| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | James William Crabtree | ||
| Date of birth | 23 December 1871 | ||
| Place of birth | Burnley, England | ||
| Date of death | 31 March 1908 (aged 36) | ||
| Place of death | Birmingham, England | ||
| Playing position | Defender | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1889–1890 | Burnley | 3 | (1) |
| 1890–1891 | Rossendale United | ? | (?) |
| 1891–1892 | Heywood Central | ? | (?) |
| 1892–1895 | Burnley | 69 | (8) |
| 1895–1904 | Aston Villa | 176 | (6) |
| 1904 | Plymouth Argyle | 5 | (0) |
| Total | 253 | (15) | |
| National team | |||
| 1894–1902 | England | 14 | (0) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals). |
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James William "Jimmy" Crabtree (1871–1908) was a gifted English footballer of the end of the 19th century.
He began his career at Burnley, but left in 1890 and played in non-league football for two years before returning to Burnley for the 1892–93 season.[1] His performances attracted the attention of FA Cup holders, Aston Villa, in 1895. He played alongside Howard Spencer at left-half, and went on to share the captaincy of the club with him.
He won League Championship medals with Villa in 1897, 1899 and 1900, he also lifted the FA Cup in as a part of the Aston Villa team that completed the Double in 1897.
One of England's greatest players. Shone in any position. Great as a half-back, but greater, possibly, as a back, kicking cleanly and with rare precision. A keen, skilful tackler, clever at close quarters and equally reliable in the open; cool, resourceful, and brainy. Excelled in the finer points of the game, and one of the most versatile players England has boasted. For many seasons unrivalled in his position.[2]
He was capped 11 times by England whilst at Villa. He died suddenly at the age of 36.