Joe Schofield

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Joseph Alfred Schofield (1 January 1871 – 29 September 1929) was an English footballer and manager. He played as a left winger for Stoke from 1891 to 1899, becoming a key player and earning three England caps between 1892 and 1895. He later returned to Stoke as manager during World War I (1915–1919); the team competed in the War League, finishing top in the 1917–18 Primary Competition, though those results aren’t officially recognised.

In March 1920, he joined nearby Port Vale as secretary-manager and stayed in that role until his death in 1929. He is remembered as a club legend at both Stoke and Port Vale for his long service, leadership, and ability to spot talent.

Schofield was born in Cobridge, Staffordshire, the third of seven children. He worked as a schoolteacher and married Elizabeth Roberts in 1911. He died in Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent, aged 58.