Steve Bloomer was a professional football player and manager who was best known for being an active player during his career years, and is recognized as a legend by Derby County, and for being the inspiration of the club anthem called “Steve Bloomer’s Watchin’” which is played before every home game. Born on January 20, 1874 in Cradley, Worcestershire, England, Bloomer passed away on April 16, 1938 in Derby.
When Bloomer was still very young, he started playing football for St. James’ School for the Derbyshire Minor Football League. However it was in 1892 that he officially turned pro when he joined the Derby County football club. During his time at the said club, he made 375 appearances and scored 238 goals from 1892 to 1906.
After his time with Derby County, he transferred to Middlesbrough and stayed there for four years. During those years, he made 125 appearances and scored 61 goals. However, it was back at Derby County that Bloomer played his last games as he spent his last four professional football playing years with the club.
| Position | Forward |
| Born | 20 Jan 1874 |
| Died | 16 Apr 1938 (64 years) |
| Nationality |
England
|
| Team History | |
Derby County
|
1910 - 1914 |
Boro
|
1906 - 1910 |
|
Derby County
|
1891 - 1906 |
| Derby Midland F.C. | 1891 |
Bloomer was also a part of the England national team from 1895 to 1907. During those years, he was able to make 23 caps for the team and scored 28 goals. After retiring from the game, he proceeded to manage various teams such as Britannia Berlin 92, Real Union, and the Derby Reserves.
After World War I, Bloomer also had a brief coaching stint with Blauw-Wit Amsterdam, which is located in The Netherlands. Incidentally, during his visit to Germany to coach Britannia Berlin 92, he was interned at Ruhleben, which is a civilian detention camp. However, Bloomer was not the only football player there since there were several former professional players who were detained as well.
