NED DOIG

From 15 years old 'Ned' began to take his football seriously. He joined the 2nd Forfar (Angus) Company of the Rifle Volunteer Corps, played in the band and became proficient on many wind instruments, his favourite tune being "The Standard on the Braes of Marr^"10.

'Ned' began playing football for St Helena, a junior club, on the "common" in the right wing position. He was friendly with the Petrie family who had a fishing trawler in the town. From them he acquired three beams which he fixed as a goalmouth. Suspending a ball from the crossbeam, he taught himself to punch a ball from any angle until he excelled at the skill. He could punch a ball so hard that it would swing twice over the bar- others could do this only once. Using two dumbbells¹³ which he had made at the local foundry, he trained by placing them at the foot of each post and using alternate arm would dash across the goal, swinging a dumbbell high, repeating with the other arm. With this exercise, he built up strength, agility and fleetness of foot.

He could place his team-mates around the field and punch a ball to their feet and his strength enabled him to send the ball over the halfway line. It is said that this feat could only be done by one other player - William "Fatty" Foulke, the 6 foot 3 inch, 22 stone 'keeper of Sheffield United. He found himself to be ambidextrous and could write with each hand and by his late teens was very proficient in goal and could fist a ball out with great force and accuracy using either arm.

As a youth 'Ned' was apprenticed as a baker; (his Mother was a confectioner). It was at this time that Davina Bertie and young 'Ned' noticed each other. 'Ned' was not to remain in the bakery, as he had aspirations to enter the insurance business as an agent. However, events were to take a markedly dramatic turn

On September 12th 1885, Arbroath Football Club made history by recording the biggest score in an official competition, beating Bon Accord of Aberdeen 36 : 0 in the Scottish Cup.

This remains an all time record and reports of this game are given in "The Story of Arbroath Football Club (1947)"and the "Arbroath Guide" of Saturday September 19th 1885. By February 1886, James Milne the goalkeeper who had given valiant service to the Club since its earliest days, stepped down in favour of 'Ned' Doig to fill this position, which in those days was the toughest job on a football pitch¹⁴.

At that time the Scottish Football League had not been formed and matches consisted of friendly games interspaced with cup games such as the Forfarshire Cup and the Scottish Cup. 'Ned's' youngest brother Robert, reminiscing to his son Aikman, recalls how he accompanied 'Ned' to an Arbroath match. It transpired that Arbroath were without a goalkeeper. Someone in the crowd called out "let Ned Doig play" and this became his first game for the club. It is possible that this was a second team game in 1884. In 1895 a pen portrait in the Sunderland Daily Echo stated that he played for two seasons in Arbroath reserves which would be 1884-5 and 1885-6. By the 9th January 1886 it was recorded¹⁵ "At Arbroath a match was played on Gayfield between the first and second elevens. A very fine game was witnessed between these teams. Doig, in goal, it may be mentioned was at this match under the observation of the Arbroath Committee and he played a splendid game". The result was given as first eleven 5, second eleven 1, 'Ned' Doig played for the reserves. At this time he would be 19 years old and had been playing for a junior team - St. Helena¹⁶ of Arbroath on the "common" for a season before being recruited to Arbroath's second team, which then reached the semi - final of the Forfarshire Second Eleven Cup. By the time Milne stepped down 'Neds' capabilities and agility were well known. There is a photograph in the boardroom at Arbroath F.C. showing eleven players and lists Doig as one of the three players that did not take part in the famous victory against Bon Accord.

It is known¹⁷ that 'Ned' appeared in at least five of the sixteen games played in the later half of the 1885-86 season. An away match on 6th February, lost by 2:3 to Harp of Dundee was said to be his first appearance for the first team. The match report stated "Not withstanding that a few players from each club were away at the Intercounty (game), good substitutes were found and readers will no doubt take note that this was the first appearance in the Arbroath 1st Eleven of 'Ned' Doig. 'Ned' Doig, goalkeeper - a player who came and turned out to be the Prince of Goalkeepers of our County". The other games were on 13th March away to Strathmore (of Arbroath) which the club won by 5:1 :- "In an altered team Doig getting his chance to show his abilities" and further, on 15th May at home to Friockheim won by 4:2 reported "Doig for the second time (sic) played for the first eleven and gave a splendid exhibition of goalkeeping. He played against Strathmore of Arbroath on 29th May losing 0:3. Finally at home to Harp of Dundee on 5th June won by 5:1 noted "The Maroons were rearranged and Doig was introduced into goal and he proved his worth for the Maroons. His skilful and dextrous movements being the talk of the match: this was the best match the Maroons played for a long time".

Prior to the beginning of the 1886-7 season the club held a four - a -side competition with seven teams entered. 'Ned' Doig had the fourth team and were beaten in the first round by 0:3. Now, with 'Ned' as first choice in goal, Arbroath, following an away defeat by Forfar Athletic, opened their home programme with a visit by the illustrious Preston North End. Although the 'Maroons' were beaten 2:6 the "Arbroath Guide" reported that "Doig repulsed a goal attempt, a splendid piece of goalkeeping. When Doig was left alone to defend a break, he secured the ball and threw it out for the best piece of goalkeeping in the game. Doig performed marvels but let in a soft one". Arbroath were again to record a big victory in the first round of the Scottish Cup, this time against Orion of Aberdeen on 11th September, the score being 20:0. Doig had a splendid game against Strathmore (Dundee) in the first round of the Forfarshire Cup on the 18th September although losing the game by 2:4. A draw of 1:1 at Glasgow Thistle on Thursday 7th October noted that Doig was repeatedly cheered for smart play. At home to Forfar Athletic on 23rd October which was drawn 4:4, "Doig kept out some grand shots and it was partly due to his splendid goalkeeping that Arbroath avoided a heavy defeat". In another 4:4 draw against Our Boys at Dundee Doig saved a goal in a brilliant manner. In a later cup tie for Arbroath, 'Ned' took the ball off the foot of the Scottish Captain who said "If you can do that to me, it won't be long before you play for your country"¹⁰. 'Ned' Doig took part in International trial matches in Glasgow, to play against England. The Selection Committee split the votes 6 to 6 for Gillespie of Queens Park and Doig, before the Chairman cast his vote in favour of George Gillespie¹⁸. However he was soon to make a reputation for himself that spread far beyond the borders of Scotland. Following a home friendly game versus Wanderers of Dundee on 29th January 1887 it was recorded¹⁷ "Notice has just arrived that Doig, who only started last season, has International Honours. This is a splendid honour to 'Ned' who, speaking personally, is a very modest young person. Doig receives his International Cap with as much coolness as he is between the posts. 'Ned' has been appointed Goalkeeper against Ireland and also for two matches arranged by the Forfarshire Association. This honour brings credit to the "Red Lichties" also to the player who well deserves this distinction because his displays between the posts mark him out as a bright future in front of him". The 'Arbroath Herald' of 3rd February also recorded "The Scottish F. A. have honoured Forfarshire by selecting Doig, the Arbroath 'keeper to be Scotland's custodian in the international versus Ireland to be played in Glasgow on 19th February. This is the first time any northern player has received International honours and it is not a little to the credit of our town that the distinction should have been gained by an Arbroathian. Mr Doig has made rapid progress as only last season he was goalkeeper to the second eleven of the local premier team but he has proved himself to be a thoroughly reliable player and we heartily congratulate him on being called upon to occupy so proud a position in the football world". The 'Arbroath Guide' two days later added that Doig's popularity had increased with every match since his promotion to the first eleven and said " there cannot be a doubt that the appearance of Doig's name in an International team is due in a large measure to the brilliant work he performed during the recent holiday matches as having some of the best forwards in Scotland gave him the opportunity of displaying his grand powers".

On February 19th 1887 he took his place in goal for his country versus Ireland at Glasgow.

Scotland

won 4:1, but a much improved Irish side equalised Frank Watts early goal with a strike by Browne. Scotland regained the lead just before half time through Jenkinson and were relieved to score two more in the second half the scorers being Johnstone and Lowe. Scotland took the International Championship that season with six points (three wins).

Doig played in his first game for Forfarshire when they travelled to Glasgow to play against Glasgow North Eastern Association on Christmas Day 1886. His second game against Ayrshire at Harp's gound, Dundee, Forfarshire were beaten 3:5. On 16th April, - Forfarshire v Stirlingshire at Merchison Park, Falkirk, was also lost by 2:3. He was also selected as reserve 'keeper against Perthshire for Saturday May 7th but it is not known whether he travelled or played in this game.

It was the custom at that time for a benefit game on behalf of "The Fishermen's Fund for Widows and Children" to be played at Gayfield . This took place on Saturday 23rd April between Arbroath F. C.'s 'Ancients' and 'Moderns' and Doig took his place in the 'moderns' who won 6:1 following a half time lead of 2:0.

It is clear from match reports that 'Ned' Doig was reaching a peak in his Arbroath career. At home to Forfar Athletic on April 30th 1887 the 'Herald' stated "Doig was admirable. Keenness of eye and deftness of both hand and foot were very marked in his play and although he had a lot of work, played with a masterly coolness throughout". And a few days later versus Harp of Dundee away "We daresay Doig, often experiencing some of the brutal charges of forwards who rushed furiously at him several times, full five seconds after he had sent the ball half up the field, will prey to be delivered in future from such friendly encounters". In the last game of the official season at home to a Lancashire team, Halliwell on Friday June 3rd "Doig played dextrously as is his wont. Two most dangerous shots were returned with admirable smartness and he played with splendid confidence and precision".

As part of the general celebrations and events to mark Queen Victoria's Jubilee a football game was played at Gayfield Park with Our Boys (Dundee) providing the opposition. The date of this game was Thursday 23rd June 1887 and the home team was :- Doig; Collie, Campbell; Rennie, Milne, Sim; Petrie, Leslie, S. Buick, Crawford and J. Buick. Handsome silver medals were provided to the Arbroath players, the winners by 4 : 2. It may be that this medal was the first of many to be awarded to 'Ned' Doig. It is not known whether medals were given in recognition of County appearances.

Besides the four cup games Doig is known to have played in at least 33 of the 42 friendly games played in the season and with the four representative games his total is at least 39 matches.

Forfarshire Cup result :-18. 9.1886 Away to Strathmore (Dundee) lost 2:4 1st round

Annual Arbroath sports took place on Saturday 13th August 1887. 'Ned' Doig won the high jump with a leap of 4'11", in the 300yard sprint he came third whilst in the mile handicap race he was placed second from a four yard start.

The next season, Arbroath again met Orion in the first round of the Scottish Cup, this time recording an 18:0 victory on 3rd September 1887. Strathmore of Dundee were beaten in the next round on September 24th, S. Buick scoring a hat-trick for a 3:1 victory. A long and difficult trip to Oban was rewarded with a 5-1 win on October 15th in the third round and secured a bye for the club in the fourth round. Arbroath eventually reached the sixth round by beating Cowlairs by 5:1 on 26th November, before losing to Abercorn (in Paisley) on 17th December by 1:3. On Christmas Eve Doig took his place in goal for Forfarshire versus Stirlingshire at Dundee and the game was duly won by his County 4:1. The Christmas and New Year holiday programme arranged by the Club Secretary followed a similar pattern to previous seasons with a series of home fixtures. Saturday December 31st, Airdrieonians visited and were beaten by 4:2; Monday January 2nd 1888, Dumbarton who beat Arbroath 2:3 after the 'Maroons' had held a half time lead of 2:1. The next day, Vale of Leven were vanquished 5:4, whilst on the Wednesday Greenock Morton were to triumph by a similar score 4:5. Of the Dumbarton game 'The Arbroath Guide' had to say "The feature of the game was the brilliant play by Doig. Every conceivable shot had to be negotiated and the marvellous display of his powers is the explanation of Dumbarton only winning by 2:3. On Saturday February 4th 1888 Doig again represented his county in a match against Ayrshire at Ayr.

The Forfarshire Cup opened with a home victory over the 3rd F.R.V. (?Forfarshire Royal Volunteers) by 13:0. A further big win, this time 12:0 was recorded when Our Boys were beaten at Dundee. In the semi-final, played at Gayfield, Wanderers of Dundee were vanquished 6:1. A thousand spectators travelled from Arbroath to see the Forfarshire Cup Final which was held at East Dock Street, Dundee on 12th November 1887. Matt Dickson who played centre forward for Strathmore was a great opponent of Doig. The bouts between these two were always a feature of football. Doig, being a very keen athlete, always had the better of Dickson. Following a half-time score of 6:1, Arbroath ran off easy winners by 10:2. The Artillery band played at the homecoming of the team, the tune being "See the conquering heroes come" through the town up to the Corn Exchange.

In the newly instituted District Charity Cup, big home wins were recorded over Lindertis of Kirriemuir 13:3 and 9:1 over Brechin before losing in the final to Forfar Athletic on neutral ground by 2:3

When the season finished in 1888 the Club had won the Forfarshire Challenge Cup and were the District Charity Cup finalists and 'Ned' Doig was looked upon as the greatest goalkeeper ever reared in the east of Scotland and even by 1947 many older followers of the game aver that his equal has never been found in the ranks of any club in the east¹⁶.

On 11th August 1888, Annual Sports were held at Gayfield Park. 'Ned'' Doig took part in several events.:-

Open 1/4 mile handicap. Result - Doig second. (Doig on scratch gave 2 or 4 yards to others.)

Hop, step and leap. Result - Doig first with a distance of 39' 7". Second place only managed 37'. (Note that in the 1896 Olympic games third place only achieved 41'1".)

Place kick competition. Result - Doig third place with 50 yards 2' 4". It would be interesting to find the rules of this event.

Season 1888-9 was another outstanding one for Arbroath, repeating their feat of last year of winning the Forfarshire Challenge Cup adding to the win of 1883-4 and also gaining the District Charity Cup. A copy of a photograph exists of the team and officials displaying these trophies. In the Scottish Cup, Arbroath again progressed to the fifth round, winning at Aberdeen 4:3 in the first round, beating Montrose at home by 6:2 in the second round on 22nd September, Forfar Athletic away on 13th October by 3:1, Fair City (of Perth) away by 3:1 on 3rd November before meeting the very strong Renton side on 24th November at Gayfield. Arbroath were unfortunate not to win in a hard fought 3:3 draw in which Skae the Arbroath inside forward was badly injured when he rushed Lindsey, the giant Renton goalkeeper, crashing against a post when the 'keeper eluded him. Doig was reported as giving a masterly display; as a leading Scottish official put it "was as nimble as a cat."

A very young cub reporter for the Arbroath Herald who covered this game as his first senior match recollecting many years later as "A Red Lichtie looks back"¹⁷ was very anxious to go to the replay at Renton (Dumbartonshire). The editor of the Herald, Mr. J. B. Salmond, promised to let the young lad go with the Arbroath party if someone would look after him. Mr. Salmond called upon Doig at the Alma Works on the Monday and 'Ned' promised to look after him and see him safely restored to his parents. Accordingly the party arrived in Renton a little before 2 pm. on 1st December and it was pouring "cats and dogs". Doig had a giant umbrella and as there was no shelter loaned it to the young reporter. "Just one word I want to say" remarked Doig as he entered the stripping hut "Don't open your mouth to show you're an Arbroathian". "Why ?" the reporter asked "I am proud of my town". "That may be so, young spark" 'Ned' warned him "but they are wild men in Renton and you mustn't show favour for Arbroath". How true his words of warning were. In the first half Doig was marvellous in goal, turning aside raid after raid, fairly putting the Renton supporters in a frenzy, and one moment in particular met a rushing forward and bundled him into the back of the goal whilst he fisted clear the ball with his famous left hand. "Boo,boo, dirty Doig" shouted the hundreds of frenzied Rentonians, but Doig was equal to all occasions and kept a cool head. The young reporter didn't however and he turned to a wild looking Renton partisan and said "Who's a dirty Doig" to get the reply "Young lad, if you open your mouth again I'll chew you up". When this was told to Doig at half time he told the lad off. Renton played Arbroath off their feet in the second half and won easily by 0:4 at the end.

It was a sad homecoming for the reporter but not for the team who had a sing-song and were encouraged by the club officials to "forget about it -there's better days in store" and the cub reporter was "delivered home safely" with the feeling that he had seen play two of Scotland's greatest teams. In the previous season Renton had been declared unofficial British Champions by beating West Bromwich Albion 2:0 in a match between the Cup holders of the two Football Associations.

Following the Renton games, a letter in the press expressed the opinion that Doig should be chosen as goalkeeper for the International, as he is without doubt the best goalkeeper on view¹⁷. The writer, Mr Clark Simpson of Broughty Ferry opined "May I draw your attention to the claims of Doig. He is as good a goalkeeper as Scotland have at the present day. I have seen Swepstone, Macauley etc. and non excel Doig. The team is picked at Glasgow and is generally from that quarter".

February 1889 was a busy month for 'Ned' Doig. On 2nd February Doig and Petrie were playing in an Intercounty match at Falkirk versus Stirlingshire which was won easily by 7:4 after a half time lead of 3:2 whilst Arbroath lost heavily to Harp of Dundee at Gayfield by 3:7 thus proving Doig's value. Doig was chosen to play an International trial match at Ibrox Park, Glasgow on 16th February; great interest being shown by the mainly Glasgow crowd anxious to see Doig play. He was chosen for a 'C' team to play a 'D' side. After the teams entered he arena there was speculation amongst the crowd as Doig ran off again but he returned moments later with a pair of brown gloves. During the game a swift shot was sent in and Doig punted it downfield to a hum of approval. To another shot, secured with his left arm and with a sweep it was sent down again, to the amusement of the crowd who were not used to this style. A cheer went up when the save was repeated later. The 'C' team won 10:3. He also represented Forfarshire in a game against Lanarkshire at Airdrie on 23rd February which his side won by 6:5.

'Ned' enhanced his personal reputation by gaining his second International cap on 9th March 1889, again against Ireland at Glasgow. The Scottish team was selected on the principle of encouraging provincial talent and wider representation. This team was still good enough to score seven times and leave Doig a virtual spectator. The scorers for this game were Watt, McInnes(2), Black and Groves(3). Scotland won the International Championship with five points.

The annual benefit game for 'The Fishermen's Widows and Children' was played at Gayfield on Monday 20th May with Doig in goal for the Arbroath 'Moderns' v 'Ancients' in which the Moderns were held to a 3:3 draw following a lead of 3:0 at half time. To conclude the season, Doig, O'Kane and Salmond of Arbroath were chosen to appear for Forfarshire against an all Scotland Eleven at East Dock Street, Dundee on 25th May and the Forfar side triumphed by 3:1. A feature of the match was "Doig's grand play".

There is a photograph in the family showing 'Ned' with his friend William Matthew among a group of workers in a factory yard with large gates behind them. 'Ned' and 'Will' are wearing his International caps so the date must have been 1889 or later. At this time 'Ned' was working as a lapper at Frances Websters flax, linen and canvas factory in Arbroath. The main factory buildings were demolished in the 1990's but in 1994 the Alma building and gates remained.

Among Arbroath players who were reared at Gayfield Park and who subsequently gained International Honours, 'Ned' Doig stands out prominently as the only player to win caps whilst actually playing for Arbroath F.C. - a record that still stands in 1995. An undated newspaper cutting recalls crack teams of Scotland and states that "Arbroath, when the great and matchless 'Teddy' Doig (of Sunderland) kept their citadel, with the brothers Salmond and such players as Petrie, Gowans etc. who won fame as footballers - were a stiff nut to crack among County teams".

From September 1889 to early November Doig played in 10 or 11 games for Arbroath but at a match on 16th November McNicholl took his place as it was noted that he was away at Blackburn on business. The strong rumour was that he was playing a professional game in England and this, being later confirmed, displeased the Arbroath Committee and he was not considered again. It was recorded in the Arbroath Herald that November 9th was his last game for the club.

Doig's grand play had attracted the attention of prominent clubs all over the country and many were the inducements offered him to leave Arbroath. He went south to play for Blackburn Rovers and on the 16th November 1889 played his first and only game for this club, the match at home to Notts County was won by 9 : 1 in front of a 6,000 crowd. The offer made to him is not known, but a story told by Stanley, his son, relates that he was expecting a telegram offering a post as an insurance agent in the Forfar District. When the game was over he was given the telegram and found that the club had delayed handing it over for several hours. This annoyed him so much that he left, refusing to play for Blackburn Rovers again, and he took up the insurance post¹⁰. A report in the Blackburn Times remarked that "'Ned' Doig made a favourable impression on the spectators on his debut for the club" and "his duties were very light but they were smartly performed. It was hoped that Doig would sign for the Rovers but unfortunately he chose to return to his native Scotland"

As he was now 23 and in gainful employment, marriage was contemplated and so in 1890 a document states²⁰ :- "Proclamation of Marriage between John Edward Doig. Insurance Agent, 38, Helen Street, Arbroath and Davidina* Bertie, 1 Princes Street, Arbroath, has been duly made in Ladyloan Church and is unchallenged. Arbroath 2nd September 1890" and this is signed by the clerk for the proclamation of Banns. * Note the variation in the spelling of Davina.

However, in less than two weeks after his marriage, an offer came up that persuaded him to turn professional as a footballer and once again Doig crossed over the border, this time with his young bride, to join a team that was soon to be referred to as "The Team Of All TheTalents".

The country, your companions, and the length of your journey will give you a hundred compensations for your toil.
Ovid

Sunderland and District Teachers Association Football Club was formed in 1879 by James Allen, but was soon to widen its aspirations and was renamed Sunderland Association Football Club in October 1880. From 1888, the Club had the intention of building a reputation for itself under the guidance of Robert Thompson (a leading shipbuilder), James Marr, Samuel Tyzack (coalowner) and the newly appointed paid Secretary Tom Watson, who was recruited from the Newcastle West End Club. From 1884 Sunderland had supported professionalism in football and now Tyzack (Club Treasurer) and Tom Watson, travelled to Scotland to pursue a policy of importing top class, usually young, international players. By the 1888-89 season only four of the original team survived, one of them being the amateur goalkeeper Bill Kirtley.

The English Football League was formed in the 1888-89 season with twelve clubs all from the midlands or the north west of England. Sunderland A.F.C were admitted in the 1890-91 season, replacing Stoke who had finished bottom the previous season. They were admitted to the league with the proviso that as the North East was out on a footballing limb, then the expenses of all the visiting clubs must be paid by Sunderland. The rise to fame of the Club was astonishingly fast, relying on these Scottish players, who being previously amateurs in Scotland, were paid a signing on fee, a wage, and frequently set up in business or provided with a job outside football.

