Sam Raybould

Samuel Raybould was born in Chesterfield in January 1875. He played football for Ilkeston Town before joining Chesterfield Town in May 1893. The following year he was transferred to Derby County for £300. He scored two goals in five games in the 1894-95 season. However, unable to gain a regular first-team place, he returned to Ilkeston Town. He also played for Poolsbrook United and Bolsover Colliery before joining New Brighton Tower in October, 1899.

Raybould scored 10 goals in 13 games before signing for Liverpool for £250 in January 1900. The club won the First Division championship in 1900-01. The stars of the side included Sam Raybould, John Walker, John Robertson, Jack Cox, Alex Raisbeck, Rab Howell and William Dunlop.

The following season Sam Raybould set a new scoring record with 32 league goals. However, Liverpool could only finish in 11th place. According to Tony Matthews (Who's Who of Liverpool): "He (Raybould) was alert and forever active in the penalty area."

He remained a regular goalscorer for the club until he suffered from injuries in the 1903-04 season. That season Liverpool was relegated. However, he eventually regained his form and played an important role in Liverpool winning the First Division title in the 1905-06 season, when they beat runners-up, Preston North End, by four points.

In May 1907 Sam Raybould was sold to Sunderland. During his time at Liverpool he scored an impressive 127 goals in 224 appearances. He did well at his new club scoring 13 goals in 27 appearances in the 1907-08 season.

Raybould moved to Arsenal in May 1908. However, he was in the twilight of his career and only managed 6 goals in 27 games.

Samuel Raybould died in Chesterfield in 1949.