against 77
Points 13
11th place

By the end of the 1920s, the Club’s playing membership had swelled to 70. Whilst numerically advantaged, an unusually high level of injuries and retirements meant that the 1st XI struggled throughout the season, suffering a number of heavy defeats early on. After 14 games they were second bottom with only 5 points. In contrast the Reserves sat proudly at the top of Division 1 with 13 points from a possible 16. By March the fortunes of both sides had turned. The Reserves fell into mid table and the 1st XI were buoyed by improved team spirit, coupled with successive victories against Kew and Westminster Bank. However, defeats in the final two games by Cambridge Town and Old Lyonians seemed to have sent Carshalton to Division 2 for the first time since 1924-25. Thankfully, other results went Carshalton’s way and the Club’s tenure in Division 1 continued - just. Kew Association were relegated having won Division 2 the previous season without dropping a single point!

Crowds continued to be counted in their hundreds - so much so that the AFA suggested that Carshalton take a gate, following the examples of other bigger SAL clubs. This was vigourously rejected by the Club who were very conscious of preserving the private Club’s amateur status and not turning the Club into a business concern. As Shelton Cox reported in his editorial:

"The bigger the gate grows, the more obscure becomes the identity of the club"

It is important to set the scene for this far-reaching decision. Football in the late 20s was considerably different from the modern era. Amateur football was held in high regard - SAL results were broadcast by the BBC and published in the national newspapers. If Carshalton had accepted the trend followed by such clubs as Ipswich Town, then who knows what the future might have been? League football, FA Cup glory, Carshalton in Europe? Well, they did achieve that on tour - more of which later. By the late 20s, Carshalton were facing "amateur" clubs who could offer "palatial dressing rooms, no subscriptions, all expenses paid, boots, shirts, everything provided and so on. When the time comes, if it ever does, when clubs like ours cannot keep up with the times and field a senior side, then let it lie in our memories, rather than change it into something different and perhaps not so worthy." There were a few rumblings within the league during the season that the gate-taking clubs should break away and exclude non gate-takers. Carshalton remained forthright in their opposition to this notion and were one of the main voices of dissent.

It was during this period that worries over the ground and pavilion rose again. Although the possibility of a move from Beddington Park was considered, the question of the ground was resolved in consultation with Beddington Cricket Club by early November. However, problems over the new pavilion were not so simple and it would be another 2 seasons before this issue could be resolved satisfactorily. A new pavilion was to be built with both clubs sharing the costs and Carshalton set to work early on raising funds. The Committee was determined the Club would raise the cash by its own means and "not resort to sponsorship".

1930s
22 Jun 2011

1930 / 31
1st Team - Division 1
Played 22
Won 7
Drawn 5
Lost 10
Goals For 56
Goals Against 60
Points 19
9th place

Hopes were high after recruiting a number of quality players and pre season performances being very encouraging. Riding high for most of the season, Carshalton slipped down the table following an injury to keeper Reg Schofield. Fortunately his return in April coincided with the collection of valuable points and the side finished 9th.

By the summer of 1930, no progress had been made on securing a tender for renovating the farm buildings which adjoined the ground, due to a lack of finance. Another major concern at this time was the diminutive dimensions of the first team pitch, which measured only 68 yards wide. At the end of 1931 the pitch was widened by 12 yards and lengthened by several yards and at last the Club had a suitable stage to compete with its illustrious adversaries. Two pitches were secured in Beddington Park for the lower teams to play next to the main pitches. As in previous seasons, the annual Club Dance continued to be a huge success with over 400 in attendance and over 800 enquiries for tickets!

1931 / 32
1st Team - Division 1
Played 22
Won 6
Drawn 3
Lost 13
Goals For 39
Goals Against 74
Points 15
11th place

The 1st XI endured a difficult season and once again just survived the drop. Prior to Christmas results were disastrous and defeats by 6, 7 and 8 goals were all too common. To remedy this, the Committee revived the training nights with Don Adams at the helm. In their hour of darkness, the veteran Reg Schofield returned between the sticks from his umpteenth retirement to revive the team’s fortunes. Probably the most notable result was the first win against Ipswich Town at Portman Road since 1913 - sweet revenge for an 8-2 drubbing suffered earlier at Beddington Park. Another notable event was the "friendly" against Dulwich Hamlet Reserves, which attracted a crowd of over 2000 – a ground record for any friendly! Unfortunately defender Stan Williams suffered serious internal injuries and was hospitalised for weeks.

