Jack O'Donnell (footballer)

John O'Donnell (25 March 1897 – 1952) was an English professional footballer.

This article is about the English professional football player. For the Australian rugby union player, see Jack O'Donnell (rugby).

Jack O'Donnell
Personal information
Full name John O'Donnell
Date of birth (1897-03-25)25 March 1897
Place of birth Gateshead, England
Date of death 1952 (aged 54–55)
Height 5 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1.74 m)[1]
Position(s) Defender
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1923–1924 Darlington 30 (0)
1924–1930 Everton 188 (10)
1930–1932 Blackpool 55 (0)
1932 Hartlepools United 28 (2)
1933 Wigan Athletic
1933-1935 Dolphin
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Career

Born in Gateshead, County Durham, on 25 March 1897, O'Donnell, like so many other footballers from the North East, started his career playing for his local colliery team (in his case, Felling). Darlington soon signed him, and he earned a reputation as a hard-tackling full-back. Everton paid around £3,000 for him soon afterwards, a fee that was rare for a defender. The move didn't work out, however, and Blackpool bought him for a similar price.

O'Donnell joined the Seasiders in late 1930, making his debut for the club on 20 December, in a home game against Grimsby Town. For the next two seasons he became a regular in the back line as Blackpool tried desperately to retain their recently achieved First Division status.

O'Donnell's move coincided with a time of trouble for the Blackpool defence. By the end of the 1930-31 season, the club had conceded 125 goals, followed by 102.

Disciplinary problems followed O'Donnell. It was reported on three occasions that the club had suspended him for various matters. Eventually it was mutually agreed to terminate his contract, and O'Donnell played out the remainder of his career in the lower leagues, notably with Wigan Athletic. After just three months with Wigan, O'Donnell moved across the Irish Sea to join Dublin side Dolphin in the League of Ireland.[2]

References
  1. "League Clubs and their Player for the Coming Season: The Northern Section: Darlington". Athletic News. Manchester. 4 August 1924. p. 3.
  2. Ryan, Seán, and Stephen Burke. The Book of Irish Goalscorers: (Republic of Ireland International, Inter-league, European Club and League of Ireland Goalscorers 1921-1987). Dundrum, Co. Dublin: Irish Soccer Co-op, 1987.
  • Calley, Roy (1992). Blackpool: A Complete Record 1887-1992. Breedon Books Sport. ISBN 1-873626-07-X.
  • Joyce, Michael (2004). Football League Players' Records 1888-1939. ISBN 1-899468-67-6.


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