owing to the fact that they soaked in beer. Some I have seen at the Palace in the Cup Final, the heroes of the day; apparently the world was at their feet. The next time one set eyes on them it was difficult to recognise in the battered specimen of humanity that stood before you the sprightly player of former days. The contrast is painful, but often, very often, has greeted my eyes.
"No," said a great Southern League captain to me, "my boys shall never be paid footballers, but they must learn a trade. The prospects are not pleasing enough." No, it is far better, unless you have superlative talents, to take to some other calling. It is only a small proportion who make their mark in professional football.
Some may make a better thing out of it if they are paid cricketers, for they will have wages for both games. But here again the area is limited, though the pay is good. It is not necessary to be a professional player to gain the highest honours. Take England's captain, V. J. Woodward; he is an architect, but from the first day I saw him there was great ability, and it was bound to come out. So with many other amateurs who have come to the front. They have succeeded because they had skill, but also because they kept in good condition owing to their ordinary work, which was well done. To boys I say stick to your job, and having worked well go and play your best. But leave professionalism out of the business.
