George Utley
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | George Utley | ||
| Date of birth | 16 May 1887 | ||
| Place of birth | Elsecar, Barnsley, England | ||
| Date of death | 8 January 1966 (aged 78) | ||
| Place of death | Blackpool, England | ||
| Playing position | Half Back | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1906 | Sheffield Wednesday | 0 | (0) |
| 1907–1913 | Barnsley | 170 | (8) |
| 1913–1921 | Sheffield United | 103 | (4) |
| 1922 | Manchester City | 1 | (0) |
| Total | 274 | (12) | |
| National team | |||
| 1913 | England | 1 | (0) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. |
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George Utley (born 16 May 1887 in Elsecar; died 8 January 1966 in Blackpool) was an English footballer who played for Barnsley, Sheffield United and England. He was strong and powerful half back who could shoot at goal when required.
Utley was born in Reform Row, Elsecar, which lies south of Barnsley. He was the 11th and final child of James and Mary Utley. His father was an engine tender at a colliery and his brothers worked in the local coal mines and foundries.
On leaving school he became a joiner, but by 1907 he had signed with Barnsley. During his time with Barnsley the club made it to two FA Cup Finals. The first was in 1910, when they were beaten by Newcastle United 2–0 in a reply after a one all draw, and the second was in 1912, when Barnsley managed to defeat West Bromwich Albion by one goal in the replay after the first game ended in a goalless draw.
He made a total of 170 league appearances, with 8 goals for Barnsley.
In season 1913–14, Sheffield United were looking for a replacement for Ernest Needham who had been a leader in the midfield of the team. The Football Committee who ran Sheffield United at the time were looking for a player with outstanding football ability, and someone to captain the team. Following a letter of recommendation from United player Billy Gillespie the man they targeted was George Utley.
The committee were not unanimous about signing the highly rated Utley, who they feared would fetch a large fee. Bolton Wanderers had offered £1,500 and it had been rejected by Barnsley. The Blades offered more and were also turned down. United increased their offer to £2,000 and this was accepted, making him the most expensive player in Britain at the time. Utley signed a long contract with United, and became the captain and the leader of the team through the ensuing years.
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