Introduction
John Bennison Wildsmith (17 June 1911 – 11 January 2003) was an English footballer who played as an inside right or outside right in the Football League for Darlington. He also played for Darlington Grammar School Old Boys.
Life and career
Wildsmith was born in Darlington, County Durham, and played football for Darlington Grammar School Old Boys team before joining Darlington F.C. He was playing for their North Eastern League team by January 1929, at outside right in a visit to Hartlepools United's reserves. In October 1930, against Carlisle United's reserves, he was "a danger spot throughout the game" and scored twice as Darlington came back from a three-goal deficit to draw the match. He made his first-team debut the following season, playing at inside right against Stockport County on 14 November 1931, and turned a pass smartly to Mitchell, who with a characteristic cross-shot flashed the ball into the net" for Darlington's opening goal in a 2–0 win. He made only six appearances in the Football League side, the last of which was in the 1933–34 season.
He was also a keen cricketer and played cricket for Darlington and Durham.
Wildsmith died in Darlington in January 2003 at the age of 91.