Jack Lyall

Jack started his career with Jarrow, before moving to Sheffield Wednesday, where he achieved great success. He played for them for eight seasons, during which time they won the League twice, and the F.A. Cup.

He gained his only international cap for Scotland in 1905, when they played England at Crystal Palace, losing 1-0 on that occasion. He had previously been selected to play for England in 1903/04 as it was thought he was born in Jarrow, only to find out he was born in Dundee.

In 1909 he signed for Manchester City, where he stayed for two seasons, helping them to return to the First Division.

Dundee paid £400 for his services in 1911, by 1912 he asked to be put on the transfer list. It was rumoured that Sunderland were interested in signing him and it would mean being closer to home, but he eventually agreed terms, retaining his place between the sticks at Dens Park.

In 1914 he moved to Ayr United for a fee of £150.

By 1916 Jack was located in Barnsley undertaking military training, and was helping out in a goalkeeping capacity at Hillsborough whenever he could. In 1917 Corporal Lyall, Royal Engineers (Service No. 457992) went overseas. It was reported in the press that he played some football in Durban, South Africa, and, apparently, he travelled over 2,000 miles to play in an army cup-tie. He saw active service in India. At the end of the war he was home in Jarrow safe, demobbed, and looking for a club, as Ayr United were giving him a free transfer.

After he finished playing Jack joined his brothers in the family business, Lyall Brothers Plasterers. He moved to Canada in the mid 1920’s, with his wife and two children, finally settling in Detroit, U.S.A.