View Full Version : Johnny Fantham Wednesday legend goalscoring record


kensimmo
09-02-2006, 12:48
A recently released book (The Wednesday Boys) claims that the great inside forward scored 166 goals in total.
Other records (The Wednesday Archives) suggests 167.

I have always belived the latter to be correct. Does anyone know who is right?

mr_blue_owl
09-02-2006, 13:58
This site gives the league goals:
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/goalscorers/tsp0.html

kensimmo
09-02-2006, 14:07
This site gives the league goals:
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/goalscorers/tsp0.html
Not So! The site also gives career goals in total.
Sorry Mr Blue Owl I misunderstood your message. Thanks very much for the site link.

mr_blue_owl
09-02-2006, 14:46
Not So! The site also gives career goals in total.
Sorry Mr Blue Owl I misunderstood your message. Thanks very much for the site link.

No worries mate. Have you checked out the "Wednesday Mad" website? Got a lot of history there. If you can't find it I'll post the URL.

kensimmo
09-02-2006, 14:57
No worries mate. Have you checked out the "Wednesday Mad" website? Got a lot of history there. If you can't find it I'll post the URL.

Thanks for the offer mate but I already have it.

Up the Owls

sweetdexter
09-02-2006, 18:23
Didn't Fantham own a barber or hairdressing shop on
Division St?

jackandclaud
09-02-2006, 19:37
Don't know about goalscoring, but he had at least two barber shops. One on Division Street and one down the alley next to Suggs at the top of The Moor. He also had a business dealing in machine tools.

simonj
09-02-2006, 22:10
Didn't Fantham own a barber or hairdressing shop on
Division St?

Yes he did! I got my hair cut there once and the legendary Derek Dooley (Wednesday manager at the time) was sat in the chair next to me!!

patchalan
10-02-2006, 19:52
One of the best inside forwards to wear the the blue and white stripes, not sure if he got a full england cap , but i,m certain he played for the football league team a few times

CHAIRBOY
10-02-2006, 20:45
Keith Farnsworth's tome, "A Complete Record" has it as 167.
Fantham's shop on Division Street, was run by a Polish chap called Steve.
He has for a long time been a very good golfer and plays at Hallamshire.
I remember in 1961 when he scored Wednesday's winner against Spurs 2-1.
This Spurs' side went on to win the double that season and they lost their unbeaten run at Hillsborough.
Fantham got one cap against Luxembourg in 1961. He was born 6 Feb 1939, so belated 67th John.

patchalan
11-02-2006, 12:06
Hi Chairboy
Do you remember the 7-0 thrashing they gave West Ham the same year. if i remember correctly the west ham keeper that day was a young lad called Noel Dwyer, and not regular Laurie Leslie.

CHAIRBOY
11-02-2006, 12:32
Yes, I certainly do but it was a season earlier in 1959 Nov 28 when West Ham, managed by Ted Fenton came to Hillsborough as league-leaders. Wednesday hit 'em for seven, never mind six! They had scored four in the first 25 minutes - Fantham 2, Finney 2, Ellis, Wilkinson and Bobby Craig were the Owls' marksmen. att 38,307.
You're correct about the hapless goalkeeper, Eire's Noel Dwyer. Lawrie Leslie was one of my favourites at the time, signed from Airdrieonians. I can't remember the Hammers' line-up but suspect Bond, Allison, Grice, Cantwell and Musgrove were on parade? There was certainly an atsmosphere in those days. Comparing eras is always odious but I still think that collectively, that team was the best I've seen at Hillsborough. The Spurs' side of 1961 was exceptional and Wednesday finished runners-up in the top flight, something they have never repeated. Forget cup competitions, they are more of a lottery.

patchalan
11-02-2006, 15:05
Hi chairboy
Yes ,those were good times, a team we were proud of. Not like today i wouldn,t pay them in washers.

