Tim Coleman English footballer, striker Date of Birth: 26.10.1881 Country: Great Britain

1. Early Career
2. Rise to Prominence
3. Success with Arsenal
4. Departure from Arsenal
5. Record-Breaking Everton
6. Union Dispute and Move to Sunderland
7. Later Years
8. Legacy

Early Career

Tim Coleman began his football journey in his hometown with Kettering Town, which played in the Midland Football League, winning the title in 1896 and 1900. After their 1899/1900 triumph, Kettering moved to the Southern Football League, finishing 11th out of 16 teams in their first season.

Rise to Prominence

Coleman joined newly promoted Southern Football League side Northampton Town, where he again finished 11th (Kettering finished 8th that season). He caught the attention of Second Division club Woolwich Arsenal and spent six seasons with the Gunners.

In his first season, he became a key player for Arsenal, scoring 17 goals in 30 appearances and helping the team finish third in the Second Division. The following season, he played a pivotal role in Arsenal's promotion to the First Division, scoring 23 goals in 28 matches.

Success with Arsenal

Coleman continued to score prolifically in the First Division, becoming Arsenal's top scorer in the 1905/06 season with 15 goals in 34 appearances. His performances earned him a call-up to the England national team.

Departure from Arsenal

In February 1908, Arsenal sold Coleman to Everton for £700 due to financial difficulties. In his Arsenal career, he played 196 official games, scoring 84 goals, making him the club's sixth all-time scorer.

Record-Breaking Everton

Coleman made his Everton debut in February 1908 and scored five goals in 13 appearances before the end of the season. In the following season, he became the club's second-highest scorer with 19 goals in 33 matches, helping Everton finish second in the league.

Union Dispute and Move to Sunderland

During his time at Everton, Coleman became involved in the ongoing dispute between The Football Association and the Players' Union. In response to the FA's demand for players to sign a loyalty pledge or leave their union, Coleman became the only Everton player to join Manchester United players in a strike. This led to his transfer to Sunderland.

Later Years

Coleman played for Sunderland and Fulham before retiring from playing in 1911. He later became a manager, coaching various clubs including Nelson and Accrington Stanley.

Legacy

Tim Coleman died on November 20, 1940, while repairing a bomb-damaged hydro-electric station during World War II. He is remembered as a prolific goalscorer and a courageous advocate for players' rights.