"Father" William Dix

An article from the Citizen, written by Bill Bailey to mark the retirement of W. Dix at the end of the 1921-22 season

transcribed by Malc King

GLOUCESTER HALF-BACK’S FINE RECORD

W. Dix, the popular city and county half-back, has definitely made up his mind to retire from active participation in the game, and his resignation has been in the hands of the Gloucester F. C. secretary for some two or three weeks. The announcement will be received with general regret, for though one fully recognises Dix has had a long playing career, his form in his last match – against Bradford on Easter Monday – was anything but suggestive that his football days were over. The veteran, however, feels that he has had enough, and that he should stand aside for a younger player.

Dix’ connection with the premier Gloucester team dates back to season 1907-8. Prior to that he had plenty of experience with St. Mark’s and Gloucester A, and when he was called upon to succeed D. R. Gent, the city had a ready-made first-class player to drop into the position of scrum half. Gloucester has been wonderfully well served with players of ability at the base of the scrum, and Dix will take rank among the very best. He was good prior to the war, but since the resumption of the game his form reached a high standard, and but for the fact that he was contemporary with such a stylist as Lieut. C. A. Kershaw he would undoubtedly have gained his English cap many times. Reserve on numerous occasions, Dix was naturally disappointed he was never afforded the opportunity of representing his country, and the regret was shared by a host of admirers in the city and county, who fully appreciated his abilities. The Gloucester half-back has been such a notable personality for so many years, that his form in the playing field will be greatly missed, not only at Kingsholm, but on many other grounds, for “Father” was a decided attraction wherever he appeared.

Altogether Dix made 229 appearances for the Gloucester First team – a record surpassed few city players. I think Arthur Hudson totalled 260. The following statistics may prove interesting to the veteran’s numerous followers:

                       Matches               Score

1907-08           17           5 tries and 1 drop goal
1908-09           12           5 tries and 1 drop goal
1909-10           15           5 tries
1910-11           36           9 tries
1911-12           32           6 tries, 1 penalty and 1 drop goal
1912-13           36           5 tries, 1 drop goal and 2 conversions
1913-14            2
1919-20           26           9 tries, 1 drop goal and 3 conversions
1920-21           30           3 tries, 1 drop goal and 3 conversions
1921-22           23           6 tries, 1 drop goal and 1 conversion

Summary: 229 matches, 53 tries and 15 goals (1 pen, 5 drop and 9 conv).

For the county Dix has made 20 appearances and figured in three championship finals. His score in these games total 8 tries, 1 drop goal and 3 converted. In 1919-20, and again the following season, the popular Gloucestrian took part in the International trials. He also appeared for the Rest in the final trial this season.

It is too late this season to do anything in the way of organising a testimonial to Dix, but he may rest assured his splendid services will not go unrecognised, and the Club members will no doubt see that his name goes forward for life membership – a distinction fully merited.