Milton Albert Image 3 Sunderland 1912

Description

Kimberworth, Rotherham, Yorkshire born left back Albert Milton began his career with junior club South Kirkby in 1902 before joining Thornhill United in 1904, returning to South Kirkby in 1906. From there he signed for Second Division Barnsley for £50 in December 1907, making his Football League debut at Fulham in January 1908. After just one season at Oakwell, and 15 appearances for The Tykes, Milton was sold by Barnsley to Sunderland in April 1908 for the then maximum transfer fee of £350,

He made his debut on 9th September 1908 in a 3-0 win against Middlesbrough at Ayresome Park. Though he played for Sunderland from 1908 to 1914, making 131 appearances, he never won a League Championship medal, as in their successful 1912-13 season he was injured and missed the majority of the season, as well as missing their 1913 FA Cup Final defeat to Aston Villa having played 7 ties on the way to the Final including playing in their semi final against Burnley.

In March 1914, Milton was given a benefit game by The Wearsiders before he joined Swindon Town in May of the same year. Despite the transfer fee paid by Swindon being “a very large one”, after just twelve months he left the club to return to the Sunderland area with the onset of the First World War after 29 appearances for The Robins.

After his playing retirement Milton assisted local football teams, including Sunderland Rovers, as a coach. He enlisted in the Army serving with The Royal Field Artillery as a bombardier, and was awarded The Military Medal, however tragically he was killed at the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele)  in October 1917.

Milton was the brother of Ernest Milton and Alf Milton, both professional footballers. Ernest played for Sheffield United and won the FA Cup with The Blades in 1925, and Alf played for Rotherham County, Coventry, and after the War made a single League appearance for Gillingham in 1920.