This set is a curious one. It says "Footballers 1928-9 Second Series" but does not really explain that the first series was "Footballers 1928". However it does then say "51-75", so it is possible to work it out with the aid of your trusty catalogue. Our World Indexes are set up that the pair are listed under "Footballers" but without that it does take some working out. As to why there was a need for a second set, or why it was only twenty-five cards, over to our footballing fans - we are waiting to hear from you...
The connection to wool on this card might have been that football jerseys are traditionally of wool, though these days they are more likely to be of a mixture including cotton and synthetic fibres. Some say that this was for warmth, as football is the winter game, with cricket being the summer pursuit.
However the real clue was Bradford, which is popularly known as Wool City, or even Woolopolis, and has been the centre of the wool industry for centuries. In 1864, its grandest building, the Wool Exchange, actually saw the British Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston, traveling up and laying the foundation stone. And before the outbreak of the First World War it was widely believed to be one of the wealthiest cities in the world, more than even London. Another link is that Bradford City has had several nicknames, but one of them was "The Woolwinders". And in fact when the two football teams of Bradford City and Bradford Park Avenue play each other it is called "The Wool Derby" to this very day!
But are there any other Bradford City or Bradford Park Avenue cards which mention wool ? Over to you.
Our footballer is Albert E. Partridge, who was actually born in Birmingham in 1901. He played for Sheffield United, Bradford City and Northampton Town. I have not yet found many other cards of him, so please tell us if you know of any. But he does appear on Barratt & Co "Football Team Folders" (1932-1933) BAR-195 : BAR-46.2 as part of the card showing Bradford City.