No one who read our recent story about Stan Sulkowski, the Stanley fan from Charleston, South Carolina, who recently became a life member of OASST, can doubt the seemingly magical attraction of Accrington Stanley. Certainly Ray Brookes of Solihull understands, he wrote:
“I enjoyed the recent Facebook post about Stan Sulkowski from the USA taking out life membership and decided to do the same. My association with Accrington is through my grandfather Aaron Pemberton who lived in the town.
“Shortly after the 1st World War, finding himself unemployed, so the story goes, he spent several days walking to the Midlands to find work. He succeeded and lived in Redditch to the ripe old age of 86, fathering 10 children. A cousin of his was an Accrington Pal, and his brother Luther played for the club in the 1880’s and was in the team for Accrington F.C’s first-ever football league match against Everton at Anfield in 1888.
“Along with wife Sheila and son Phil we attended a match in 2019 (photo attached) and look forward to another visit when things get back to normal.”
Luther Pemberton, Ray’s relative, played 16 times in 1888-9 season as a wing half and then 20 times as a centre half the following season. He played a further 9 times in 1890/91 season. He also played for Bury.
Luther’s Wikipedia entry
Luther Pemberton was an English footballer who played in The Football League for Accrington. Luther Pemberton made his League debut on 8 September 1888, playing at wing-half, at Anfield, then home of Everton on 8 September 1888. Accrington lost the match 2–1. Luther Pemberton played 16 of Accrington’s 22 League games in season 1888–89. He helped Accrington to finish 7th in the League, on goal average above Everton.
Personal information
Full name Luther Pemberton
Date of birth Q1 1866
Place of birth Oswaldtwistle
Date of death 1944 (aged 77–78)
Position(s) Defender
Senior career
Years 1888–1891
Team Accrington
Apps (Gls) 45 (0)
If you, like Stan and Ray, are drawn to Accrington Stanley, you can have a little piece of that magic by becoming a member (life or annual) of the Official Accrington Stanley Supporters’ Trust. It couldn’t be simpler, just fill in the form you’ll find by clicking on the link below, and we’ll have your card and badge to you in no time!