In 1890 the League consisted of only one division. Sunderland started their campaign on 13th September at their Newcastle Road ground against Burnley, which was lost by 2 goals to 3. On the following Monday (15th) the first clash of team colours occurred when Wolverhampton Wanderers, who at that time also wore red and white striped shirts, visited the North East. The League ruled that the home team should change strip and this ruling was retained until 1909. All subsequent photographs of 'Ned' show him in the team shirt worn by goalkeepers until 1909. Wolverhampton, despite being three goals down by half time, left the ground as winners by 3:4. Kirtley had played in goal for both these matches although being unwell. This depressing start, coupled with the pressure of having to pay the expenses of the visiting teams caused Tyzack and Watson to return to Scotland to recruit J. Edward Doig (or Teddy as he became known) from Arbroath. Robert, his youngest brother, who accompanied 'Ned' on his journey to sign for Sunderland, says that the signing fee was #75, whilst 'Ned's' son Stanley relates that it was #85, both large enough sums for 1890. The historian of Sunderland A.F.C. suggests that this fee was #40. However, "Association Football, The Men who made it" written closer to the time in 1906 states that a bonus of #10 on engagement and a wage of 25 shillings a week was the norm. Also included was a club house near to the ground, removal expenses as well as a job as a timekeeper (or storekeeper) in Thompson's North Sands shipyard. Once success was assured the wage was made up to #3 a week all the year round. Coincidentally, the Athletic News of 6th January reported that "in Sunderland, although the crowd included all classes of the community, it was chiefly the 'horny-handed in the shipyards' who patronised the local club by 1890".

'Ned' now 23 years 10 months old and Davina, 22 years 2 months, moved into a new terrace house at 17, Forster Street, Sunderland, near to the ground. A reporter, writing under the name "Argus"20 in the late 1920's, recalled that as a boy the street lads used to give him a shout of "good old 'Teddy' as he came along to his home in Forster Street, and how he used to wave his hand in cheery recognition. He played his first game for the club on 20th September, this was an away match at West Bromwich Albion which was won by the grand score of 4:0. The newspapers on Wearside made very little of this new signing. The Sunderland Daily Echo mentioned briefly that "there was a change in the Sunderland goal, G.(sic) Doig replacing Kirtley." Unfortunately, Doig was deemed to be an ineligible player as his registration had not met the seven day qualification period as he had previously played for a league club. Subsequently, Sunderland were fined #50* and had two points deducted. (* Note - Football League rules of 1890 -1 quote that breaches of rule 8 carried a fine of #25 with the deduction of 2 points). Sunderland appealed against this two point deduction. A Football League meeting was convened with a representative from all the other clubs. Sunderland produced evidence to show that the registration form should have reached the League Secretary in time and Mr. Tyzack gave evidence as to the date of signing. A Post Office official from Sunderland could not swear to any posting date. After the hearing the League decided to uphold it's previous decision of a fortnight ago. A goalkeeper called Potts played in Sunderland's next game the following Monday 22nd September, a friendly away to Stoke as Doig went back to Sunderland to settle into the area.

On 1st November 1890 the Prince and Princess of Wales visited the town on the same day as Blackburn Rovers. The Athletic News reported that 'it was no contest' as the Royal couple were welcomed by a crowd of 2,000 just down the road at Seaham Harbour and 20,000 attended the match. However the official attendance quoted in the Newcastle Journal was given as 13,000. The match report stated "Doig, in goal, proved himself a first-class man, for he had a good number of warm shots to deal with, and he cleared time after time with great coolness and judgement". Sunderland won 3:1 with 2 from Campbell at centre forward and the other from Millar. Pennington, the Blackburn 'keeper was dropped and played only once more that year. There was no doubt that Blackburn rued the loss of Doig. A curious incident occured when Sunderland appealed for a corner kick against defender Brandon (decisions like corners had to be appealed for and play would sometimes continue before a decision was reached). The Journal described "at length Sunderland got round the Rovers goal and a pass from the right wing was partly stopped by Brandon, and then seemed to go about a foot over the line. The Wearsiders claimed a corner, but Brandon again got at the ball and put it into play. As the whistle had not sounded he lunged out and as Mr. Mitchell (Rovers Umpire and club secretary) was standing about 10 yards in front of him, the ball struck the Blackburn umpire on the side of his face, knocking him clean off his feet and rebounded right into the goal mouth where Campbell placed it out of Pennington's reach. The on-lookers were highly delighted by this turn of events". N.B. Referees became the sole judge from 1891 and the umpires became linesmen.

Doig, who at this time was reserve 'keeper for Scotland and was described as "cool as a cucumber" between the posts, at 5ft 9" and twelve stone, was a modest, lanky, barrel-chested young man. It was said that he was wonderfully slippery when opponents were trying to charge him and that his "fists out" were as safe and as long as punt kicks from the hands.

Despite the setback of having two points deducted, Sunderland finished their first season a respectable seventh of twelve teams, but for the two point penalty, would have been fifth based on superior goal difference over Bolton who finished with 25 points. A 'double' was completed over Bolton Wanderers 5:2 and 2:0 whilst 'Proud' Preston, League Champions the two previous seasons failed to score against them, results being 0:0 and 2:0. Although Everton, who became Champions, defeated Sunderland 0:1 in a November away game, Sunderland took revenge by beating them 1:0 in the home league fixture and also the first round of the F. A. Cup. In the last 10 league games, including the December home fixture against Everton, Sunderland's opponents failed to score against Doig in 7 of them and only 5 goals were conceded in the other 3 games.

Their 1890-91 League record is as follows :-P 22; W 7, D 2, L 2, F 31, A 13; W 3, D 3, L 5, F 20, A 18; Pts 23.

By the middle of the season the capacity of the Newcastle Road ground was increased from 15,000. In a first round F.A. Cup match in January 1891, 21,000 crammed into the ground to give the biggest attendance in the country, this included those people on the stand roof. The huge crowd saw stocky Jimmie Campbell score the only goal to eliminate Everton. An away match in the second round at Darwen was won by 2 : 0. In the next round a 4:0 home win over Nottingham Forest gave Sunderland a semi-final against Notts County at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, this match was drawn 3:3. Sunderland were eliminated in the replay at the same ground by 0:2 after extra time. F. A. Cup results :- P 5, W 3, D 1, L 1, F 10, A 5.

'Teddy' Doig thus played in 20 of the 22 league games and 5 F.A. Cup matches. Sunderland also continued to play "arranged" i.e. friendly games, as these matches were frequently more lucrative than the "gates" from some league fixtures. Twenty-eight of these games were played, 'Teddy' appearing in twenty of them including a game against the famous amateur side Corinthians at Sunderland on Monday 30th March who were beaten by 1:0. The 'Liverpool Mercury' reporting that Doig was called upon once or twice in the first half and that both 'keepers played well. A friendly match was played at home on April 11th. against Notts County who had eliminated Sunderland from the cup and the County were soundly beaten by 6:0. The following Saturday there were a large crowd of onlookers at Stockton to see Sunderland easily beat the home team by 9:0, the biggest win of the season, goals coming from Campbell 2, Harvie 2, Hannah 3, Miller and Scott. Teddy accompanied the team on a short southern tour to finish the season and Woolwich Arsenal, Chatham and Millwall were defeated by 3:1, 2:1, and 3:1.

The 1890-1 season total games recorded read :- P 55; W 35, D 11, L 9; F 155, A 61. Five friendlies were played prior to Doig joining the club with Kirtley (twice) and Potts playing on three later occasions.

In his total of 45 appearances 'Teddy' kept a 'clean sheet' in 17 of them, goals for 119, against 46 and the worst defeat was a 1:4 league reverse, away to Accrington in November.

The Directors of Sunderland, having adopted professionalism, devised strict rules for the players lifestyle and a copy of these was reproduced in Arthur Appleton's Sunderland Centenary Book.

Back Row : - T Watson (Sec), J McClintock, J McMillan, W Pickersgill, T Carter, E J Doig, J Marr, J Fenton, J Cooke, W T Wallace (Sec), T Dodds (Trainer)

Middle Row : - S Tyzack (Treasurer), T Pprteo8us (Capt), T Oliver, H Wilson, W Gibson, J Dalton, J R Auld, J Murray, D Gow, Coun. R Thompson (President)

Prior to the 1891-92 season, Club Director James Marr, announced to the Football League that the club would no longer continue to subsidise the expenses of visiting teams and Sunderland's promising start in League football, coupled with the good F.A. Cup run were too powerful to be ignored. The season began then on a high note both for the Club and for Edward and Davina Doig for their first born child - a son who they also named Edward, was born on 31st August 1891.

With the League now increased to 14 teams by admitting Stoke and Darwen, Sunderland began the campaign on 5th September 1891 with a home win by 5:2 against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Penalty kicks were first introduced in the Football League at the start of this season and on September 12th at Preston the first penalty kick may have been scored against goalkeeper Doig. The Newcastle Journal's match report states that "Hands resulted to the Prestonians a yard from goal, and Gordon scored a second point". The match was lost by 1:3 to Preston North End. Two more away defeats followed - September 19th, Bolton Wanderers 3:4 and Aston Villa 3:5 on Monday September 28th. Everton were then beaten in a home game on the 3rd October by 2:1. The next two games were played against West Bromwich Albion away on the 17th October giving a 5:2 win, then a week later at the Newcastle Road ground the Albion were beaten again, this time by 4:0. Accrington also left Sunderland's ground on 31st October with a score of 4:1 against them.

Everton, in dispute with their landlord over ground rent, published figures of other leading clubs in the 12th October edition of Athletic News which showed that Sunderland paid #45 annually.

November opened with a defeat on the 7th at Blackburn by 1:3, before Derby County on the 14th and Burnley on 21st were beaten at home by 7:1 and 2:1 respectively; this was followed by an away win at Stoke on 28th by 3:1. Then followed four wins in December - 5th at home to Notts County by 4:0; 12th at home to Darwen by 7:0; then by 4:0 away on Christmas Day at Everton and finally on Boxing Day away to Wolverhampton Wanderers by 3:1, to give seven straight league wins.

To fill in a fixture gap in the early part of January before F. A. cup football commenced five friendlies were arranged in thirteen days. Away to Ardwick on 28th December the sides drew 0:0. Then followed three home games against Scottish sides, Morton on January 1st beaten 4:0, the next day Glasgow Northern for a 7:1 win and then a massive 11:0 victory over Glasgow Thistle on the 4th; finally a 6:4 win over Newcastle East End on Saturday January 9th.

Following a two month break in the league programme the triumphant progress continued; on March 1st, Bolton Wanderers beaten at home 4:1; on 5th, Accrington beaten away 5:3; at home on 12th, to Preston N.E. by 4:1; 19th saw an away win at Derby 1:0 and a home win by 2:1 against Aston Villa on the 26th. The 'Arbroath Herald' carried a comment on this game "Doig had again embraced his dear old friend Matt. Dickson, late of Strathmore Dundee. Dickson's nose came in contact with Doig's hand with the natural result. Readers of the 'Herald' will remember the same thing perhaps oftener at Rollo's Pier in the old days" A 4:1 home win on April 2nd against Stoke, gave Sunderland their 13th consecutive league win. The next game, an away defeat by 0:1 on the 9th April against Notts County, was the prelude to the last home game of the season on 16th against Blackburn Rovers which they won 6:1.
During their Easter Northern Tour, the famous amateur side "The Casuals" visited Sunderland on Tuesday 19th April and were soundly beaten by four goals to nil. The home team scored once in the first half and but for fine play by the Casuals defence would have run up a large score as the inside left Newbury had sprained his ankle just before half time leaving the Casuals with ten men. A 7:1 win at Darwen on the 23rd gave Sunderland their biggest away victory until December 1908 and caused Darwen to be relegated from the league; on 30th April a final away win at Burnley by 2:1 confirmed Sunderland as League Champions by a clear five points. As it was down to individual clubs to mark the occasion (The Football League did not award medals until many years later) silver medals, made by local jewellers Messrs. Livermore of Peoples Palace, were presented to the Championship team along with commemorative League Championship caps. League results were :- P 26; W 13, D 0, L 0, F 55, A 11; W 8, D 0, L 5, F 38, A 25; Pts 42 from a possible 52. 'Teddy' Doig had kept a "clean sheet" on five occasions in the league.

The severe wintry weather in the January of 1892 played havoc with the F. A. Cup fixtures. On January 16th Sunderland were due to play at home to Notts County in the first round. County fulfilled the fixture after lodging a protest at the state of the pitch and they were beaten by 3:0, Miller, Campbell and Hannah scoring. By the Tuesday the F. A. had upheld County's appeal along with six other ties and the game was replayed on Saturday 23rd January. The appeal was to no avail as this time Notts County were beaten 4:0, with goals by Hannah, Campbell 2 and Gibson. In the second round at Accrington on the 30th the referee, Mr Fox of Sheffield, no doubt primed by the F. A. decided that as the pitch was so wet and sloppy the game should be played as a friendly so as not to disappoint the many thousands of spectators. This game resulted in a 0:1 defeat for Sunderland. On Tuesday February 2nd it was reported that Sunderland had offered #200 to the Accrington Board to change the venue to Sunderland. This sum was refused with the hint that #350 may be acceptable. However the Football League ruled that the tie must be played as drawn. The cup-tie eventually took place on Saturday February 6th when Accrington were beaten 3:1 away. In the third round at Stoke, following a score of 2:2 at half time, Stoke "went off at a dash, Schofield sent in a lightening shot which Doig saved in a marvellous manner", a 2:2 draw remained after 30 minutes extra time. The replay a week later at Newcastle Road was won easily by 4:0 but in the last 20 minutes Stoke pressed strongly, Doig handling four times within a minute. The semi-final, held at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, was lost by 1:4 to Aston Villa, who were to become Sunderland's F.A. Cup jinx. This score line was not believed when it was relayed back to Sunderland.

Doig was the only ever-present in the 26 league and 5 cup matches, with 15 players used; Doig appearing in all 5 F.A. Cup games and all 27 "arranged" games played during Sunderland's first Championship success in only their second season in the league. The league home record of 13 wins out of 13 with 55:11 i.e. 5:1 goals ratio, has not been bettered by any Sunderland side. Doig kept 21 'clean sheets' in the 58 games.

In all matches the results were :- P 58; W 46, D 3, L 9, Goals - for 217, against 67.

In the F.A. Cup :- P 5, W 3, D 1, L 1, F 14, A 7, therefore in the 27 arranged games 110 goals were scored and 24 conceded.

The league home record of 13 wins out of 13 with 55:11 i.e. 5:1 goals ratio, has not been bettered by any sunderland side. Doig kept 21 'clean sheets' in the 58 games.

League Medals

Medals were struck to mark the momentous 1891-2 season. An article in the Sunderland Daily Post in May 1892 described these :- Mr. R. L. Rennison, jeweller and silversmith, Bridge Street, has been showing the League Championship Cup, won by Sunderland, and the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup, won by Sunderland 'A' for the third time, in his shop window, where they have been much admired. He has just completed a set of gold medals, 15 in number, which are to be presented to the individual members of the first team. The medals are of 15 carat gold. On the face are the words: "Sunderland Football League Championship, 1891-92," with a shield in the centre, on which the town arms are wrought. Oak leaves are introduced ? round the shield, and the outer rim has a bright polish which greatly enhances the effect. The obverse side of each medal bears the name of the player to whom it is presented. The medals are enclosed in a morocco leather case lined with red velvet, forming a most handsome memento of a highly interesting and historic event.

By 1892, 'Teddy' Doig at the age of 25 was prematurely bald and as goalkeeper always wore a cap. To avoid embarrassment, this was fixed under the chin with an elastic strap. Opposing forwards knew of this embarrassment and it was a well known ploy to try to knock off his cap, but this was usually followed by swift retribution. It is said that the cap was only lost twice in his career and 'Teddy' was more concerned with regaining it rather than the ball.

The league system, having completed four years with obvious success, increased in size again from 14 to 16 teams in what was now called the First Division, with a Second Division also created, consisting of 12 teams.

In a friendly game, prior to the official programme, Sunderland as League champions travelled to Middlesbrough on September 1st to play against Ironopolis who were champions of the Northern League. Penalties were first introduced at the beginning of the previous season and it may be that in this game, goalkeeper Doig made his first penalty save. Following a goalless first half Sunderland went ahead through goals by J. Hannah and Wilson to a reply by Hall. The 'Irons' were awarded a penalty for handball which Doig cleared splendidly. The game was won by 2:1.

The new season opened with Sunderland a team of established invincibles at home. At the away meeting on September 17th 1892, at Aston Villa's Perry Barr ground, following a 6:1 win for Sunderland, William McGregor, the Villa Chairman and founder of the League is said to have visited the dressing room to tell Jimmy Auld, Sunderland's Captain, that the team had a talented man in every position.24 Mr James Catton, taking up this, described them in print as "The Team Of All The Talents". Note however, that this story is also attributed to a friendly game in 1889-90 versus Aston Villa who were beaten by 7:2, prior to Doig joining the side. At the home league game versus Stoke on October 1st, Doig faced his old adversary Dickson ex Strathmore (Dundee) and latterly Aston Villa. Upon entering the field Dickson ran up to Doig and shook hands with a hearty grip in the face of amused and applauding spectators, just to show no ill-will and to let bygones be bygones. Dickson, it was said, had held Doig unfairly in the F. A. Cup semi-final the previous season thus causing Villa's first goal.

Following their first Championship Sunderland were much in demand for exhibition games which frequently led to heavy travelling. On Wednesday 5th October the team left by train at 11 a.m for Glasgow where they stayed at the Alexandria Hotel, spending the evening at the Gaiety Theatre. On Thursday evening Glasgow Celtic were beaten by 3:0 in front of a crowd of 20,000. On Friday evening they left for Liverpool to spend the night at the Lathom Hotel before beating Everton in a league game 4:1 on Saturday 8th. The team then travelled after the game to Edinburgh and stayed until Monday morning before going on to Dundee to play Dundee East End who were beaten by 6:2. The team finally arrived home at Sunderland at midnight on Monday. The report in the 'Arbroath Herald' of the Dundee game which was watched by 8-10,000 spectators including many of his old supporters from Arbroath stated "The English League Champions had the best of things throughout, the scores being 4:1 by half time and 6:2 at the finish. Doig, formerly held the same position at Arbroath, was in the Sunderland goal. His play was as brilliant as it was wont to be at Gayfield and spectators gave him hearty applause. He had the lions share and he merited it".

Monday 10th October 1892 also saw the birth of 'Teddy' and Davina's second child; a daughter who they named Eliza Bertie after Davina's elder sister. It is unlikely that 'Teddy' was home for this event as he certainly played in Dundee on 10th. Sunderland's league win by 8:1 at home to West Bromwich Albion on October 22nd remained the biggest score of the season in any game, John Campbell getting his third hat-trick of four in the season; his total goals being 28 league goals and three more in the F. A. Cup ties to make him the leading scorer.

In an away match on November 26th, Notts County opened the scoring in the first half when McInnes of County shot from the half way line, Doig just touching the ball as it entered the net, the final score being 1:3.

The severe weather in January 1893 did not deter Sunderland. Wolverhampton Wanderers were vanquished 5:2 on Monday January 2nd amidst a heavy snowstorm, J. Hannah scoring a hat-trick. The next day Everton were also beaten at Newcastle Road by 4:3. Proud Preston then suffered a defeat on their ground on Saturday 7th,; the club, anticipating possible trouble from supporters had over 50 policemen and 200 soldiers patrolling inside the ropes around the pitch. The Athletic News, reporting this spectacle also described two ladies 'freely bedecked' in Sunderland's colours. The following Saturday Aston Villa visited Sunderland to be beaten 6:0, again in a snowstorm, this time the goals being shared between Smellie, Gillespie 2, Campbell, J. Hannah, and David Hannah.

Newton Heath were also recipients of heavy league defeats, by 5:0 in Manchester on March 4th, which included Campbell's fourth hat-trick and in the return game on Tuesday April 4th, Sunderland's last home league game, a 6:0 scoreline was registered, Campbell and Millar getting two each, Wilson and J. Hannah netting the others. The March win against Newton Heath gave Sunderland a total of 38 points which effectively secured the Championship as Preston, runners up at the seasons end only collected 38 points.

By the close of the season the all-conquering side which included eight Internationals, had gained their second Championship title in only three seasons of league competition. Championship medals for this feat were again provided by the club. These were made by Vaughtons & Sons Ltd. Birmingham, who are still medal suppliers to the Football League. An illustration of this medal can be found in an advertisement in a book in 1893 called "The Football Industry". The Athletic News also awarded 11 medals to the team for this achievement. "Teddy Doig's" is pictured 2 x lifesize

The seasons results were: - P 30; W 13, D 2, L 0, F 58, A 17; W 9, D 2, L 4, F 42, A 19; Pts 48 from 60.

Athletic News Medal League Champions Second Time 1892-3

A hundred league goals were scored, a total not beaten until West Bromwich Albion scored 104 in 1919-20, although in 42 games. The winning margin of 11 points over Preston North End, has not been beaten, only equalled, under the old points system.

In the F.A. Cup a first round victory by 6:0 at home over Woolwich Arsenal led to a second round win away to Sheffield United by 3:1 before the side was defeated 0:3 at Blackburn Rovers. At this game on February 18th, according to the Athletic News two days later, four mounted policemen had to be withdrawn when their horses took fright at the sight of the two teams.

Once more, the team was undefeated at home in the league and cup with Doig being ever present in all competitive matches keeping "clean sheets" in 20 games of the 57 he played out of the seasons total of 59 which included 24 of the 26 friendly games. Matt. Scott replaced Doig for two of the friendlies. P 59; W 45, D 5, L 9, F 199, A 68.

In commenting on the Championship winning season the Athletic News of 21st August stated 2 Sunderland's relatively poor support in 1892 -93 was explained by one correspondent in terms of unemployment on Wearside". Generally the gates were in the region of 5-7,000 with only the Preston North End fixture on 17th December attracting 20,000 supporters.

The 'Newcasle Daily Leader' of 16trh March 1893 reported that " Doig, who was in negotiation with a LancashireClub, has decided to sign on again for Sunderland"!!.

