Alfred “Alf” Shelton (1865-1923) was an English international footballer who, amongst other notable clubs, played for Loughborough. Born on Tuesday, September 12, 1865, in Sneinton, Nottingham, he was baptised on November 10, 1872, at St. Nicholas’ Church, Nottingham, alongside his brother Charles.
From an early age, football was a significant part of Shelton’s life. According to the 1871 census, he was one of four sons to Robert and Hannah Shelton; his father was a greengrocer residing at 11 Orchard Street. The 1881 census shows the family, including Charles and Alfred, at 4 Castle Street, Sneinton, with their father now a shopkeeper and all sons working in the family business.
Primarily a left half, Shelton was renowned for his exceptional stamina and defensive prowess, making him a formidable opponent. He also possessed a remarkable heading ability. He began his football journey at a remarkably young age, captaining a junior team at just twelve. He then played for South Notts. Club and Castle Rovers before joining the once-famous Notts Rangers. His introduction to Notts Rangers was legendary: he filled in as a last-minute replacement in a match against Chesterfield Spital on a muddy field, playing without proper kit, but his performance was so impressive that he was immediately invited to join. He initially played as a forward before transitioning to half-back, a position he never relinquished.
Shelton joined Notts County in 1888, becoming a club legend. He made 195 league appearances for “The Magpies,” a testament to his consistency and importance to the team. During his time at Notts County, he played in two FA Cup Finals, eventually lifting the coveted trophy in 1894 when they defeated Bolton Wanderers 4-1 at Fallowfield. Such was his reputation that on May 4, 1892, he agreed to captain the newly formed Liverpool FC for £250 per annum for three years. However, his directors at Notts County refused to sanction the transfer, and he re-signed with his beloved club after they helped him secure the business venture he desired. His benefit match was played on December 21, 1893, between Notts County FC and Everton FC, ending scoreless.
Shelton’s talent extended to the international stage, earning him six caps for England between 1889 and 1892, becoming the 157th player to appear for England. He scored one goal for his country on his debut, a memorable goal against Ireland in a 6-1 victory on March 2, 1889, at Anfield Road. He was part of England teams that shared the British Championship in 1890 and won it outright in 1891 and 1892.
After leaving Notts County in 1896, he joined Loughborough AFC on December 8, 1896, making 15 appearances and scoring one goal for the club. He then played for Heanor Town FC in 1897 before being reinstated as an amateur in 1898.
In his personal life, Alfred’s mother died in early 1887, and his father in late 1892. He married Ada Calvert Farmer in 1892 in Nottingham. They had two children, Ethel Elsie (b.1894), and another who died in their youth. The 1901 census shows Alfred as a licensed victualler at The Craven Arms, 108 Woodborough Road, Nottingham. He took tenancy on June 24, 1892. By the 1911 census, he was still a licensed victualler, now at The General Gordon on London Road.
However, his ventures as a publican were not successful. According to a Nottingham Bankruptcy Court report on August 9, 1912, Shelton’s liabilities were £351 with only £15 in assets. He attributed his financial difficulties to his wife’s illness and stated that he had continued in business even after realizing he was insolvent.
According to the 1921 census, Alfred, now a crane driver for Cammell Laird, was living with Ada and Ethel at 5 Bridge Grove in West Bridgford. Tragically, Alfred Shelton’s life was cut short on Tuesday afternoon, July 24, 1923, at the age of 57 years and 317 days. He died in Nottingham General Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in an accident at Cammell Laird’s works on Saturday, July 21, when he fell from a ladder while working as a crane driver. He never regained consciousness. His funeral took place on Friday, July 27, 1923, at Nottingham Church Cemetery, with a large attendance including his widow and daughter, and the Rev. E. E. B. Jupp officiating. Though perhaps less known to modern fans, Alf Shelton was a highly respected and influential figure in early English football, a tenacious half-back who left an indelible mark on Notts County’s history and proudly represented his country.
Athletic News – Monday 30 July 1923