Ernest "Nudger" Needham gave (21st January 1973 to 8th March 1936)

In a charming village churchyard near Chesterfield lies one of the finest players to pull on the red and white shirt of Sheffield United. I doubt many people have heard of him as he played in the 1800s but he was a star player from his school days and was a professional right from the start.

Ernest “Nudger” Needham was born not far from where he lies and played for Staveley Wanderers and Staveley Football Club before moving to Sheffield United. He played for them 477 times over 18 years and played for England 16 times. He was short yet solidly built and blessed with immense stamina. Fast, resolute and brave he was the star of the side and won him the title “the prince of half backs”.

He retired from football aged 37 and moved to cricket and appeared regularly in first-class cricket for Derbyshire. When asked which of the two sports he preferred he replied, “I like football the better to play, cricket to watch.”

Sadly he died of heart attack at Chesterfield Hospital aged 63. His funeral at Staveley was attended by thousands of people. He's buried with his mum, dad and wife. A local chap didn't know where the grave was located, nor had he heard of the local hero. Two Sheffield United enthusiasts have restored his grave though. Well done “Nudger”. I did a salute and left.