Charles Spencer - Player Profile

Charles William Spencer (Player- Manager).

Charlie was born in the North East mining town of Washington on the 4^th December 1899. He saw service with the Royal Engineers during the First World War.    

His first football club was a local outfit called Glebe Rovers, and from here he went on to play for the Washington Chemical Works side. In October 1921 he signed for Newcastle United, he was to enjoy a glittering playing career as a centre half, and eventually, captain of Newcastle United. He won an FA Cup winners medal as captain of the Newcastle side who beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Wembley in 1924. 

He was also capped twice for England, the 472^nd player to receive such an honour, making his international debut on the 12^th April 1924 against Scotland at Wembley in a 1-1 draw. His second cap was earned away against Wales at the Vetch Field in Swansea on the 28^th February 1925. England recorded a 2-1 victory.  

A third representative honour was earned when he appeared for the England F.A. touring team in1925.

The year 1927 saw Charlie winning a Football League Championship medal as Newcastle United finished five points clear of Huddersfield Town in the First division. In 1928 he signed for Manchester United but he only stayed at Old Trafford for 18 months before deciding to try his hand at management. 

He moved down to Kent to take over as player-manager at Tunbridge Wells Rangers. However, he still lived in the Marton area of Blackpool and the opportunity to move back up North encouraged him to apply for the Wigan job.