Tommy Asher
Thomas Asher was an English footballer who played in the Football League for Notts County. He also played for Peterborough United, Ilkeston Town, Ransome & Marles, Grantham Town, Eastwood Town, and Keyworth United. Tommy represented football team|England Schoolboys] during his youth and played alongside Manchester United's Duncan Edwards.
Early life
Asher was born on 21 December 1936 and was raised in Dunscroft, Yorkshire.Youth career
Doncaster Schoolboys
As a young boy, Asher rose to prominence thanks to his performances with Doncaster Schoolboys. After impressing the England coaches with his ability, he was called up to play for his country at Schoolboy level. He went on to play three times at this level.Wolverhampton Wanderers
When Asher was in his mid-teens, he was approached by top clubs. He was contemplating Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers. At this time, Sir Matt Busby visited Asher's home in Dunscroft to influence his choice. At the time, Wolves were the more successful team. This managed to turn Asher's head. He signed for the club's youth team. He was a key figure in the 1954 team that reached the final of the FA Youth Cup against Manchester United. However, he could not play due to an injury. He scored twice in the cup run against Derby County and Spalding United. He was instrumental in helping the Wolves youth team win the Birmingham & [District Football League|Birmingham and District League] title in the same season.Club career
Notts County
In 1954, Asher joined Notts County and played there for five years. In that time, he made 31 first-team appearances and scored 4 goals. The club's coaches urged Asher to play in the reserve team before his debut to build his confidence and ability. He spent three seasons with the reserves before making his senior debut in a home game against Swansea Town in September 1957. Notts were beaten 4–2 but gained revenge in the return fixture a week later, winning 3–1, with Tommy scoring the first of his four goals for the Magpies. He remained a squad player until 1959 when he left the Magpies to join Peterborough United.Peterborough United
Asher dropped out of and moved to non-League club Peterborough United in 1959. At the time, they competed in the Midland [Football League (1889)|Midland League]. Due to the sheer brilliance of rival inside forward Dennis Emery, Asher struggled to forge a first-team position, so they competed frequently for the reserves. He was described as "a clever little player who certainly knew how to score," he showed that during his only season for the Posh when he scored 30 goals. He was a prolific goal scorer for the reserves and even scored 4 goals in one match against Harwich & Parkeston on 10 October 1959 in the Eastern Counties League.He made two first-team appearances for the Posh, the first a 2–1 loss against Ashington. Asher kept his place for the next Posh game, away at Spennymoor Town, which Posh won 3–1. However, it proved to be his final first-team game for the club as he left at the end of the season to join Ilkeston Town.