John Fantham, born Sheffield, England, February 6, 1939. Johnny Fantham’s footballing career was remarkable not only for his consistent ability to find the back of the goal, but also for his longevity.
John Fantham joined Sheffield Wednesday in 1956, a time when the club was competing in the top echelons of English football. However, he would have to wait until 1958 to make his debut. Once he broke into the first team, there was no looking back. His talent for finding space in the box, coupled with his clinical finishing, quickly made him an indispensable part of the team. The 1960–61 season was a testament to his ability, as he netted 23 goals, playing a pivotal role in Sheffield Wednesday’s second-place finish in the First Division. Moreover, it was during this period that Fantham earned recognition at the international level. His remarkable performances during the 1961 season caught the attention of the national selectors, and he was awarded an England Under-23 cap. In addition, he earned his only full England cap shortly after, cementing his status as one of the most promising forwards in the country. However, despite his evident talent, this was to be his only appearance on the international stage, a fact that remains a point of intrigue for football historians.
Fantham’s goal-scoring exploits continued into the following season, where he outdid himself by scoring 24 goals. His consistent performances were a major reason why Sheffield Wednesday remained competitive during the early 1960s. The club reached the FA Cup Final in 1966, though they were defeated by Everton in a thrilling 3-2 encounter. Despite the loss, Fantham’s contribution throughout the competition was invaluable, and his efforts were widely recognized. As a result, his reputation as one of the finest strikers of his generation was firmly established. By 1968, Fantham had achieved another significant milestone: he surpassed Redfern Froggatt as Sheffield Wednesday’s post-war leading goalscorer, a record he still holds to this day. This was a testament to his dedication and ability to maintain such high standards over a long period of time. However, despite his ongoing contributions, Fantham’s time at Sheffield Wednesday came to an end in 1969 when he made the decision to move on. This transition marked the start of a new chapter in his career, as he signed with Rotherham United.
Although his time at Rotherham was relatively brief, with just 51 League appearances and eight goals, Fantham’s presence was still felt. His leadership and experience made a lasting impact on the squad, as he helped guide the younger players. Furthermore, his move to Macclesfield Town marked the final phase of his playing days, where he added 37 Northern Premier League appearances and 5 goals to his tally. While he didn’t replicate the scoring heights of his Sheffield Wednesday days, his professionalism and dedication were never in question. In contrast to his time at Hillsborough, Fantham’s role at Rotherham United and Macclesfield Town may seem modest, but his influence off the pitch and his legacy as a seasoned professional continued to shine through, as well as his ability to adapt to different teams and levels of competition exemplified the versatility that had characterized his entire career. However, his career will undoubtedly be remembered most for his time at Sheffield Wednesday, where he made 388 appearances and scored 147 goals. His legacy as a goal machine, combined with his work ethic and footballing intelligence, ensures that he remains one of the club’s most beloved figures his heart, and his goals firmly belong to The Owls.