February 3, 1909
The news will be heard with regret not only in Blackburn, but by footballers generally, that yesterday, while training with his colleagues at Blackpool, Jimmy Ashcroft, the Rovers’ goalkeeper received a wire to say that his father had died unexpectedly at his home in Liverpool.
Ashcroft at once left for the Mersey port, and it was naturally feared that the sad event would prevent him playing on Saturday, which would be an irreparable loss.
A letter received from him last night, however, holds out some hope that he will occupy his usual place under the special circumstances, as his father desired that he should play, to which event his loyalty to the club will be appreciated to the full.
(Lancashire Evening Post: February 4, 1909)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 