Delving into the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, this captivating 1959 article offers a brief yet comprehensive history of football in Melton Mowbray:-
A MELTON TOWN Football Club was in existence in the early 1890s and provided excellent football for a number of years. The ground was off the Leicester road by the river and the iron railway bridge, and the club enjoyed substantial support.
They were well known throughout the Midlands and played friendlies with good-class clubs over a wide area. They were very successful in cup-ties and were holders of several trophies.
The players were all Meltonians and among them were Jimmy Atter (who also played for Leicester Fosse), Marshall, H. Plant, C. Berridge. the brothers Herbert and Harry Bailey, F. Richardson, Dudley Field, Rex Smith, Paddy Slawson, Fred Brewin, “Waxy” White, Joe Wakerley, and Belton. The club ceased to function early in the 1900s.
Melton Rovers and Melton Amateurs were formed in the late 1890s and provided good junior football for some years. The clubs were eventually merged and formed a resuscitated Town Football Club with headquarters at the Wheatsheaf. They played on the All – England ground. G. W. Goodacre was the energetic secretary, and they provided good-class football for a number of years.
They were in the Leicester and District League, being champions on one occasion and runners-up several times. They also won the Rolleston Charity Cup and other trophies. Good attendances were enjoyed at home matches, several hundred people turning up each time to support them.
In addition to league and cup games, they plaved several friendlies with well-known teams.
The names of the players that can be recalled are Bert Green, Ted Gill, Jack Goodman, Jack Chamberlain (who also played for Holwell Works). W. Eagers, F. Wainer, W. Morris, F. Cropper, “Skip” Farrows and the brothers C. and J, Williams. Ray Broxholme. F. Spruce. Sid Spencer, Ted Moorhouse. Jack Goodacre, Springthorpe, J. Smith, M. Bishop, Bert Wainer, S. Simpson, C. Halden and W. Moorhouse.
It is interesting to recall that travelling to away matches was by wagonette and horses, a somewhat slow method compared with travelling today. )
A Melton Thursday Football Club was in existence for some years at the beginning of the century. Only a few of these players can be remembered, viz.: T. James, A. Orton, J. Goodacre, Tony Goodacre. R. Dowson, and Cash.
Melton Mowbray Times and Vale of Belvoir Gazette – Friday 04 September 1959