Reader questions
Notes in the Margin
The questions readers send us most often, answered as carefully as we answer everything else: with sources, and with honesty about what we do not know.
What makes a footballer "forgotten" on this site?
We write about players whose achievements were significant in their era but who rarely appear in today's popular conversation, usually because little footage exists or because politics, geography or prejudice kept them out of view.
How do you check goal tallies from the early twentieth century?
We compare club histories, contemporary newspaper reports and statistical archives such as RSSSF. When figures disagree, we give a range and explain why.
Why is Josef Bican's goal total disputed?
Bican played through the Second World War and across several competitions, some of them regional or unofficial. Depending on which matches are counted, totals differ, though most statisticians credit him with more than 800 competitive goals. Read his story.
Was women's football really banned in England?
Yes. On 5 December 1921 the Football Association barred women's teams from playing on its member clubs' grounds. The ban was lifted in 1971. Read about Dick, Kerr Ladies.
Who was the first Black professional footballer?
Arthur Wharton, born in the Gold Coast (now Ghana) in 1865, is widely recognised as the world's first Black professional footballer. He played for Rotherham Town and Sheffield United after keeping goal for Preston North End.
Why do Eastern Bloc players get less attention?
Limited footage sharing, restrictions on moving abroad and untranslated club histories all narrowed how Western audiences saw these careers. Read the chapter.
Is FableFjorSonicPicnc affiliated with any club or governing body?
No. It is an independent journal published by Fablefjor Sonic Picnc Media Ltd and is not affiliated with any club, league or governing body.
Can I suggest a forgotten player?
Yes. Use the note tool on our contact page or email [email protected] with the player's name and why they matter.
Can I quote or reuse your articles?
Short quotations with a credit and link are welcome. Republishing whole articles needs written permission, as explained in our terms.
