Ernest Needham

Ernest Needham is considered one of the best English players and one of the first legends in the history of his country. He is also a legend of Sheffield United.

567

Games

Goals

Assists

Trophies

1889/91 Staveley (ENG)

1891/1909 Sheffield United (ENG) 551 games, 69 goals

(Premier League: 464 games, 49 goals)

(FA Cup: 49 games, 13 goals)

(Second Division: 20 games, 5 goals)

(Northern League: 13 games, 3 goals)

With the National Team :

16 caps, 3 goals

(British Home Championship: 16 caps, 3 goals)

1st cap: April 7, 1894 against Scotland (2-2)

Last cap: March 3, 1902 against Wales (0-0)

Ernest Needham

Born January 21, 1873 in Chesterfield (ENG)

Died March 8, 1936 in Chesterfield (ENG)

English, Left-Back, Defensive-Midfielder, Right-Winger, 1m70

Nicknames: The Prince of Center Halfs

One of the most versatile players in history

Ernest Needham was born on January 21, 1873 in Chesterfield, England. He discovered football as a child and became a striker for Waverley FC and Staveley Wanderers. But it was at Sheffield United that he would show his full potential in the 1891/92 season.

First in the Northern League of English football, he quickly reached the second English division then the first in 1893. Originally a right winger, he was moved to midfield then to defense during his career due to injuries during his first season at the club.

Quite small at 1.70 meters, he was nevertheless very combative on the field, he gave his all on the field and showed incredible endurance. Quite strong, he had regular performances at a very high level and was the star of his team. He was also called "The Prince of Center Halfs".

A complete and consistent player

Both a creator of the game and a genius in recovering the ball, he was the complete midfielder who could play anywhere on the field, he also had a tendency to go very high up the field. Fast, he had a tendency to alternate between defensive positions and crazy runs forward. He really impressed observers of his time with his ability to constantly repeat efforts.

Quite good at finishing thanks to his years spent on the front of the attack, he was also very good in his ability to control the ball and dribble. His passes were also praised by critics, capable of organizing the game with long passes from one side of the field to the other.

A legend of English football

In total, he played 551 matches for his club, including 464 in the English first division. Needham retired in 1910, at the age of 37, after being moved to left-back. During his career, he won 1 English championship and 2 national cups, very good performances for the time.

An English international from 1894, he became a legendary member of his country over the years, in total he played 16 times for his country until 1902. And he became captain of his team, thus showing his great leadership quality on the field.