William Nesbitt (22 November 1891 – 11 January 1972) was an English professional footballer who played as a winger. Nesbitt started his football career, aged 16, with his local side, Cornholme, before later joining Portsmouth Rovers.[2] In 1911, he was signed by Burnley manager John Haworth, where he would make almost 200 first-team appearances. Nesbitt was first signed as an amateur, but Haworth gained permission for him to be released from his apprenticeship as a wood turner.[2] With Burnley, Nesbitt won both the FA Cup (1914) and Football League First Division (1920–21).[2] He moved to Bristol City in 1923 and had a short spell with Clapton Orient, but in 1924, he was forced to retire from the professional game through injury.
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | William Nesbitt | ||
Date of birth | 22 November 1891 | ||
Place of birth | Todmorden, England | ||
Date of death | 11 January 1972 (age 80) | ||
Place of death | Halifax, England | ||
Height | 5 ft 7+1⁄2 in (1.71 m)[1] | ||
Position(s) | Winger | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
1911–1923 | Burnley | 172 | (19) |
1923–1924 | Bristol City | 26 | (0) |
1924 | Clapton Orient | 0 | (0) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
Nesbitt was acutely deaf his whole life. At Burnley, his teammates communicated with him using a variety of methods, including shirt-pulling, hand signalling and lip-reading.[2] When his football career ended, he opened a tobacconist and sweet shop in Paddington, Central London. He returned to Todmorden, and in 1972, he died in hospital in Halifax.[2]
References
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edit- Joyce, Michael (2004). Football League Players' Records 1888-1939.