Sunderland Team December 1893 with Team 1893-4

1893-94 found Sunderland defending their magnificent home record of 49 games without defeat in league and cup which only fell when Blackburn Rovers won 2:3 at Newcastle Road on December 9th. Two home draws of 1:1 each versus Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday were followed by Stoke 4:0, Derby County 5:0 and Wolverhampton 6:0. Then came a 2:1 win over West Bromwich Albion and 4:1 over Newton Heath before the home record was surrendered. It would be the opening game of the season, September 1st 1896 before the home crowd saw their favourites beaten again, a further 43 games without losing. In the home league tie on 30th December versus Bolton Wanderers, won by 2:1, the play was held up for ten minutes in the first half as Sutcliffe the Bolton 'keeper brought the goal posts down when making a save.

On the 20th November the Athletic News made the comment that "Sunderland's players were allegedly receiving #3 a week all the year round by 1893". This would be considerably better than the wage of the average working man at that time

At home to Preston on New Years day a 6:3 victory was recorded and the following day the side without Wilson and Gow visited Glasgow to play Rangers in front of a 10.000 crowd at Ibrox, the score finishing at 2:2, Gillespie in the first half and Harvie just after the interval. The next day a tired Sunderland team lost to Heart of Midlothian in Edinburgh by 1:5. Matt. Scott, who deputised for Doig in three of the September friendlies, had to replace him for one league match on 6th January which was lost by 1:2 at Wolverhampton. This was the first League game missed by Doig since he joined the club and ended a consecutive run of 108 appearances in league and cup. It appears that most of the Sunderland side had gone down with flu' and Doig, one of the worst affected had to cry off. The Newcastle Journal said that "Sunderland missed Doig and Meechan, Matt. Scott did well but he is not Doig". A major defeat by 1:7 away to Everton was also suffered when 5 positional changes were made in the defence due to Meehan and Auld the captain being unavailable. It was in this game that John Southworth of Everton became the first player to have scored 100 league goals. At an away game versus Derby County on 7th March 1894 won by 4:1, 'Teddy' Doig had the distinction of being the first player to reach a century of league games for Sunderland. He was closely followed by Auld on 94 and Wilson and Campbell, both on 92. At the end of the season Sunderland were runners up, six points behind Aston Villa.

League results :- P 30; W 11, D 3, L 1, F 46, A 14; W 6, D 1, L 8, F 26, A 30; Pts 38.

In the F.A. Cup, following a 3:0 home win against Accrington, Aston Villa then visited Newcastle Road in the second round and held Sunderland to a 2:2 draw after extra time, eliminating them again from the competition by winning 1:3 at Perry Barr on February 21st. A special train was laid on to take the supporters to the game at a cost of 6s.6d. (32.5p). The original replay was scheduled for 17th February25 but the pitch was very waterlogged. This game started after a delay and it was only near the end of the game that reporters were told that it was a "friendly" as the referee had decided that the ground was unfit for a cup-tie. Aston Villa won 0:2.

An arranged game against Newcastle United on Thursday April 5th. included a most unusual incident and accounts of it are still mentioned in 1997. Sunderland were leading 2:0 by half time with goals by D. Hannah and J. Hannah, Doig making good saves, two from Wallace, the second being a free kick and a third from Thompson. United were awarded a penalty for handball in the second period. Wallace took the kick and sent it high over the bar. The referee, Mr W. Chard ordered the kick to be retaken on the grounds that Wilson of Sunderland had impeded (either by tripping or charging) the kicker. The Sunderland captain took Doig out of the goal for the spot kick, for which Graham of Newcastle put the ball into the empty net^[1]. This was a common practice with the famous amateur sides such as 'Corinthians' who refused to gain advantage from a penalty awarded for what was considered to be ungentle manly conduct. However, in 1997 a different interpretation was given^[2]. The Sunderland team was said to have protested vehemently at the retake decision with Doig being particularly upset and refusing to face the penalty again, stormed away from the goal in a huff.

Two days later, a League game at Darwen was won by 3:0 and then the side travelled to Scotland to play six games in nine days. On Monday 9th Dundee provided the opposition. Hannah scored early in the first half but Doig "thrice had to throw out from shots". In the second period Sunderland scored again before Doig was finally beaten from close quarters. Aberdeen and East Stirling were then visited on successive days, Sunderland winning 7:1 and 5:1. Following a two day break, Queens Park, St. Bernards and Hibernian were beaten 4:1, 4:2 and 4:2 on Saturday 14th, 16th and 17th respectively. A further friendly was lost at Newcastle on Saturday 21st before the final league game of the season at Bolton on Monday 23rd, again a loss. Five more away games in seven days all in Scotland finished the season, three wins, a draw and one game lost to a Scottish eleven in Glasgow. Fifteen games in all were played in the month of April.

At the end of the season the club had played 68 matches according to the Club historian26. Doig had missed one league game out of 30, played in 3 cup-ties and 32 friendlies for a total of 64 out of the 68 games recorded. A 'clean sheet' was kept by him in 13 of these. P 68; W 42, D 8, L 18: F 185, A 104.

A rule change with significance to goalkeepers was passed in 1894 which stated that they could only be charged when playing the ball or obstructing an opponent. This was the first protection given to goalkeepers under the laws of the game.

In the autumn of 1894, 'Teddy' and Davina's third child, a son whom they named William Paterson was born.

There is a saying in football in the 1990's that it is a game of two halves. The opening game of the season, 1st September 1894 produced a game of three halves!!27. Sunderland were at home to Derby County and the referee was late. A deputy started the game and played for 45 minutes by which time Sunderland were leading by 3:0. The official referee then arrived and made the incredible decision to offer Derby the option of starting again. This they took but to no avail as they found themselves losing by 3:0 in the second 'first' half, much to the satisfaction of the press who had already despatched messages giving Sunderland the 3:0 lead. The tired County players found themselves playing against the wind for a second time and conceded a further five goals giving an official score of 8:0.

Sunderland's triumphal league progress resumed in 1894 and the season was also to bring the club their biggest victory. Other large scores were recorded, a 7:1 league victory and a record defeat of 8:1 up to that time, was inflicted on the famous old Scottish side Queens Park in a friendly game.

The Club was selected to play against a "very strong" representative side from the Rest of the League. The game took place on Wednesday December 5th at South Shields, the final score being 1:1. Christmas was never a holiday for footballers the Club facing four games in five days over Christmas week. Newton Heath were visited on Tuesday 25th for a friendly which was won by 3:1. A League game was then played on Boxing Day away to West Bromwich Albion. A report commented28 that "the backs were beaten repeatedly only to find Doig at his best, saving well directed shots" to gain a 2:0 victory. A trio of away games was completed the next day, the side being beaten by 1:2 to Nottingham Forest. The week ended on Saturday 29th with a further away trip to Preston North End who gained a 0:1 victory over the Rokermen who, however took revenge on the following Tuesday, New Years Day with a League home win by 2:0.

The league summary is as follows :- P 30; W 13, D 2, L 0, F 51, A 14; W 8, D 3, L 4, F 29, A 23; Pts 47.

Sunderland were again Champions for the third time in only five seasons, they were also the first side to gain three championships. They finished five points clear of Everton, were again invincible on their own ground recording the 7:1 win over Small Heath on December 8th as well as that convincing first game win over Derby County. The Newcastle Journal of 18th April reported "Sunderland will receive #10 per man for winning the Championship of the League - the amount would have been doubled had they carried off the Cup as well". The last match of the season was at home to Everton and Sunderland were led out by Doig29. Wilson, the regular captain was injured and this implies that Doig was team vice-captain as all other regulars were present.

A magnificent first round F.A. Cup win by 11:1 at home to Fairfield remains Sunderland's record score, the team that took the field on that day, 2nd February 1895 was Doig; McNeill, Johnston; Dunlop, McCreadie, Wilson; Gillespie, Millar, Campbell, Hannah and Scott. The goalscorers: McCreadie 1, Gillespie 1, Millar 5, Hannah 3 and Scott 1.

Further home wins over Preston North End by 2:0 and Bolton Wanderers by 2:1 took Sunderland to their third semi-final in five years. Unfortunately their old adversaries Aston Villa were again to triumph, this time by 1:2 at Blackburn's ground. 'Teddy' Doig was again an ever present in all official games playing in 51 of the total 52 games. 12 'clean sheets' were recorded in the total games played.: - P 52; W 33, D 9, L 10, F 146, A 70.

Sunderland A.F.C 1894-5 copy from "Boys Own Paper" March 2 1985

Sunderland Championship winning side 1894-5
Back Row: - Mr T Watson (Sec) Mr McLintock Mr C Walton Mr Fenton Coun. Henderson (President) Coun Marshall Mr Potts Mr Reynolds Mr Dodds (Trainer)
Second Back Row: - D Gow, J meehan, J Doig, R McNeill. 2nd Row : - J Auld, J Dunlop, A McCready, J Miller, R Hyslop, J McNaughton.
Front Row: - J Hannah, J. Harvie, J M Campell D Hannah, J Scott H Johnson

Sunderland Football Club Commitee 1895?
Back Row: - W Wallace (Financial Sec) T. Dodds (Trainer), R M Neil, J E Doig, H Wilson, D Gow, A. McCready, Mr. J AS Henderson, H Reynolds (Groundsman)
Middle row: - Mr T Potts, T. Watson (Sec) W. Dunlop, J Miller, J Hannah, J Harvie, Coun. J P Hendrson (President) Coun. T Marshall.
Front Row: - J. Auld, J. Gillespie, J. Caambell, J Scott, H. Johnson, Mr S Wilson

By the end of the season, a massive painting measuring 12 feet by 8 and a half feet was completed by the artist Thomas M. M. Hemy. This depicted the meeting between Sunderland and Aston Villa on 2nd January 1895, the final result being 4:4, although at half time, in front of a crowd of 12,000 Sunderland were losing by 2:3. The picture is mounted in an ornate gilt frame, a further foot wide to give an overall size of fourteen feet by ten and a half feet. There is a ball mounted at the lower centre of the frame which is said to be the match ball but may be of plaster. The names of the players are given in strips of ivory along the base, they are in sequence so that they can be identified. The players from left to right are :- J. Welford, AV; H. Spencer, AV; J. Scott, S; (Tom Watson, on the line), J. Gillespie, S; J. Reynolds, AV; J. Campbell, S; J. Cowan, AV; J. Hannah, S; G. Russell, AV; J. Millar, S; J. Devey, AV; D. Hodgetts, AV; A. McCreadie, S; R. Chatt, AV; H. Wilson, S; H. Johnston, S; S. Smith, AV; B. McNeill, S; (Mr. Fox, Referee), D. Gow S; J.E. Doig, S; C. Athersmith, AV.

Tom Watson, in his annual report to Sunderland A.F.C. stated "The likenesses of the different men are capitally portrayed30". It is said^31&10 that Tom Watson is shown standing on the line with a flag, the local story is that he was added by the artist as an afterthought when he expressed his disappointment at not being portrayed. The view of the Art Gallery however, is that this is unlikely and it is possibly the official linesman Mr. J. Peers. The painting, now reputed to be the oldest painting of a football match in the world, was displayed in various towns and cities and print copies were sold, apparently entitled "A corner kick". It is uncertain where the picture was hung in subsequent years, but in 1992 it was restored, funded by the Sunderland Supporters Association at a cost of #6,000 and since 1993 is displayed in the Sunderland Museum and Art Gallery. In a book "Famous Footballers" published in 189532 (reprinted in 1997), a full length portrait was featured along with a biographical note :A coloured copy is in the possession of Grandson John Doig, whilst an original black and white print is with Granddaughter Mrs. Pamela Jones.

Sunderland v Aston Villa Nov 9th 1895

Although now only twenty-nine years of age, J. E. Doig, the goalkeeper of the Sunderland League Team, has had a long and distinguished record in Association Football. A native of Arbroath, he showed a capacity for the game which had its reward in his selection to represent his County of Forfarshire on several occasions. While higher honours fell to him in a couple of International Caps against Ireland, he was singularly unfortunate in losing his place for the English match by one vote. Joining in the general exodus of Scotch players to England, he attached himself some five years ago to the Sunderland Club, a connection which remains unbroken. How useful he has been can be understood by the fact that in five years he has only missed two League matches for the Sunderland Club. 5ft. 9in. in height and 12st. 2lbs. in weight, he has the activity requisite for a good goalkeeper. Strong withal, he is full of resource and with plenty of experience, knows what is best to do and how and when to do it.

Note that the official Club record shows that Doig had only missed one league match in his first five seasons, the second occurred in the September of 1895-96.

^[2] Evening Chronicle, 22nd November 1997.

The Scottish Football Association had refused to recognise professionalism in the game until 1893, as a consequence no footballer who had crossed the border to earn a living at football was chosen to play for Scotland until the ban was lifted in 1896. By then Scotland had not beaten England since 1889, recording only two draws in six matches.

The season began for Sunderland at 6 p.m. on Monday September 2nd. with the visit of Preston who were clearly beaten by 4:1 and on the Saturday Blackburn Rovers also suffered a defeat at Newcastle Road, this time by 2:1. Following a goalless draw at Burnley on Monday 9th in which Thompson had to replace Doig, Sunderland entertained Newcastle United as part of the celebrations marking the visit of the Channel Fleet to the port. The match took place on Wednesday 11th. September and although Sunderland lost Harvey after 10 minutes the half time score was 2:2 with goals by McCreadie and Cowan, McKay and Logan replying for United. Further goals provided by Wilson, Hannah and Cowan gave Sunderland a 5:2 lead before Newcastle scored a third from a free kick. Doig had to miss this game also.

Although 1895-96 showed moderate results for Sunderland compared with previous seasons, the unbeaten home run continued, Sunderland were to have the proud record of losing only one home match in five seasons. These results tended to have an adverse effect on attendance, as only 3,000 saw the biggest home win by 7:1 against West Bromwich Albion and the only two hat-tricks of the season by Campbell and Millar, Gillespie scoring the other. Spectators were more inclined to discuss how many goals the team would win by rather than will they win. At one stage betting was so strong that Sunderland would win that 'Teddy' Doig was kept in a hotel and taken to the ground in a hansom cab in case he was nobbled.

Hughie Wilson had the indignity of being the first Sunderland player to be sent off, for dissent, in a league game, the team suffering a 0:5 defeat at Stoke on March 14th. Doig protested that in one of the goals the ball did not cross the line. It went against him as did most of the key decisions went against Sunderland. The Newcastle Journal however reported "Doig in goal, was as active as a cat, and though the scoring was so heavy against him, his goalkeeping was superb". Two weeks later, in the return game Sunderland won 4:1, Dunlop replacing Wilson. The final League results of the season were :-

P 30; W 10, D 5, L 0, F 36, A 14; W 5, D 2, L 8, F 16, A 27; Pts 37. Position 5th. However the total goals scored was ominously low at 52, Campbell the main scorer with 15.

At an interview to the Newcastle Journal in January, Manager Tom Watson indicated to the reporter that the Sunderland players and staffwere more committed to winning the cup in 1896 than retaining the league championship. Although Preston North End were beaten 4:1 on home ground in the F.A. Cup, Sunderland were eliminated at The Wednesday's ground in Sheffield by 1:2 in the second round. The Preston tie attracted a crowd of 13,500 to Newcastle Road, the largest of the season, the goals coming from Millar 2 and Campbell 2; Millar also netting against Wednesday.

In December two friendly games were arranged in London. On 9th Woolwich Arsenal were beaten 2:1 in Plumstead and the following day a 3:3 draw was fought with 'The Casuals'. As a bonus for the team they were entertained for dinner by the Marquis of Londonderry finishing the evening with a visit to the pantomime at Drury Lane.

Following the last of the league matches on 11th April Sunderland embarked on a series of 12 friendly games in the next 19 days. An eight game Scottish tour included a visit against ''Teddy's'' old adversary club - Renton at Hampden Park in which he was reported as being unbeatable for a 0:0 draw. A short visit to Belfast followed to play Distillery at Grosvenor Park, a Jimmy Miller goal on the hour giving victory, Doig twice in the second half had to concede corners to save a goal. Then Everton, who were also on tour defeated Sunderland by 1:2 at Glentoran Oval before a crowd of 3,000. The next day the team went back to Glasgow to play Rangers winning 3:1 before visiting Newcastle for a 3:3 draw with United. Six of these twelve matches were won, four drawn and two lost. During the season Sunderland played twenty-eight friendly games with Doig appearing in 25 of these giving him a total of 55 out of 60 games and 10 of the 11 'clean sheets'. `P 60; W 32, D16, L 12, F 127, A 80.

'Teddy' Doig was to miss only two league matches, against Burnley away on September 9th and Bury at Gigg Lane on April 3rd. Although the later game was played on Good Friday 3rd April he was unable to play for his club due to his International appearance the following day 4th April 1896 against England at Celtic Park, Glasgow in front of an official crowd of 51,345. Thus he became the first Sunderland player to play for Scotland and the first to appear in an England / Scotland match.

Results against Wales and Ireland were good in the previous years but the Scots were desperate to record a win over England. Accordingly, the selectors chose a team in which five "Anglo-Scots" as they were called, strengthened the "home" players.

In a trial match at Ibrox Park on 25th March 1896 between "home" Scots and "Anglo-Scots", Doig kept goal for the "Anglo-Scots" and from the first there was no doubt as to who would keep goal for Scotland33. Other Sunderland men Wilson, Hannah and Campbell were in the side as was Hyslop, now with Stoke, who had also won a championship medal with Sunderland the previous season. Meechan who had also won a medal but now played for Celtic was in the 'Home' side. A crowd of 15,000 saw the "Anglos" record a win by 2 goals to 1. Cowen of Aston Villa scored early on and the 'Daily Journal' reported "the visitors showed better command of the ball and greater understanding and combination; the Home Scots were clearly mastered especially by the half backs Wilson and Cowan. Doig also kept a magnificent goal and was tried again and again , it was not until near half time that King suceeded in equalising the score". - Ross of Liverpool won the match for the 'Anglo's' near the end. The teams chosen were :- Scotland : J. E. Doig, Sunderland; T. Brandon, Blackburn Rovers, J. Drummond, Rangers; N. Gibson, Rangers, J. Cowen, Aston Villa, G. Hogg, Hearts; J. Bell, Everton, J. Blessington, Celtic, T. Hyslop, Stoke City, A. King, Hearts, W. A. Lambie, Queens Park.

England : G. B. Raikes, Oxford University; L. V. Lodge, Corinthians, W. J. Oakley, Oxford University, J. W. Crabtree, Aston Villa, T. H. Crawshaw, Sheffield Wednesday, A. G. Henfrey, Corinthians, J. Goodall, Derby County, W. I. Bassett, West Bromwich Albion, G. O. Smith, Oxford University, H. Wood, Wolverhampton Wanderers, C. J. Burnup, Cambridge University. An account of the match by "Clydeside" entitled "A victory that thrilled" and published many years later captures the spirit of the occasion.

"The mention of T. Brandonin an article published some time ago in connection with the Jubilee of the Blackburn Rovers Club recalled to my mind in a dazzling flash the famous day for Scotland in April 1896, when he played his first and only match for his country. England, as today was the enemy on that occasion. We Scots were at Celtic Park in record thousands with our hearts in our boots. For six solid years previously the Thistle had failed to crush the Rose. Then even more than now, such an experience weighed heavily on the spirits of all Caledonia. But though I say, our hearts were in our boots that sunny April afternoon, a faint voice kept calling us to have hope. For the first time in history Anglo-Scots, five of them had been brought North to help fight the foe. Would they enable Scotland to stem the tide of Saxon domination? The tense, suppressed feeling of the crowd vent in a manner never since repeated. From somewhere on the stand side the opening notes of "Scots wha hae" were heard rising, and in a moment thousands had joined in to give a mighty volume to the song.

We have nowadays, perhaps, grown less subject to such patriotic impulses where football is concerned, and no doubt some may consider the incident I have described as rather too demonstrative for present day conditions. I think however that football 30yrs ago was all the better for the springs of National patriotism it set flowing. The blind club partisanship of the present day is surely not a wholesome substitute. But I am not in the pulpit. It was the victory of those five Anglo-Scots and their six home companions that I was thinking of. Perhaps the Scottish Team were not the best who have defeated the English and other people will doubtless give palm to teams for some years. But the 1896 eleven gave us our first victory over the Saxons in seven seasons and for that reason it should be enshrined in the memory of all good Scots. Let me name the noble band.: - Ned Doig; Tom Brandon and John Drummond; Neil Gibson, James Cowan and George Hogg; Jack Bell, James Blessington, Tom Hyslop, Alec King and Wm Lambie.

There was one amateur among them and he was the long striding Lambie, who had the distinction of scoring the first of Scotland's two goals. Bell got the other and Scotland led at the interval by 2:0. In the second half the famous William Bassett, most dashing of outside rights and the most chivalrous of opponents, scored for England. England's effort to equalise in the last half hour was worthy of a fine team who "sported silk" that day. Two things remain vividly in my memory. One was the glorious kicking of Tom Brandon who sent the ball whistling down the wing. The other was John Goodall's bid for a second goal in the last minute. Racing clear of all opposition, Goodall did not stop until he was at point blank range to Doig. Every Scot looking on held his breath. Were all our hopes of victory about to be dashed to the ground once again? Goodall took aim then with all the weight he could bring to bear, he smote the ball and it went tearing shoulder high for the net! But Doig's divination was right. His strong right arm went out as quickly as the ball travelled. His good right hand brought it down, and while a great cheer swelled up, Goodall stood with his eyes riveted on the spoiler of his ambition, his pose eloquent of admiration. Scotland had won. Without the five Anglo-Scots - Doig, Brandon, Cowan, Bell and Hyslop she could not have done it. Let that forever be remembered."

A reporter noted that "Doig was cheered to the echo again and again for his daring work in goal and at the finish was surrounded and carried shoulder high off the field". He remembered one enthusiast from Arbroath shout to Doig as he was carried off triumphantly "Gie me a lock o' your hair 'Ned', tae tak hame tae Arbroath". "I'm awfu' sorry I canna oblige, freend, but you can tak my best wishes tae them at home". 'Ned' Doig had become bald early in life so for good reason could not oblige his friend.

When Doig returned to the Sunderland side in a home friendly match against Queens Park on Monday April 6th. he received a special cheer on entering the pitch after his fine goalkeeping display against England.

