Ernie Blenkinsop

Blenkinsop joined Liverpool from Sheffield Wednesday in 1934, bringing with him an outstanding reputation as one of England’s finest left-backs. A former England captain, he had made 424 appearances for Wednesday between 1923 and 1934, helping the Yorkshire club win consecutive First Division championships in 1929 and 1930. Born in Cudworth, near Barnsley, Blenkinsop came from a mining background. He began working underground at the age of 13, spending five years in the Grimethorpe and Brierley pits. During that time, he survived a potentially fatal accident when a mine roof collapsed in the gallery where he was working. He threw himself to the ground and was buried beneath the falling debris, later believing that standing upright would have cost him his life.

His footballing ability attracted the attention of Doncaster Rovers, but Hull City secured his services from his local club for £100 and a barrel of beer. Originally an inside-left, he was converted into a full-back and quickly established himself in his new position. Renowned for his positional awareness, skill and accurate distribution, Blenkinsop preferred to play the ball out of defence rather than simply clear it upfield.

Blenkinsop spent three and a half years at Anfield, sharing the captaincy with his former England colleague Tom Cooper. His Liverpool career was badly affected by knee problems. Cartilage damage sustained against Derby County on 24 November 1934 disrupted his first full season, although an operation enabled him to return and miss only five League matches during the 1935/36 campaign. Further cartilage trouble, suffered against Everton on 19 September 1936, ruled him out for the remainder of the following season. His position at Liverpool came under scrutiny ahead of the 1937/38 campaign, with an agreement that his future would be reconsidered if he was not a regular first-team player by the end of September. Having made only two appearances that season, he moved to Cardiff City on 26 November 1937.

Blenkinsop's uncompromising approach earned him the respect of opponents, including the legendary Sir Stanley Matthews. In his autobiography, Matthews recalled the formidable first tackle he could expect from the Liverpool captain, describing how Blenkinsop would use it to make his presence felt. After one such challenge, the defender would reportedly remark: “That’s just to let you know I’m here.” His international record was equally impressive. Blenkinsop played in 26 consecutive England internationals between 17 May 1928 and 1 April 1933, setting a record for successive appearances for his country at the time. He captained England on four occasions.

Away from the pitch, Blenkinsop was a keen collector of autographs. His carefully maintained book preserved the signatures of players from Sheffield Wednesday, Liverpool and England, as well as the medical staff who treated his knee at Liverpool Nursing Home. After retiring from football, Blenkinsop entered the pub trade. He died in Sheffield on 24 April 1969, aged 59, while serving customers at his premises.