Ernest Stretton

Debut game for Gresley Rovers first team
v Leicester City Reserves (h) 16th September 1920

Final game
v Leicester City Reserves (a) 6th April 1921

Ernest sadly died in June 1979 aged 78 years.

Ernie was born in Tamworth, Staffs and moved to Woodville in December 1918, when his job (as a Cooper with Holder's Brewery in Birmingham) went to a a former employee returning after the War.

Family contacts managed to get him a job (also as a Cooper) with Brunt, Bucknall & Co's Hartshorne Brewery in High Street Woodville and he lodged with his Aunt in Swadlincote Road.

He lived in Woodville for over 2 years, before moving to Australia in May 1921 (and a job as a Cooper with Fosters Brewery in Melbourne) - so the Leicester game above, must have been one of his last for the Rovers.

He was a decent footballer by all accounts - his sister described him as a, "hard tackling Centre Half". He played Amateur Football in Birmingham before Gresley (we don't know which club). He moved to Australia in 1921 on a short term contract with Fosters Brewery and while there he played for Australian Rules Club Collingwood FC until returning home. In 1927 Ernie moved back to Birmingham, England taking a job as head cooper at Ansell’s Brewery in Aston. He continued to work for Ansell’s and their successors Allied until his retirement in the late 1960’s.

Ernie lived in Sutton Coldfield for the rest of his days, dying in June 1979. His house backed on to the Boldmere St Michael's football ground, so it was quite likely that he would have 'popped over the fence' to see any of their games against Gresley! His grandson definitely remembers him talking about his Gresley playing days and him always following their results - before any other club remaining a fan of the Moatmen.

Information kindly provided by nephew Neil Stretton