Granton United were one of the strongest teams in the country from the mid-50s to late 60s. Desperate for silverware, the wealthy new directors spent big to manufacture a team of internationals and the plan worked as United romped to a first league title in 1956/57. But the team needed strengthening further as they entered the World League, a competition made up of the best teams from Europe and South America.
Famous England international twosome Nick Smith and Arnold Tabbs who had joined halfway through the Championship season, were joined by a mystery man JP Sedley. The three were top class additions to an already top side and Granton would romp to the World League title losing just once. Thus qualifying for the International Cup stage.
England striker Don Dorling was replaced with up and coming centre Chuck Higgins, with young Hughie Rolt taking over from Wales international Cyril Ellery at inside right. Reggie Sopwith was another youngster brought in, the agile goalie keeping his place after deputising for England keeper Ted Mitford. The influx of youthful energy helped Granton during an arduous campaign, beating Delberg Spartic in the final to win the Double!
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| Smith sets up Pritchard in the International Cup Final |
The mystery of JP Sedley's identity was finally solved. The great midfielder, suffering from amnesia, believes he is Jack Dellard, former England centre forward.
Players:
Ted Mitford GK 1 ENG international
Jack West RB 2 ENG international
Charles Morgan LB 3 WAL international
JP Sedley RH 4 Captain
Wilf Hamilton CH 5 SCO international
Arnold Tabbs LH 6 ENG International
Tommy Dale RW 7 IRL international
Cyril Ellery IR 8 WAL international
Don Dorling CF 9 ENG international
Nick Smith IL 10 ENG International
Percy Pritchard LW 11 ENG international
Stan Hopton LW 11 Reserve
Bert Beaumont LH 6 Reserve
Battleaxe Wallace RB 2 Reserve
Hughie Rolt IR 8
Reggie Sopwith GK 1
Chuck Higgins CF 9 signed on before International Cup starts
Mick Price RW 7 3rd team
Terry Young IR 8 3rd team
Dickie Trantor CF 9 Reserve
Tom Mason RB 2 Reserve
Harry Dean LB 3 Reserve
Edgar Johnson GK 1 Reserve
Chip Baker GK 1 17yo
Smoker Edmunds RH 4 Reserve
Chip Baker GK 1 ENG international
George Coker Manager Former Scotland international
Harry Hammond Trainer
2 Comments
There's an area called Granton in Edinburgh, I'd love to start an amateur football club there with their name, badge and kit etc. I assume their colours were just white and red?
ReplyDeleteNever mind, sorry I see it on the index page, white shirts black shorts.
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