CHAIRBOY
11-02-2006, 17:06
Whether it was youth or what, I travelled all over the country to see them. I don't think I'm unique but this will be rare, having seen both Sheffield clubs win at Highbury. The reason? Well Wednesday last won there in 1962 (Bronco Layne scored both goals at the Clock End in a 2-1 win. That's 44 years ago, so many are eliminated. Then, in 1971, coming back from a cricket tour, I called in to a night-match at Highbury and saw the Blades win 1-0 with a goal from Scullion. Unless you've done it, it's too late now!

CHAIRBOY
11-02-2006, 17:07
Whether it was youth or what, I travelled all over the country to see them. I don't think I'm unique but this will be rare, having seen both Sheffield clubs win at Highbury. The reason? Well Wednesday last won there in 1962 (Bronco Layne scored both goals at the Clock End in a 2-1 win. That's 44 years ago, so many are eliminated. Then, in 1971, coming back from a cricket tour, I called in to a night-match at Highbury and saw the Blades win 1-0 with a goal from Scullion. Unless you've done it, it's too late now!

glen
11-02-2006, 17:16
Anyone remember Wee Willie Hamilton, and Harry Ore.

CHAIRBOY
11-02-2006, 17:21
Yes but his name was Orr. Hamilton died sometime ago at a youngish age.
They featured in a Sunday Times feature not long ago in a "Caught In Time" feature.
Both played alongside a pal of mine, Tommy Hoyland.

glen
12-02-2006, 09:04
I went out with harry Orr,and my friend Mary went with Hammilton.Didnt last very long as i couldnt afford to keep paying when we went to the pictures,tight as a fishes ---

CHAIRBOY
12-02-2006, 10:05
Would I be right in suggesting that one of Orr's best mates was Denis Shields?

Michael_W
12-02-2006, 13:12
John Fanthom was running a used machine tool business when I last saw him in the 80s, it must have been a busy time back then with all the local macine shops closing.

WednesdayMad
12-02-2006, 17:55
Anyone remember Wee Willie Hamilton, and Harry Ore.
Tommy Hoyland used to go out with my gran from Adlington Crescent, Parson Cross back in the 40s.

CHAIRBOY
12-02-2006, 19:06
I'd better whisper that in his ear the next time I see him! He's a grand chap Tom, proof indeed that red and mix with blue. He spends time now visiting former players whose health isn't too good, and inevitably attends funerals of past friends. He's still very recognisable from those photo's of the 50's.

kensimmo
14-02-2006, 08:11
Keith Farnsworth's tome, "A Complete Record" has it as 167.
Fantham's shop on Division Street, was run by a Polish chap called Steve.
He has for a long time been a very good golfer and plays at Hallamshire.
I remember in 1961 when he scored Wednesday's winner against Spurs 2-1.
This Spurs' side went on to win the double that season and they lost their unbeaten run at Hillsborough.
Fantham got one cap against Luxembourg in 1961. He was born 6 Feb 1939, so belated 67th John.

Farnsworth will do for me. Many thanks.

ANTHONY
08-04-2006, 00:52
Keith Farnsworth's tome, "A Complete Record" has it as 167.
Fantham's shop on Division Street, was run by a Polish chap called Steve.
He has for a long time been a very good golfer and plays at Hallamshire.
I remember in 1961 when he scored Wednesday's winner against Spurs 2-1.
This Spurs' side went on to win the double that season and they lost their unbeaten run at Hillsborough.
Fantham got one cap against Luxembourg in 1961. He was born 6 Feb 1939, so belated 67th John.
Steve the Polish hairdresser at Johnny Fantham's place worked there for years. I remember him in the early 60s and returned there whilst on a visit at the time of the 'Polish cardinal' becoming pope. "I see one of your countrymen is the new pope" says I. "I am not a Pole I am a Ukrainian" he replied. Apparently he had volunteered for the Waffen SS as a teenager, not because he was a Nazi but because he was anti-Russian. He fought at Stalingrad and finished up in France where he was captured and finished up in a local POW Camp (Lodge Moor?) As I recall he stayed on, married a local girl and at the time had a daughter working as a teacher in London. I well remember him saying:- "I fought ther bloody Russians once and I'll do it again"

CHAIRBOY
08-04-2006, 08:25
This is not spot-on but his name was something like Bajalda? No 'czw' so I accept your account of his being Ukrainian. Thanks for your imput, John is still around, let's hope Steve is.

