Birthplace:
Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, England
Height:
5' 11" (1.80m)
Weight:
11st 6lbs (72.57kg)
Years at Club:
1895-1901
Signing Info:
Transferred from: West Manchester FC, 07/1895, £
Previous Clubs:
West Manchester FC
Debut:
11/01/1896 v Rotherham United (Bank Street) 3-0 (League Division Two)
Farewell:
Transferred to Rochdale Town, 12/1901, £
Passed Away:
09/1930
Biography
Joseph Ridgway could have carved a lengthy career for himself at Newton Heath, were it not for a recurring theme throughout his time in the game - the tendency to get injured. He had first emerged with local side West Manchester in 1894-95 when he was first-choice goalkeeper for the whole season in the Lancashire League, bar two spells out with injury.
The six-footer arrived at Bank Street in the 1895 close season but had to wait until January 11th, 1896, to displace previous custodian William Douglas. Ridgway quickly displayed his abilities - including the mastery of his whole half of the field, let alone penalty area - until he broke his finger in an FA Cup tie versus Derby County in February.
After recovering from that setback, Ridgway began 1896-97 as Newton Heath's main goalie but he badly hurt his shoulder at Grimsby Town in September. His long layoff necessitated the purchase of another custodian - Frank Barrett arrived from Dundee to prove himself the best keeper in Heath's history. Poor Ridgway lost his place and never played for the first team again.
After three years out of the limelight, Joseph resurfaced in December 1901 when Rochdale Town signed him from the Heathens who still held his registration all along. His debut came against Darwen on the 21st, but the perpetually unlucky keeper collided with an opponent in trying to make a save and was knocked out. The game was stopped for several minutes then altogether abandoned. It was an apt end to the hapless Ridgway's career. No picture available. Biography kindly provided by Charbel Boujaoude.