On the top right hand side Doig can be seen "Lodging a Protest" about bad light and saving a goal on the larger one.

Many changes occurred at the Sunderland Club in the summer of 1896. In July, as the Club needed capital, the Chairman John P. Henderson decided that a limited company should be formed with a share capital of #5,000, James, his brother and partner in a wine and spirit firm, joined him as a director. The Sunderland Herald on 10th July voiced local criticism that at #1 each the shares had been priced out of the reach of working men who made up the bulk of the club's support.

The club secretary, Tom Watson, was lured away to Liverpool F.C. and the 'A' team secretary Bob Campbell took over his post.

There were changes on the field also and although five new players had been recruited only one was able to gain a regular place. With other reliable players injured the results slumped to a disastrous level, only one team scoring less goals than Sunderland's 34; but in defence, the team was ninth best of the sixteen sides. The side failed to score in 11 of the 30 games with a low total of 34 in the others.

Sunderland were defeated by a Davy Hannah hat-trick at Anfield by Liverpool on November 7th and a sketch of his first goal showing Doig being beaten first appeared in the "Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News " of 14th November 1896 and is reproduced in Stephen Kelly's book "You'll Never Walk Alone" on page 16, "Liverpool" by Matthew Graham, page 17 and Sunderland Annual 1990 page 4. A small accompanying sketch captioned "Sunderland lodge a protest on account of bad light" clearly shows Doig remonstrating with the referee following a third goal. The game began in a heavy downpour and thick haze and with a half time score of 1:0 in favour of Liverpool the teams changed into clean jerseys. In the second half the fog had increased so much that the players could not be distinguished from the press box.

For the second year, the Scottish F.A. continued the policy of matching Home' Scots against the 'Anglos' in a trial match for the international verses England. The game took place at Tyncastle, in variable weather, before a large crowd, on 22nd March 1897. Miller, for the home side opened the scoring in the first five minutes but Maxwell equalised within the next five minutes. The same player heading the Anglos into a 2:1 half time lead. The second half was played in heavy rain, both goals being attacked frequently without further score. The best men were Doig, Smith, Gibson, Russsell, Miller, Hyslop and McInnes

Doig had been selected to play for Scotland against England on April 3rd but as Sunderland were struggling in the League having won only 6 matches he turned down the offer preferring to help his Club who won away to Stoke by 1:0.

P 30; W 4, D 6, L 5, F 21, A 21; W 3, D 3, L 9, F 13, A 26, Pts 23 : Posn. 15 out of 16.

The last two teams in Division One had to play home and away test games against the top two in Division Two. The first for Sunderland at Notts County was lost 0:1, the next two were drawn, Notts County at home 0:0 and Newton Heath away by 1:1. Sunderland had to win the last of these test matches to retain their place in the top division, this they duly did against Newton Heath by 2:0. In the drawn game against Newton Heath "Doig had a great amount of work to do towards the close and he undoubtedly saved his side36." In the F.A. Cup, a first round win away by 1:0 at Burnley was then followed by a 1:3 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest to end Sunderland's interest in the competition, the crowd of 17,000 exceeding by far the totals for league games.

The old style friendly games were also losing their appeal, the greater attendance's being against renowned league teams such as Preston North End, Aston Villa and Everton and large guarantees were no longer obtainable. J. Campbell was given a benefit in a game at home to Newcastle on September 23rd, Wilson equalising an early Newcastle strike. Sunderland also had to pull back a deficit five days later at Celtic who scored two goals before Gillespie and Campbell (2) forced a win. Newcastle were visited on 28th April and Sunderland suffered a 0:3 reverse when it was said that it would have been much worse but for Doig in goal.

'Teddy' Doig played in all 30 league, 4 test, 2 F. A. Cup games and 12 of the 14 friendly games making a total of 48 out of 50 for the season. Stevenson stood in for two friendlies prior to the test matches. P 50; W 15, D 14, L 21, F 64, A 78.

The management, in view of the adverse results decided to rebuild the team, releasing regulars such as Gow, Gillespie, Campbell, James Hannah and Johnstone. 'Teddy' Doig, McNeill, Ferguson, and Wilson remaining as a backbone of the new side and virtually a new forward line recruited for the following season.

As a reward for the seven seasons that 'Teddy' had played for Sunderland, he was presented with a silver tray and tea service. The inscription reads "Presented to John Edward Doig for his loyal services to Sunderland Association Football Club, August 11th 1897". These are now owned by Granddaughter Mrs Sheila Beaton nee Heron of Brixton, Devon.

At first, a team of teachers on the Blue House field
Then a 'team of all the talents' like J. E. Doig, 'Prince of Goalkeepers'
Players from Scotland, jobs in the shipyards.
Ian Horn, Poet and Sunderland supporter.

By 1897 the popular press had bestowed this title on 'Teddy' Doig, who had ably demonstrated that height was not indispensable to a goalkeeper as he stood 5' 8 and a half inch (some sources report an inch higher³⁷) for the game had produced a no more brilliant exponent. At the height of his fame, a postcard was received at the club from a friend on holiday in Paris. The address only had one word England. Above this was a drawing of a goalpost with a little dog sitting in the corner and a small letter I over its head. The post office had duly delivered this correctly⁴².

In the 1897-98 season, the newly formed side was to restore some of Sunderland's pride and prestige. McNeill, Phil Bach and Northern Ireland International Peter Boyle shared the two full back positions in front of Doig. The Directors were also planning to move to a new stadium and farmland at nearby Roker was acquired for this purpose.

A further milestone in 'Teddy's' career was reached on 16th October. In a home match against West Bromwich Albion he played his 200th league game for the Club, unfortunately losing by 0:2 for the only home defeat of the season. A week later 22,000 spectators viewed a home goalless draw against old rivals Aston Villa. Wilson remained the only other player from the earliest days, reaching his 200th game also against West Bromwich in the away tie on February 19th. A home game on March 12th against Blackburn Rovers was chosen as Hughie Wilson's benefit game and in front of a good crowd of 18,000 goals by Dunlop and Jim Leslie secured a 2:1 win in the league. During the home game versus Liverpool on 22nd January, four Liverpool forwards took part in a smart attack but Doig rushed out and kicked clear of McCowie to save a certain goal enabling Sunderland to win 1:0.

At an International trial game at Ibrox Park on 23rd March 1898, Doig with team mate H. Wilson appeared for the Anglo-Scots v Scottish based players winning by 2:0 with goals scored by Campbell and Maxwell in front of a 10,000 crowd. The Scottish side included Anderson (Queens Park), Smith, Drummond, Gibson and Neil (Glasgow Rangers), King (Celtic), Gillespie (3rd Lanark), Miller (Glasgow Rangers), Campbell (Celtic), Walker and A. Smith (Rangers). Anglo's were represented by Doig, Storrier (Everton), Cain (Sheffield United), Wilson, J. Cowan (Aston Villa), Robertson, J. Bell and J. Taylor (Everton), Maxwell (Stoke), J. Wilkie and J. Campbell (Blackburn).

Doig, for the second time, had to forgo the honour of playing for his country. Altough he and Hugh Wilson were selected, Sunderland decided that they were needed for a League game. This time his club were vying for the championship with Sheffield United, so for the away clash on April 2nd. he chose club over country. However the gesture was to no avail as his team lost 0:1 to the Sheffield side. The next two league games, also away, were defeats prior to a home win by 4:0 against Nottingham Forest in the last league game of the season on April 23rd. In the first on Friday April 8th found the home side Bury pressing hard on opening, Doig saving several times but Bury scored on 7 minutes for the only goal. In the second period both defences were marvellous, Doig in particular playing an excellent game. The same side was kept for a friendly played at Blackpool the next day, Doig being invincible following three early corners, Sunderland winning 4:2, Chalmers (2), Ferguson and Leslie scoring. Two days later, in the last away fixture, Chadwick scored Everton's first with a shot into the top right hand corner well out of reach of Doig. However, he saved a particularly fine shot and ably attended to a high dropping shot. Later in the game Doig, in running out to save a shot from Bell, came into contact with Everton's inside right, Divers and the game was stopped for several minutes for Sunderland's 'keeper to recover, the match finally lost by 0:2. The league results for the season were :-

The final position was second, five points behind Sheffield United. The attack had scored less than nine other teams but the defence had established itself as the best in the league, with a total of only 30 goals conceded. 'Teddy' had kept a total of 13 'clean sheets'.

However, in the F.A. Cup the Club suffered a first round home defeat in the game with The Wednesday by 0:1. It was beginning to appear that a gypsy woman's prophesy before the 1892 semi-final at Bramall Lane against Aston Villa, that Sunderland would not win the Cup until a Scotswoman sat on the throne of England, would be true²⁷.

A benefit game for Bob Cain of Sheffield United was played on 17th January 1898. Billed as Scottish players v English players, the teams were made up from the two Sheffield clubs plus Scott and McInnes of Nottingham Forest and Doig, who were on the Scottish team. 3,000 spectators turned up to see a 1:1 draw⁴³. Also mentioned in the 'Leader' were details of proposed benefits for Doig and Wilson, Sunderland also being pleased to announce that both players had signed for the 1898-99 season.

An "arranged" game of note took place at the Queens Club when Corinthians, the famous amateur side played Sunderland on February 26th 1898. Doig played in goal for the Sunderland (professional) side who were beaten 0:2 by the amateurs, whose side included the famous C. B. Fry who was also a noted cricketer and the England centre-forward G. O. Smith^{38
.} A fixture gap of two Saturdays in March were filled by a visit to Newcastle on 19th for a 1:1 draw, the goal being scored by Brown and a week later Hughie Wilson scored both goals at Tottenham to give a 2:0 win, Doig's brilliant goalkeeping preventing Hotspur from scoring.

Following the away league fixture at Everton on Monday April 11th, Sunderland began a 'Tour' in which five friendly matches were played in ten days. On Tuesday 12th, they visited the Tower Ground at New Brighton and were beaten by 1:2. They returned home on Saturday 16th where they had a win over Preston North End by 4:2. They then continued to Edinburgh and in front of 5000 spectators met Hibernian on Monday 18th and lost 2:4, Atherton scoring for Hibs, Morgan equalising with a penalty before the break, Martin then adding a 'hat-trick' for Hibs with Morgan getting a second for Sunderland. The side then travelled back to Lancashire and played Wigan County on Wednesday 20th, Morgan scoring in the first half and McIntosh in the second before Doig was beaten to the delight of the 3000 crowd, making a final score of 2:1. Manchester was visited finally on Thursday, playing out a goalless draw with City. The team then travelled home to play their final League fixture. In the week following this four more friendlies were completed, all at away grounds. Monday April 25th Thornaby was visited to play the 'Utopians', beaten 4:0, then South Shields on Wednesday for a 1:0 win. Stockton were beaten 3:1 the next day and finally Clyde held them to a 3:3 on Saturday.

Plans were now well in hand for the move to the new ground and so the last game to be played at Newcastle Road was on the 23rd April 1898 when Nottingham Forest were easily beaten 4:0 in the last league match of the season. Summary for the season in which 18 'clean sheets' were recorded, 13 in the League :- P 48; W 26, D 9, L 13; F 82, A 52. 'Teddy' Doig once again played in all 31 official games and the 17 friendlies.

A fourth child, who was given the names James Henderson after the Sunderland Director, was born on 14th August 1898 to 'Teddy' and Davina.

Proud J P Henserson, his vision of a new ground materialised. Goal Keeper Teddy Doig with his stockings up and cap on Billy Williams a year at the job, Sunderland in white because of Liverpool's Red.

September 10th 1898 marked the day when the name Roker Park became synonymous with Sunderland A. F. C. The new stadium was formally opened by the Club President, The Marquis of Londonderry before a 30,000 crowd. Lord Londonderry, using a gold key, ceremoniously opened the small gate leading from the players changing room to the playing pitch. This was followed by a League match against Liverpool. Sunderland played in white shirts in deference to their opponents who were beaten by a single goal scored by Jim Leslie six minutes from the end of the game. Leslie, who had been signed the previous season from Bolton Wanderers for #40 was the last player to score at the old Newcastle Road ground. A photograph of the opening, showing the team and officials in front of the main stand is displayed in the Sunderland Boardroom; it is also reproduced in the Sunderland Centenary Book. Doig is shown seated with his stockings over his knees and wearing a plain cap. Standing immediately behind him is James Henderson and to his left is the Marquis of Londonderry. The team on this memorable day was :- Doig; Bach, McNeill; Ferguson, McAllister, Wilson; Crawford, Leslie, Morgan, Chalmers and Saxton.

Four weeks later on October 8th, a benefit was awarded to 'Teddy' at the home league game against West Bromwich Albion. The match, attended by a crowd of 16,000, was won by Sunderland and raised a record benefit of #250. The Sunderland Daily Echo of that day summarised his career and, as a large number of tickets had been sold, expected that the benefit would be a record one for the club. Being a Scot 'Teddy' was reputed to be very "close" and it was recounted²¹that a player had to see to the sale of his own tickets. The more sold the more money he got. In those days the Sunderland team used to leave for away matches from Monkwearmouth Station and said Doig to the stationmaster "Will you buy a ticket for my benefit. " The railway official handed over the sixpence and remarked that he would not be able to get to the match. In a moment the famous goalkeeper had placed the ticket back in his pocket with the remark "I can sell it to someone else." But he pocketed the sixpence.

In a 3:0 home win over Bury on October 29th all three goals were scored by Hughie Wilson for his first hat-trick in nine seasons of league football. Wilson, the only player to accompany Doig from the 1890 side, played his last game for the club on April 22nd at Newcastle and was transferred out of league football in May.

Burnley, the first league side to win at Newcastle Road, also had the distinction of being the first visitors to win at Roker Park. This happened on 10th December 1898, the score being 0:1. Sunderland visited Liverpool on January 7th and in front of a 20,000 crowd a stirring battle ensued with Doig holding out to gain a goalless draw. Left winger Robertson gave Allan a grand cross to Allan in the centre but Doig was on the alert and saved in capital style. Several grand shots were sent in to Doig but failed, Liverpool keeping up a warm attack. Doig saved a header from Allan and on two occasions there were desperate struggles in front of Doig's charge but somehow Doig managed to get the ball away. Allan put in a hot shot which brought Doig to the ground and he was immediately pounced upon by half a dozen opponents but he still managed to knock the ball away for a corner.

Although Sunderland had played in friendlies against both Newcastle East End and West End clubs, frequently to help the finances of their rivals, spectators from Wearside and Tyneside had to wait until 1898 for their first full-blooded local derby match. In 1882 struggling West End offered their club and ground at St. James' Park to East End and to form a new club Newcastle United. The new club was elected to the Second Division of the Football League in 1893 but had to wait until the end of the 1897-8 season before gaining promotion as league runners up. This long awaited clash took place at Roker on December 24th and Newcastle were to triumph on their first visit by 2:3. The Sunderland directors increased the prices for the game hoping to roof the press box stand but many of the 30,000 crowd viewed it as exploitation. At half time the visitors were winning by 1:2, Peddie of Newcastle bursting through the Sunderland defence with a terrific turn of speed to shoot past Doig. However, Sunderland won at St. James' Park in April and this pattern was repeated the following season.

Sunderland's great rivals Aston Villa were convincingly beaten 4:2 at Roker (H.T. 3:1) on Saturday 1st April 1899 but the heaviest reverse since September 1893 was suffered by the club going down by 1:6 away to Bolton Wanderers in January. In the final game of the season a league fixture, brought the F.A. Cup winners Sheffield United, to Roker Park; a first half strike by Leslie securing a win for Sunderland. Sunderland's league results were similar to the previous season, ending with only one point less, but this time in seventh place as the league had now been increased by the addition of two more teams. 14 'clean sheets' were recorded in the 34 matches. :P 34; W 11, D 3, L 3, F 26, A 10; W 4, D 3, L 10, F 15, A 31; Pts 31 from 68.

In the F.A. Cup, Bristol City were beaten 4:2 away from home; in the second round Tottenham Hotspur, who at that time were a non league side, were the victors 1:2 also away from home. Eight friendlies were also played giving 'Teddy' a total of 42 out of the 44 games.: P 44; W 19, D 9, L 16, F 62, A 56.

For the fourth season in succession, Doig was selected for the International trial representing the Anglo-Scots. This took place at Cathkin Park on Tuesday 28th March with only 6,000 spectators braving wretched weather. A match report stated⁴⁵ "the elements under which this game was played were the most wretched and trying description, and under the circumstances the exhibition was remarkable, and revealed that Scotland has rare talent at her command". Beating up a stiff breeze and magnificently led by Hamilton, the home Scots had the most of the matters with Doig, Russell and Montgomery had a heavy handful; indeed their defence was fine, and some considerable time elapsed before a goal went in. Kennedy equalised for the visitors. Subsequent play was interesting almost every player doing justice to his reputation. Hamilton scored his second goal for the homesters before half time. In the second period with the wind to aid the m a tall score appeared possible for the home side. However the defence for the Anglo's was admirable, Doig in goal affected some marvelous saves, Hamilton scored a third goal for himself and the homeside towards the end. Amongst the players who shone brilliantly was Doig and he was duly selected to play against England.

'Teddy' missed two league games on April 3rd and 8th as he was chosen for his fourth International to represent Scotland in their battle against England on April 8th 1899 at Birmingham. "The Times" of that date, in summarising the careers of each of the players, stated "Doig, at the present time, is one of the finest custodians in the country and certainly superior to any in Scotland. He can punch a ball almost as far as any player can kick and never loses his head in a tight place. Two years ago * he proved to be the saviour of Scotland". (* Note: this probably referred to the 1896 International i.e. 3 years ago). This time only three Anglo-Scots were selected, the result favouring England by two goals to one. The Scots team were dismayed at the cramped and muddy Villa Park pitch which measured 101 x 71 yards instead of the usual international size of 120 x 80 yards and found themselves trailing by 2:0 at half time. Hamilton at inside-right getting a second half goal in front of a 25,000 crowd. At the end of the season, Bob Campbell, the Secretary-Manager left the Club to be replaced by Alex Mackie.

Action aroun the Scottish Goal during the match against England at Villa Park in 1899 Doig in Goal

The great amateur goalkeeper Dr. L. R. Roose who played for Sunderland from 1908 quotes the proverb "Before you go to war, say a prayer; before going to sea, say two prayers; before marrying, say three prayers" and added "Before deciding to become a goalkeeper, say four prayers. He is an Aunt Sally". There is no doubt that in those times the profession of goalkeeper was a hazardous one. The practice of the day was for one or more forwards to "rush" or block a goalkeeper so that another colleague could score. Two incidents related by 'Teddy' Doig to his son Stanley emphasis the point. Once, when Doig dived full length to clear the ball, the West Bromwich Albion (and England) player W. I. Bassett then sat on his head in the mud. Later when Doig was rushed by Bassett, Doig turned him over, gave him a thump, then sat on his head and told him never to do that again. The second incident concerned Hampton of Aston Villa, who in his day was described as being the most dashing of forwards although only just over 5'8". Following a corner kick Doig avoided a rush by Hampton and with one hand pinned him to the goalpost, punched the ball clear with the other and then delivered an uppercut, warning him not to do this again.

The biggest win of the season occurred on December 2nd when Notts County were vanquished at Roker; five goals were shared between Raisbeck, Crawford, W. Hogg, R. Hogg and McLachie. Sunderland repeated their away win at St. James' Park, this time by 4:2, centre forward R. Hogg scoring a hat-trick against Newcastle on 23rd December. The return game was won by Newcastle 1:2 on the last day of the season Saturday 28th April. In the previous home game on Monday 16th against Blackburn Rovers a curious incident took place. With the last kick of the game Billy Hogg, Sunderland's outside right, got the ball in their opponent's net (it was not removed until the following Monday). The crowd had to leave the ground not knowing whether Sunderland had won or drawn 0:0; the press had to interview the referee to find that a goal had been awarded for a 1:0 win. The incident led to a rule change whereby the referee had to point to the centre spot when a goal was officially given. Derby County were met in two consecutive fixtures on Wednesday 21st March when "Doig saved twice when being pressed severely", the score at home being 2:0. Three days later away to Derby the game was lost by a similar score. Doig had to decline an invitation to play in the international trial match due to an important rearranged Sunderland league fixture on the same day. The 1899-1900 season ended with Sunderland in a satisfactory third position :- P 34; W 12, D 2, L 3, F 27, A 9; W 7, D 1, L 9, F 23, A 26; Pts 41.

The goals against of only 9 at home was the best by Sunderland for the seven seasons in which 17 home matches were played in the League, 13 clean sheets being recorded, 10 at home. The first round of the F.A. Cup saw Sunderland held to a 2:2 draw by Derby County but in the replay, Roker Park's first F. A. cup tie, they triumphed by 3:0. Nottingham Forest were to reverse this score on their own ground to eliminate them for the second time in four seasons.

'Teddy' Doig again played in all 34 league and 3 cup games and also six of the nine friendlies. Tom Naisby replaced him for one game at home on September 6th against an African touring team 'Kaffirs' and in another friendly on January 2nd 1900 he was replaced by half back Matthew Ferguson because Doig had an injured hand. Ferguson, born in Bellshill, Glasgow in 1873 and a future Sunderland captain, died tragically aged 29 in 1902. In a league game on April 14th 1900, Doig's opposite number Charlie Williams of Manchester City scored the first recorded goal by a goalkeeper. In those days the full back (Di Jones of City) was allowed to tap the ball into the goalkeepers hands so that he could take a drop kick. His punt kick bounced three times before twisting out of Doig's reach into the goal, Doig just touching it on the way in. He was later to say that he was examining a damaged finger and the bounces had caught him unaware. The game was played at Roker Park which fortunately Sunderland eventually won 3:1 after a 1:1 draw at half time due to this famous goal by Williams. The Empire News quotes that Doig suffered from mental anxiety if he allowed a goal, so this incident must have cost him a few sleepless nights²⁷. The previous evening 13th April, Sunderland had played a friendly game however at Middlesbrough, winning 1:0 and it was reported that Doig was brilliant in goal. P 46; W 25, D 6, L 15; F 76, A 54.

When the club accounts for the season were announced it was seen that players wages amounted to #3,674. 11s out of a total income of #6,771, the club making a trading loss of #247.

