On this day, Southampton delivered an emphatic performance in a Division 3 (South) fixture, defeating Northampton Town 8-0 at the Dell. This match was notable for Bill Rawlings, who scored four of the eight goals. Rawlings’ contributions were crucial for Southampton during the 1921/22 season, as he finished as the club’s top scorer and earned two England caps, a rare achievement for a player in the third tier. The victory was pivotal in Southampton’s promotion campaign, as they eventually secured top spot and promotion on goal average after a decisive 5-0 win against Newport on the final day of the season, while Plymouth Argyle, the leaders, lost 2-0 at QPR. The 8-0 triumph over Northampton remained Southampton’s largest winning margin in the League until it was equalled by an 8-0 victory over Sunderland in 2014.
24th December 1956
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Denis Law made his League debut for Huddersfield Town on this day in 1956, in a Second Division match against Notts County. At just 16 years and 10 months old, Law became the youngest player to represent Huddersfield in the Football League. Initially described as ‘weak, puny and bespectacled’ during his trial at Huddersfield in the 1954/55 season, Law’s potential was recognised by manager Bill Shankly, who later attempted to sign him for Liverpool. However, Liverpool could not afford him, and Law went on to achieve legendary status with Manchester United, Manchester City, Torino, and the Scotland national team.
24th December 1999
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On Christmas Eve in 1999, a significant change in ownership occurred at Everton Football Club. Bill Kenwright, the club’s vice-chairman and a lifelong supporter, took control by purchasing 68% of the club’s shares from chairman Peter Johnson. The deal, valued at approximately £20 million, marked a new era for the club as Kenwright, a former Coronation Street actor, assumed a leading role in the management of Everton.