May 30, 1941
A member of the Burnley Football Club’s FA Cup-winning team in 1914, Dick Lindley died at his home in Slaidburn yesterday.
A native of Bolton, Lindley was an inside right, and was secured by Burnley from Oswaldtwistle Rovers in 1908. For three season the majority of his appearances were with the reserves, but he gradually strengthened his claim for inclusion in the League team and in 1911-12 he figured in 40 first-team matches (34 League) scoring 15 goals, and was, like Teddy Hodgson, an excellent inside man to Bert Freeman, who that year netted 39 times, seven in Cup-ties. He completed his century of appearances for the premier team on December 13, 1913.
During the Continental tour in Austria, Lindley had the misfortune to have his forearm broken, and as it was not properly set was not called upon by the Army authorities, but worked on munitions. During the war period he topped the goal-scorer in the subsidiary competition. Much controversy arose from time to time as to Lindley’s finishing power apart from his feeding of Freeman.
Lindley’s appearances and goals are: –
1908-09, 11 and 4, reserves 30 and 10;
1909-10, 4 and 1, reserves 27 and 7;
1910-11, 4 and 0, reserves 35 and 8;
1911-12, 40 and 15, reserves 2 and 1;
1912-13, 41 and 10, reserves 5 and 1;
1913-14, 41 and 14, reserves 1 and 0;
1914-15, 18 and 2, reserves 5 and 3;
1915-16, 22 and 7, 6 goals in subsidiary competition;
1916-17, 29 and 17, subsidiary 5 and 2;
1917-18, 30 and 0;
1918-19, 32 and 5, subsidiary 5 and 3;
1919-20, 7 and 0, reserves 20 and 4.
In 1920-21 season Lindley was transferred to Bradford City, and afterwards played for Coventry. Lindley married a daughter of the mate Mr and Mrs. Sharpley of the old Waverley Café, Howe Street, Burnley, and opened a dainty shop in Todmorden Road. He subsequently entered the licensing trade, and after managing the Devonshire Arms at Grassington became “mine host” of the Empress Hotel, Burnley. From Burnley he went to the Queen’s Arms at Lytham, and later to Hark to Bounty at Slaidburn.
Mr. Lindley is survived by a widow and a son, Second Lieutenant Jack Lindley.
(Burnley Express: May 31, 1941)
Dick Lindley.
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