Alan Wilson

Alan Wilson has the unique record of being the only post-war footballer to make 100 appearances for Southport both inside and outside the Football League, yet his background was more boxing than football. Both his grandfather’s were professional fighters and his school was boxing orientated, however he did represent Liverpool schoolboys at centre-forward and was top scorer in 1966 67.

Initially apprenticed at Everton, he turned full-time professional but had limited opportunities at Goodison Park, making just a single appearance in both 1971-72 and 1972-73 against Coventry City and Derby County respectively. Having operated or front he was converted to midfield with Everton Reserves by Ray Henderson.

At Southport he played in a struggling side throughout his three Football League seasons. His lack of pace was more than compensated for by his great vision and constructive ability. He missed only 4 games, 3 when omitted by Alan Brown and one when after 88 consecutive appearances he missed the coach to Aldershot.

On Southport’s re-election failure he joined Torquay for £2,000 and after a season at Plainmoor he spent a summer in the USA.

He later rejoined Southport, adding 118 games and 7 goals in a second spell which was interspersed with excursions to the Emirates Sports Club and Nykoping in Sweden. Alan’s final game at Southport came on 10 October 1983, a game in which he scored the second goal in a 3-0 win at Rhyl.

Alan also played NL football for Northwich Vics, Marine, South Liverpool and Droylsden

He still lives in Dingle, Liverpool and has been employed for some years by the Parks and Gardens department of Liverpool City Council.

Carrer: Everton, app 22 May 1968, pro 30 Jul 1970; Southport 31 Jul 1975; Torquay United, 16 Jun 1978; Celeveland 1979; Columbus Magic 1979; Northwich Victoria, 28 Sep 1979; Southport, 3 Nov 1979-80; Emirates Sports Clubs (Abu Dhabi), summer 1980; Southport, 16 Oct 1980; Nykopings BIS, Feb 1981; Southport, 8 Oct 1981; Marine, Oct 1983; South Liverpool, cs1984-Nov 1984; Droylsden 1984-85

Pictures

Alan Wilson