Oscar Linkson

Oscar Linkson was born in Barnet in 1888. He played local football before joining First Division champions, Manchester United, in 1908.

A right-back he played in 10 games in the 1908-09 season. The Athletic News described Linkson as "a nicely built lad, nimble on his feet, and kicks well and has the makings of a fine back." He did not play in the FA Cup run that resulted in Manchester United beating Bristol City 1-0 in the final.

Linkson only played seven times in the 1910-11 championship winning team. However, he was a regular in the 1911-12 season. The same was true the following year and helped the club to finish in 4th place in the league.

At the end of the season Linkson decided to join Shelbourne in Ireland. In his four years at the club he played 55 games for Manchester United.

On the outbreak of the First World War Linkson joined the Footballer's Battalion and was killed fighting on the Western Front on 8th August 1916 during the Somme Offensive.

Primary Sources

(1) Garth Dykes, The United Alphabet (1994)

Oscar Linkson was spotted by United when they were on a continental tour in the close season of 1908. Linkson was also touring with an amateur side, the Pirates, and before the new season started his transfer, and debut in professionalism, had been completed. He was only 20 years-old when he made his First Division debut.