Most football fans would have heard of the club Sunderland, who are currently playing in the Second Division of English football. However, there was a time when the club was quite dominant in England. This dominance resulted in them winning the English league as well, which might be quite the shock to hear for most readers. This article will be looking back at the career of Raich Carter, who was one of their legendary players during that period.
Sunderland years
It was in the summer of 1931 that Raich Carter was signed by Sunderland after his impressive showings. Football contracts were quite different at the time, with Carter receiving a part-time contract (training 2 nights a week) for £3 a week plus £1 for each reserve team appearance. This was a huge upgrade from his 45P a week electrician's apprenticeship. After 9 appearances, his wage was increased to £8 a week.
He operated as an inside forward, which was a popular football position at the time. The Englishman's greatest achievement was captaining the Sunderland side to the Football League in 1936, which also made him the youngest captain to win a top-flight title.
Things weren't the brightest for him off the field though, especially when the player received the usual benefit cheque of £650 for 5 years' service with the club. This was quite the annoyance for him later, as he had contributed so much more for the club, and was not there for the next 5 years to receive another similar payment.
His brilliance as a player was continued to be seen with Sunderland, as he scored in Sunderland's historic 3-1 victory over Preston North End to win the 1937 FA Cup.
Effects of World War and remaining career
Similar to several great players of his era, Carter's peak years in football were robbed by the catastrophic Second World War. By November 1945, Sunderland put the former inside forward in their transfer list after refusing Carter's request for a new 10 year contract. This resulted in a move to Derby County, as they paid £6,000 for the player's services. It was quite the coup for the club, as they had beaten several other interested sides for the player's signature.
He made his debut on 31st August 1946, ironically against Sunderland. After 3 years at Derby that saw him score 34 goals in 63 appearances, Carter joined Hull City in 1948.
It was yet another successful spell for the player, as he frequently scored goals during his 4 year stay at the club.
His final club was Irish side Cork Athletic, who signed him on a short-term playing contract. The terms were an attractive £50 per match plus expenses, which was brilliant when compared to the £14 maximum wage rule that was prevalent in England back then. In addition to this, Carter had the luxury of living in Hull and flying to Ireland only for matches.
The Englishman had an excellent debut for his new club, as he scored a brace against Waterford. He also helped them achieve the cup double, winning the FAI Cup and Munster Senior Cup. These heroics also resulted in Carter being selected to play for the League of Ireland against the English Football League.
He earned 13 caps for the English national side as well, with his debut being against Scotland at Wembley Stadium on 14th April 1934. Carter also won 17 wartime international caps and played for the RAF and Combined Services.
Carter eventually bid farewell to the Beautiful Game in 1953, as he finished his stint at Cork Athletic after just 9 appearances.
