South Yorkshire Times, January 10, 1970

Tom’s Flag ‘Waving Days Are Over

But He’ll Still Be Near The Line

For 50 years Mr. Thomas “Jarvo” Wilson, of Thurnscoe, has taken an active interest in local soccer and cricket. Now he’s decided to call it a day — but he still intends to follow his favourite teams from the . . . sidelines

Mr. Wilson, who will be 71 in February, gained a real interest in soccer while in the army. He was linesman in the Durham Light Infantry versus the York and Lancaster Regiment match at Sunderland’s Roker Park ground in 1916.

After returning to civilian life at the end of the War, “Jarvo,” as he is affectionately known in the area, played for Barnburgh second team and was the reserve for the Montagu Cup final team in the early 1920’s. Next stop for Mr. Wilson was Thurnscoe Butcher’s Street Club, where he was goalkeeper—his main position.

Helped To Run. . .

Mr. Wilson also had lasting connections with Thurnscoe ‘Vics,’ the Coronation Club team. Besides performing his duties as linesman, Mr. Wilson helped with the running of the team.

During his stay the ‘Vics’ won the Sheffield and Doncaster invitation cups and in the final of the latter beat Doncaster Rovers Reserves away.

Goalie

In the 1939-40 season, Mr. Wilson played goal for Lidget Lane. In season 39-40 the team won the Fullerton Cup, the Mexborough Invitation Challenge Cup and the League Cup.

Mr. Wilson has also acted as linesman for Highgate W.M.C., Bolton Ings Lane, Dearne and Hickleton Main football clubs.

Mr. Wilson has spent the last fourteen years on the selection committee of Hickleton Main cricket club.

It is people like Mr. Wilson who keep local sport going and Hickleton cricket and football clubs will miss his services.