Stars of Early Roker Park Days.
Back Row:- A. McCombie W. Faquhar J E Doig W Prior R Jackson J Watson Front Row: - F Craggs, whitey Robinson, W Hogg J Gemmell H Buckle

The first season of the new century 1900-01 heralded a defensive combination of Doig, McCombie and Watson that became renowned throughout the land. Andy McCombie had replaced Phil Bach at right back in February 1899 when Bach was chosen to play for England v Ireland at Roker Park and he never re-secured his place. McNeill had been the regular left full back over the previous six seasons but Watson, who had been signed from Clyde in January 1900 had showed potential in three games in the spring. McNeill began the new season in an away draw against Notts County on September 1st. Two days later in a friendly at Ibrox Park versus Rangers Doig once again showed that he was in brilliant form, Rangers first half goal coming from a penalty with Farquhar equalising in the second period. At home to Preston North End the following Saturday Jimmy Watson joined McCombie at left back thus completing this magnificent defensive trio. The three players appeared in a notable total of 109 league and cup games between February 1900 and February 1904 when McCombie was transferred to Newcastle United. Remarkably, Jimmy Millar who already had three championship medals with Sunderland, returned to the club from Glasgow Rangers in June 1900 after winning two Scottish championship medals in 1888 - 9 and 1899 - 1900.

In an away match at Liverpool on 29th September, two corners were conceded in quick succession, Doig fell in clearing, managed to throw behind for the second one. Later Watson in attempting to clear put the ball towards his own goal but Doig managed to scoop out in time, Sunderland gaining a 1.0 half time lead, eventually winning 2:1 with goals by Hogg and Miller to a reply by wing half Charlie Wilson on 55 minutes.

A story by 'Argus'²¹and part apocryphal one hopes, relates that it was the usual custom for each player to get a half bottle of wine on away journeys. Doig usually put his straight away into his bag, so that he and his wife could share it on a Sunday with dinner. One Saturday on a return journey two of the players (possibly one was 'Billy' Hogg the outside right) extracted the bottle, polished off the contents and filled it with water. What 'Teddy' said on the Sunday is not recorded, but he was round to the ground on Monday with a carving knife, and 'Billy' Williams, the trainer, had to smooth away the trouble which was likely to arise in Doig's anger.

Now in his eleventh season, Doig reached his 300^th league game on November 10th when Blackburn Rovers were beaten by 1:0. How must the Directors of Blackburn be regretting not reaching amicable terms with Doig when he played that one game for their Club in November 1889. A week later Stoke were the victims of a 6:1 win, Alf Common at inside right , later renowned for the first #1,000 transfer, scoring his first goal for Sunderland.

Sunderland looked like winning the league title again by the turn of the year. 'Wolves' were trounced 7:2 on January 12th, Jimmy Millar scoring his first hat trick since returning from Glasgow Rangers. Liverpool had been beaten at Anfield by 2:1 on September 29th, but on February 23rd Liverpool won 0:1 at Roker to begin a run that took 21 points from 24. This run left Sunderland in second place at the end of the season just two points behind Liverpool but with a much better goal difference. It appears that the title was lost by that one defeat in February. "A single goal by the elusive Cox brought victory over the mighty Sunderland. Goalkeeper 'Teddy' Doig punched out a long range shot but the ball dropped nicely for Cox whose instant shot fairly flew into the goal"³⁹. A week earlier, at home to Sheffield United, Doig had to fall full length to save a brilliant shot from Hedley, the giant keeper Foulke performing similar feats for United in the first half. He was beaten however when a shot from McLatchie rebounded into his net from defender Johnson. In the second period Sunderland gained the upper hand scoring two more, again from left winger McLatchie and another from Billy Hogg.

Newcastle had drawn 1:1 at Roker on October 6th and Good Friday 5th April was the scheduled date for the return match. Newcastle had been near to top of the league for much of the season but were now seventh whilst Sunderland were now top. Thousands of supporters from all over Durham and Northumberland descended upon St. James' Park and despite the gates shutting 45 minutes before kick-off did not deter the vast crowd who scaled the walls and broke the gates. An estimated crowd of 70,000 spilled onto the pitch and proved so impossible to move that the game was abandoned. The rearranged game took place on 24th April and won by Sunderland by 2:0 but two other away defeats in April, lost them ground in the title race. In the first of these on April 6th at Goodison Park in front of a 30,000 crowd Doig played his part, saving a terrific ground shot; tipping a long drive over the bar and later Sharp of Everton banged the ball in so viciously that Doig must have felt the effects for some time afterwards. All to no avail however as Everton won by one goal. A week later away to Sheffield United the game was lost by a similar score:- P 34; W 12, D 3, L 2, F 43, A 11; W 3, D 10, L 4, F 14, A 15; Pts 43.

However it can be claimed that the high number of draws, particularly away from home, led to the loss of the title. The defence again proved to be the best in the league with only 26 goals against them, 15 of these away from home. Both these totals remain as club records. 13 clean sheets were recorded in the league, 7 at home and a further 4 in friendly games.

Back Row; Williams (Trainer) A Common J E Doig J Watson J Miller,Groundsman Middle Row: W Raisbeck A McAllistair M Ferguson (Captain) W Faquhar R W Jackson, Messenger Front Row: W Hogg J Leslie R Hogg G Livingstone C McLatchie

Between January and March 1901 another son, the fourth, was born into the Doig family and was given Davina's family name of Bertie.

The F.A. Cup proved to be as elusive as ever, Sunderland retiring from the competition following a 1:2 home defeat on February 9th. by Sheffield United, who were eventual cup finalists. Ironically Sheffield United were beaten by 3:0 in a league game at Roker a week later.

Once again 'Teddy' played in all 35 official games and all 10 friendly games. The biggest win of the season was recorded in a 10: 0 defeat of Scarborough and a score of 7:2 in a visit to Yarmouth Town also gave 'Teddy' Doig little to do. The previous day, April 15th, however, in a benefit game for Gibson, Lincoln's captain at Lincoln Doig made marvellous clearances to hold the home side to a 0:0 draw. P 45; W 21, D 15, L 9; F 94, A 40

The promise of the previous season was fulfilled by the end of the 1901-02 season. Sunderland won their fourth League Championship Title in 11 seasons. Most of the 19 wins were by a single goal difference, 8 of these being 1:0. The first 1:0 away victory was secured at their local rivals Newcastle on 28th September, Gemell scoring on 25minutes. Newcastle pressed hard for the rest of the game, Doig making several saves to keep a clean sheet. However, two hat-tricks were recorded at home, both by Millar, his total for the season being only 8. The first in a 4:0 win over Nottingham Forest in October and the second on April 16th when Bury were beaten 3:0 to ensure the Championship.

Sunderland Team 1901-2 from the Golden Penny Football Album
Back Row W MURRY J E DOIG W WILLIAMS Groundsman
Middle Row; W FAQUHAR M FERGUSON J MILLER J WATSON R JACKSON, C McLATCHIE
Front Row :- W HOGG R HOGG Geo PRIOR J GEMMELL J HEWITT

On Monday March 24th 1902 a Scottish International trial match took place at Cathkin, Glasgow which featured 'Home' Scots v 'Anglo' Scots. The 'Anglo's' team was Doig; Bennie (Newcastle), Watson (Sunderland); Bowman (Southampton), Aitken (Newcastle), McAlister (Sunderland), Templeton (Aston Villa), Orr (Newcastle), Brown (Tottenham), Gemmell and Murray (both Sunderland). Ronald Orr scored to give the 'Anglo's' a 1:0 victory. In the second period the 'Home ' side had the wind in their favour and the 'Anglo's' were severely tested. "Doig, however was in fine form and displayed great coolness and judgment when saving". Immediately following the game the Selection Committee announced their side for the International. Doig (Sunderland), Smith and Drummond (Rangers), Aitkin (Newcastle), Raisbeck (Liverpool), Robertson (Rangers), Templeton (Aston Villa), Walker (Hearts), Brown (Tottenham), Campbell (Celtic), and Alec Smith (Rangers) were the preferred players.

Scotland Team 1902
Back Row :- J.WILSON (FITNESS TRAINER), "BOBBY" WALKER, NICOL SMITH, "NED" DOIG, A. KIRKWOOD (PRESIDENT OF THE SFA), "JOCK" DRUMMOND, "ALEC" RAISBECK, R. DIXON (TREASURER OF THE SFA), "JACK" ROBERTSON
Front Row :- ROBERT TEMPLETON, ALEXANDER BROWN, "ANDY" AITKEN, GEORGE LIVINGSTONE, "ALEC" SMITH.

Faced with a busy Easter weekend Sunderland entertained Third Lanark on Good Friday 28th March. Sunderland took the field with only one first team man - Doig, whose skills however were not enough to prevent a 2:3 defeat. The next day, March 29th 1902 became infamous for what is known as the Sutcliffe Incident. The referee Charles Sutcliffe angered the crowd with his offside decisions when the Club were held to a 1:1 draw at Roker by lowly Small Heath. A crowd gathered outside after the game and the police, fearing trouble, dressed the diminutive Sutcliffe in a constables uniform and marched him out with other constables. He was immediately recognised in the coat and helmet several sizes larger but escaped in a waiting horsecab. Newcastle then visited Roker on Monday and drew 0:0 in front of the biggest home crowd of the season 34,819, in comparison with 8,600 the previous Saturday. Sunderland finished the season three points clear of Everton, despite winning only two of their last seven games. League results :- P 34; W 12, D 3, L 2, F 32, A 14; W 7, D 3, L 7, F 18, A 21; Pts 44.

This Photo from the program celebrating the 1901-02 Title shows a cup which is not the Championship Trophy. The Team had got over the disappointment of being runners up to Liverpool the previous Season to bounce back as Champions

Doig missed two league games in this championship season, the first on October 5th 1901 was due to an injury to a knee during training thus ending a league and cup run of 79 consecutive games. The second occurred on 5th April 1902 when he gained his fifth International Cap. His season's total games being 41 for his club, one Scottish trial and one International. 14 of his 17 'clean sheets were kept in his 32 league games. In a run of eight games extending from 26th December until 1st February not a single goal was scored against him. He was now the only player to have remained in Sunderland's service to gain four Championship medals, but it must be noted that Jimmy Millar also obtained his fourth medal following a break in service when playing for Rangers.

The sound defence of Doig, McCombie and Watson had played together 27 times this season in league and cup and had become firm friends. A story retold in the Newcastle Evening Chronicle of May 5th 1937 tells of how the two fullbacks decided to play a joke upon their fellow Scot. All three had been in the habit of indulging in a cigar after a match, each one taking a turn to pay. One weekend the three chums went to their usual tobacconist. It was not Doig's turn to pay and one of the others laid down sixpence and obtained two cigars, leaving Doig out of the deal, as pre-arranged. Doig, overcoming his immediate surprise, soon grasped the situation however and walking to the counter said "those cigars are five for a shilling aren't they?". "That's right" came the reply. "Aw weel" said Doig, there's anither sixpence. Aal jeest tak' the ither three". And he did, much to the astonishment and subsequent laughter of McCombie and Watson, who realised that their joke had gone against them - Scots outwitted by a Scot who was born nearer Aberdeen.

A first round F. A. Cup away win 1:0 over The Wednesday secured a visit to local rivals Newcastle United who were to eliminate Sunderland from the competition again, the result being 0:1. This game, postponed from the previous Saturday due to arctic conditions at St. James' Park was played on the afternoon of 12th February. The Scottish selectors were amongst the crowd as no less than eight Scots were in each team. However the selected team only included two players appearing on that day, Doig and Aitken the Newcastle centre-half. Sunderland won the Durham County Cup as a consolation. A photograph in Sunderland's Boardroom shows the team with their two trophies. Two photographs are also shown in the "Encyclopaedia of British Football". The first on page 18 shows a commemorative lapel button of the team, which was produced for the supporters club. The second on page 173 is an action picture of Aston Villa attacking Sunderland's goal in March 1902. Doig is hidden but is obviously punching the ball clear on the curved lines marking the goal area. The curved goal area line was replaced in the following season by the six yard box.

The International match Scotland v England on 5th April 1902 became infamously known as the "Ibrox Disaster Match", otherwise it may have been notable in that it was the first time in the thirty year history of this fixture that both Scotland and England fielded all professional teams. Doig took his place in the Scotland side at Ibrox Park, Glasgow and played for the first time with Alec Raisbeck who was later to become his team captain at Liverpool. The ground was full by kick off, the latecomers, anxious not to miss too much of the game, made a dash from the packed East terrace to the West terrace. They charged up the staircases to the top and settled to watch the match. Heavy rain was falling. Suddenly rows of steel pylons at the back and front of the terrace shook and a yawning gap 70ft x 14ft wide appeared. People dropped through to the ground below, while others followed, falling on top of them (ref. as above p.173). Play was held up for twenty minutes before resuming as the crowd had broken onto the pitch. The players returned to their pavilion at the back of the main stand where many of the injured had been carried and they saw this sad spectacle. It was a most unusual and impressive thing to see big stalwart men like 'Ned' Doig, 'Nick' Smith and 'Alick' Raisbeck and officials looking on with tears in their eyes. "This is terrible, Jock" Doig remarked to Drummond of Rangers "How could this happen." J. K. McDowell, Secretary of the Scottish F.A. approached the players - "Men, we must save a further disaster and carry on the game. Play as if nothing had happened". "Yes we will" chorused the players returning to the pitch to a round of cheering - except from that "pit of death". The game resumed however more in the spirit of an exhibition match. The crowd, however, were invading the edges of the touchlines. It was difficult to see players taking corners and Doig on one occasion had to request a policeman to move so that he could see the ball coming in. Of most interest were the wonderful saves by Doig. He was cheered to the echo as he tore across the goalmouth and dived at the feet of the opposing forwards. "Good Old Doig" came the praise from all quarters. If only it had been a real tussle - a true fight, but the men deserved praise for the way they worked to save further mishap³⁰. Many of the crowd were unaware of the extent of the tragedy. Twenty-five spectators died with hundreds of others injured in varying degree. The game played on to the end, with the half time score of 1:1 remaining until the final whistle. Graphic pictures of the shattered stand can be seen on page 18 of "The Telegraph Chronicle of Football".

The two Football Associations agreed that the game be declared void and the result struck from the records, with the match to be re-played at Birmingham. The players however, received their International medal which can be seen here 2 x life size along with the Shirt Badge.

At a Football League Management Committee meeting it was decided to stage a game for the disaster funds and a Football League team , which included Doig and Watson of Sunderland was chosen to meet a Southern League Select, on April 26th. Unfortunately due to the cup final having been to be replayed and re-arranged this prestigious England - Scotland game could not take place.

At the end of April 1902, a tournament which was billed as the British League Cup was held, the proceeds to be donated to the Ibrox Disaster Fund. The 'Newcastle Daily Leader' reported that Glasgow Rangers had donated a trophy called the 'Glasgow Rangers Exhibition Cup' and that Messrs Bovril Ltd. offered gold medals for the winners. Sunderland and Everton, the top two teams in England met the top two in Scotland, Rangers and Celtic. Celtic beat Sunderland in the first match 1:5 on 30th April at Celtic Park. Sunderland's side - Doig; Annan, Watson; Ferguson McAlister, Jackson; W. Hogg, R. Hogg, Millar, Gemmell, McLatchie was the regular eleven with the exception of Annan who had been signed from St. Bernards on 25th April. Matthew Ferguson was to die of pneumonia within six weeks of the game on 12th June aged just 29 years. Doig sustained a badly strained left wrist but played on for a Sunderland side who had three badly injured players and finished the game with only eight men. Everton and Rangers drew 2:2 at Goodison Park on 1st May but Rangers won the replay 3:2 at Celtic Park two days later. The Final, held at Cathkin Park, Glasgow was drawn by 2:2 but two days later Celtic finally triumphed over Rangers, a hat-trick by J Quinn securing a 3:2 win. The International replay was scheduled for Saturday May 3rd. and the Scottish selectors had picked the same team en bloc. However, 'Teddy' Doig who was still nursing his injured arm, was one of three Scottish players to withdraw from the side, his place being taken by Rennie of Hibernian. The game was again drawn, this time by 2:2.

To celebrate the Championship Title a Dinner was given for the Sunderland Team by Sir Theodore Doxford , M.P. at the Grand Hotel, Sunderland on the evening of May 22nd, 1902. A photograph of thirteen players and officials taken in front of the terracing was affixed to the back of the menu. Players and guests enjoyed a sumptuous banquet⁴⁹. The many notable guests heartily cheered the players on stepping forward. Players attending were J. E. Doig, A. McCombie, M. Ferguson, A. McAllister, R. Jackson, W. Farquhar, W. Hogg, R. Hogg, J. Millar, J. Gemmell, W. Murray, C. McLachie and J. Craggs whilst apologies were received from Watson, Hewitt and Prior. The League medals were described as being of solid gold, having on one side a view of the league cup and on the other the borough coat of arms. Councilor Annison, proposing the toast "Football", sincerely congratulated the club on the great success they had achieved. He described the history of the game crediting the ancient Chinese as being the first players of the game. Mr. J. Miller replied on behalf of the players. He said that the players were very proud of winning the championship. Doig and he were the only remaining players to have won the championship four times. To laughter he said that Doig and himself had been playing even before the Chinese!. To close the evening, excellent harmony was provided by W. W. Dix, R. Winter (Crook), G. Dove, T. S. Wilson, Albert Rea (Middlesbrough), J. E. Doig and W. Ratcliffe, while Mr. H. Williams was the accompanist. The pleasant gathering closed with the singing of the national anthem⁵⁰.

In the early 1900's cigarette companies included Doig in their football sets of cards : Wills's "Wild Woodbine" in their football series No. 8 - a set of 66 showed 'Teddy' in a Sunderland shirt wearing a plain cap ( photo by Thiele , London) with only advertising on the reverse (5 cigarettes price 1d). Clarke's cigarette card series No. 8 also showed the same photo but the reverse side stated "J. E. Doig . Sunderland. One of the finest goalkeepers in England. Always in fine form and revels in hard work". Robert Sinclair Brand cigarette card of 1900 showed J. E. Doig with a different picture i.e arms folded and sleeves rolled up wearing a plain cap whilst Churchman's footballer (brown back) series showed him wearing an international cap. Ogdens had two sets which had the same picture as the Clarks with slight variation in size. The same picture is reproduced on two postcards one in colour, the other black and white.

In 2001, a Rutherford brand cigarette card depicting a photograph of Doig came on the market and it was sold at a world record price for a card of #1,660. This card, size 61mm x 37mm with the reverse side blank appears to be a sketch of Doig in a Sunderland shirt with a plain cap.

On 29th July 1902, a sixth child (fifth son) was born to 'Teddy' and Davina and was called Stanley.

With the fourth league trophy in the Sunderland Boardroom, it looked as if Sunderland would win the title again in 1902-03. However, the club made an indifferent start to the season, losing at home to Nottingham Forest by a single goal and gaining a point away at Wolverhampton with a 3:3 draw, "when a rasping shot flew into the hands of Doig, that player saving the situation when three men were upon him". 20,000 spectators turned out to see Liverpool beaten 2:1 on the 13th September but Sheffield United on their home ground caused another 0:1 defeat, 'Teddy' Doig having no chance of stopping the goal as three Sunderland players were in front of him. A massive home 5:1 win against Grimsby Town in September was tempered by two away reverses of 2:5. The first on November 1st to Derby County and on April 13th versus Forest at Nottingham. It would seem that 'Teddy' Doig was playing as well as ever. Away to Aston Villa on October 4th, Jackson of Sunderland scored early in the second half. Villa made strenuous efforts to draw level and the Sunderland goal was bombarded but try as they might the Home Team could not beat Doig. Also in an away friendly fixture on October 11th. against the Corinthians the 'Newcastle Journal' reported that "Doig showed himself to be a goalkeeper of the highest class". Later, on December 6th "Doig kept a very fine goal; some of his clearances being brilliant in execution". this performance earned a 0:0 draw.

In the away fixture versus Everton on March 14th the 'Liverpool Mercury' reported that "Doig was given plenty to do. He made a pretty clearance from a header and later made two fine saves from Settle, he defied every attempt to secure the downfall of his charge and the keenest efforts of Everton were baffled by the cleverness of Doig. Whilst Sunderland possess an artist like Doig they will always require some beating; the veteran appeared to have lost none of his vivacity and cleverness at dealing with close range shots". The game was won by a score of 3:0. The main challengers of this season The Wednesday won 0:1 at Roker Park on March 21st. The supporters were again incensed at the referee and they took it out on the Wednesday team, stoning their brake in Roker Baths Road. This unruly behaviour caused the ground to be suspended, the "home" game against Middlesbrough had to be played at Newcastle. At Liverpool on Monday March 30th. "Doig performing with his usual skill in goal, his final clearances being exceedingly smart saved the game", the score at the finish being 1:1. The last league home game of the season against Stoke, Doig saved magnificently up to the interval to earn a 0:0 draw on Friday April 10th. Sunderland had dropped five points out of six at Easter but could still win the title if they won their last two games - both at St. James Park. The first against Middlesbrough was won 2:1 but the vital last game versus Newcastle was lost 0:1, despite the fact that Sunderland had won all their previous league games at St. James Park. The Wednesday thus took the title by one point, Sunderland finishing in third place behind Aston Villa who had a better goal average.

An unusual shot of Sunderlands squad in the 02-03 season, It showshow Roker park looked at the turn of the century. Although the capacity was a vast improvement on Newcastle Road, the low terracing and old grandstand could not hold massive crowds it was later to accomodate. The largest pre-first war crowd was for West Bromwich Albion's visit on 24th February 1912. The official attendence was 443,383 but many more climbed the railings to get in. The second half had to be delayed as the crowd spilt onto the pitch.

On February 28th 1903, Sunderland as the champions of the professionals met Corinthians representing the amateurs, at Tottenham Hotspur's ground in competition for the Sheriff of London's Charity Shield. Sunderland's team consisted of :- Doig; McCombie, Watson; Farquhar, McAllister, Jackson; Hogg, Robinson, Miller, Hewitt and Bridgett. The Corinthians were :- G. E. Wilkinson; Rev. W. Blackburn, W. U. Timmis; P. P. Braithwaite, M. Morgan-Owen, H. Vickers; M. H. Stanbrough, R. Corbett, R. G. Wright, C. F. Ryder and B. O. Corbett.