Fudbeer
08-04-2006, 08:38
I used to have my hair cut there in the 70's remember going once and the place was full but the other barber (who was new) was stood by his chair as they were all waiting for Steve....... funny guy

canadablade
09-04-2006, 00:09
Whether it was youth or what, I travelled all over the country to see them. I don't think I'm unique but this will be rare, having seen both Sheffield clubs win at Highbury. The reason? Well Wednesday last won there in 1962 (Bronco Layne scored both goals at the Clock End in a 2-1 win. That's 44 years ago, so many are eliminated. Then, in 1971, coming back from a cricket tour, I called in to a night-match at Highbury and saw the Blades win 1-0 with a goal from Scullion. Unless you've done it, it's too late now!
Did you see an 11 year old nipper there screaming COME ON UNITED all night :D
We got in 10 minutes after the kick off and Scullion had already scored :gag:

Regards CB
UTB

CHAIRBOY
09-04-2006, 07:41
Just to maintain the nostalgia aspect, I saw a photograph, only yesterday, of Tony Kay heading a clearance in that 1962 win at Highbury, and Wednesday were wearing those "Butcher's apron" shirts which I'm sure others of my vintage remember?

CHAIRBOY
05-06-2006, 05:20
Don't know if anyone saw a programme on Sunday 2 June at 2.45am: "The Life of Bobby Moore"? It was an hour and a half long but one of the still black and white photographs used was of "Mooro" having his cut by Fantham at John's salon. Helping him, with a pair of garden shears, was Ron Springett who also appeared in a couple of other clips in Alf Ramsey's squad.

kensimmo
05-06-2006, 06:48
Yes I saw it. It was wonderful to see them both and brought back many happy memories of many wonderful players.

CHAIRBOY
05-06-2006, 10:15
Well past my bedtime but the tape will not be erased. Hillsborough wasn't mentioned but the 1964 semi between WHU and Man Utd was at Hillsborough - a game I attended - but what a state the pitch was in, like a morass? John Sissons was in that Hammers' side and he eventually found his way to playing for the Owls.

richardl21
19-09-2006, 19:14
Used to work at Shaws Hairdressers on West Street and had lunch with Johnny Fantham and Steve etc at the Piccolo Cafe on Cambridge Street on a regular basis. Great days ! :cool: :cool: :cool:

Ousetunes
20-09-2006, 09:21
John lives just round the corner from me and up to about a couple of years ago used to drink in the same local as me. He's a top bloke and I've never seen anyone laugh so much at the karaoke version of Alice, Alice? Who the ---- is Alice.

My parents were good buddies with the Fanthoms. I still see them now and again in the area.

Redfyre
14-10-2008, 16:01
John Fantham is, of course, an old pupil of Burngreave Secondary School. Anybody remember being at school with him. He lived on Pitsmoor Road in those days.

Kidorry
14-10-2008, 19:33
He bought the old rolling mills from Woodhead Components & sold them on abroad.We heard to India.

CHAIRBOY
14-10-2008, 19:59
Used to work at Shaws Hairdressers on West Street and had lunch with Johnny Fantham and Steve etc at the Piccolo Cafe on Cambridge Street on a regular basis. Great days ! :cool: :cool: :cool:

They were great days indeed. I am glad I had the privilege of watching John playing in that wonderful Catterick side. I think the 'derby' match had more significance in those days when more Sheffield-born players seemed to be involved? One of the unforgettable memories I have of John would be the ball he played - years before Beckham - from inside one touchline right over to the winger on the other flank.
Sadly, like many other players, John now seems to be bedevilled with arthritis but a fantastic club man who gave wonderful service to the Owls and me, much pleasure.

