1897-98 Season Summary

Highlights

The number of organisations affiliated to the Leicester Football Association at the end of the 1897-8 season was 211. A significant number of clubs disbanded, chiefly among the minor clubs of Leicester during the season. Consequently, the membership of the association was marginally lower than at the end of the 1896-7 season. However, “applications were being received almost daily.”

Number of players registered was 5628.

348 disputes of varying importance were dealt with by the Leicestershire Football Association during 1897-98.

There was a marked  decrease of ungentlemanly conduct and reports of disorderly conduct of spectators had “almost approached vanishing point.”

Attendances at Senior Cup matches were considerably less than in 1896-97. Coalville Albion retained the Cup. The Junior Cup competition, while, owing to bad weather, not producing so large an income as in the past, provided an interesting series of matches culminating in Hemington United winning the cup.

The Shield after an unprecedented struggle in the final tie was secured by Leicester Ferndale. The draws for the semi-finals drew clubs together with long distances to travel and with no local interest, attendances and hence gate receipts were low. Nevertheless, the competition raised nearly £100.

The status of the Loughborough & District League clubs was changed from the rank of ‘minor’ clubs to that of ‘junior’ clubs.

Leicester Fosse FC were granted permission to conduct a series of matches during September under the title of Leicester Fosse “Medal Competition”. No results have been found to date.

Ernest Veasey (23) sadly died following injuries received in a match between Aylestone United and All Saints at Aylestone in January 1898. In a most remarkable coincidence the deceased played for the same team – Aylestone United – as John Briggs (20) who three months earlier was fatally injured in a football match, against Enderby Granite was a member. Furthermore, Ernest Veasey played in the match in which Briggs was injured and gave evidence at his inquest. Henry Moore, son of the landlord of the New Inn was found guilty of the manslaughter of John Briggs

National Cup Competitions

National Leagues

Leicestershire Cups

Leicestershire Leagues

Other Cup Competitions

Friendly Matches

Additional Information