Ernest Blackwell (19 July 1894 – 16 October 1964) was a footballer who played as a goalkeeper, spending the majority of his career at his hometown club of Sheffield United.
[2] Having spent some time in the navy as a fitness instructor, he remained at the club for the duration of World War I, making sporadic appearances for the Blades and guesting for Leicester Fosse, Crystal Palace and cross town rivals Sheffield Wednesday.
[2] After the war, Blackwell seemed happy with his role at the club, making only infrequent appearances, the highlight of his career coming when he played in the 1923 FA Cup semi-final.
[2] Injuries began to take their toll and after a bout of appendicitis he was advised that a blow to the abdomen could have terminal results and he was forced to retire.
[2] Blackwell was a committed Methodist and a practising lay-preacher meaning he would sometimes miss fixtures played on religious dates.