Shearman Ben Image 1 West Bromwich Albion 1913

Description

Lincoln born outside left Ben Shearman began his football career with Attercliffe in 1905, playing for High Hazels in 1906 before spending 1907-08 on the books of Nottingham Forest, without making their first eleven. In 1908 he joined Midland League Rotherham Town, spending a single season before being signed by Bristol City in the 1909 close season, making his Football League debut at Bradford City in September that year.

He gained a reputation as a a speedy winger with an accurate crossing ability, and after two seasons at Ashton Gate, but with The Robins suffering relegation in 1911, having scored 4 times in 64 appearances he moved to West Bromwich Albion where he enjoyed the most successful spell of his career. In his first season at The Hawthorns he featured in the 1912 FA Cup Final where the Baggies eventually lost 1-0 to Barnsley in a replay at Bramall Lane after a 0-0 draw at The Crystal Palace, Shearman playing 8 games in the Cup run. He remained a regular for West Bromwich until peacetime football was suspended due to the First World War, scoring 18 goals in 141 appearances.

With the onset of the War he moved back to Sheffield to work in steel production at Tinsley whilst making regular guest appearances for Sheffield United before eventually joining the British Army. Following the end of the War he was bought by Second Division Nottingham Forest for £2,500 but lasted only one season, scoring once in 32 appearances, before moving back into non league football with Gainsborough Trinity in 1920. He finished his career joining Norton Woodseats in 1921.