Whilst in pursuit of a Birmingham player, Francis Payne was accused by the Midlands club of illegally using an agent to tap up their player, and was charged with poaching by The Football Association. At the tribunal, The Football Association suspended the agent for two years, and Thames Ironworks for two weeks. The club also received a £25 fine. Payne, who was absent from the proceedings, was suspended, and soon resigned his post as club secretary. He was replaced in the position by Irons defender George Neil, thus beginning a history of the team appointing from within.