Kidorry
14-10-2008, 20:08
John Fantham is, of course, an old pupil of Burngreave Secondary School. Anybody remember being at school with him. He lived on Pitsmoor Road in those days.

Yes he was at Burngreave the same time as me but in a lower year.I think he left to go to technical college.

hillsbro
15-10-2008, 20:52
This is not spot-on but his name was something like Bajalda? No 'czw' so I accept your account of his being Ukrainian. Thanks for your imput, John is still around, let's hope Steve is.

I think his name was Stefan Bajdala, and as far as I know he's still going strong. In about 1994 his sister came over from the Ukraine to visit - it was quite an emotional reunion.

crookesey
16-10-2008, 12:15
Yes but his name was Orr. Hamilton died sometime ago at a youngish age.
They featured in a Sunday Times feature not long ago in a "Caught In Time" feature.
Both played alongside a pal of mine, Tommy Hoyland.

I once got quite p----d with Tommy at a Yorkshire cricket testimonial at Thorpe Hesley, we were in the champagne tent and neither of us were used to it. How is he by the way? fingers crossed that he is still with us.

CHAIRBOY
16-10-2008, 14:58
I once got quite p----d with Tommy at a Yorkshire cricket testimonial at Thorpe Hesley, we were in the champagne tent and neither of us were used to it. How is he by the way? fingers crossed that he is still with us.

Yes, he's hale and hearty as of a month ago. Our paths usually cross at swimming. Not so long ago he had heart surgery (by/pass) but always seems to be on the move - nipping over to Lancashire to see Jamie who works for Preston.

handypandy
16-10-2008, 18:25
Anyone remember the lad who worked the other chair in Fanthams hairdressers? His name was Ken ........? I used to work with him before he went to Fanthams around 72/73. He lived on Derbyshire Lane. Would love to catch up with him.

kensimmo
19-05-2011, 21:11
John Fanthom was running a used machine tool business when I last saw him in the 80s, it must have been a busy time back then with all the local macine shops closing.

Are you confusing John with Jim Mcanearney? He had a machine shop in Hillfoot

cookingfat50
20-05-2011, 09:18
i remember he used to have a barbers shop on division street

Kidorry
20-05-2011, 09:22
As i said in an earlier post he bought most of the old rolling mills and equipment when woodhead components closed down.He either sold them to India or an Arab country.Or so we were told.

darra
20-05-2011, 17:35
John Fantham is, of course, an old pupil of Burngreave Secondary School. Anybody remember being at school with him. He lived on Pitsmoor Road in those days.

His Mum used to own the Mace shop at Pitsmoor. I remember me and a mate going round to his house for his autograph. I reckon I was about 10. we knocked on the door and his Mum answered. We could see him sat there eating his tea. She asked what we wanted, one of us can't remember who said can we have Mr Fantham's autograph please. Sorry she says he's having his tea. Hold on a minute says John and gets up and walks to the door in his tartan carpet slippers and signs our books. We were star struck.

Somehow can't see Rooney et al doing the same these days.

crookesey
20-05-2011, 17:48
His Mum used to own the Mace shop at Pitsmoor. I remember me and a mate going round to his house for his autograph. I reckon I was about 10. we knocked on the door and his Mum answered. We could see him sat there eating his tea. She asked what we wanted, one of us can't remember who said can we have Mr Fantham's autograph please. Sorry she says he's having his tea. Hold on a minute says John and gets up and walks to the door in his tartan carpet slippers and signs our books. We were star struck.

Somehow can't see Rooney et al doing the same these days.

I recall a Wednesday night game against Stoke, Gordon Banks was having an absolute blinder, Stoke were winning 0-1, until Fant struck in the dying embers of the game. A few more like him would do the game no harm at all.

David T
20-05-2011, 20:19
Not sure why none of the old boys like JF aren't recognsed on the walls of fame at Hillsborough. People like him, Alan Finney, Don Megson, etc did more for the Owls than most of those who have been honoured.