A match report stated "With little or no grass to be seen and the surface in a greasy condition, accurate passing and kicking became very difficult. The conditions appeared to affect the professionals but little and they gave a display of collective excellence from the start to finish. The amateur forwards were an untried combination; they had not played together before and they proved totally ineffective. The professional backs were complete masters of the situation⁴³". Miller (2) and Hewitt scored for Sunderland to win the Charity Shield for the first time. Doig also played his part⁴⁴; in the first half "Wright tested Doig with a capital shot which he kicked away" and later "grand play by R. Corbett ended in Doig having to clear an awkward shot". With the score at 2:0 "Doig fisted out a warm shot from Ryder". Lord Kinnaird, President of the Football Association presented the medals and shield. In the Sunderland Boardroom there is a photograph of the team and officials displaying the 1901-02 Championship Trophy, the Durham County Cup and the Charity Shield.

Sunderland's cup jinx continued in the F.A. Cup when they were drawn away from home in the first round to their rivals Aston Villa. The excitement over this fixture was so intense that the Villa Club at their director's meeting of 29th January ordered 70 policemen and six dozen stewards, the stewards to be chosen by each director 'submitting half a dozen names of good workmen'. The tie took place on February 7th when Villa again defeated Sunderland by 1:3 in the cup. Villa were delighted at this win as they had failed to beat Sunderland in their previous six league fixtures, the last occurring only a week before at Roker. An article appeared in a Birmingham evening newspaper offering the match ball in a raffle stating "The ball that Villa did the trick with -- Who wishes to possess it -- Four* times banged through the Sunderland goal". It was described as an excellent opportunity to possess a unique memento of a famous victory, the proceeds to be given to the Aston Villa Cot Fund. (**one goal was disallowed.).

'Teddy' Doig again featured in the now regular International Trial game between the 'Home' and Anglo Scots. He had most of the work to do, being beaten twice in both halves, the 'home' side winning 4:1, Rennie in the opposing goal being practically idle. McCombie and Watson of Sunderland had declined to play in the trial after being criticised for their performance against the Welsh on March 9th.

However, on April 4th 1903 the Sunderland defence* of Doig, McCombie and Watson were chosen en bloc to appear for Scotland against England, the rest of the side being :- A. Aitken, Newcastle; A. Raisbeck, Liverpool; J. Robertson, Rangers; R. Templeton, Newcastle; R. Walker, Hearts; R. Hamilton, Rangers; F. Speedie, Rangers; A. Smith, Rangers. England's representatives were :- T. Badderley, Wolverhampton Wanderers; R. Crompton, Blackburn Rovers; G. Molyneux, Southampton; W. H. Johnson, Sheffield United; T. Booth, Everton; A. E. Houlker, Portsmouth; H. Davis, Sheffield Wednesday; P. Humphries, Notts County; V. J. Woodward, Tottenham Hotspur; A. J. Capes, Stoke City; J. Cox, Liverpool. (* Sunderland originally refused to release the three players and in the event would not pay their weeks wages, the Scottish F.A. agreeing to make up their pay.) This disagreement obviously rumbled on for some time, the Evening Chronicle of 25th April speculating "We have heard persistent statements to the effect that Doig and the two Sunderland backs did not receive permission to attend the International match from the Directorate, but 'went on their own,' and that they wee punished for their unauthorised action by having their wages 'docked' . On the other hand, we have been told that this is all 'rubbish', but as neither the one statement nor the other was official, it would be very interesting to know which is right".

The match, played at Bramall Lane, Sheffield was won 2:1 by Scotland, the attendance being 35,000. England, kicking with the wind in the first half, dominated the game; Doig however performed miracles in goal and England's sole reward came from the amateur Vivian Woodward. Scotland scored twice in the second period, Speedie on 55 minutes and Bobby Walker the winner two minutes later clearly making Scotland the superior team by the final whistle. A newspaper photograph exists of an incident in the game subtitled "Doig saves a stinging shot" and it appears in the book "Association Football". A copy of the photograph was given to Eric Doig when he visited Arbroath F. C. in 1993.

The medal and shirt badge for this game, 'Teddy's' 6th International is also in the possession of Eric Doig (Grandson). All six caps however have disappeared from the family possession, although in the Boardroom at Arbroath F. C. there is one Scottish cap - plain maroon, no tassels, with the logo S v E 1899, which relates to 'Teddy' Doig's 4th International game. The Club have no other connection with this match but it is not known how the Club acquired it. Again the International match was the only time that Doig missed a league match in 1902-03. His 39 appearances for the season, which included 15 'clean sheets', were 33 league, 1 cup, Charity Shield and at least 4 friendly games. P 44; W 21, D 10, L 13; F 76, A 56.

An unfortunate row over a payment of #100 to McCombie marred the 1903-04 season. This resulted in an F.A. investigation over illegal bonus payments, the club was fined #250 and all six Directors suspended. The results on the field may have been reflected by this row as all players were investigated and severely censured. However, the season began well enough with four wins. Two excellent home wins of 4:1 and 6:1 over Notts County and Aston Villa were followed by wins at Middlesbrough 3:2 and home to Liverpool in which Lindsay substituted for Doig to secure a 2:1 win. Billy Hogg, now operating at centre forward, scored four in three of these games. Gemmell at inside left got another four, Robinson, inside right - three and wingmen Craggs and Bridgett two each. The club then got a poor return from the next six matches, one win, one draw and four defeats. Six verses⁵⁴ from an unknown poet describe this 1903-1904 side : -

On 28th November 1903 'Teddy' Doig notched up his 400th league game at Derby County losing massively by 2:7. By the end of February the form of the team was indifferent, winning half of the 26 games and drawing in 5 others. The home crowd were no doubt enlivened by a 6:0 scoreline over Bury on January 21st. Following the opening game of March on the fifth the Club was fined three guineas for fielding a weakened team in the league as two of the regular players were appearing for the reserves in the Durham Cup on the same day. In the next game on 12th at home to Everton, Doig was reported to have saved several good shots. The Liverpool Daily Post commented that "Doig still displays resourcefulness and judgement which years ago placed him in the foremost rank of Association goalkeepers". However he was to play only three more league games for Sunderland. His final league game for the Club occurred on 2nd. April 1904 at Manchester City when he was beaten twice for a 1:2 result. Thomas Rowlandson, who was an amateur with Corinthians, had replaced him in goal on April 1st and also for the last two league games on Monday 4th April and Saturday 16th. It was later hinted at in an article in May that a dispute between Doig and the club led the club to give Rowlandson a try. Despite taking three out of four points from Newcastle, Sunderland finished for the first time below the Wearsiders in 6th place whilst their rivals were in the fourth spot. :- P 34; W 12, D 3, L 2, F 41, A 15; W 5, D 2, L 10, F 22, A 34; Pts 39.

On Boxing Day 1903, a seventh child and only the second girl was born and 'Teddy' and Davina named her Eva Martin.

Again Sunderland were defeated in the first round of the F.A. Cup, this time losing to Manchester City by 2:3 in Manchester. 'Teddy', now 37 years old, missed five games - on September 19th and 26th 1903 when he was suffering from a sprained wrist and 1st, 4th, and 16th April 1904 making a total of 29 league and one cup appearances and 7 of the 10 friendlies. In his very last game for the club, an away game against Alnwick Percy Rovers, Doig was made captain and led out a strong Sunderland side which included seven first -teamers who triumphed over the Northumberland side by 4:1.

During the summer break in 1904, relations between the Club and their longest serving player seem to have soured somewhat. Teddy Doig was apparently offered reduced wages and this made up his mind to seek a change of club. A newspaper report stated :-

J. E. 'Teddy' Doig had now completed fourteen years continuous service with the one club, at that time a record for the League. He played in a grand total of 417 league games plus 4 Test games out of a possible 434; all 35 F. A. Cup and 1 Charity Shield match and numerous other representative and friendly games totalling at least 216 more. Of the thirteen league games missed, only eight were due to injury, the other five as he was on International duty. The league games total at the Club has only been bettered by goalkeeper Jim Montgomery in the 1970's. He had helped the Club to four Championship Titles, the Club were also in the top three places on five other occasions in his fourteen years. It is still fairly rare even today for a player to make a century or more consecutive appearances in first class games. 'Teddy' did this feat twice. 108 consecutive games between September 1890 to 6th January 1894 and the second time 100 games between 11th April 1896 to 1st April 1899. He also managed to make a further 80 consecutive games between 8th April 1899 to 5th October 1901.

From the time that 'Teddy' joined Sunderland in September 1890 until the beginning of 1896-97 season (five seasons) Sunderland were only beaten once at home (December 9th 1893) in both league and cup. Their defensive record was the best in the League in seasons 1892-93, 1894-95, 1897-98, 1900-01, and equal best in 1902-03 with the average seasonal goals against being 37.4 compared with the average for all other teams in the league of 51.6 over the fourteen seasons.

The 8 goals against total at home in 1897-98 in 15 games (or 9 in 1899-1900 in 17 games) and the 15 goals against away from home in 17 matches and 26 in total in 1900-01 - equivalent to 11, 18.5 and 32 respectively in 42 match seasons, have not been bettered by any Sunderland side.

In an International career spanning 16 years from 1887-1903, 'Teddy' Doig represented his country six times, a figure that undoubtedly would have been much higher but for the ban on "Anglo's" up to 1896 and also Sunderland's refusal to release him on dates when they had vital league games.

'Teddy' in the summer of 1904 therefore looked for a transfer that would continue his career. Events were to prove that honours in the game were still to await him. The Sunderland Echo of Friday August 12th 1904 carried the following report :-

We are informed by Mr. Tom Watson, secretary of the Liverpool A. F. C., that he has signed on J. E. Doig, the old Sunderland international goalkeeper. A statement has been made that negotiations between the club and the player had ceased owing to the Sunderland A. F. C. altering their terms, but this has proved incorrect. Doig as a matter of fact being away at Liverpool when the statement was being made, for the purpose of coming to a final agreement, and this was arrived at today. With regard to the Sunderland and Liverpool Clubs all arrangements were made and agreed upon quite two months ago, and never since the Mersey club first took the matter up, has it been dropped. Doig long since having received instructions from Mr. Watson to do nothing -- meaning presumably, not to sign up with any other club until they had settled with him. Doig, we understood, though by no means inclined to back out of the negotiations with Liverpool, would had these fallen through, willingly have re-signed on for Sunderland had he been asked : family reasons making his stay in Sunderland very agreeable. We are moreover given to understand that certain of the directors of the Sunderland club would have been pleased had their famous player re-signed. A telegram from another Liverpool source states that the transfer fee was #150.

At the end of the 1903-04 season the Liverpool club was relegated to the Second Division of the Football League after a run of eight seasons in the top flight. The defence had conceded 62 goals in 34 games and the Secretary / Manager Tom Watson, decided that the side required a defensive stiffening. The Liverpool Echo of Monday 20th June reported that he had been making enquiries about Doig, (his protege at Sunderland in 1890),who had been put on the transfer list. However it was said that the veteran would prefer to stay in the first Division. On Saturday 2nd July the "Echo" stated that Mr. Watson had visited Sunderland the day before and had agreed terms for the transfer of J. E. Doig the well known custodian, and should Doig agree, then he would be signed at once. On Wednesday 6th July, the paper announced :-

"It is officially announced from Sunderland that J. E. Doig the veteran goalkeeper of the Sunderland Club and Scottish International has been transferred to Liverpool. The transfer fee is said to be a small one*. Doig had been with Sunderland since 1890". (* #150 - Historian of Sunderland A.F.C.). John Edward Doig thus became the first of a long line of International goalkeepers which later caused the club to adopt a telegraphic address of " Goalkeeper, Anfield."

An intriguing proposal, reported in the 'Echo' of 21st May, put to the Football League Management Committee by Liverpool F.C. was for a change of rule 15 on shirt colours. They proposed that "All home teams to wear red shirts or jerseys and away teams to wear white shirts or jerseys". Liverpool of course always wore red colours. The proposal was negated on the grounds that clubs preferred the sentimentality of their original colours.

Edward Doig moved his young family to Liverpool, his eldest son, also Edward, being 13 years old, whilst his youngest Stanley, just over two. They first lived at 314, Anfield Road and sometime in 1906 took up residence at 18, Miriam Road, a few hundred yards from the football stadium. The house can be described as a three bedroom terrace property with a small rear yard - small enough indeed to house his growing family of five boys and two girls. When the family first came to Liverpool, 'Teddy' was offered the Arkles Public House in Anfield Road to supplement his football wages but he decided that it would not be an environment to bring up his young family. He bought a very good Royal Liver Insurance book and also did some credit drapery as these door to door activities were very popular in those times.

Front Row M Parry, D M urry, R Platt, J E Doig , W Dunlop, C Wilson, C Evans,
Second Row W Connell (Trainer), G Fleming, J Carlin, G Latham, A Raisbeck.
Third Row J Hughes, T Charlton, J. Cox, T Watson (Sec)
Fourth Row. A Goddard, R Robinson, R Morris, J Ewitt J. Parkinson, J. Garside.

With Doig now in the side and Robert Robinson, also signed from Sunderland the previous February, Liverpool swept all before them in Division Two. Doig, the first of many International goalkeepers to represent Liverpool, pulled on a red shirt in public for the first time in a practice match on Saturday August 20th 1904. The team format for this game was the proposed first eleven defence in red versus the first team attack in white. A large crowd had each paid 1^dfor the ground or 2^dfor the grandstand, the receipts going to local charities. Hewitt, centre forward of the Whites was the first player to score against his new goalkeeper, the game ending at 2:2. A second practice six days later with the First Eleven v Reserves ended with a score of 5:1 for the Reds in front of a crowd of 5,000.

The League season opened on Thursday 1st September with the visit of Burton United to Anfield who, in front of a crowd of 10,000,were beaten 2:0. On the Saturday, the "Reds" entertained Glossop who drew 2:2, Hewitt equalising for Liverpool in the 90th minute. The following Saturday Liverpool travelled to Chesterfield and drew again this time 1:1. Saturday 17th September saw the visit of Bradford to Anfield and were soundly beaten 4:1 and an away win at Lincoln City by 2:0 a week later ended the month with the hope of better things to come. The forceful play by the Liverpool forwards coupled with a vigorous defence, marshalled by Raisbeck and supported by full back Dunlop gave Doig little chance to shine. October began with the visit of Leicester Fosse on the 1st and they were well beaten 4:0, Robinson scoring all the goals in the second half. The Liverpool Echo, reporting the away match on the 8th said that Birtles of Barnsley showed Dunlop a clean pair of heels, and with only Doig to beat, made poor use of his shot, and a minute later Doig ran out just in time to make a good save, the final score being 2:0 for Liverpool. At home to West Bromwich Albion on the 15th, Liverpool were clearly ahead at half time by 3:1, but near the end under increasing pressure, Doig made a splendid save but the pressure increased and the final score was 3:2. Following a further 2:0 victory away to Burnley on 22nd October, the 'Echo' depicted a cartoon of a Liverpool player in the posture of a cockerel and in the humour of the day gave the following lines

Cock -a doodle-doo! You'll excuse my crowing, Unbeaten still it's true. One has no chance of knowing , who will be the foe, To bring my record low. So I have the pluck, While I'm in such luck. To cock-a-doodle, cock-a-doodle, cock-a-doodle-doo.

The October League fixtures closed on the 29th with a 5:0 home win against Grimsby and whilst the headline in the 'Echo' extolled the great display, a sub headline stated "Doig Invincible" reporting that he saved time and time again; punched clear away a free kick; the Grimsby outside right presented Doig with a fine swirling shot; and Nelmes also tested Doig with a shot that was gathered and successfully cleared. Liverpool sent a strong team to play Preston North End on Monday 31st October in a benefit game for Rab. Howell who had broken a leg badly and was having to retire from the game. Howell was an International right full back who had previously played for Liverpool from 1897 to 1901, totalling 68 games. The result was a 2-2 draw with Doig making excellent saves. As winter neared, a clear cut 3:0 win away at Blackpool on 5th November continued the run, but the next game, away to Burslam Port Vale on the 12th proved to be a more difficult task. The 'Echo' was to report that several capital attempts were made to get the ball past Doig. Keeping up steady pressure, a brilliant rising shot by Mountford caused Doig to 'stay' the course of the ball almost under the bar, and he also had a difficult shot to negotiate following a free kick against full back Dunlop. Liverpool were one nil down at half time. In the second half Mountford and Price put in a couple of clever shots at Doig but Liverpool finally won 2:1 due to an own goal by the home team and Raybould scoring a second. The last league game of November was a third consecutive away match, against Gainsborough Town in Lincoln on the 19th, the players and officials were "up with the lark" to catch the 8.30 am train for this long trip and won the game 2:1 both sides scoring from penalty kicks. Thus ended a sequence of 13 matches without being beaten the last 10 being straight wins, goals for 34 against 8. To fill in a blank Saturday on 26th November, Liverpool entertained Millwall at home in a friendly and won 5:1. A further away match on the 3rd December at Bolton Wanderers which was lost by 0:2 ended the above sequence. An experiment using a special train to carry Liverpool supporters had an unfortunate ending. It arrived in Bolton 20 minutes late and the crowd had to run all the way to the ground missing the first goal, against Liverpool!.

The famous music hall comedian, George Robey, nicknamed "the Prime Minister of Mirth" frequently organised a charitable football match. He invited a selected side to play with him on Monday December 5th against Tottenham Hotspur to raise funds for the widow of J. Jones, a footballer who had recently died. His selection was Doig (Liverpool); Spencer (Aston Villa), Sharp (Fulham); Needham (Sheffield United), Crawshaw (Sheffield Wed.), Houlke (Southampton); Davis (Sheffield Wed.) G. Robey, V. J. Woodward (Tottenham), Maxwell (Millwall), Cox (Liverpool). The Hotspurs finally won 2:1 after an even game with a half-time score of 1:1.

A friendly fixture on 10th December at Leyton between The Corinthians and Liverpool recorded a score of 3:3. The 'Reds' got back to winning ways in the league at home on 17th beating Bristol City by 3:1. However a frost bound pitch at Manchester against United on Christmas Eve gave Doig some work, Pedie of United sending in a swift low shot which he saved superbly and in the second half, Doig just managed to fist out from the corner of the net, but a penalty put out of his reach near the end, concluded Liverpool's second defeat of the season by 1:3.

There was great excitement in the City on January 2nd 1905 as Liverpool were due to meet local rivals Everton in the Liverpool Senior Cup final at Anfield. The match was attended by the Lord Mayor, "a party from Knowsley" (i.e. Lord Derby's family) and 25,000 other spectators. Everton's First Division side lined up as follows :-Scott; Balmer, Crelly; Hanlin, Taylor, Abbott; Rankin, McDermott, Young, McLoughlin and Hardman. Liverpool were represented by :-Doig; West, Dunlop; Parry, Raisbeck, Wilson; Goddard, Robinson, Cox, Morris and Fleming.

The match was reported as being marvellously exciting with Doig having a warm time from frontal attacks, fisting out gallantly from McLoughlin and Young. McLoughlin further tested Doig, who repelled the dangerous shot coolly enough and a further beautiful shot by the same forward was headed out by Doig in wonderful fashion. With the score of 1:1 at half time and Everton pressing strongly Liverpool were able to break away to clinch the match by 4 goals to 1 at the finish. The large crowd gave a tremendous ovation to the winning players as they lined up to receive their medals from Miss Victoria Stanley (Lord Derby's daughter) and the Lord Mayor gave a speech of thanks to the hosts.

The league programme resumed on 7th January with a home game of some significance against Chesterfield. Liverpool scored six goals but Chesterfield crossed and recrossed the ball in front of Doig to give no chance with their only goal. Despite the goals against Chesterfield, Watson saw potential in their young goalkeeper, Sam Hardy and he was soon to join Liverpool for a fee of #500. On Saturday 14th Liverpool were eliminated 0-2 in the Lancashire Senior Cup semi-final by Southport Central. In the next match at home to Lincoln City on the 21st, Doig was soon busy with a couple of long shots and later fisted away another long shot. A very stiff bully in front of Doig's goal ended in advantage to Liverpool and they led at half time by one goal but in a foggy second half Lincoln equalised to finish the game at 1:1. Manager Tom Watson sensing that his team was getting stale, took the squad to Southport to a training camp for the week. In reporting a 3 : 0 victory away at Leicester Fosse on 28th January in the second half Hyatt headed in but Doig was on watch and threw clear. Durant put in a shot that looked to defeat Doig but Raisbeck handled. Pollock shot the resulting penalty but Doig saved to keep another 'clean sheet'.

Liverpool's cup battles with Everton resumed with a home draw in the first round of the F.A. Cup on Saturday 4th February and Everton, determined to avenge the earlier cup defeat, soon put the 'Reds' under pressure. The 'Echo' reported that "Settle had a clear course and a GOAL SEEMED IMMINENT but Doig summed up the situation in a flash, running out to intercept Settle at the CRITICAL MOMENT. It was a fine example of COOL UNERRING JUDGEMENT". With a 1:1 score a late Everton rally gained a free kick which resulted in Doig being called on and right vigorously he fisted out. In the replay at Goodison Park on the 8th, Everton worked their way in until Doig was uncovered and scored easily in just 3 minutes. Later Sharp tested Doig with a fine rush and he dealt smartly with a difficult shot. Revenge was gained by Everton, finally winning 1:2 and they went on to the semi-final before losing to Aston Villa after a replay.

Liverpool then had to travel to West Bromwich to play Albion on 11th February. In the first half, Doig fisted out a fine shot and just before half time Albion made desperate attempts, Doig saving at the expense of a corner. In the second period Raybould soon scored for the 'Reds' before Manners put in a long ground shot which Doig accounted for in a businesslike fashion. Parkinson then scored to seal a 2:0 victory. A friendly match away at Hull City on the 18th gave Liverpool a 6:2 victory. A further 1:0 league win away to Grimsby Town on the 25th was followed by a magnificent 5:0 home win on 4th March against Blackpool, Parkinson scoring a hat-trick.

A mid-week game against Bradford on Tuesday 7th March saw Liverpool leading by 4:0 at half time, the final score being 4:2. Saturday 11th March brought a further victory 4:1 away to Doncaster Rovers and on the 18th March at home to Gainsborough, the seventh win in a row was gained by 6:1. However on the 25th, Liverpool suffered their third and last defeat of the season, away to Burton United by 1:2.

