George Jasper Groves (19 October 1868 – 18 February 1941) was an English footballer who played as a defender, primarily for Sheffield United. He also played first-class cricket for Nottinghamshire.

Football career

Born in Nottingham Groves was an amateur player who played regularly in the Sheffield area from around 1888 when he represented Heeley. ^[1] He moved to Sheffield Club later the same year but almost immediately began guesting for nearby Sheffield United (as allowed by FA rules regarding amateurs). ^[1] After appearing regularly in friendly and exhibition fixtures he was signed on a permanent basis by United in March 1891 and remained with the club until the summer of 1896. ^[1]

Known as 'Mr. Groves' in match reports he was initially a regular for United and was usually named captain but less than a year after joining he moved to London and from then on would only make irregular appearances for the club. ^[1] He would also appear as a guest for Woolwich Arsenal during the same period but with the game becoming increasingly professional he drifted away from league football. ^[1]

Cricket career

Groves played in 17 first-class cricket matches for Nottinghamshire in 1899 and 1900, playing as a lower-middle-order right-handed batsman. ^[2]

Personal life

Groves was a journalist, covering numerous sports in particular cricket and horse racing. ^[1] Groves retired to Newmarket after his playing career was over, where he continued to write for the Sporting Chronicle until his death. ^[3] Groves was killed when the Chronicle's offices were hit by a German bomb while he was working on 18 February 1941. ^{[3] [4]}

References