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It was a different world...
Footballers were paid decently enough, but for most working class pros the end of their playing days meant a return to industry. Some made it as coaches and others were set up as publicans, but they were in the minority. In April 1908 Cocky Bennett was killed at Denaby Main Colliery. 18 months earlier he had been playing for Bristol City in the First Division.
He scored 22 goals in 49 matches for Bristol City, helping them to win the Second Division title in 1905-06.
Bennett had joined Bristol City from Sheffield United. He made 234 appearances for The Blades, scoring 72 goals. During this period United were a consistently strong side, as witnessed by the achievements shown here:
League | FA Cup | |
1896–97 | Runners up | |
1897–98 | Champions | |
1898–99 | ||
1899–1900 | Runners up | Winners |
1900–01 | Runners up | |
1901–02 | Winners* |
*Bennett played in the first match but missed the replay due to injury
Bennett represented England twice in 1901.
Bennett represented England twice in 1901.