12 Facts About Thomas Slaney

Thomas Charles Slaney was an English football player and manager who was the first manager of Stoke.

Slaney was born in Stoke-upon-Trent and attended Stoke St Peter's School where John William Thomas was a teacher.

Thomas was the first honorary secretary of the Stoke Ramblers and was well known in the local area for his involvement in football, cricket and athletic clubs, therefore Slaney took a keen interest in local sport.

Thomas Slaney attended the Saltley College in Birmingham and went to St John's school in Hanley as a teacher, rising to headmaster within ten years.

Thomas Slaney began playing football with Stoke and was elected club captain.

Thomas Slaney's status ensured that he played in the glamorous centre forward position and he was described as "a fine and dashing player".

Thomas Slaney's style was typical of the time, dribbling alone or in a huddle with other forwards.

Thomas Slaney took corners and free-kicks and was described as "judicious and energetic".

Thomas Slaney was renowned for being a model captain, expecting his players to behave with gentlemanly conduct.

Thomas Slaney faded out the side in the early 1880s with the younger Edward Johnson playing more regularly.

Thomas Slaney retired as captain in 1882 and he changed the club's colours of black and light blue hoops to red and white stripes and helped the club agree a merger with the Victoria Athletic Club enabling them to play at the Victoria Ground.

In 1890 Thomas Slaney was appointed President of Stoke baseball club, for the upcoming professional 1890 National League of Baseball of Great Britain and was a Director of Preston North End Baseball Club.