In the 1890s players began to attain hero status. In recognition of this a number of ceramic factories produced a variety of transfer printed designs featuring well known players of the day.

Early examples of these are the hand finished portraits of Internationals Robert Kelly and Billy Basset. Basset was a West Bromwich Albion and England star standing at only 5 foot 5 inches. He had no superiors at outside right and was dangerous himself in front of goal.

C. Wrenford Brown was a legendary half-back for the famous side Corinthians. An England Internatioal, Wrenford Brown used to psyche out the opposition, warning them to expect no mercy after he was tackled.

He is also credited with abbreviating 'Association' into the word 'Soccer'.

Billy Meredith of Manchester City, Manchester United and Wales (International shirt pictured) was the outstanding player of his time. Whilst and Manchester City he was suspended for allegendly offering a £10 bribe to an Aston Villa player to throw a match.

In 1904 Umpire magazine had run a competition to discover the most popular player in the League. Meredith won and became arguably, the first genuine football superstar.