John Charles (English footballer) FA Cup second-round tie at Southampton on 2 February. "The Seasiders" lost 3–1. John Charles (English footballer) John W. Charles was an English professional footballer. He spent his entire professional career at Blackpool in the early 1900s, making over 200 Football League appearances for the club. He played as a midfielder. Crook-born Charles made his debut for Blackpool in the opening game of the 1912–13 season — a 1–1 draw at Grimsby Town. He went on to be ever-present in the club's 38 league games and two FA Cup ties against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. He scored four
White Hart Lane entrance beside the White Hart pub later officially named Bill Nicholson Way. The first game at the Lane to mark its opening was a friendly against Notts County on 4 September 1899, with around 5,000 supporters attending, generating a gate receipt of £115. The first goal at the Lane came from Tommy McCairns of Notts County, followed by an equaliser from Tom Pratt and a hat-trick from David Copeland, ending in a 4–1 home win. The first competitive game on the ground was held five days later in front of a 11,000 crowd against Queens Park Rangers, which Spurs won