George Parsonage

George Parsonage (November 1880 – 22 May 1919) was an English professional football half back and manager who played in the Football League for Blackburn Rovers and Fulham. He was banned from football for life by the Football Association in 1909, but later returned to the game.

Early years

A half back, Parsonage began his senior career at local Division One side Blackburn Rovers in 1900, after joining from Oswaldtwistle Rovers. He failed to make a league appearance for the club before dropping into the Lancashire Combination to sign for Accrington Stanley.

Brentford

Parsonage moved to London to sign for Southern League Division One side Brentford in 1903. He became captain of the club in the 1904–05 season and was a "tower of strength" for five seasons, before departing Griffin Park in 1908.

Fulham

Parsonage returned to league football with Division Two side Fulham in 1908. He made 24 appearances and scored three goals during the 1908–09 season.

"The Parsonage Affair"

While a Fulham player, Parsonage was the subject of transfer interest from Division Two side Chesterfield in 1909. Reportedly not keen on a move to Derbyshire, Parsonage submitted a request for a £50 signing-on fee, an amount £40 higher than the Football League's maximum. Chesterfield reported the request to the Football Association, who banned Parsonage from football for life. A petition signed by thousands of fans failed to see the ban overturned.

Later career

Parsonage returned to football with Division One side Oldham Athletic during the 1910–11 season. He saw out his career with a spell at hometown Lancashire Combination Division Two side Darwen.

Parsonage had a spell as player-manager of Brentford during the 1907–08 season. He later coached at Oldham Athletic.

Parsonage's form while at Brentford saw him called up for two England trial games. He played for Amateurs versus Professionals on 16 January 1905 and for the South versus the North the following month, but was passed over in favour of Charlie Roberts.