Quick Facts
VirgoBiography
Samuel John Wadsworth (13 September 1896 – 1 September 1961) was an English professional footballer who played as a left back for Darwen, Blackburn Rovers, Nelson, Huddersfield Town, Burnley and Lytham. He won 9 England caps between April 1922 and October 1926 and was captain for his final four appearances. He later had a long career in management in the Netherlands.
Personal life
Wadsworth was born in Darwen, the son of Clara Ellen Briggs and James Wadsworth. He was married to Harriet Elizabeth Woodward. Prior to the outbreak of the First World War, Wadsworth worked as a clerk. he ran a garage while a Blackburn Rovers player and the business later failed, which caused financial and health problems for his family. After his retirement from professional football in 1930, Wadsworth worked for the Lytham St. Annes Corporation's transport department.
War service
During the First World War, Wadsworth lied about his age to enlist as a gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery and was wounded in action. His older brother Charles was killed in the war and "the atrocities left him physically and mentally scarred, suffering blackouts and grappling with post-traumatic stress".
Honours
Huddersfield Town
- Football League First Division (3): 1923–24, 1924–25, 1925–26
- FA Cup (1): 1921–22
- FA Charity Shield (1): 1922
Individual
- FA Charity Shield (2): 1923, 1924