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Yorkie

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Interesting chap.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Ball

 

A bit more info here:

 

THOMAS EDGAR BALL

 

Played for Aston Villa and was tragically murdered in November 1923 at Perry Barr, Birmingham.

 

Wardley Colliery was noted for,among other things, the number of high class footballers it turned out. No fewer then 7 of them signed as professionals for various first and second division clubs. This was during the late 1920’s and 30’s where work was almost impossible to find and mines were on strike, which was frequently. The lads would be found kicking a ball about all day.

 

Thomas was born and lived at Pump Row, Wardley Colliery. Thomas had a natural skill and before he was 18 was spotted by a scout for Newcastle United, Thomas soon signed professional papers. For some unaccountable reason he never made the first team. But it wasn’t long before he was spotted again by Aston Villa.  Tommy was soon on the move and found temporary lodgings in Perry Barr. It seemed as though everything was working out well for him.

 

His playing attracted the attention of sports writers his future was assured and he was hailed as the best defensive player in the division and was much sought after. Then fate took a hand...

 

On November 10th 1923 Tommy and his wife went out for the evening, returning home at 9.30pm. Mrs Ball went into the house and Tommy took their dog for a walk. Mrs Ball heard raised voices and went to investigate. As she stepped outside a shot was fired and she later claimed to have felt the draft of it.  Another shot followed. She watched helplessly as Tommy fell to the ground. Death was instantaneous. The shots had been fired by their Landlord.

 

George Stagg was a recently retired Birmingham city police officer who had served with the army in France during WW1. Stagg was charged with murder and was convicted at West Bromwich on Feb 11th 1924. Found guilty he was sentenced to death.

 

The Court of Appeal considered his case but on April 18th dismissed Stagg’s last ditched effort to escape the noose.

 

Several reasons have been suggested as Stagg’s motive for murder. One was that Ball was having an affair with Stagg’s wife. That, almost certainly was not true.

 

Another theory says that an argument had developed over some poultry in Stagg’s garden. But the most likely reason is that given Stagg’s medical history he was suffering from some sort of mental aberration.

 

Had the crime happened now, mental instability would have been identified as a prime causal factor.

 

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Absolute joke how Tranmere vs Watford hasn't been picked after they came from 3-0 down - robbed them of 72K

 

 

 

The Emirates FA Cup third round replays between Tottenham Hotspur and Middlesbrough, and Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers will be shown live on TV in the UK.

 

After sharing a 1-1 draw at the Riverside Stadium on Sunday, Championship side Boro will head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday 14 January for their tie with Spurs with that game being screened on BBC One and BBC iPlayer and kicking off at 8.05pm.

 

And Wolves will have another chance to topple Manchester United following a 0-0 draw at Molinuex on Saturday evening, with their trip to Old Trafford on Wednesday 15 January being shown on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate at 7.45pm.

 

Each club will receive a broadcast fee of £72,000 while winning clubs will pick up a further £135,000 from the FA Cup prize fund.

 

There are a further six replays in this season’s third round taking place during the same week.

 

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