Jack Ibbotson

Jack Ibbotson joined the Midland Railway Company, Derby, in 1884 but did not move to the town until 1891. Prior to leaving his Yorkshire roots, he had a trial as a rugby league player with Wakefield Trinity. However, after moving to Derby he turned his attention to the Association game with Derby Junction FC. Ibbotson took up refereeing in the 1896/97 season and became a referee in the Midland League. He was appointed a Football League linesman in 1898/99 and was promoted to the League’s referees list in 1902/03.

Ibbotson took charge of three international matches, all in 1908. He was in the middle for two games in the Home International Championship and the other was the Great Britain versus Sweden first round match at the London Olympics. His last game on 30 April 1910 was between Aston Villa and Liverpool. The 1909/10 season was a memorable one for Ibbotson. He refereed the Glasgow Cup Final between Celtic and Rangers and also took charge of the English Cup Final between Newcastle United and Barnsley. However, because he was born in Barnsley, the Yorkshire club objected to his appointment on the grounds that he would favour Newcastle in doubtful decisions, so as not to show any partisanship. The objection was overruled.

A former treasurer of the Derby FA, Ibbotson retired from Midland Railway in 1929 after 45-years-service, and he continued to pursue his pastime of playing bowls. During his time as a referee, Ibbotson often used that great saying: “Think all you speak; but speak not all you think”