Sam Wadsworth


Samuel John Wadsworth 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 received a shrapnel wound in the left ankle. 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".

Career statistics

Honours

Huddersfield Town
Individual