The Club ventured into the Surrey County FA Cup, losing a thriller 2-3 at home to Hersham, with plenty of chances to win the game (or so the report goes). As for the rest of the sides, the Reserves attained a comfortable mid table position and the "A"s finished runners up to Lensbury in the Nemean League. For the first time, the Club extended its playing strength to a 7th XI and an extra pitch was secured from the UDC to cope with the extra games - "The Paddock" on Church Road.

As the Recession hit hard, Club funds were low and the cost of the new pavilion was an increasing burden on the membership. After no shortage of work by members of both Carshalton and Beddington, the new pavilion was first used on 3rd October 1931. It was shared by Beddington Cricket Club and Wallington Hockey Club as well as Carshalton Football Club. In an effort to bring these clubs together, the members of Carshalton FC and Wallington HC were made honorary members of Beddington CC. A nominal fee of 2s 6d was charged and used as a central fund for fittings and furnishings. The unfinished pavilion meant that training could not be held in the first part of the season and the Club’s finances took a real pounding due to the inoperability of the bar. Delays installing gas heating, made it impossible to keep the bar open beyond the busy period of 5pm to 7pm. The old thatched pavilion used by the Club since 1904 was demolished, much to the regret of the older members, who recalled the wide open front, the tiny changing rooms, the very primitive washing facilities and the fine oak beams inside upon which sparrows insisted on perching while the players beneath had tea! The new arrangement was in fact two separate pavilions. At the front the main cricket pavilion with bar, tea room, kitchen, dressing rooms and toilets; at the rear the football club pavilion consisted of a number of dressing rooms and washing facilities.

The constant pressure of producing creative editorials and meeting printer deadlines could not continue indefinitely and the Club had no option but to regrettably accept Shelton Cox’s resignation from the position of Editor. He continued to provide material and fulfil an active role within the Club. In his place, Ken Shersby set about revamping the publication.

1932 / 33
1st Team - Division 1
Played 22
Won 3
Drawn 4
Lost 15
Goals For 36
Goals Against 64
Points 10
12th place - relegated

As the strength of the "gate taking" clubs continued to grow, it became increasingly difficult for truly amateur private clubs like Carshalton to compete. The loss of many influential characters such as Don Adams, Gillie Reay and Reg Schofield considerably weakened the playing strength of the Club. Having spent the previous few seasons struggling against the drop, it came as no surprise that the Club had to accept the inevitable and were relegated to Division 2, breaking a sequence of 8 seasons in the top flight. Skipper Alec Ready pointed to a general lack of fitness and failure to attend midweek training. This was especially disappointing as much effort had been made to provide suitable training facilities, including "running exercises, lit flares, boxing practice with punchball and hot baths".

The Reserves fared only slightly better, surviving relegation despite finishing 2nd bottom of Division 1. Thankfully the lower sides enjoyed better times. Up to this point the "B" and "C" teams had been playing friendlies, but it was decided to enter the "B" side into league football for the first time. They finished runners up in the Surrey Amateur League Division 2. Needing a point to win the Division, they were unfortunate in the final game against Purley Amateur Reserves to come up against 8 of their first team. They lost 4-2 and missed out on the title to Blackheath Wanderers by a goal average of 0.02.

Conditions at Beddington Park improved immeasurably during this season. Despite the inadequacies of the pavilion, members were able to change and wash in tolerable comfort and linger in the pavilion after the conclusion of the matches. Top marks went to newly appointed groundsman Peter Coates not only for his work in preparing the pitches, but also as head cook and chief bottle washer. He was awarded a benefit match against Midland Bank during the season – an event that was to become an annual feature, such was his influence on the Club.

1933 / 34
1st Team - Division 2
Played 18
Won 11
Drawn 2
Lost 5
Goals For 57
Goals Against 32
Points 24
2nd place

The 1st XI enjoyed considerable success in the lower division, but missed out on an immediate return to the top flight by 2 points to Westminster Bank. Despite this disappointment and losing former skipper Alec Ready to Dulwich Hamlet, the Club was pleased with their season, especially at having unearthed a genuine scorer in CW Scott with 25 goals in 17 games. Goalkeepers of Carshalton have generally maintained a very high standard, and only a couple of seasons after the retirement of the great Reg Schofield, the Club was fortunate to welcome another goalkeeping great in the form of Stan Humphries. "Humph" was to maintain the Carshalton tradition between the posts and socially after the game, for over two decades – and many old timers have argued over the superiority of these two great goalkeepers – Schoey and Humph – both amongst the finest AFA players of their time.

