Debut:
07/09/1895 v Crewe Alexander (Bank Street 5-0 (League Division Two)
Farewell:
Retired from game 06/1905
Passed Away:
05/1929
Biography
"A team of Cartwrights would lick creation" - so it was said of Walter Cartwright, and it was not an unrealistic observation. Namely a half-back, he served Newton Heath and Manchester United in every single position and, yes, that included goalkeeper. On two occasions, actually: in March 1896, when both regular custodians were injured; and in February 1903, when Birchenough missed his connection.
Cartwright had started his career with his hometown club, Nantwich, then played for Heywood Central. Crewe Alexandra signed him in June 1893, though he had appeared for them once before - in a Football Alliance fixture against Grimsby Town in March 1891. He spent two seasons with Crewe, amassing 56 league and cup appearances.
The 5'8" half-back arrived at Bank Street in May 1895 and made his league bow against his former club when Newton Heath thrashed Crewe 5-0. Walter would go on to play around 300 matches for Heath - and Manchester United - until 1905, by which time he had long become the club's longest servant. He developed a reputation as 'the man who could handle' the great Billy Meredith when the Welsh Wizard was still at Manchester City and, on one occasion, seeing the frustration on his face, Walter cheekily said: "All right, Billy. Go and sit on the stand and you will find me with you".
It was against City that Walter earned a benefit in November 1899. Unfortunately, it was a badly-timed affair. With the Heathens under severe financial duress, the Official Receiver withheld most of the proceeds. Consequently, Cartwright collected a mere 27s and 6d, which he famously fluffed on a night out in Crewe!
Walter earned both Lancashire and Manchester Cup winners' medals with Heath but his contribution to Manchester United's history far outweighs his on-field deeds. He was instrumental in bringing Harry Stafford to the club, for the two were close friends, as demonstrated by this story from September 1901. Walter was involved in a violent collision with a Middlesbrough player that left him unconscious and requiring several stitches in the cheek. It was Harry who cared for him for days in Manchester before he could return home to Crewe (at 124 Bedford Street).
Consequently, in Newton Heath's darkest days, Cartwright was Stafford's right hand man in his efforts to save the club from extinction and bring about the conversion into Manchester United. Walter put nearly as much money from his own pocket when funds were needed to sustain the finances. After retiring in 1905, he concentrated on managing pubs. During the 1920s, he was in charge of the Justice Birch Hotel on Hyde Road, Manchester, and he eventually passed away in 1929, his funeral being on May 15th.
Fact: Walter played in every position even 1 appearance in goal during his 10 Years for Newton Heath & Manchester United. Walter was a great friend of Harry Stafford & was instrumental in the conversion of the Heathen to Manchester United, often spending his own money to help preserve the club. Thanks to Charbel Boujaoude for his tireless researching effort & the correct information on Walter Cartwright. Biography kindly provided by Charbel Boujaoude.
