Ernest Blackwell
Encyclopedia
Ernest Blackwell was an English footballer who played as a goalkeeper, spending the majority of his career at his hometown club of Sheffield United
. He was the cousin of England
keeper Sam Hardy
and brother of Aberdeen
keeper Harry Blackwell
.
before being signed by Sheffield United
in May 1914. He was seen as understudy to Harold Gough
and Ted Hufton
and as such his appearances were limited throughout his time at Bramall Lane
. Having spent some time in the navy he remained at the club for the duration of World War I
, making sporadic appearances for the Blades and guesting for Leicester Fosse
, Crystal Palace
and cross town rivals Sheffield Wednesday
.
After the war Blackwell seemed happy with his role at the club making only infrequent appearances, the highlight of his career coming when he played in the 1923 FA Cup semi-final. Injuries began to take their toll and after a bout of appendicitis
he was advised that a blow to the abdomen could have terminal results and he was forced to retire. In recognition of his service United presented him with a grant of £500 to commence a new business venture.
Sheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
. He was the cousin of England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
keeper Sam Hardy
Sam Hardy
Samuel Hardy was a former England-international goalkeeper.In 1902, Chesterfield manager Jack Hoskin beat Derby County to sign Hardy, doing so under a lamp post in Newbold. Hardy, something of a shrewd character, wouldn't sign the forms until Hoskin promised to pay him 18 shillings when the...
and brother of Aberdeen
Aberdeen F.C.
Aberdeen Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
keeper Harry Blackwell
Harry Blackwell
Harry Blackwell was an English professional football goalkeeper who played for , , and .While at Aberdeen, Blackwell played in the club's record 13-0 win over , wearing a waterproof coat and an umbrella borrowed from a spectator in the inclement weather....
.
Career
Born in Sheffield, Blackwell made his name at Scunthorpe & Lindsey UnitedScunthorpe United F.C.
Scunthorpe United Football Club is an English association football team based in the town of Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, who play in the Football League One....
before being signed by Sheffield United
Sheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
in May 1914. He was seen as understudy to Harold Gough
Harold Gough
Harold C. Gough was an English professional footballer. He made one appearance in goal for the England national team.-Club career:...
and Ted Hufton
Ted Hufton
Arthur Edward Hufton , better known as Ted Hufton, was an England international goalkeeper who earned six caps for his country....
and as such his appearances were limited throughout his time at Bramall Lane
Bramall Lane
-Cricket at the Lane:Bramall Lane opened as a cricket ground in 1855, having been leased by Michael Ellison from the Duke of Norfolk at an annual rent of £70. The site was then away from the town's industrial area, and relatively free from smoke. It was built to host the matches of local cricket...
. Having spent some time in the navy he remained at the club for the duration of World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, making sporadic appearances for the Blades and guesting for Leicester Fosse
Leicester City F.C.
Leicester City Football Club , also known as The Foxes, is an English professional football club based at the King Power Stadium in Leicester...
, Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
and cross town rivals Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday F.C.
Sheffield Wednesday Football Club are a football club based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, who are currently competing in the Football League One in the 2011-12 season, in England. Sheffield Wednesday are one of the oldest professional clubs in the world and the fourth oldest in the...
.
After the war Blackwell seemed happy with his role at the club making only infrequent appearances, the highlight of his career coming when he played in the 1923 FA Cup semi-final. Injuries began to take their toll and after a bout of appendicitis
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the appendix. It is classified as a medical emergency and many cases require removal of the inflamed appendix, either by laparotomy or laparoscopy. Untreated, mortality is high, mainly because of the risk of rupture leading to...
he was advised that a blow to the abdomen could have terminal results and he was forced to retire. In recognition of his service United presented him with a grant of £500 to commence a new business venture.