18.2.17

19th Century England Internationals: Amatuers and Professionals

Professionalism was formally legalized in England in July 1885.
Prior to this professionals had undoubtedly represented England. 
Billy Mosforth, Jack Hunter, and Jimmy Forest are names that spring to mind.
Of course, many men who earned their living from football continued to hold sinecure posts or to be set up as publicans or tobacconists long after professionalism had been accepted by the FA.
 What we have done here is to look at the 45 England matches played in the 19th century after the legalization of professionalism. 
The identification of amateurs is relatively straightforward, members of Corinthian FC, Old Boy's clubs, The Universities.
There were, however,  also well known amateurs among the ranks of some midland and northern clubs. We have done our best to identify these players. 
In identifying the professionals we have attempted to avoid presumption but have looked for corroborating evidence such as census records and reports of transfer fees. 
Here, then, are how the 495 caps (games 26-70) were divided between amateurs and professionals:  




Amateur

186
37.57
Professional

309
62.42


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