When Southampton won their sixth, and last, Southern League title in 1904, they used only 18 men. As their fortunes faded, more and more players would be used until, in 1912-13, they went through 34. Sid Selston, who had played for the Army and had been on amateur terms for a year with the Saints, was one of those tried towards the end of that season of struggle.

In what was hardly a situation to encourage confidence, he tended, in his four appearances at outside-right, to part with the ball prematurely.

The experiment over, Sid returned to the army and turning out for Sheppey United, he was soon engaged in the First World War, during which he became a Warrant Officer Class 2. A career soldier, he continued to serve in the Royal Garrison Artillery after the War.

(The deployment of 34 players in a season would not be equalled during the 20th century, not even once three substitutes were permitted from 1996. In 2004-05, that number was equalled, however, in a vain effort to avoid relegation from the Premier League; and, in the following season, 41 players were used, in an unsuccessful bid to regain Premiership status at the first attempt. (All of them started a game).