Walter Bull

Who was Walter Bull?

Walter Bull was an English football player and manager.

Bull played for Notts County and Tottenham Hotspur in the 1900s. At Tottenham, he counted amongst his team-mates Herbert Chapman; in 1907 Bull was offered the job of Northampton Town manager but after accepting changed his mind, and recommended Chapman take charge of the club instead, launching his career in management. Bull would eventually become Chapman's successor at Northampton Town, taking over in 1912 but managing the club for just a single season.

WALTER BULL Born: Nottingham, 19 December 1874. Died: Nottingham, 21 July 1952. 1908: 5 ft 9 in; 12 st 8 lb. Position: Half back/Utility. Career: St. Andrew’s; Notts County 1894; Tottenham Hotspur May, 1904; Heanor United June 1910; Coached an Argentine club at Buenos Aires April 1911 to June 1912; Northampton Town player/manager July 1912 to 1913. Honours: Football League representative, England first reserve, international trialist. First Team Appearances and Goals for Tottenham Hotspur Debut: 08.10.04 v Bristol Rovers. Final match: 28.04.09 v Derby County. Southern League Apps 105 Gls 9 Football League Apps 12 FA Cup Apps 15 Gls 1 Walter also played in 22 Western League matches, scoring one goal, plus 28 other minor cup, friendly and tour matches, scoring five goals. Known appearances for other clubs Notts County Football League Apps 282 Gls 53. Football League debut: 03.11.1894 v Woolwich Arsenal. Northampton Town Southern League Apps 3. Notes A dispute over the transfer fee payable delayed his move from Notts County to Tottenham who eventually paid £300 on 5 October 1908. He captained both clubs, his stint as Spurs skipper coming during season 1907-08. Walter featured when County provided the opposition for Spurs first official game at White Hart Lane in September 1899. The County goalkeeper was injured during the game and Walter donned the gloves. He reportedly played in every position on the field during his time with County. Heanor United were members of the Notts & Derbyshire League during his time with them. Walter played for the Football League against the Scottish League at Ibrox Park, Glasgow on 19 March 1901. He had previously scored for the North in an international trial match against the South at the old Crystal Palace on 25 February 1901. He then featured for the South v North at Ashton Gate, Bristol on 13 February 1905 and again on 22 January 1906. He also played for Professionals of the South v Amateurs of the South on 8 January 1906. During 1905-06 he was first reserve for the Full England team as understudy to Colin Veitch, the regular centre half. Represented Spurs on the Professional Footballers Association committee when the organisation was formed in 1907.