Johnny May

Johnny May (also known as Jack May) was a goalkeeper who played for Fulham from 1886 until 1897. One of the clubs earliest heroes, he was known for his shot-stopping abilities and an incredible penalty-saving record. Although other goalkeepers were known to have played before Johnny, such as George Read and Alfred Schneidau, he was the first goalkeeper of any real note in Fulham's history.

=Career=

Before Fulham
Johnny was born John Edward May in approximately October 1867 in Kensington, West London. He grew up and lived in London most of his life, and at some point at a young age, his family moved to Fulham. He lived in Hannell Road and became a plumber by trade.

Fulham (1886-1898)
Johnny joined the club in the 1886-87 season. At only 19 years of age, he made an immediate impact as he became a big part of the 1st XI team that season, and helped them win the West London Association Cup in February 1887 after a 2-1 victory over St Matthews.

He was largely replaced as goalkeeper in the first team by George Branch in 1888-89, although he played a few matches in goal. His presence was not lost however, as he was also a useful outfield player and was utilised as a full back and and a forward during several friendlies the very same season.

As of the 1889-90 season, Johnny became the club's captain and remained so for virtually his entire footballing career.

He also helped Fulham win the inaugural West London League in the 1892-93 season, in which they went the whole league season undefeated.

It appears that Johnny had an incredible record of saving penalty kicks, and the first and only time he was beaten was during a 8-0 drubbing at Craven Cottage in 1896 against rivals Stanley FC. It was reported to have been such an unexpectedly poor display by May that the club's secretary at the time, Horace Wilkins, had decided to kick him out of the club. One newspaper reported: "His remarks were very severe on J May the goalkeeper. He said that the other players were discouraged by his failing to negotiate at least five easy shots. In consequence a new goalkeeper had been chosen to play against Swanscombe."

He then spent a few months at Southall FC in late 1896. The removal of May did nothing to improve the side and when two other replacement goalkeepers in Fred Kingsbury and George Taylor did not perform adequately, it was not long before he was re-introduced back into the Fulham side.

After Fulham
After completely retiring from playing, he continued to work at the club with Eddie Witheridge, in the club's canteen until his untimely death in 1904 at he age of 36.

=Statistics=

Fulham Matches
Editing in progress