Page:Association Football and How to Play It (1908) by John Cameron.djvu/20

18 was the prettiest back to watch that I have ever seen, and Ross was about the most effective. The latter was certainly the most fearless player that I have ever run across, and seemed at times to plough his way through the attacking forwards.

is no shadow of doubt but that the half-back line is the backbone of a football team, and probably the centre half catches the eye more than any other member of the eleven. He ought really to be a general, as he is in command of both the attack and the defence. For many reasons he should be the captain of the side, for he can always encourage either the defence or the attack. He is like a wicketkeeper in cricket, who sees more of the game than any other player, and if he be not the captain, his advice should always be taken into serious consideration. I have seen so many expert half-backs that I must refrain from dwelling upon the abilities of individual players. However taking such great examples as C. Campbell, of Queen's Park, Glasgow; Johnnie Holt, of Everton fame; J. Cowan, of Aston Villa, now manager of Queen's Park Rangers, and many others, their methods