John B. Kirkham

John B. Kirkham (26 February 1869 – 30 November 1930) (one source states Kirkham was born on 26 February 1868), known as Johnny Kirkham, was an English footballer who played in The Football League for Accrington. He signed in 1883 for his local club Hapton F.C.

John B. Kirkham
Personal information
Full name John Batty Kirkham
Date of birth (1869-02-26)26 February 1869
Place of birth Clayton-le-Moors, England
Date of death 30 November 1930(1930-11-30) (aged 61)
Position(s) Forward
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1883-1884 Hapton
1884-1887 Oswaldtwistle Rovers ([1])
1887-1888 Padiham
1888–1893 Accrington 104 (33)
1893–1894 Blackpool
1894 Accrington
1894 Oswaldtwistle Rovers ([2])
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

In 1884 Kirkham signed for Oswaldtwistle Rovers and played for them for three seasons, 1884-87. In the 1885-86 season Oswaldtwistle Rovers reached the 2nd Round of the FA Cup for the only time. It is not recorded if Kirkham played in the FA Cup games.

In 1887 Kirkham signed for Padiham. Padiham was formed in 1878 and were well supported. But being a small town the club could not compete when Football became professional (See Wikipedia article on Padiham F.C.).

Season 1888-89

Jack Kirkham made his League debut on 8 September 1888 at Anfield, then home of Everton. Accrington lost the match 2–1. When he made his League debut he was 19 years 195 days old; that made him, on that first day of League football, Accrington's youngest player. Jack Kirkham played 19 League matches and scored 12 goals in season 1888–89. Kirkham top scored for Accrington. As a forward he played in a forward line that scored 3 goals or more on five occasions. He scored 2 in a match on 3 occasions that season. His debut league goal and first brace was scored on 15 September 1888 at Leamington Road, Blackburn. Accrington drew the match 5–5 with Blackburn Rovers.[3] He spent five years at Accrington until their demise in 1893.[4]

Sesaon 1889-90

Season 1889-90 was Accrington' most successful ever in its short time as a member of The Football League, finishing sixth. Johnny Kirkham was an ever-present that season playing in every League match. The only other Accrington player to be ever present was John McLennan. The only match Kirkham missed was the FA Cup replay against West Bromwich Albion. Kirkham was not as effective in front of goal as in 1888-89 scoring only five League goals. He played as an Inside-Forward and on both wings.[5]

Statistics

Source:[6]

Club Season Division League FA Cup Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Accrington 1888–89The Football League1912202112
Accrington 1889–90Football League22520245
Accrington 1890–91Football League11233145
Accrington 1891–92Football League23531266
Accrington 1892–93First Division30*920329

References
  1. "English National Football Archive". Retrieved 18 December 2017. (registration & fee required)
  2. "English National Football Archive". Retrieved 18 December 2017. (registration & fee required)
  3. "English National Football Archive". Retrieved 18 December 2017. (registration & fee required)
  4. Joyce, Michael (2004). Football League Players' Records 1888 to 1939. SoccerData. ISBN 1-899468-67-6.
  5. "English National Football Archive". Retrieved 7 March 2023. (registration & fee required)
  6. John B. Kirkham at the English National Football Archive (subscription required)


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