Blue plaque unveiled in Sheffield for FA Cup winning defender and former England’s captain
The first working class captain of England has been honoured with a new blue plaque
‘Sheffield Home of Football’ has paid tribute to a pioneering figure of the beautiful game by unveiling a new plaque to honour the career of Jack Hunter.
Hunter, who was born in the Crookes area of Sheffield in 1851, is described as the architect of the “people’s game”.
The footballer, who played in the half-back position, or what would be known in modern times as a central defender, worked as as a butcher and silver cutler in the city whilst playing for various clubs, including Heeley before moving to Blackburn in Lancashire where he notably formed part of the team which beat Old Etonians in the 1883 FA Cup final.
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It’s an event which Steve Wood, from Sheffield Home of Football, describes as a watershed moment in the history of football.
He said: “Other than the first ever association club match between Hallam and Sheffield, the 1883 FA Cup Final between Blackburn Olympic and the Old Etonians is arguably the most important game in football history.
“Blackburn Olympic’s victory marked the first time a northern working-class side had won the FA Cup and signalled the end of upper-class dominance in the game. Hunter took the ‘Sheffield Rules’ to Blackburn and helped shape a new era for football.
“The success of Blackburn Olympic helped the growth of working-class clubs, increased crowds and interest in the game, and marked the arrival of professionalism. It was a defining moment in the creation of the people’s game.”
Alongside his achievements at club level, Hunter is also an important figure in the international game. He’s known for being the first working-class captain of England and helped introduce creative passing and tactical innovations to the sport that we still see in the modern game today.
The blue plaque is located at The Old Grindstone pub, 3 Crookes, Sheffield, S10 1UA, which is situated close to the house where Hunter grew up.
“He has long been overlooked for his contribution to football, but his legacy helped open the game to millions and deserves to be recognised,” Mr Wood added.