William Kelsey (1906/07 to 1908/09)

Heavily-built teenager William Kelsey was signed from Boldon Star in late December 1906 as goalkeeping back-up for Jimmy Lawrence.

The three players who had provided this service in the previous campaign, Charlie Watts, Robert Crumley and Thomas Rowlandson had all departed leaving United desperately short of cover for Lawrence.

A few days after his signing the nineteen-year-old made his first appearance in the friendly match against Corinthians. He kept a clean sheet in a comfortable victory and did his work well and calmly, though he was not much troubled.

When Jimmy Lawrence suffered an injury in March 1907 Kelsey made a daunting debut at Roker Park. United lost 2-0 after a poor performance, but no blame could be laid at his door.

Three days later he was facing Liverpool at Anfield and it proved to be a harrowing second game. Not helped by facing a strong sun shining in his face, he conceded four goals in the first thirty-five minutes. This time he received a lot of criticism with some saying he was nowhere near the level required at the present time.

The club immediately signed Glasgow Rangers’ reserve goalkeeper Thomas Sinclair who replaced him for the next match and Bill would not get another first team chance.