Joe Schofield

Joseph Alfred Schofield (1 January 1871 – 29 September 1929) was an English footballer and football manager.

A winger, he played for Stoke between 1891 and 1899, winning himself three England caps in the process. He was later appointed as Stoke's manager in 1915 before he left the post in 1919. He took up the reins at nearby Port Vale in March 1920. He remained in charge at Vale until his death nine years later. Though he did not pick up any major honours with either Stoke or Vale, he is considered a legend at both clubs as he played for Stoke in the First Division for eight years and managed Vale in the Second Division for nine years.

Early and personal life Joseph Alfred Schofield was born on 1 January 1871 in Cobridge, Staffordshire. He was the third of seven children to James and Mary Anne (née Moseley); his father was an engine driver. He joined nearby Football League club Stoke in September 1891. He made a goalscoring debut at the Victoria Ground in a 3–0 league win over Burnley on 10 October and scored again in his next two matches, against Derby County and Aston Villa. He finished the season as the club's top-scorer with 12 goals in 20 appearances. He was again top-scorer in 1892–93 with 13 goals in 30 appearances, including a hat-trick in a 3–3 draw with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on 25 February. His third game was against Ireland on 9 March 1895. All three games were in the British Home Championship, and England won all three tournaments in which he played. Despite this success, he was dropped in favour of Fred Spiksley. Vale ended the 1919–20 season in 13th place in the Second Division.

In preparation for the 1920–21 campaign, he signed full-back Bob Pursell from Liverpool, as well as inside-forward Tom Page from St Mirren, and right-half Freddy Price from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Year!!Apps!!Goals

Managerial statistics

Honours England British Home Championship: 1891–92, 1892–93 & 1894–95