The Reserves were relegated to Division 2 by the narrowest of margins - 0.004 goal average. They enjoyed a good run during mid season, benefiting from a number of players who would later become 1st XI fixtures, playing 13 games, winning 7 and losing only 3. However, only 4 of these games were in the league and the long cup runs (reaching the semi finals of the AFA Junior Cup) were to blame for their poor league position at the end of the season.

The "A" team finished as champions of the Nemean League with a record of:
Played 22
Won 16
Drawn 3
Lost 3
Goals For 88
Goals Against 35
Points 35

Membership hovered around the 85 mark all season and to avoid too many fixture cancellations it was decided to field only 6 sides during this season. The Club was indeed fortunate to possess members of the calibre of Reg Morris – The Keeper of the Bar, Leo Winter – provider of first class musical programmes at the monthly socials, Dorothy Beavis – provider of refreshments and teas during the season, and Peter "Percy" Coates – groundsman and keeper of the Pavilion.

1934 / 35
1st Team - Division 2
Played 18
Won 7
Drawn 3
Lost 8
Goals For 30
Goals Against 43
Points 17
7th place

In contrast to the success of 1933-34, the 1st XI ended in midtable in their second season in Division 2. A number of reasons for this were offered in Graham Swales’ end of season report… "we are becoming more of a social than a football club and some entertain mixed feelings about the extraordinary success of the Bar and all that this success portends." The team certainly suffered from the resignation of one of its greats – former skipper Cedric Webb. They played a number of matches against semi pro opposition during the season and though they were unsuccessful in all these games they did put up fine performances. In the 2-1 defeat at Guildford in the Surrey Senior Cup, it was only the semi pro side’s superior fitness that separated the sides. The Club entered the Three Tons Charity Cup for the first time and lost 2-1 after extra time to Carshalton Athletic on Boxing Day morning. They also entertained the Reserves of Dulwich Hamlet and Clapton FC in friendlies at Beddington Park.

After a painfully slow start to the season, the Reserves stormed to 4th place in Division 2, winning 7 of their last 9 league games. The "A"s narrowly missed consecutive league titles when they fished runners up to Merton by a point with 31 points from 20 games. The "B"s came second in Division 2 of the Surrey Amateur League with 25 points from 20 games.

The Club News weekly circulation had grown to over 200, meriting favourable references in the Press and gaining praise from outside quarters. It also threw up a number of idiosyncracies – for instance under Training Hints–

"Someone complained that the exercises made him stiff, so I’d better give you the following prescription for rubbing oils to get made up. Rub it in hard after exercising towards the heart.

Sweet Oils 3oz, 880 Ammonia 1oz, Oil of Turpentine 1oz, Oil of Capsicum 3 drams

Shake it well before use but do not smell it unless you want your head blown off.

1935 / 36
1st Team - Division 2
Played 18
Won 10
Drawn 3
Lost 5
Goals For 42
Goals Against 26
Points 23
2nd place - Promoted

1935-36 was to prove a vintage season for Carshalton FC. Buoyed by an influx of players which improved the playing strength of the Club as a whole, the 1st XI gained promotion to Division 1, finishing a point behind Aquarius, despite beating them home and away. The team tasted success in the Surrey County Senior Cup with victories at East Grinstead (4-2) and a single goal by George Bagrie was enough to see off Gaumont British. This put them through to a 4th qualifying round meeting with Carshalton Athletic. Though originally drawn to be played at Beddington Park, a revision of the rules of the competition meant that non gate-taking clubs had to play away in all rounds. The 4-1 defeat was no surprise, but Carshalton led through a George Manning goal well into the second half, before the superior fitness of the pro side told. "Humph" continued to fulfil his promise between the sticks. It had been feared that he had been lost to the Club when he had been turning out for Sutton United early in the season, but he returned to the Club in October. He, Norman Roffey and Tommy Ward made probably the youngest defence the 1st XI had ever played.

