Bernard Pumfrey

Background

Pumfrey was born in the Stirchley district of Birmingham to Alfred, a carpenter and joiner, and his wife Sarah.

Career

He played as a full back. He worked in the family business, playing recreational football for Birmingham Street Mark"s, before joining Small Heath prior to their first season in the Football League. Pumfrey contributed to Gainsborough"s runners-up spot in the Midland League in the 1895-1896 season which led to their election to the Football League.

In five seasons in the Football League, he played 121 games and captained the team

While a Gainsborough player Pumfrey started a joinery business in the town. He developed this into a large building contractors which was still in existence a hundred years later.

Achievements

• He made his debut on 12 November 1892, in a 3–2 home win against Burton Swifts, and played in the test matches which deprived Small Heath of promotion to add to their Second Division title, but after a few more games the following season, he left for Midland League club Gainsborough Trinity in 1894.