28th May 1879

Ardwick, Manchester

Half-Back

Alfred Ambler born in Manchester, signing from Stockport County and leaving to join Colne, played in the Southern League for Exeter City between 1908 and 1910. He featured in the club's first-ever professional fixture against Millwall in September 1908. He had also played for Newton Heath shortly before that club became Manchester United.

Alfred played for Hawktown Juniors as a youngster and soon moved on to Hyde United before getting his Football League opportunity with Newton Heath (later to become Manchester United). Making his debut against Gainsborough Trinity on 2 September 1899 he played ten league games during 1899/1900 ahead of dropping out of the league to play for 
Colne. After helping his new club win the Lancashire Junior Cup, he was given  a second chance in the Football League with Stockport County where he made 24 league appearances.

Exeter City signed Alfred in the summer of 1908 and he appeared in the club’s first ever professional fixture in the Southern League against Millwall on 2 September 1908. He made 35 Southern League appearances for the Grecians in his first season at St James’ Park, and 21 in the following season, before being released and re-joining Colne.

Alfred died in Manchester in December 1940 at the age of 61. He was the son of a police officer and had been working in a dye works before playing football on a full-time basis.

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