Search for long lost footballer's diary

Date: 12/08/2012. Story submitted by: JamesM

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The search is on for a century-old diary which could reveal more about a little-known Sheffield legend.

Arthur Wharton was Britain’s first black footballer - and a Sheffield United hero - and also former Amateur Athletic Association sprint champion.

Now the anti-racist charity Football Unites, Racism Divides is searching for his lost diary.

In 2004 an anonymous female relative visited Rotherham Archives with a handwritten copy of it. But no copies were made and the woman’s details were lost.

FURD is running a two year project into Arthur’s life.

Spokesman Howard Holmes said: “This diary will undoubtedly offer a revealing insight into Arthur’s incredible sporting life and could be instrumental to our work.

“Arthur was hugely respected in the communities in which he lived. Like any other black person, he suffered racism, but he was not a passive victim. He fought back and he was a proud man without being arrogant.
 
“Although we’re not sure what years his diary covers we do believe it will help us learn more about this fascinating and inspirational man.

“We’re building an Arthur Wharton Archive at the charity’s new base in Sheffield and we’d love to include this piece of history.”
 
Anyone with information about the diary should contact Howard on 07973 414 722

Additional info

Address: Asline Road Sheffield S2 4UJ

Tags: Sheffield, Football Unites Racism Divides, Arthur Wharton