Spacecat
20-05-2011, 21:16
Most of the new babies and school kids in Pitsmoor in the 60/70's would have worn some article of clothing that had been knitted with wool bought from 'Auntie Molly's ' wool shop next door to the Mace shop. Molly Fantham was a lovely lady who had time for each and every one of her customers ....no matter how busy the shop was ....and no one ever complained !!

Redfyre
21-05-2011, 13:08
Are you confusing John with Jim Mcanearney? He had a machine shop in Hillfoot

Jimmy took over the machine shop after Fantham had had it for some years.

rogG
21-05-2011, 14:46
Not sure why none of the old boys like JF aren't recognsed on the walls of fame at Hillsborough. People like him, Alan Finney, Don Megson, etc did more for the Owls than most of those who have been honoured.

I hadn't realized there was a hall of fame. If such be the players you've mentioned should certainly be on it - along with others like Ron Springett, Jim McCalliog, and Bobby Craig.

alby
30-05-2011, 10:14
Cannot believe that John Fantham is not in the Hall of Fame. I know it's difficult to compare teams over time but I do think the Catterick team was the best Wednesday side I have seen. They were exciting to watch with two fast wingers in Wilkinson and Finney, solid midfielders such as Swan and Kay, great goalie in Springett and of course forwards like Fantham and Craig. Pity they did not have a better centre forward. I rate the Spurs match (12 Nov 1960, att. 56,363, 2.1 to Wednesday) as one of the best I have seen at Hillsborough. I was on the kop that day - went in soon as the turnstiles opened.

Redfyre
30-05-2011, 11:37
It is amazing that Johnny Fantham, the club's post-war record aggregate goalscorer is not in the Hall of Fame, and whoever is responsible obviously has no knowledge of Sheffield Wednesday's history. However, it is typical of the times, in that people often lack knowledge of the people who played for the club in the years before they started watching football, and they totally ignore great players of the past.

alex3659
30-05-2011, 12:18
I recall a Wednesday night game against Stoke, Gordon Banks was having an absolute blinder, Stoke were winning 0-1, until Fant struck in the dying embers of the game. A few more like him would do the game no harm at all.

Wasn't on a wednesday night.
Or did you mean a night game wednesday played.

It was on Monday 23rd of October 1967 wednesday were top of the league and the crowd was 33,000.

CaptChris
07-09-2011, 03:38
Now retired to Thailand (hot and cheap), this thread brought back many happy memories of the time I lived on Meadowhead Avenue. John's parents used to own a small grocers shop on that road and sometime later Tommy Hoyland owned the newsagents shop next door. On many occasions my friends and I would see John in the shop and he never once refused to get us autographs of his fellow Wednesday colleagues. Those 'good old days'. Many thanks to the contributors of this thread. On my annual visits to Sheffield I always take in as many home matches as possible (roll on December 2011).

cuttsie
24-12-2011, 21:11
It is amazing that Johnny Fantham, the club's post-war record aggregate goalscorer is not in the Hall of Fame, and whoever is responsible obviously has no knowledge of Sheffield Wednesday's history. However, it is typical of the times, in that people often lack knowledge of the people who played for the club in the years before they started watching football, and they totally ignore great players of the past.
Perhaps now that Meggie and Manderic are in charge they will put things right and recognise my old mate Johny Fantham.

Redfyre
25-12-2011, 09:54
Perhaps now that Meggie and Manderic are in charge they will put things right and recognise my old mate Johny Fantham.

Absolutely. My old schoolpal from Burngreave deserves a special place in that Hall of Fame.

willybite
25-12-2011, 18:50
Absolutely. My old schoolpal from Burngreave deserves a special place in that Hall of Fame.

hiya the last time i saw john fantham was in the 1970/80s, he was buying all types of machines from laycocks eng when they were modernising their machine set up, told he would repair and sell them to asian costomers.
when he first came into the wednesday team i often said i wouldn't go to hillsborough if he was playing, but i soon changed my mind after a while. he was a pleasure to watch.

rhodesian
16-01-2012, 14:12
didn't fantham own a barber or hairdressing shop on
division st?

yes he did