The Globe-Times -- Bethlehem
Saturday, January 5, 1929
A Swing Along Athletic Row

Another Blast
The outlawed soccer player, especially the former big time celebrities from abroad who might wish to return to their country and continue in the profession, will have plenty to ponder over in the decision handed down by the Scottish Football Association. This is in reply to a letter forwarded by Sec. Thomas W. Cahill, of the United States Football Association, relative to the status of players suspended by the national body if they should decide to seek work abroad. The gist of the reply is that the players will not be registered in Scotland unless the U. S. F. A. gives its permission. The decision directly affects a number of players now appearing in the American League games, since a great many stars of the older circuit were brought to this country directly from Scottish clubs. The letter, dated Dec. 21, 1928, announced by Secretary Cahill, was sent in reply to the following cable from Cahill: "Kindly advise status of players under suspension by this association who return to Scotland. Important." The letter read: "With reference to your cable of the 14th inst., I am instructed to inform you the players suspended by the U. S. F. A. for participating in unrecognized football will not be registered by this association without permission of the U. S. F. A." The messages was signed by George C. Graham, secretary of the Scottish F. A. The announcement by the United States Football Association follows the recent statement by the American League that two if its players, Harry Chatton and Alec Donald, of the New York Nationals, and formerly the property of the Hearts, of Edinburgh, had received assurances from their old club that they would be able to return to Scotland and play, despite the ban placed on the American League by the U. S. F. A.

A Brute for Punishment
This far in the soccer warfare he American Soccer League has been defeated at every turn, both here and abroad. The much threatened legal action which did materialize into two injunction proceedings and was really a moral victory for the Eastern Soccer League and the U. S. F. A., for both proceedings were dismissed and that ended all legal action to date. Insofar as the working agreement with international bodies is concerned the U. S. F. A. is pledged the full cooperation and support of these bodies. Any players that might have been prevailed upon to remain in outlawed soccer, some perhaps influenced by false misrepresentations, are certain to wise up to the fact that should the American Soccer League go "blooey" they will have a hard job seeking the reinstatement necessary to secure work either in this country or abroad.

Bethlehem's Jumpers
Among the raft of big time Scottish stars in American Soccer League campaigning who are certain not to view the decision of the Scottish F. A. lightly are Dave Edwards and the Barrie brothers, former members of the Bethlehem team. The trio committed one of the most drastic violations when after signed by the Bethlehem club, jumped the club to play with New Bedford in the American Soccer League. The terms offered by New Bedford were fed with a raft of promises all of which probably will be recognized as long as the team and the league do business. Should a settlement be reached between the warring factions, there will be plenty of washing up to be done before players and executives are restored in the good graces of the parent organization.


1928-1929
Bethlehem Steel Soccer Club