Rogers Jones & Co
Lot 163
THE FOOTBALL CLUB HOUSE: 1899-1900 WELSH SCFA 9CT GOLD MEDAL, awarded to R. Morris, of cartouche form, on 9ct rope twist chain, total 11.8gAuctioneer's Note: believed to relate to Robert Morris, born Oswestry, 1875; died Chirk, 23 September 1926.Morris was a centre half with 6 caps: (Chirk) v England, Ireland 1900; v Ireland 1901; Scotland 1902; (Shrewsbury T) v England, Ireland 1903. Career: Chirk 1893-1902; Shrewsbury T 1902-07; Chirk 1907-09. 'Bob' Morris was said to be an excellent defender and good leader, somewhat surprisingly, never made it beyond the Birmingham and District League but was briefly on Manchester City’s books. A one-time Chirk captain, he was comfortable at left back or centre half and one writer called him “unapproachable”, adding “his defence of the ball was very uncommon”. Morris was strong in the air and was keen to go forward for corners and free kicks - an early exploiter of what is now known as the “set piece”. A careful player, he relied on his well-developed positional sense and was “entirely safe”. Morris, a brother to Jack and Charlie, captained Shrewsbury to a Shropshire Cup success in 1904 before returning to a Chirk club in decline. An official at Brynkinalt colliery, he was later chairman of the Chirk club. Honours: Shropshire Cup Winner 1903, 1904Provenance: by descent, private collection Ynys Mon, Robert & Richard Morris (vendor's mother's uncle), items in this auction believed to have belonged to Robert, but both played for Wales, Chirk FC,however Robert 'Bob' had a longer playing careerComments: slightly rubbed.
