Herbert Vigar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Herbert Evelyn Vigar (29 November 1883 – 27 October 1946) was an English footballer from 1898 to 1904, and a first-class cricketer active from 1906 to 1911 who played for Surrey. He was born and died in Redhill.[1] He played as a wicket-keeper, and served as understudy to Herbert Strudwick.[2]
Vigar "had a distinguished career both as a cricketer and a footballer", though he was noted to have "made the greatest name for himself" as a cricketer.[3] Vigar first played football for Redhill Star, where his brother Fred was a prominent member of the team. At the age of 15, Vigar joined the team, which had just lost four straight matches, and helped lead them to a win over a strong opponent.[3] He was nicknamed "the Midget", a name which followed him in his career.[3] An 1899 game report noted that Vigar was "as good as ever on the left, notwithstanding the close attention paid [him]. It was by splendid work that the Star 'midget' scored the only goal of the match".[4] Turning professional, Vigar played for Wales, and then for several seasons for Norwich City F.C. He retired from the football due to ankle injuries from a Southern League match at Brighton.[3]