The Reserves season for 1935-36 requires special mention as the most successful campaign by any Carshalton side. They walked away with the Division 2 title with a league record of:

Played 18
Won 15
Drawn 0
Lost 3
Goals For 81
Goals Against 37
Points 30
1st place - Promoted

The overall record, including cup games is quite extraordinary:

Played 28
Won 25
Drawn 0
Lost 3
Goals For 119
Goals Against 49

For the first time in the Club’s history, Carshalton won a full AFA cup. The Reserves had reached the semi final stage of the competition in 1910-11, losing to City Albion and had previously reached the final of the AFA Junior Cup in 1922-23, but failed to walk away with any silverware. The campaign was as follows…

Siemens Sports Club - 1v0 (RB White); 2nd Nov. ‘35
London Welsh - 5v2 (og, CW Scott, RS Beacham, JW Larkman, WG Harper-Smith); 23rd Nov. ‘35
Ealing Association - 6v2 (CW Scott (3), HGB Walter, G Bagrie, RE Davies); 14th Dec. ‘35
St Albans City Res - 3v1 (G Bagrie, AS Miller, CW Scott);
1st Feb. ‘36
Cambridge Town - 2v1 (RS Beacham, G Bagrie); 29th Feb. ‘36
West Wickham 1st XI - 1v0 (CW Scott); 4th Apr. '36

In the final Carshalton was represented by AE Morgan, Frank Sutherland (acting skipper), TE Ward, DC Yates, Ken Robinson, RE Davies, AS Miller, RS Beacham, CW Scott, HW Clover, George Bagrie. The report in the Club News read…

"What a game – what a day and what a night!

Let me start by thanking Mr Causer, Mr Wheeler and all the other good people who gave such splendid support. Everyone present – including the players – agrees that this was a splendid match in every respect – little to choose between the teams, if anything West Wickham looked the better side in the first half and it was not until a few minutes from the end that the all important goal was scored; Bagrie’s pass enabling Scott to beat "Tiny" the Wickham goalkeeper was typical of the unselfishness and team spirit that undoubtedly won the day.

Morgan played a great game in goal – the backs Sutherland and Ward never put a foot wrong and the halves Yates, Ken Robinson and Johnnie have never played better – they never left their opposite numbers and yet kept their own forwards on the move by some splendid passing – these forwards – Miller, Beacham, Scott, Clover and Bagrie, played splendidly together and always looked dangerous. Having, I think, mentioned everyone in the team, let me congratulate West Wickham on their team – supporters and sportsmanship – and on reaching the Final at the first attempt.

Let me finish by saying how pleased and proud the Reserves and all associated with them are to have brought this cup to Carshalton for the first time."

"Skippers’ Union"
"Con" Beacham

Other players who represented the Reserves this season include RB White, Horry Walter, Conway Beacham (vice captain), C Wasley. Ken Shersby, Johnny Larkman and of course skipper AA Barnes.

In most seasons the "A"s record would have won the Club team award, but not even reaching third place in Division 3 of the Nemean League with a record of

Played 29
Won 22
Drawn 2
Lost 7
Goals For 117
Goals Against 42
Points 42
3rd place

could eclipse the success of the Reserves.

The Social Committee did themselves proud during 1936, as the Club function held at the Croydon Greyhound Theatre in April included Arthur Askey on the bill!! The Annual Club Dinner in Café Royale in Croydon was a crowning triumph. Over 100 were present including leading personalities of the AFA and representatives of local SAL clubs. Gillie Reay spoke to the Club in a fatherly manner and the Club was honoured with a telegram from the King sending all good wishes. Another milestone in the Club’s progress.

Graham Swales took up the office of Hon. Treasurer to the Southern Amateur League, a post he was to hold with much distinction until 1959. He continued in his role as Hon. Secretary of Carshalton FC.

Though a successful season on the field, it was marred by the death of one of Carshalton’s greats, Reg Schofield after a bout of shingles. Another 1st XI regular, Tommy Speirs died after a long battle against tuberculosis. He had joined Carshalton from Barclays Bank FC in 1925 and played until his illness forced him to retire in 1933. Like Reg Schofield, Tommy gained League Representative honours and only just missed international amateur honours.

1936 / 37
1st Team - Division 1
Played 22
Won 5
Drawn 2
Lost 15
Goals For 30
Goals Against 53
Points 12
11th place - Relegated

Despite of the introduction of an ambitious training program, the 1st XI were immediately relegated on their return to the top flight. Through the good offices of an old member, Charles Truett – then on the Board of Directors at Crystal Palace – permission was given for members of the Club to train at Selhurst Park. Coaching was under Bob Greener, later to be the Palace trainer, and attendance and enthusiasm was satisfactorily high.

