April 21, 1905
The prominent position held by the Liverpool reserves team in the Lancashire Combination proves conclusively that there are some capable footballers connected with it, and this well-conducted competition provides excellent experience for players who must be destined in the future to fill positions in the ranks of First League organisations. Undoubtedly the best junior talent in Lancashire participates in the Combination tourney, and there should be no difficulty in securing suitable recruits to the higher walks of football. Our subject this week furnishes a notable example of this type.
Tom Chorlton was born at Heaton Mersey twenty-four years ago and when quite a lad he showed an especial fondness for football, indulging in a game whenever an opportunity occurred. In conjunction with some other youths he assisted to form a club known as Heaton Mersey Juniors, which became connected with the Stockport and District League. This was at the age of 16, and for two years he played regularly in the competition, figuring usually as right full-back, though he was occasionally transferred to the left wing, to suit the convenience of his club’s needs at the time.
He was about 18 years of age, when he severed his connection with the Juniors, and attached himself to the Northenden organisation, who were at the time members of the Manchester Federation. His stay here only lasted half a season, but he rendered useful service as a right full-back, and his club secured the championship of the competition.
The following season he made a further advance, for his abilities were such that Stockport County secured his signature, and he became one of their players before reaching the age of 19 years. Right full-back was his favourite position, and it was as a reliable defensive player that he gained an increased reputation during the three seasons that he remained at Stockport. Wider experience amongst better class sport led to marked improvement in his general work, but after three years’ successful football in the Cheshire town he prepared for another move.
At the commencement of the season of 1902, he migrated to Accrington, and joined the Stanley Club, where he also relinquished his position of full-back to take up the duties of right half-back. He played in every match that year for Stanley, and scored fourteen goals, nine of which were from penalty kicks. As a matter of fact he was the recognised artist for this sort of thing in the Accrington eleven, and converted every penalty that was awarded the club during the winter. Stanley won the Championship of the Lancashire Combination that season by capturing 114 goals and only losing 36, which gave them a total of 54 points or one more than Manchester City. The winners thus qualified for the special medals offered by Mr. John McKenna of the Liverpool F.C., for the non-reserve team in the tournament which finished highest in the table besides those awarded by the Combination Executive.
Chorlton only remained at Accrington one season, and he was signed on by the Liverpool people at the beginning of the campaign of 1903-4. Last year he figured in various positions, full-back, half-back, and forward, and this season has practically led to a repetition of the same.
His first appearance with the League team was at Lincoln on September 24, 1903, when he played left half-back and gave a very promising exhibition. On October 8 he was included in the eleven at Barnsley, but occupied his original position, namely right full-back, and assisted Liverpool in their Lancashire Cup-tie against Burnley the following Monday. His next appearance was against Grimsby at Anfield, and on this occasion he was drafted into the team as right half-back on October 29. Still more changes were forthcoming, for at Blackpool on November 5 he was placed in the forward line at outside right, a position which he occupied against the Rovers in the Lancashire Cup-tie, second round. At Burslem, on November 12 he was outside right.
He re-appeared on January 21 against Lincoln City at Anfield, as left full-back, and on the same ground played against Bolton Wanderers on April1, at right half-back. Since the unfortunate injury to Alf West at Burton he has once more resumed business at the old stand – right full-back.
This season he has scored three goals for the Anfielders. Against Grimsby he put on the first two from the half-back line, but the point he scored in the match with Bolton Wanderers, from his favourite penalty kick, was one of the most valuable goals he has ever gained during his career.
Chorlton is a most promising player, and possessing a fine turn of speed, accuracy in kicking, and any amount of pluck and determination, he should gain fame in the near future. He stands 5ft. 8in. and weighs 11st. 2lb., so that he is nicely proportioned for a footballer. As regards his versatility there can be no question, but we fancy I will be as a right full-back that he will be able to do himself full justice. He is keen on the game, anxious and eager to do his utmost for his side’s welfare, and a downright genial and unassuming individual. That his capabilities will develop and gain for him a permanent place in the League team is our earnest wish.
(Source: Joint Everton and Liverpool Match Programme: April 21, 1905)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 