October 4, 1902
Tom Riley, who has twice this season figured with credit as deputy to the crippled Crompton, is yet only 20 years of age. Last season he played regularly and well for Chorley, and before that he appeared for a short while with the local junior team, St. Mary’s.
With Chorley he was the most consistent man in the eleven, and his rapid promotion to the First League circle was cordially welcomed by his many admirers in his native town.
Riley is a pretty sure kick, a reliable tackler, and has pace, his outstanding fault being an inclination, under some circumstances, to back before a forward, waiting for the chance of a clean kick, rather than impeding his opponent instantly.
At Grimsby, though, his play in many respects was admirable. He was undoubtedly a weak spot in the Blackburn Rovers’ side, but still he is a player of promise, and with more experience and training may yet make a mark in the best football.
In the matter of weight he has not a deal to boast about, though 11st. 6lb. may be effectively managed. Riley is 5ft. 11in. in height, and his good reach has stood him in good stead during the cricket season, his bowling average for the Limbrick Club being the best in the team, while in the batting average he is very near the top.
Riley’s football career will be watched with much interest in Chorley, making as he does another of the list of players who have gone from here into high-class football, and of whom Pennington, Ostick, Percy Slater, Docherty, Tommy Tierney, Lyden, Dick Allen, Walton, Leadbetter, and Billy Morton are yet well remembered. Our sketch is from a photo by Mr. Luke Berry.
(Source: Lancashire Evening Post: October 4, 1902)
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