Jimmy Crabtree
Encyclopedia
James William "Jimmy" Crabtree (1871–1908) was a gifted English footballer of the end of the 19th century.
He began his career at Burnley
, but left in 1890 and played in non-league football
for two years before returning to Burnley for the 1892–93 season. His performances attracted the attention of FA Cup holders, Aston Villa
, in 1895. He played alongside Howard Spencer
at left-half, and went on to share the captaincy of the club with him.
He won League Championship medals with Villa in 1897, 1899 and 1900, he also lifted the FA Cup
in as a part of the Aston Villa team that completed the Double in 1897.
He was capped 11 times by England
whilst at Villa. He died suddenly at the age of 36.
He began his career at Burnley
Burnley F.C.
Burnley Football Club are a professional English Football League club based in Burnley, Lancashire. Nicknamed the Clarets, due to the dominant colour of their home shirts, they were founder members of the Football League in 1888...
, but left in 1890 and played in non-league football
Non-league football
Non-League football is football in England played at a level below that of the Premier League and The Football League. The term non-League was commonly used well before 1992 when the top football clubs in England all belonged to The Football League; all clubs who were not a part of The Football...
for two years before returning to Burnley for the 1892–93 season. His performances attracted the attention of FA Cup holders, Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
, in 1895. He played alongside Howard Spencer
Howard Spencer
Howard Spencer was one of Aston Villa's all-time greatest players.An incredibly gifted player, he was known as the 'Prince of Full-Backs' during his hugely successful time at the club and was renowned for his sportsmanship.While at Villa Spencer earned four League Championships in 1896, 1897, 1899...
at left-half, and went on to share the captaincy of the club with him.
He won League Championship medals with Villa in 1897, 1899 and 1900, he also lifted the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
in as a part of the Aston Villa team that completed the Double in 1897.
One of England's greatest players. Shone in any position. Great as a half-back, but greater, possibly, as a back, kicking cleanly and with rare precision. A keen, skilful tackler, clever at close quarters and equally reliable in the open; cool, resourceful, and brainy. Excelled in the finer points of the game, and one of the most versatile players England has boasted. For many seasons unrivalled in his position.
He was capped 11 times by 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...
whilst at Villa. He died suddenly at the age of 36.
Honours
Aston VillaAston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
- Football League champions: 1896–97, 1898–99 & 1899–00
- FA CupFA CupThe Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
winner: 18971897 FA Cup FinalThe 1897 FA Cup Final was contested by Aston Villa and Everton at Crystal Palace. Aston Villa won 3–2, with goals by John Campbell, Fred Wheldon and Jimmy Crabtree. Everton's goals came from Jack Bell and Dickie Boyle....