April began with a home match on the 1st against Bolton Wanderers, who were also vying for promotion, Doig bringing off what was described as a pretty save from a centre by Nelson, the final score between the rivals was 1:1 in front of a 25,000 crowd. Burslem Port Vale then suffered from Liverpool's biggest victory by 8 goals to 1 on the 8th April, the goal by the away team being a penalty which went in off the crossbar.

Another win was then recorded on the 15th by 1:0 away to Bristol City and six days later on Good Friday, Doncaster Rovers were beaten at home again by 1:0 and then on Saturday 22nd against Manchester United, Liverpool again won handsomely by scoring 4 goals without reply, to clinch promotion to the First Division, the players being carried off to the dressing room shoulder high by some of the biggest crowd of the season at Anfield - 28,000.

The last match of the season saw the headlines "DOIG SAVES A PENALTY" and "LIVERPOOL WIN WITH 9 MEN" when Burnley were the visitors on Saturday 29th April. The game was won 3:0 but did not go entirely easily for the 'Reds'. Barron tested Doig with a stinging shot, and later a further stinging shot was finely cleared. Reduced to 9 men, a penalty was given away by Chorlton which was splendidly saved by Doig. When the whistle finally ended the game, the players were again carried off the field amidst exultant scenes.

In the Lancashire Senior Cup Liverpool got through the first two rounds with easy home victories against Burnley by 7:1 on October 10th and 5:1 over Blackburn on November 7th 1904. However the semi-final tie away to Southport Central was lost by 0:2. The results of the 1904-05 season can be summarised as follows :-

P 34; W 14, D 3, L 0, F 60, A 12; W 13, D 1, L 3, F 33, A 13; Pts 58. Position - First.

Liverpool thus regained First Division status at the first attempt. This in itself created a record in that Liverpool three times regained top status after only one season in the lower division and the 58 points total had beaten the previous highest of 55 points by West Bromwich Albion. Doig was the only ever present player, conceding only 25 goals, keeping 16 'clean sheets' in the league, the biggest defeat being the 1:3 score by Manchester United who finished in third position, behind Bolton Wanderers and Champions Liverpool who had attracted an average crowd of 14,500 for their home matches. He therefore played in 34 league, 2 F. A. and 4 other cup ties and 3 friendly games making a total of 43 appearances for the season. Total games :- P 43; W 32, D 6, L 5; F 125, A 39.

Before the start of the 1905-06 season, Liverpool held a practice game on Saturday 19th August, again the usual format being the first team defence against the best attack but a significant feature was the appearance for the 'whites' of their newly signed goalkeeper from Chesterfield. Teams :- Reds : Doig; West, Dunlop; Parry, Raisbeck, Fleming; Dudley, Gorman, G. Robinson, Hewitt and Garside. Whites :- Hardy; Wilson, Murray; James Hughes, Lathom, John Hughes; Goddard, R. Robinson, Parkinson, Raybould and Cox.

The programme in the first Division began disastrously but the season ended in triumph. It began at Woolwich Arsenal on 2nd September. The Liverpool Echo reported "the finer points of the game were conspicuous by their absence". There was an exhibition of long kicking but it resulted in nothing more than a series of wild bullies in front of goalkeepers Doig and Ashworth. In the first half Parkinson, who had scored 20 goals in the previous season, broke his wrist in collision with the Arsenal 'keeper, Robinson was also hurt and had to retire for a short while for treatment and the 'Reds' had to struggle on, losing the game by 1:3.

Parkinson was side-lined until mid March and the reliable left back Dunlop was also injured and missed the next two games. The first of these, a home game versus Blackburn was played in heavy rain. By half time, the visitors led by 1:2 both their goals due to the ball slipping out of Doig's hands. At one stage the rain became so torrential that the referee led the players off the field to shelter whilst some of the unfortunate 15,000 spectators scampered to shelter under the stand. The game was finally lost by 1:3 and the 'Echo' was to report "WEAK CUSTODIANSHIP". The next game, away to Aston Villa on Monday 8th September became the heaviest defeat of the season by 0:5.

Liverpool visited Sunderland on Saturday 16th September and Doig met with a great reception by the home crowd of 20,000. He was soon to show his old club that he had lost none of his skill, taking the ball literally from the toes of Hogg and dealing with four shots which peppered his goal. However, Bridgett deliberately aimed and Doig failed to clear his ground shot which gave a half time score of 1:1, the match going Liverpool's way finally by 2:1, both goals scored by Raybould. Two days later the team was beaten at Bury 0:2 in the Lancashire Senior Cup, first round. The league position was slightly restored a week later with a 2:0 home win against Birmingham. It was reported that "Doig saved repeatedly, once in a dangerous fashion with his foot. He did all that was asked of him and his play and that at Sunderland quite wiped out the remembrance of former failures". The next game away to Everton on 30th September was lost by 2:4 after a great struggle before 40,000 spectators. Everton's second goal before half time being due to a weak back pass that forced Doig to give away a corner and when Doig was hemmed in by his full backs, Abbott scored practically on the goal line from the centre. Everton's side :- Scott; Balmer, Crelly; Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle and Hardman. Liverpool's team :- Doig; West, Murray; Parry, Raisbeck, Bradley; Goddard, Robinson, Hewitt, Raybould and Cox. Hewitt scored for the reds on 44 minutes for a half- time score of 1:2 with Goddard adding the second goal.

The balance was again restored at home on 7th October against Derby County, in the first half Warren scored for Derby, the ball taking a lot of curl into the top corner of the net leaving Doig beaten for a half time score of 1:1. In the second period, Doig had to deal with a couple of swift corners but Liverpool finished 4:1 ahead. Liverpool now visited Sheffield on 14th October to play 'The Wednesday'. It was reported that Ruddleston running within 20 yards of Doig, scored evidently catching him completely by surprise. Another shot was only partially fisted out and the return was scored. Doig then saved a rasping shot. In the second half the whole of the Sheffield forward line combined in a fine movement but Doig saved proficiently but the game was finally lost by 2:3. The news reports detected lapses of concentration by the veteran goalkeeper and so had manager Watson who decided to give his new signing Sam Hardy his chance, and Doig was unable to regain his place for the rest of the season. Nine wins and two draws from 21st October until a Boxing Day defeat at Stoke, laid the foundation for Liverpool's second First Division Title.

'Teddy' Doig's eight games at the beginning of the 1905-06 season showed 3 wins and 5 defeats, 14 goals for and 20 against, with only one 'clean sheet'. It is not known that a championship medal was awarded to Doig. At that time clubs were providing medals to players at the discretion of secretary / managers and only 13 players had played more games than 'Teddy' Doig and so it is possible that the veteran 'keeper received one. However neither the Club nor the Football League or indeed the medal makers Vaughtons of Birmingham have records which would substantiate this.

Tom Watson's report to the Liverpool Shareholders meeting on Tuesday 12th June 1906 summarised each players contribution to the Championship Title. He was to say of the goalkeepers that Hardy, who was signed from Chesterfield before the season, was called upon when Doig injured himself and he played so well that he kept his place. The analysis by the Liverpool Echo on 21st April reported that Hardy had superseded Doig who was laid up with rheumatism.

Liverpool's Reserve side also began the 1905-06 season disastrously. Sam Hardy , in goal helped the reserves to a 1:0 victory at home to Manchester United Reserves. In the second game on Monday 4th September away to Everton Reserves, Hardy retired injured very early in the first half which ended with the score at 1:1 but in the second period, reduced by this time to nine men with no recognised goalkeeper, the 'Reds' succumbed to a barrage and the final score was a heavy defeat by 2:7. Injuries to both first team and reserve players forced the Club to field up to five amateurs, one of these being a goalkeeper called Ryder, who played in the next four games before Hardy returned for another two games in early October. 'Teddy' Doig was by then suffering from rheumatism and was replaced in the first team by Hardy on 21st October, Ryder resuming in goal for the Reserves for three games up to November 4th. By this time the results showed :- P10; W1, D3, L6, F12, A24; Pts 5; they were positioned 20th (last place) in the Lancashire Combination (1st Division).

Doig, fit again, had to concede his first team place to Hardy, who had proved his qualities, and so took his place in the Reserves on 11th November to assist the side to their second win of the season 3:0 at home to Nelson. Spectators at Rossendale were given a rare treat when Liverpool reserves visited on Saturday December 2nd for "Doig gave a specimen of his abilities. In the first half his goal was bombarded but he was not to be beaten. A goal was conceded soon after resumption and Doig was not to be beaten again, the match ending 0:1. The display by the custodian was one of the best seen at the Rossendale ground for a long time". Doig remained in the reserves for the rest of the season except for one match on 25th November (Ryder again) and the results improved slowly for the team to finish a creditable 6th place, the final results being :-

A Reserve match of note was the return fixture at home against a highly placed Everton side on March 31st 1906. Doig saved a penalty for the 'Reds' whilst Everton's 'keeper failed to stop a similar award to Liverpool. Thus the penalties tipped the balance of the game to 4:2 in Liverpool's favour. 'Teddy' Doig had therefore played in twenty seven reserve games, the results as follows :- W15, D5, L7, F56, A29 and ten of the games were 'clean sheets'.

To commemorate the season's success in winning the League Championship, Liverpool Senior Cup and the Sheriff of London's Charity Shield, the Directors decided to reward the team with a trip to Paris. Most players, including 'Teddy' Doig, accepted the invitation and they, along with Tom Watson, Club Chairman Councillor E. Berry, Mr J. McKenna, Mr W. C. Briggs and Mr J. Astbury, left Central Station, Liverpool at 2.25pm on Thursday July 26th 1906. The party travelled via Manchester to London where they stayed overnight at the Wilson Hotel. Leaving Victoria Station at 10am on Friday they travelled to Newhaven and crossed to Dieppe catching the Paris train, arriving at 6.40pm. Accommodation had been arranged for the week at the Hotel de Louvre on Rue de Rivoli and the players, looking fit and well after a most pleasant journey, enjoyed dinner. A programme of drives had been arranged for the week so that the sights and views of 'Gay Paree' would be enjoyed but on the Saturday the players were free to stroll around Paris at leisure, whilst the Directors were interviewed by Monsieur Lipeltier, Director of "Le Journal". This gentleman kindly loaned his river steamer for the party to follow the Race for the Championship of the Seine, so on Sunday they drove to 'Port National' to embark and view the events from the river. The great race was won by fellow countryman and friend Jarvis. After lunch they took a train for the races at Maison Lafitte where it is said that some players were lucky. On Monday they were driven to view the northern parts of Paris and on Tuesday visited the Forest and Chateau of Fontainebleu. Wednesdays visit was around the southern parts of the City and finally on Thursday the marvellous sights of Versaille were enjoyed. The players "had a great time" and the weather was everything one could wish. The party left for the return to Liverpool on Friday. His Grandson John A. Doig has two "Prints" in his possession both of

Monaco

, they are said to be purchased during this trip.

As a postscript to the report, an American lady, dining at the hotel, was heard to remark "Who are those men with the red bands ? Are they a club?" When told that they were from Liverpool Football Club, she replied "Well, who would have thought that there was a football club staying here. They behave splendidly". To say if the men are behaving themselves or not needs no further comment. The players were probably 'kitted out' for the trip and the red band referred to was around a straw 'boater' hat and it had the Liverpool F.C. crest in the front. The band off 'Teddy' Doig's hat has been donated to the Liverpool F. C. Museum by grandson J. Eric Doig. A sequel to this trip was that the Club were called to account to the Football League as it was considered that the reward of the trip amounted to illegal payments.

A "prince of goalkeepers"lang hes been,an' mony a battle he's seen; O fitba' intrest just as keen; as golfer caddie, Lang may he live an' aye kick clean, Oor Arbroath Laddie!

On Tuesday 7th August 1906 the team reported to Anfield to begin their pre season training. With Hardy now so reliable in goal, 'Teddy' Doig was restricted to replacement appearances when Hardy was chosen to play for England and also as cover for occasional injuries. He had to settle for reserve team football in the First Division of the Lancashire Combination.

The 1906-07 season brought only four First Division team appearances in the later part of the programme but on Monday October 15th Doig replaced Hardy in the second round of the Lancashire Senior Cup, against Rossendale United, the First Eleven easily winning 6:0. It can be noted that the reserve side, including Doig, had been beaten 3:5 by the same team two days earlier. Following the cup match Doig missed three reserve games and resumed playing on Saturday November 10th, Jewkes replacing him in the reserves.

A happy event on 31st October 1906 was the birth of 'Teddy' and Davina's eighth and last child - a girl, born at 18, Miriam Road, Anfield and named Miriam Douglas. The origin of the second forename is not known, but it may well be that the first is taken from the road name.

'Teddy' Doig returned to reserve duties on November 10th at Preston to help the side to seven straight wins until Everton held them to a 2:2 home draw on Christmas Day. Five more wins followed, the last being at Oldham when Athletic were beaten 2:1 and Doig was reported as being glorious in goal. A crowd of 20,000 attended Goodison Park on Saturday February 2nd in the away clash, this time the score shared at 1:1. Doig had a busy time, Chadwick almost caught him napping but he just managed to turn the ball round the post, he saved from Wright and later Jones put in a rasping shot from outside the penalty area but the old master dealt with it coolly and cleverly. Doig was still playing for the reserves on Saturday 9th February 1907 at St. Helens Recreationals, keeping a very safe goal, making several marvellous saves in the second half, Liverpool winning 2:1; Joe Hewitt, who had been in Sunderland's side in 1901 - 04 scoring with Hughes for a half time lead of 2:0. The next Saturday he made his first appearance for the first team, who arrived by train at Sheffield at 1pm and took lunch at the Station Hotel before driving the three miles to the Wednesday ground. A penalty in the first five minutes gave Doig no chance, but later the veteran showed that he still knew his work and following this 0:1 reverse at half time, Liverpool took command and ran off winners by 3:2.

Hardy suffered an injured foot and so on 2nd March, Doig was again picked to play at Manchester City. Before half time it looked 'odds on' for Jones to score for City but Doig cleared, Wilkinson ran in to give a terrific drive which was saved with all his old cleverness. Awarded a penalty, Dorsett shot swiftly and low for City but Doig was there and the visiting supporters sent up a hearty cheer when the old war-horse cleared. It was all to no avail as City won 0:1. Saturday 9th March found Doig playing for the reserves again at Southport Central winning the game by 1:0. ``Two days later, Doig again appeared in the first eleven at Stoke City, the game ending in a 1:1 draw. At home to Derby County on April 6th, "Edward Doig, looking well preserved and groomed received a hearty reception when the teams entered". Bentley of Derby surprised Doig with an unexpected dangerous shot which hit the cross bar but Liverpool led by 1:0 at half time. In the second period, Davies had the easiest chance to equalise but allowed Doig to prevent him and Liverpool won 2:0, Hewitt, back in the first eleven scoring both. Thus Doig's appearances for 1906-07 in the First Division showed two wins, one draw and one defeat, goals for six, against four, but the team as a whole had a poor season with only 11 wins in 38 matches, finishing 15th in the League of 20 teams. However, the First Eleven easily won three rounds in the Lancashire Senior Cup but were beaten in the final by Blackburn Rovers. In the Lancashire Combination, Doig played 28 out of 38 fixtures (8 'clean sheets') and 2 friendlies for a seasons total of 35 games. The Reserves looked very likely to win the title but were just pipped by Oldham Athletic into second place. P 38; W 25, D 2, L 6; F 108, A 64; Pts. 57.

An intriguing comment in the Liverpool Echo of April 25th 1907 stated that "full backs occasionally score from penalties but rarely do goalkeepers. Doig, the Liverpool custodian once scored from a penalty". It is not yet known when this was.

In 1907-08, 'Teddy' now 41 years old, had again to wait until late February before taking his place in the first team. In a very windy game at Anfield against Everton Reserves on February 22nd, in front of a 7,000 crowd which doubled during the game, Doig saved from Jones and later brought off one glorious save but the game was lost by 0:2. By the next Saturday he was called on to play for the first eleven at home to Bristol City. A free kick given against full back Saul saw Doig circumventing a low crafty shot. The game was eventually won by 3:1 following a 2:0 half time lead. The Liverpool Echo "Stud Marks" column of Saturday 7th March 1908, reported that "Doig was as frisky as a colt" in the game against Sheffield United and commented that "he is good for some seasons yet". This is a curious statement as 'Teddy' did not play against the Sheffield United First Division side during the season and United were not in the Lancashire Combination. March 7th found Doig playing for the reserves at home versus Southport Central which Liverpool won 1:0

By the 31st March, Hardy was injured by a kick and Doig took his place against Preston North End at Deepdale. Saul (full back) and Parry (wing half) were also unavailable. In this weakened team, Doig played well, dealing with a ground shot by Carlin in his most juvenile fashion, Wilson shot low and Doig cleared manfully. The veteran Doig was not to be beaten by a rasping shot from Bond, saving finely. Smith headed in strongly from a free kick near the corner, but again Doig was equal to the occasion and cleared marvellously. However, a Preston penalty gave Doig no chance and despite saving a further clinking good shot from Dawson, Liverpool's weakened side eventually lost 0:3. In an astonishing game on Wednesday 25th March at home to Manchester United, Liverpool led 4:0 at half time, Doig saving cleverly from an accurate shot by Picken. In the second half United scored four times to a further three by Liverpool, the final score 7:4. Manchester went on to claim the Championship. "Stud Marks" of March 28th commented that "Doig had kept goal for Sunderland for 14 years yet he shaped like a youngster at Deepdale last Saturday".

With Hardy on International duty at Glasgow on Saturday 4th April, Liverpool travelled to Aston Villa. Early on Hampton tested Doig with a dropping shot and later Doig fisted out another dropping shot from Bradley, but Hampton was able to score from the clearance with a sure swift shot before the 'keeper recovered. Full back Saul retired injured in the first half and in the second period the 10 players could not stem the Villa forwards, the final score being 1:5 against the 'Reds'.

Hardy took his place in the side two days later away to Blackburn but was again injured. So on Saturday 11th April Doig returned for what turned out to be his last top class game, away to Newcastle United. Parry and Saul were again unavailable for the team which left Exchange Station on Friday evening to stay overnight at Carlisle. Newcastle's first goal was from a shot which Doig partially blocked and it was deemed to have rolled over the goal-line before being pushed away by the 'keeper. Wilson then had a tremendous shot which Doig missed completely for a second goal. The 'Echo' reported that "Doig's unreliability was very palpable" and the match was lost by 1:3.

The five first team games played by Doig resulted in two wins and three defeats, goals for twelve, with eighteen against, and the season ended with Liverpool in eighth place in the League.

On the 25th of April 1908 Doig played his last game in Liverpool's colours turning out for the reserves at Anfield versus St. Helens Rec's, the result being 3:3.

J. E. Doig was soon to have his first class career ended by having a postcard delivered through his door from Liverpool F.C. which stated, "your services are no longer required"¹⁰. Stanley, his son then aged six, remembers taking in this card from the door to his Father who upon reading it flew into a rage, sweeping crockery from the table and all the children scuttled up the stairs to keep out of the way. On Saturday May 2nd, the Club announced via the Liverpool Echo that Doig was one of several players not re-signed for the following season.

In 1908 St. Helens 'Recs' had been playing in the Lancashire Combination, Division One for some years. This League of twenty teams comprised of reserve sides of top class clubs such as Liverpool, Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers and also teams of smaller Lancashire towns such as Darwen, Nelson and Colne. The Club would also take part in competitions such as the English (F.A.) Cup and the Lancashire Senior Cup. Thus, in this league, the 'Recs' would have encountered Doig over the last three seasons whilst he played for Liverpool Reserves and indeed his last game for Liverpool was against the 'Recs' in April 1908. During the summer, the Club hearing that 'Teddy' Doig had not been retained by Liverpool F.C.. invited him to join them. It was announced that49 :

"The Committee of St. Helens Recreational Football Club have considerably strengthened the team by the inclusion of the following notable exponents of the game - Doig of Liverpool (and several others with football league experience)". "Teddy" Doig was now nearing his 42nd year and his 17 year old eldest son Edward had chosen engineering for his future occupation. The boys of the family were all immersed in football with Edward following his father in choosing goalkeeper as his favourite position. On 29th August a final club practice game was held with Doig in goal for the probable first team in red against the reserves in blue. The eager young reserves won by 3:0 following a goalless first half !! On this day "Stud Marks"50was also to comment that he very much doubted that Liverpool's new reserve goalkeeper Sloan, was as good as Doig. Doig kept his place for a further practice game away to Halton Villa on Tuesday 1st September. The league proper commenced on Saturday September 5th with St. Helens 'Recs' travelling to Bolton to play Wanderers Reserves which was creditably drawn 2;2. Following three wins in the league the 'Recs' were drawn to play away to Accrington Stanley in the preliminary round of the Lancashire Senior Cup and drew 0:0. After some disagreements over the replay date the League Committee ruled that the game be played before Tuesday 6th October. The St. Helens Committee, following discussions with Accrington Stanley officials, agreed to hold the match at Accrington's Moorhead ground and share the receipts. St. Helens duly won the tie 1:0 on Monday 5th October. It was reported that51 "The exceptionally good goalkeeping of Doig and nothing else has kept St. Helens goal intact, for he never made a mistake". Doig was reported to have injured his fingers during the away match at Colne on 10th October, which the ''Recs' won 3:2. He was expected to be fit for the next game at Darwen on Tuesday 13th October. Darwen were overwhelmed by 5:1. By 24th October the 'Recs', lying fourth in the league having won six and drawn one game, travelled to Oldham to play Athletic, who were the only other unbeaten side. St. Helens 'Recs' were victorious by 1:0 and the 'Echo'52 reported that the 'Recs' made their mark on the annals of the Combination by beating Oldham and that Clegg, Doig and Peplow earned great praise. The St. Helens Secretary, Mr Joe Wood said in the 'Advertiser' that he was proud of his team and of 'Teddy' Doig who had played in an International twenty-one years ago.

However the side were brought down to earth the following week by losing 0:4 to Manchester United Reserves, a first half penalty beginning the rout. A week later on 7th November they were also eliminated from the English Cup (F.A.) 2nd round by Northern Nomads. Reporting a 3:3 draw away to Liverpool Reserves on Saturday 21st November, the 'Echo' stated "the 'Recs' would win the Combination Championship if they keep on at this rate". Now lying third with matches in hand the results were :- P10; W7, D2, L1, F24, A15; Pts 16. The morale of the team was lowered on 19th December when a player suffered a nasty leg break early on in the game at Blackpool and the side found themselves losing by 0:3 at half time, eventually ending the game at 1:4. However on Boxing Day the 'Rec's visited Everton and won by 3:1. The Liverpool Daily Post (28th December) reported that the margin was not so great as Doig was in great form. No matter what shot was aimed he anticipated with remarkable skill. Doig exhibited a masterly defence and often when a score seemed imminent he did the apparently impossible.

