Wheatley: Thomas (Tom)

1953-1953 (Player Details)

Goalkeeper

Born: Hebburn, Co Durham: 01-06-1929

Debut: Swansea Town (h): 30-08-1953

5’11 1/2” 10st 10lb (1953)

He played for Northern Alliance club Amble for two and a half years and had trials with Leeds United and Lincoln City in 1952-53 before signing for Leeds in April 1953. Wheatley’s six successive appearances came as deputy to Jack Scott. It was Royden Wood who emerged as his deputy and was given his chance the next time Scott was unavailable in October 1954 and became a virtual ever-present for the next four years. At the end of the 1953-54 season Wheatley was given the chance to join Stoke City on a free transfer, but chose instead moved back to the North East where he played semi-professional for Horden Colliery Welfare in the North Eastern League. His career came to an end in 1956 when he lost a finger on a centre forward’s boot while playing against North Shields. Nobody wanted a four fingered goalkeeper.