The Reserves maintained their new Division 1 status, whilst the "A"s were runners up in Division 3 of the Nemean League. And it was left to the "B"s under the leadership of one of the greatest servants of the Club, Bill Bailey, to bring home the bacon for 1936-37 by winning Division 5 of the Nemean League. However, perhaps the most significant event during this season was the signing of Maurice Watts, later to be the Club skipper during the Club’s most successful period. It was also the year when a new pavilion was erected in conjunction with Beddington Cricket Club to replace the pavilion erected in 1931.

1937 / 38
1st Team - Division 2
Played 18
Won 7
Drawn 2
Lost 9
Goals For 30
Goals Against 37
Points 16
7th place

1937-38 was a mediocre season for the Club, both on the playing side and financially. The return to Division 2 was none too successful, mainly due to the number of "unavailables" at the start of the season. The new pavilion was completed in the summer of 1937, but members had to wait a couple of weeks into the season before the water supply, baths, gas lighting and heating were installed.

Howard "Richmond" Johnson and Martin Thurston had a great deal to do with the popularity of the Club News at this time – "Richmond" for his never failing report on the activities of his Extra "C" XI and Thurston for his weekly cartoon contribution. His cartoons were to become famed, not only in the Club News, but also throughout amateur football circles.

1938 / 39
1st Team - Division 2
Played 18
Won 9
Drawn 3
Lost 6
Goals For 44
Goals Against 30
Points 21
3rd place

As most of the previous season’s players made themselves available, prospects were bright. The only clouds on the horizon were the number of injuries and the alarming number of young players who had been married in the summer. The Club ran 6 sides and at times fielded a 7th XI as the playing membership passed the 100 mark. The 1st XI entered the FA Amateur Cup for the first time, but lost away to Banstead Hospital. There was a stuttering start to the league campaign, but they finished strongly (thanks in no small part to the return of Horry Walter at Christmas) and only missed out on promotion by a point.

Jack Maynard’s "A" side reached the semi finals of the AFA Minor Cup before losing 1-0 to Norsemen after a replay.

By now the Club News editorials were dominated by matters outside football as the world spiralled towards the Second World War. Many members joined the Territorial, Anti- aircraft or ARP services, causing havoc with the Saturday selections.

Reviewed as a whole, 1938-39 was a very successful one. Only the Reserves struggled badly and suffered the disappointment of relegation to Division 3. Financially the Club was on a much more secure footing -– the capital contribution to Beddington CC for the cost of the new pavilion was partly paid off and final settlement was made for the new dressing pavilion behind the main building. Sadly the season was marred by the death of long time Patron of the Club, Alderman William Peet during the Christmas period. Alderman Peet had been elected Patron in 1932 and had been enthusiastically re-elected each succeeding season.

1939 / 40
The 1939-40 season never started as Hitler swept into Poland during the close season. All SAL football was suspended naturally. Many Carshalton members were to lose their lives or be injured during the conflict. The promise of so many young men was snuffed out before it could flourish on the football field. By the time the Club reformed after the War, many names were missing, so many lives torn apart.

This break is an opportune point to reflect on the second part in the Club’s history. Having survived the First World War, the Club had successfully reformed, playing their games initially at Plough Lane. They moved back to Beddington Park in 1924, built 2 new pavilions and competed competitively in the SAL and AFA competitions. Biggest successes on the field were:

winning the AFA Surrey Junior Cup in 1923,
winning the AFA Surrey Senior Cup in 1925, 1927 & 1928,
winning the Surrey Amateur League in 1928,
winning the AFA Junior Cup in 1936,
winning the Reserve section SAL Division 2 in 1936.
The Club also reached the finals of the AFA Senior Cup in 1926, the AFA Surrey Senior Cup in 1926 & 1929, the AFA Junior Cup in 1923 and the AFA Surrey Junior Cup in 1927.

The Club News was launched in 1926 and this weekly publication has continued to this day.

This middle period was outstanding for the quality of the Hon. Secretaries of the Club. John Davis, David Gibson, CH Shelton Cox and H Graham Swales. How fortunate a Club to attract such talent for organising and how fortunate it was to retain their interest and enthusiasm for such a long period. Between the four of them they covered a period of no less than 25 seasons.

It is certainly true to say that in this period, the Club’s reputation in AFA football had never been higher in playing quality, as hosts and as sportsmen. This is not a reflection on the modern sides, rather an indication of a lifestyle and attitude that was to be transformed by the events of the next 6 years. Following the cessation of hostilities in 1945, the SAL reformed, but it would take Carshalton two seasons before they could reform and re-enter the SAL and AFA competitions.