Thomas Blackstock

Tommy Blackstock , a Manchester United reserve full-back with thirty-eight first-team appearances since his move to the club from Cowdenbeath in June 1903, died during the course of a Lancashire Combination fixture against St Helens Recs. Blackstock collapsed during the first half of the match after heading a ball. His teammates were outraged when they entered the dressing room at the interval and discovered he had already been transported to the Mill Street mortuary. His family left with no compensation. the Manchester City coroner concluded Tommy Blackstock had ‘died of natural causes’ a possible fatal seizure after heading the ball. Manchester United player, Buckley, who was just a couple of yards away from Blackstock, believed he had died of a heart-attack or seizure. This was one of the reason to form the Association of Football Players' and Trainers' Union. Thomas Blackstock RIP 1882 - April 8th 1907.