CHARLIE Walker has written to feature the early years of the FA Cup, in addition to some quirky stories.
“I came across some tales from a 1921 diary book, which was in a very poor state,” said Charlie.
“I would have handed it in to you to have a look but the pages were flaking if you turned them over.
“One of the first things I noticed was that, in 1841, football was made legal again, and 11-a-side football was tried out at Eton for the first time.
“Seven years on, the throw-in was introduced when the ball went over the touchline.
“In the same year, another rule came in to allow a player to catch the ball but not to run with it.”
Charlie didn’t specify if that last line applied only to goalkeepers.
He continued: “In March 1872, England Wanderers beat Royal Engineers 1-0 in the FA Cup Final at the Kennington Oval.
“Wanderers only made the final after Queen’s Park couldn’t afford to stay in London for a semi-final replay after they drew 0-0.
“At Sheffield in 1878, the first floodlit game was played at Bramall Lane.
“Four massive bulbs were placed on top of 30-foot wooden towers, and two local teams played a game under the lights.
“I’d love to see some sort of charity match played using some of these old rules.”
Charlie, of Lochee, concluded: “The book also stated that a referee named Major Mandarin refereed the first five FA Cup finals.
“It made me wonder if that is the reason why oranges became so popular at half-time.”
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