Football in the Edwardian era continued to provide rich entertainment for very little outlay Sixpence was the typical entrance fee, and working men in their droves flocked to matches. Lifelong allegiances were developed, passions aroused. These sometimes manifested themselves in ways that earned rebuke. An over-exuberant crowd invaded the pitch in a Cup-tie between Spurs and Villa in 1904, causing the match to be abandoned. The FA ordered a replay at Villa Park and fined the London club ?350. Some years later; when Europe was plunged into war; politicians expressed concern that munitions workers were preoccupied by football when their minds should have been on the war effort.
Left: At the end of the 19th century, Sunderland, dubbed "team of all the talents'* was the most successful club in the north east. However by 1900 Newcastle United began to make its mark. Like its neighbour, the Newcastle team contained many Scottish players. In the 1901-2 season Sunderland regularly fielded 9 Scots.
Opposite: Supporters of Everton and Sheffield had a long way to travel for the 1907 Cup Final at Crystal Palace. Here supporters are going past St Paul's as they make their way to South London. 84,000 fans watched Wednesday win the match 2-1.
World History
