Harry Jeffrey (1892/93 to 1894/95)

Harry Jeffrey was one of a select group of players who joined Newcastle East End from West End when they disbanded. He had previously played junior football with Drysdale and had, at times, been captain for West. On several occasions he had also led the county team to victory.

Jeffrey was a cool customer who was equally adept with his head and feet. His kicking and tackling was really marvellous both for judgement and strength and at times he performed flying kicks which delighted the crowd.

Despite being a right-back, Harry also achieved fame and praise for his beautiful long shots. And he scored from United’s first penalty against Walsall Town Swifts in the 1893/94 season.

When Jeffrey arrived East End were still in the Northern League and in his first season (1892/93) he put in some capital performances alongside Miller, with the pair developing an excellent understanding.

The following year (1893/94) the club joined Division 2 and Jeffrey adapted so well to the step-up that at the end of the season he received several offers from other clubs. It was also noted that when he missed a couple of games through injury his absence upset the team somewhat.

Miller departed during the campaign and Jeffrey had a new partner in Rodgers. They developed a great partnership and their effective style of play made it most difficult for opposing forwards to get anywhere near custodian Lowery before being checked.

But his time on Tyneside did not always run smoothly. After being reprimanded as a “non-trier” during 1892/93 he was suspended for two weeks.

And he was sanctioned again after the home defeat to Grimsby in the 1894/95 season. He was suspended by the committee for neglect of duty and refused to train. Harry was told that he would not be again included in the team until he did so. The matter was eventually resolved after a couple of weeks and he was reinstated.

In January 1895 Jeffrey suffered a really bad injury in a friendly against Sunderland. He injured his knee cap and dislocated an ankle and was very ill and bed-bound for a number of weeks. He was released by United at the end of the season and his professional career had ended.