David Wilson (footballer, born 1881)

David Wilson (born 31 January 1881) was a Scottish footballer who played as an inside left.[1]

David Wilson
Personal information
Date of birth 31 January 1881
Place of birth Lochgelly, Scotland
Place of death Canada
Playing position(s) Inside left
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
– Lochgelly Rangers
– Buckhaven United
1901–1902 Gainsborough Trinity
1902–1903 Cowdenbeath
1903–1904 East Fife
1904–1906 Heart of Midlothian 46 (6)
1904 → Gainsborough Trinity (loan)
1906–1907 Everton 5 (0)
1907–1908 Portsmouth
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Born in Fife, he originally played for local teams including Cowdenbeath and East Fife, as well as a spell in England with Gainsborough Trinity, before joining Heart of Midlothian in 1904,[2] following the path taken by his younger brother George who had signed for the Edinburgh club a year earlier. He was loaned back out to Gainsborough Trinity before becoming an increasingly regular figure in the Hearts side, culminating in an appearance in the 1906 Scottish Cup Final, won by his team with a goal from George Wilson.

Within a few weeks of their cup win, both brothers were signed by Everton.[3][4] However, while he had played alongside his sibling at Hearts, David Wilson had a reserve role at Goodison Park (behind George at inside left and Harold Hardman, the established outside left) and only made five league appearances.[5] During their time in Liverpool, the Wilsons also endured the loss of two of their brothers back in Scotland in separate incidents.[6]

In summer 1907 Wilson moved on to Portsmouth[7] (his brother was blocked by the Football Association from making the same move in a registration dispute, and later had much success with Newcastle United).[8] He is believed to have retired from professional football after one season at Fratton Park.

He later emigrated to Canada, again along with his brother.[9]

References
  1. John Litster (October 2012). "A Record of pre-war Scottish League Players". Scottish Football Historian magazine. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. (Hearts player) David Wilson, London Hearts Supporters Club
  3. Everton Transfers: 1906/07, EFC Statto
  4. The Removal Reason, Athletic News, 14 May 1906, via Everton Independent Research Data
  5. David Wilson, 11v11.com
  6. Everton Footballers' Bereavement, The Liverpool Courier, 18 March 1907, via Everton Independent Research Data
  7. Everton Transfers: 1907/08, EFC Statto
  8. Everton and Wilson, Liverpool Echo, 29 June 1907 via Everton Independent Research Data
  9. Vancouver Home of 21 Famed Soccer Players, The Leader-Post, 22 February 1934
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