Edward John Orton Hemsley (born 1 September 1943) is an English former professional footballer, playing at left-back for Sheffield United and Shrewsbury Town. He was also a first-class cricketer for Worcestershire.
Hemsley was born in Stoke-on-Trent, and was still a schoolboy when he signed professional terms with Shrewsbury Town in 1961.[1] He made 235 league appearances for the Shrews with 21 league goals.[2] In 1968, Sheffield United appointed Arthur Rowley as manager, who had spent the previous ten years in charge at Shrewsbury.[3] Rowley's first signing was to be his old club captain: Hemsley.
He was given his chance in the starting line-up at left-back and soon made the position his own. His debut for Sheffield United was against Millwall at Bramall Lane in 1968 in a 1–0 victory.[2] He was a regular in the team over the next few years, and played 40 matches (out of a possible 42) when the Blades won promotion to the First Division in 1970–71.[2]
He played for Sheffield United for 9 years; his final appearance was at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers on 5 March 1977.[2] In total, he made 247 league appearances for Sheffield United, scoring 7 goals.[4] He finished his footballing career with Doncaster Rovers, making 32 league appearances over two seasons.[2]
Hemsley was a right-hand batsman. As a bowler he was a right-arm medium pace. He played first-class cricket for Worcestershire between 1962 and 1982. He was mentioned as a possible England batsman when he helped Worcestershire, for whom he played 243 first-class games and 219 one-dayers, to the County Championship in 1964. In total, Hemsley scored 9740 first-class runs for Worcestershire. He also (uniquely) played cricket on his home football ground, Worcs v Yorkshire at Bramall Lane[5]
His younger brother, Colin Hemsley, played List A cricket for Shropshire.[6]
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