It is with deepest sadness that we are informed of the passing of another Witton Albion great Stuart Cowden age 90.
Born in Alsager in February 1925, Stuart Cowden made over 40 appearances for Stoke City during the war and played alongside the likes of Sir Stanley Matthews and Neil Carter before joining Witton Albion in 1947. He went on to make 374 appearances for the club, the seventh highest in the club’s history between 1947 - 1955 and played in Championship-winning teams with the likes of Mark Radcliffe, Alf Ashley, Joe Dale, Jack Robinson & Frank Fidler amongst others.
It is believed that Stuart was the oldest-surviving Stoke City player and passed away just short of his 91st birtthday.
Witton Albion Football Club would like to offer our sincere condolences to his family & friends at this sad time.
Never saw him play before my time but have heard about him all my life as a Witton legend probably played in the finest team and most trophy laden era in the clubs history I have got a fair bit of memorabilia and it is laden with his name photos and even his signature on an old programme, I doubt we will see the likes again.Stuart was known as hard man with plenty of skill on the ball.
probably the most famous team lined up as
Radcliffe
Chew Schofield
Ashley. Robinson. Cowden
Dale. Williams. Fidler. Bowdon. Hyde
That team won nearly everything available to them in its day.
I too never saw him play, he was just a few years before my time as a Witton fan, but his reputation says everything there is to say about him. He has got to be one of Witton’s all time great. My thoughts and sympathy go to all his family and friends. RIP
Right at the beginning of my time as “Wittoner” I was five when the first won the league and by the time I was nine they had won it three times! Thanks for the team’s names, I used to know it off by heart!!
WHS.