Tuesday, February 12 – 1907
Mr. John Lewis, of Blackburn, the well-known football referee, in speaking to a Burnley P.S.A. gathering, declared that many football players, through want of ordinary employment, were leading comparatively lazy lives. He said he would be glad if all football players were working, and he thought it would be better for them and the game if they continued their employment.
Those young fellows who were aspiring to higher football he advised ro refrain from playing unless their masters would allow them to keep their ordinary work. When a man followed football for ten years his trade had left his fingers by the end of that time, and in many cases he became a mere corner man. Many men went to him who had become degraded through giving up their employment and making football a business.
(Manchester Courier, 12-02-1907)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 