January 1909 was not a happy month for the injury hit side. In two games on the 9th and 16th they lost 0:5 and 0:6, both at home to Oldham and Bury respectively. On the 30th, away at Accrington, following a first half which reported Doig as being unbeatable, the 'Recs', again reduced to ten men, lost finally by 0:1. Down to seventh in the league by 20th February, results began to improve with a 3:0 home win over Liverpool with Doig saving a penalty awarded to his old club.

On Good Friday, 9th April, Everton the league leaders and eventual Champions were due at St. Helens City ground. The game, however was lost by 0:1 in the second half in front of the biggest crowd ever seen at the stadium. A final flurry of four wins out of the last six games pulled St. Helens finally to fourth place in the league. The last two games were both against Southport Central, and in the first, the away fixture the 'Recs' led by 2:0 at half time and in the second period Doig was kept busy fisting out crosses and from a smart shot conceded a corner to hold the Central side to 2:0. However two days later the 'Recs' easily won the second game 5:1. P 38; W 20, D 7, L 11, F 73, A 60; Pts 47. Lancashire Combination. Div. One.

Over the whole season Doig had played in every game including Cups and practice games, a total of forty-six. A remarkable feat for a man of forty-two years.

Prior to the beginning of the 1909-10 season St Helens 'Recs' held two practice games, 'Teddy' Doig appearing for the reds on Saturday 21st August in which the reserves in blue again beat the first team by 2:0. For the next practice Blundell was tried in the first team who this time won convincingly. Doig however was selected for the first league game, away to Southport Central on Wednesday 1st September. An unprecedented occurrence happened at this match. Goalkeeper Doig failed to turn up.!! No explanation for this has been found but the ten men re- organised themselves with Hamlett taking the goal position and they earned themselves a creditable draw. Doig was restored to the side for the next match eight days later. "Citizen's" report in the "Advertiser" for the game on 25th September stated that " 'Teddy' Doig again proved himself a capital custodian by the efficient and clever manner in which he repelled some very fast and dangerous shots, while in a 'rush' he always comes out on top and there is no doubt his long connection as a goalkeeper furnishes him with a knowledge of what his opposing forwards are up to. He is also a valuable asset to the team for the encouragement that he gives to the younger players".

In October two notable games occurred. On Monday 11th St. Helens met Liverpool in a Lancashire Senior Cup tie at Anfield. Liverpool fielded their first team and the match was drawn 4:4. It was reorted that Doig was quite as good as Hardy A week later in the replay, again at Anfield the Rec's conceded home advantage, the match was won by St. Helens by 3:1 Doig having opportunities of showing that he had still retained his form. However five days later at home to Liverpool Reserves in a league match the 'Recs' lost 2:4, the effort in beating the first team taking too much out of them.

In the home match versus Oldham Reserves he "made a fine clearance from Doughty. The ball was sent towards the goal at lightening speed but the old International was as sharp as a needle and diverted it's course over the bar. He showed his best form". However by 1st November the 'Recs' were lucky to survive in the Lancashire Senior Cup, Doig being accountable for some of Accrington Stanley's goals in a 3:3 draw. The Directors decided to rest him and he missed three games before returning to the side on 20th November, away to Nelson. On Monday November 22nd, Doig kept his place in goal, appearing at Everton in the Lancashire Senior Cup semi-final against, presumably, their first eleven. Although "The Liverpool Courier" reported that Doig had a marvellous game "The Rec's" lost by 0:2. The following Saturday, at home to Burnley "Citizen" commented that "Doig must be congratulated on his fine display, on no occasion has he given such a fine display with the ball proving so slippery.

In the second game of the New Year on Saturday 8th he was to earn further praise "Citizen" remarking "'Teddy' Doig was a great success and in saying that he never kept a better goal, I consider it to be the highest praise I can give to a man who has had such a great and meritous career". Up to January the 'Recs' were showing indifferent form. In twenty-three matches the results were :- W12, D6, L10, F40, A51; Pts 20. position 12th.

As the year progressed there was a dramatic improvement in form. The 'Advertiser' report of the away game at Preston versus the North End Reserves had the headline "DOIG SAVES A PENALTY" and further "Doig received a great reception when he took his place in goal. It is pleasing to see the public esteem the performances of one of the greatest of all goalkeepers" and later "The crowd yelled with delight when he saved the penalty. There is a lot of goalkeeping in Doig yet", Preston losing by 1:0. The next Saturday at home to Blackburn Rovers Reserves who, it was reported, fielded seven first-teamers, 'The Rec's' again won 1:0.

Everton Reserves, leading the league, were due at St. Helens City ground on 19th March and they also were beaten 1:0, the 'Advertiser' report saying "Doig is maintaining his form splendidly. It looks as if the old veteran is going on forever. He is a master of ground shots". 'The Liverpool Courier' also stated "The Rec's owed something to 'Teddy' Doig who kept a clever goal. One of his saves from Coleman being a masterpiece." The team had a major loss of form from 26th March, consecutively losing six games, the forwards only scoring four goals against eleven conceded and, following a 2:2 draw in the last match, finished in 16th place with 34 points. P 38; W 13, D 8, L 17; F 58, A 69; Pts 34

Doig played definitely in 40 matches and 1 reserve in the season 1909-10 with 2 games in which the goalkeeper has not been identified but in which he probably took part.

Now nearing the age of forty-four in the summer of 1910, there is no mention of St. Helens calling upon him to sign for the new season, and so it must be assumed that his last competitive game would be the drawn game versus Manchester United Reserves on Saturday April 30th 1910.

A verse of an old footballing song sums up very aptly the magnificent twenty-five footballing years of John Edward Doig

Taken from "The History of The Lancashire Football Association 1878 - 1928" by C. E. Sutcliffe and F. Hargreaves.

In the years prior to the First World War the children of ‘Teddy’ and Davina grew up normally and healthily; the boys occasionally getting into pranks which, on occasion caused the local policeman Bobbie Creighton to escort them home to swift retribution. ‘Teddy’ all his life had kept and bred canaries and Bill, who was generally the son in most trouble, climbed up to a sparrow’s nest, collected the eggs and put them in one of the canary nests. Needless to say the eggs were recognised for what they were and he had to replace them as part of his punishment.

The youngest son, Stanley, remembered that when he was quite a small boy his father said to his sons that he would give a penny to those who could say the twelfth chapter of Ecclesiastes verses one to seven. He recalls that he must have recited the lines over one hundred times before his father said "You are right, Laddie, here is your penny". Stanley also remembers an occasion when holidaying in Arbroath as small boys he was carrying a bag of pebbles and shells. Swinging it vigorously he accidentally hit his father behind the knees. This caused his father to topple over and lose his temper.

Football however dominated the boys free time and son ‘Jim’ also recalled with pride carrying his fathers bag to the Anfield ground on match days. They practised their game in the road using a tennis ball to develop their skill, running up and down taking wall passes in roads untroubled by motor traffic.

Stanley recounted the occasion on his 15th birthday (July 29th 1917) when four men called at 18, Miriam Road to discuss his (Stanley’s) future employment.. The men persuaded ‘Teddy’ to do his ‘party trick’. He buttoned up his jacket and proceeded to jump backwards over a dining-room chair. At the age of fifty he was still able to demonstrate his agility.

Upon the advent of the 1914 war the three older boys were to take part. Edward junior, 23 years old was soon to join the Navy eventually serving in the submarine branch. William at twenty was recruited to one service and finding it not to his liking, deserted and joined another (Navy to Army) . Stanley told a story were they were notified at home that William who was serving on a ship to Russia was lost at sea presumed drowned but as he had deserted and joind the army he turned up 'like a bad penny'. He also recalled the Military Police arriving at the house for him and Davina delaying them whist he made an escape out the back door. ‘Jim’ who was just sixteen atthe outbreak of hostilities joined the Army as soon as he could, on 2nd November 1915 giving his age as born in 1896 instead of 1898, his real age at this time being 17 years 3 months. He was drafted into the 1st. West Lancs. Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Following his initial ( training at Blackpool where he exercised the horses on the beach, ‘Jim’ saw active service in France. He was certainly in the later battles at Ypres, had his favourite horse killed from under him and also received whiff of gas. All three sons survived the conflict. Jim was ‘Disembodied’ ie demobilised on 27th July 1919.

Tom Watson, who was instrumental in bringing ‘Te4dy’ Doig into professional football with Sunderland and who later brought him to Liverpool, died in May 1915. His managerial career at Liverpool F. C. spanned 19 years from 1896 until his death. At his funeral on 11th May 1915 past players including Doig, Raisbeck, Goddard, Parry, Wilson, Robinson and Fleming and also trainer W. Connell carried Watson’s remains to their final resting place at Anfield Cemetery. His grave is unmarked in the General Section, Plot 1463

A verse of an old footballing song sums up very aptly the magnificent twenty-five footballing years of John Edward Doig :-

Taken from "The History of The Lancashire Football Association 1878 - 1928" by C. E. Sutcliffe and F. Hargreaves.

In the years prior to the First World War the children of 'Teddy' and Davina grew up normally and healthily; the boys occasionally getting into pranks which, on occasion caused the local policeman Bobbie Creighton to escort them home to swift retribution. 'Teddy' all his life had kept and bred canaries and Bill, who was generally the son in most trouble, climbed up to a sparrow's nest, collected the eggs and put them in one of the canary nests. Needless to say the eggs were recognised for what they were and he had to replace them as part of his punishment. The youngest son, Stanley, remembered that when he was quite a small boy his father said to his sons that he would give a penny to those who could say the twelfth chapter of Ecclesiastes verses one to seven. He recalls that he must have recited the lines over one hundred times before his father said "You are right, Laddie, here is your penny". Stanley also remembers an occasion when holidaying in Arbroath as small boys he was carrying a bag of pebbles and shells. Swinging it vigorously he accidentally hit his father behind the knees. This caused his father to topple over and lose his temper. Football however dominated the boys free time and son 'Jim' also recalled with pride carrying his fathers bag to the Anfield ground on match days. They practised their game in the road using a tennis ball to develop their skill, running up and down taking wall passes in roads untroubled by motor traffic.

Stanley recounted the occasion on his 15th birthday (July 29th 1917) when four men called at 18, Miriam Road to discuss his (Stanley's) future employment.. The men persuaded 'Teddy' to do his 'party trick'. He buttoned up his jacket and proceeded to jump backwards over a dining-room chair. At the age of fifty he was still able to demonstrate his agility.

Teddy and his 5 sons with Teddy's image implanted
From Left to Right Bertie, William Patterson, "Teddy" Edward , Jim and Stanley (age 16) in 1918

Tom Watson, who was instrumental in bringing 'Teddy' Doig into professional football with Sunderland and who later brought him to Liverpool, died in May 1915. His managerial career at Liverpool F. C. spanned 19 years from 1896 until his death. At his funeral on 11th May 1915 past players including Doig, Raisbeck, Goddard, Parry, Wilson, Robinson and Fleming and also trainer W. Connell carried Watson's remains to their final resting place at Anfield Cemetery. His grave is unmarked in the General Section, Plot 1463.

In the late Autumn of 1919, a virulent type of influenza, popularly called "Spanish Flu" swept throughout Britain and Edward Doig succumbed to the contagion. As all the local and central Liverpool hospitals were full of the victims he was taken to Rainhill Hospital on the city outskirts. On Friday 7th November, his youngest son Stanley cycled to the hospital for the evening visit, which turned out to be his last. The Liverpool Echo of Saturday 8th November was to announce :-

"We regret to announce the death, last night, of Edward Doig, the great goalkeeper. Doig was born in Forfarshire and Sunderland was his first team of note. It was the "Team of all the Talents" that Tom Watson got together. Doig served Sunderland for fourteen seasons. He was chosen to play for his country in 1896, 1899, 1902 and 1903 v England and still further back he played twice against Ireland.

It is strange that two of the men who appeared in the Ibrox Park match which was the biggest disaster football has ever known in 1902, should have died within a week, 'Bobbie' Templeton died early this week and Doig last night.

Doig joined Liverpool F.C. in 1904 and until Sam Hardy displaced him, he did most valuable service for Liverpool. His son Edward Junior is a signed player for South Liverpool.

A splendid fellow, everyone will miss the cheery 'Teddy', who never adopted 'side' in success and was a most estimable man. He was fifty-two years of age last week and his last playing club was St. Helens. Our sympathy goes out to his wife and family of eight".

The formal family notice in the obituary column alongside the above tribute confirmed his correct age as fifty-three years. An undated newspaper cutting carried a photograph captioned "THE LATE E. DOIG" and stated

"Edward Doig one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, died in Liverpool, his home, on Friday night at the age of fifty-three. Doig played for various clubs including Liverpool with whom he concluded his first class career, but he will always be remembered for his association with Sunderland, which lasted fourteen years.

He played a number of International games for Scotland, and was one of the team on that terrible day at Ibrox, nineteen years ago, when occurred the greatest disaster ever known on a football field. He played a great game that day, and his admirers carried him off shoulder high, little knowing that a terrible tragedy had occurred but a few yards away."

"On Wednesday 12th November the funeral cortege left his home at 18, Miriam Road at 11.30am for Anfield Cemetery where J. EDWARD DOIG was interred nearby to Tom Watson, his mentor from his days at Sunderland and Liverpool Football Clubs.

The chief mourners were Messr's Edward, William, James, Bertie and Stanley (Sons), E. Evans (Son in law) and Mr Ellis.

The pall bearers were Messr's C. Wilson, G. Fleming, J. Parkinson (all ex Liverpool players) and E. Longworth (present player).

Others at the graveside were Messr's G. Patterson (Secretary L.F.C.) Walter Langtry (Sunderland A.F.C.) J. Hughes (ex Liverpool) and D. Hughes (ex Blackpool F.C.)".

The grave is situated in General section 4, plot 1477 in a corner of the cemetery shaded by trees and is unmarked by a stone. Tom Watson is buried a few yards away in plot 1463 also without a distinguishing stone.

'Teddy' Doig, the famous Sunderland and Liverpool goalkeeper, was buried yesterday afternoon at Anfield Cemetery, Liverpool, not many yards away from the grave of the late Tom Watson.

A large number of mourners were present, including his five sons, Mr. G Patterson, secretary of the Liverpool Football Club and Mr. Wal Langtry, representing the Sunderland F. C. were also present. The bearers were Longworth (Liverpool) Captain 'Charlie' Wilson, George Fleming, and Jack Parkinson, old colleagues of Doig's in the Liverpool team.

It is possible that only the male members of the family attended the interment. His widow, Davina, was later to say that he died of a 'broken heart' from seeing all the boys returning from the ravages of the World War, with little prospects for the future.

2 "Association Football, The Men Who Made It." by ALFRED GIBSON and WILLIAM PICKFORD. pub. Caxton Publishing Co. 1906.

Pictures - Liverpool F.C. 1905 - 06 season. England v Scotland at Sheffield 1903 entitled "Doig saves a stinging shot".

3 "The Football Encyclopaedia". pub. London Associated Sporting Press. June 1934.

4 "The Story Of The Maroons, Past And Present. Arbroath Football Club. 1878 - 1947.

7 "Sunderland A. F. C. Centenary 1879 - 1979. by ARTHUR APPLETON. 1979. Signed copy.

9 "Football Under The Skin." by Billy Simmons, Paul Joannou and Arthur Appleton.

p. 74, full length photograph and text. p. 84 text re Internationals. p105 1903 team with Sheriff of London's Charity Shield.

p. 95 Picture of programme "Corinthians v Sunderland 26/02/1898" (Doig in goal).

14 "The Football League. - The Official Illustrated History." by BRIAN BUTLER. pub. Blitz Editions.

17 "Liverpool - A Complete Record 1892 - 1986". by BRIAN PEAD. pub. Breedon books.

18 "Liverpool F. C. Club Of The Century". by IAN HARGRAVES et.al. Liverpool Echo Publication.

22 "Liverpool, The Official Centenary History 1892 - 1992". by STAN LIVERSEDGE. Hamlyn Publishing Co.

23 "Encyclopedia Of British Football". by P. SOAR and MARTIN TYLER. pub. Willow Books (Collins). 1983.

p. 18 Picture of Sunderland Team on souvenir lapel button 1902. also p. 173 Aston Villa attacking Sunderland's goal 1902.

p. 7 and 8. Liverpool Goalkeepers. Also photograph of 1905-06 team on rear cover.

26 "You'll Never Walk Alone. Official History Of Liverpool F.C.". by STEPHEN F. KELLY. 3rd edition. 1991.

p. 20 Text (wrongly worded). 1905-06 team picture (white shirts). p. 16 sketch Liverpool v Sunderland 1896. (Doig in Sunderland's goal).

28 "The Daily Telegraph Football Chronicle". by NORMAN BARRETT. pub. Carlton Books.

29 "The Sunday Times Illustrated History of Football". by CHRISTOPHER NEWRAT & STEVE HUCKINGS. pub. Hamlyn 1994.

p. 17. Sketch of Liverpool scoring v Sunderland 1896. Doig in goal. (see book no. 19)

32 "Newcastle United v Sunderland, A History of a Great Football Rivalry" by ALAN BRETT & ANDREW CLARK. pub Black Cat Publications 1995.

Contributors include Stan. Doig, Wendy Doig and Eric Doig. No references to 'Ned' Doig.

34 "The Anfield Encyclopedia" by STEPHEN F. KELLY. 1993. Mainstream Publications.

35 "Sunderland A.F.C. Archive Photograph Series." 1996. by ALAN BRETT & GEORGE HOARE.

36 "The Kop" Monthly paper. Published by The Liverpool Echo. Issue 30, October 1997 "A to Z in Anfield Hall of Fame". Brief biography and photograph (Sunderland shirt).

37 "Scottish Football, A Pictorial History 1867 to Present Day" by KEVIN McCARRA.

39 "Liverpool versus Everton - A Complete History" by MICHAEL HEATLEY & IAN WELCH. Published by Dial House. 1996. Ref p 36 and 149.

1 Half right profile, upwards from chest. Maroon International cap but no year dates. No badge on Sunderland shirt. Photo by Forde 1901 in colour -- Inscription on small front plate "Presented to J. E. Doig. Jas. Henderson. Nov. 1901". Original held by John Doig. Large copy with Eric Doig.

2 Oval, black and white,very slightly right profile. International cap with year date. No badge on shirt. Original with G Hoare. In Sunderland Archive Photograph book.

3 Black and white, full face, upturned moustache. International cap and 1903 International badge on Sunderland shirt. Large oval original and 8x6 copies held by J. E. Doig and John Doig.

4 Arbroath Team and Officials 1885-86 season. In boardroom of Arbroath F.C. and caption states that Doig was one of the three players who did not take part in the Bon Accord 36: 0 victory. Also reproduced in the Arbroath Centenary book

5 A young 'Ned' wearing International cap with a group of workers at the gate of Websters factory. One is said to be 'Will' Matthew (artist) also wearing a borrowed cap. Date therefore about 1889. Original with John Doig, copy with Eric Doig.

6 Arbroath Team and Officials with Forfarshire Cup and District Charity Cup. 1888-89 season. Original with John Doig, copy with Eric Doig.

7 Full front from knee up. International cap, Sunderland shirt, no badge. 1893 portrait. Copies in various sources. Taken from "Famous Footballers 1895"

10 Sunderland team with unidentified team. 1893-94. History of Sunderland A. F. C. by Bob Graham, 1995, p 48.

12 Sunderland 1894-95 Team. Large house in near background. Original in Sunderland Museum.

13 Sunderland 1894-95 Third Championship Team. Players and officials include James Henderson. Championship Trophy on display. Large house over wall.

14 Sunderland 1897-98 Team and officials. In goalmouth. History of Sunderland A. F. C. p 51.

13 Sunderland , opening of Roker Park, 10th September 1898. Players and Officials. 'Ned' Doig in front of James Henderson and Marquis of Londonderry. Copy in boardroom at Sunderland and other sources.

15 Sunderland 1900-01 Team. History of Sunderland A. F. C. p 55. Not good likeness of Doig.

16 1901-02 Sunderland Team on a commemorative lapel button. "Encyclopedia of British Football" p.18.

19 Sunderland 1901-02 Championship Team. With a trophy - not League championship.

a) Wills Football series no. 8. Chest and front face, Sunderland shirt and plain cap.

c) Robert Sinclair Brand. 1900. Sunderland shirt but with arms folded, plain cap.

22 Aston Villa v Sunderland March 1902. "Sunderland's goal under attack". "Encyclopedia of British Football" p. 173.

23 England v Scotland at Sheffield 1903 "Doig saves a stinging shot". Copy given to Eric Doig by Arbroath F.C.

24 Sunderland 1903. Team displaying the First Division Championship Trophy, The Sheriff of London's Charity Shield and the Durham Cup. Boardroom Sunderland A.F.C. Shortened version of team in a Sunderland Annual.

28 1905-06 Liverpool Team. Displaying the League Championship Trophy, The Sheriff of London's Charity Shield and the Liverpool Cup. (Background - an ivy covered trellis fence).

29 Right side view, white shirt, red shoulders, plain cap. (In b & w). Undated newspaper cutting of obituary and in "Liverpool, A Complete Record" by Brian Pead. p 319.

"History of Arbroath Football Club. 1874 - 1928". by D.Kyd. Unpublished, hand-written in

"Old Gayfield Memories - A Red Lichtie looks back". Arbroath Herald June 19th 1942 Part II.

"Old Gayfield Memories - A Red Lichtie looks back". Arbroath Herald June 19th 1942. Part II

Sunderland Football Echo. September 16th.1905. Career summary on occasion of Liverpool and Doig's visit to Roker Park.

"Liverpool, Club of the Century " page 15. A Liverpool Echo Publication. 1988. Ian

Original menu and memorabilia in posession of Mr. G. Hoare, Witton Gilbert, Durham.

"Association Football, the men who made it". Alfred Gibson and William Pickford. Caxton

Report by 'Citizen'. St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser. Central Library, St. Helens.

Match report by "Citizen". St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser. Central Library. St. Helens.