1880s

An interesting cluster of aspects were seen during the 1880s, with trends focused on tactics, professionalism, levelling and an extraordinary expansion of high-calibre footballers. Scotland largely dominated the football scene, scoring huge routs against their main rivals. England, on the other hand, took their footballing level to the next level in 1888, after an exceptional performance that reflected a 5-0 scoreline against Scotland. Individual quality was notable, with both teams, especially Scotland, possessing players of great quality. Consequently, their top players were brought to the top English teams, such as Aston Villa F.C. and Preston North End F.C.

While playing on English soil, of course, these footballers were deprived of playing for Scotland, but they led, or were key players in, their respective teams to great glory. Archie Hunter, Villa; Nick Ross, North End; John Campbell, Sunderland; Dr. John Smith, Corinthians.

Even after a huge exodus to English football, formidable footballers played on Scottish soil, such as Walter Arnott — one of the greatest footballers of all-time — and William Sellar.

The English footballing class, although inferior to that of Scotland, was excellent; much reflected in players such as W. N. Cobbold, Dr. Tinsley Lindley, A. M. & P. ​​M. Walters, Charlie Bambridge, etc.

GREAT CLASS OF FORWARDS.

Of these, some can be mentioned due to the consistency and high level of performance they achieved during the decade. John Goodall, for instance, took a while to receive his first cap due to the lack of confirmation of his birthplace, but he performed at a high level for most of the decade. For North End, Johnny All Good unified the forward line, organizing it masterfully. His complete and refined technique, combined with his broad tactical knowledge of an astute general, made him the conditio sine qua non of the vanguard.


John Goodall

Another great name often mentioned in the decade is W. N. Cobbold, one of the greatest dribblers ever mentioned in football history. Of those mentioned above, Cobbold was mentioned as a top shelf forward above the rest, consistently being ranked as one of the best forwards of the Victorian Era. According to G. O. Smith, the astonishing amateur attack leader, William Neville Cobbold was the greatest player of all-time, even decades after the precise dribbler stopped playing.

Cobbold was a determined man, always fighting for the ball. He was of the individualistic style, but could combine very well, too. His game was very much characterized by his disconcerting dribbling and explosion, besides having a phenomenal shot, thus being constantly mentioned as a dangerous footballer.

Of the forwards of the decade, the best, due to his level and consistency, was W. N. Cobbold.

OUTSANDING SCOTTISH FULL-BACKS.

The Scottish football class was undoubtedly considered superior, especially when it comes to a full-back. Combining all aspects of technique and tactics, combined with resistance, stamina and a lack of fear to his soul, this footballer would be reflected in Nick Ross, the captain of North End.

Ross had an almost unparalleled judgment, certainty, and an extraordinary tactical reading. The Scotsman also had the characteristic of Ernest Needham and Alfredo Di Stéfano, which was to be in all areas of the field, but always remain very well positioned. Nick Ross constantly advanced to disarm the opposing half-backs or to be on the other side of his team's own field.


JIMMY CRABTREE: The average Scotchman would not believe you if you were to tell him that Nick Ross was a better back than Arnott.


The fearless Nick Ross was the general of his teams, the footballer who boosted the performance of his comrades. With him on the pitch, especially when he seemed possessed, success could be expected. His tireless play, brilliant technique, command and anticipation were the reflection of a true footballer,  a man born for Association Football. Proud Preston's heyday is, quite appropriately, due to the leadership of Nick Ross.

Nick Ross was not only an exceptional full-back, but a complete footballer; he could play in any position on the pitch and maintain consistency.


WILLIAM BASSETT: The more I think of Nick Ross, the more convinced I am that he was the greatest full-back I have ever seen.


Another oustanding footballer was the great Scottish full-back, Walter Arnott.

Wattie was an extra-class player, one of the best ever produced in the history of football. He was an extraordinary full-back, possessing all the aspects that make up a true defender. His style of play was elegant, classic, artistic, scientific and he was often referred to as the most polished full-back. His dominance in the game was notorious, constantly nullifying the forwards who got in his way — and in a completely clean manner. He was a very fast player, with an interception and tackling accuracy of the highest caliber.

For this decade, in my opinion, the choice is squarely between the two Scottish full-backs.

There is a strong case for placing Walter Arnott above Nick Ross, as he performed at international level, especially in the England v. Scotland matches. The weight of the caps is indeed very heavy. Nick Ross, on the other hand, was neglected of playing for Scotland.


JESSE PENNINGTON: It is true that Nick Ross' name is generally accepted as that of the greatest back of all time, although in Scotland they say that this honour belongs to Walter Arnott.


In a direct comparison of who was the better full-back, there were many questions. However, Nick Ross has consistently been mentioned as a superior footballer overall, due to his versatility on the field.

It is a difficult choice between the two, it is true, but I tend to choose Nick Ross.