JOHN JAMES BENTLEY (1860 - 1918) Manchester United Secretary 1912 - 1917, a clever individual who played an important role in the emergence of organised professional football. In 1888 John James Bentley joined with others and William McGregor to form the Football League with 1888/1889 being the 1st League Season; John James Bentley was the person who proposed the points system, ie 2 points a win, 1 point a draw for each match result: this proposal was challenged in the Football League meeting of 21 November 1888 and it was carried by a narrow margin. This points method was universally adopted by virtually all the Leagues worldwide and even with small amendments it still exists in the world today some 136 years later. During his life John James Bentley was renowned for his contribution to football by his career as editor of "Athletic News", President of the Football League, Vice-President of the Football Association and Secretary/Manager of Manchester United until his untimely death in 1918. Unique and original 1917 Manchester United Football Club official letter headed printed sheet with a hand written message, in black ink, John James Bentley, United Secretary to Roberts (the player) requesting a meeting at Old Trafford for a chat to discuss the previous letter from Roberts. The letter is signed "Yours Truly, Jim J Bentley" and dated 11 May 1917: very good condition. (1)