John Kinsella (1896/97)

Inside-left John Kinsella played twice for the club in March 1897, but did not impress the directorate enough to be kept on.

United were challenging for promotion to Division 1, but although their home form was exemplary their away form was derailing them. The 3-0 defeat at Loughborough on the 20th February was a fourth successive loss on their travels.

Several emergency meetings were held with the directorate deciding it was imperative to strengthen the side. Their first move was to sign Kinsella from fellow Division 2 side Darwen.

Rated as the pick of the Lancastrians' front rank, it was reported that he cost £60 and that the club hoped he’d be a success.

Kinsella played in the friendly against Leith and then made his debut “proper” in the 2-0 victory over Walsall at St James. He retained his place for the next game in which United lost 4-1 at Blackpool.

The Magpies failed in their promotion bid and despite linking up reasonably well with outside-left Wardrope, John wasn’t retained.