John Somerville (Scottish footballer) explained

John Somerville
Fullname:John Somerville
Birth Place:Ayr, Scotland
Death Date:[1]
Position:Right back
Clubs1:Ayr
Years2:1890–1901
Clubs2:Bolton Wanderers
Caps2:265
Goals2:2
Manageryears1:1898–1910
Managerclubs1:Bolton Wanderers

John Somerville (1868–1917) was a Scottish footballer and manager, serving in both capacities, as well as that of secretary, for Bolton Wanderers.[2]

Joining the club in 1890 from Ayr,[1] he went on to make 293 appearances for the club, playing on the losing side in the 1894 FA Cup Final. When Frank Brettell left the club in 1898,[3] Somerville was made secretary-player, on retirement becoming secretary-manager (leading the team to the 1904 FA Cup Final, again resulting in defeat) and eventually becoming the club's first full-time manager in 1908. Under Somerville, the club were promoted to the First Division on three separate occasions and relegated four times. During the season that Bolton were relegated the fourth time (1909–10), Somerville stepped down, being replaced by Will Settle. He remained as secretary for the rest of the season before leaving the club. He later became a Football League linesman.

Notes and References

  1. A Record of pre-war Scottish League Players. John Litster. Scottish Football Historian magazine. October 2012.
  2. Web site: John Somerville. Spartacus Educational. 20 January 2015.
  3. https://leaguemanagers.com/managers/john-somerville/ John Somerville