Jock Simpson

John 'Jocky' Simpson was a Scottish/English footballer of the 1910s and 1920s. He played throughout most of his career at Outside Right, though was occasionally used as an emergency Centre-forward. Although born in Pendleton, Lancashire on December 25 1885, this was because his Father and Mother had moved south for employment. By the time he was three years old the family had returned to their native Laurieston, just outside Falkirk, where John spent his formative years.

John's footballing career began with local junior sides Laurieston Villa and Grange Rovers, where he began to attract the interest of the senior teams. After a trial with Rangers, he signed for Falkirk in 1905. He made his debut in the then traditional end of season charity matches.

During the period up to 1910 John scored 102 League goals and 8 Scottish Cup goals for Falkirk. Although regarded as the best Outside Right in Scotland, his international career was hampered as the SFA refused to pick a player born outside of Scotland, and the FA could not accept a player good enough for their team would play outside of England.

In 1910, Jock moved to Blackburn. In the week before his transfer he was selected to play in the English FA's Annual Trial match for the 'Stripes' against the 'Whites', making him the first Scotland based footballer to play in a representative match for England.

During the First World War Jock returned to play for the his local side from 1916/17 to 1918/19 adding another 13 League goals to his tally. When footballing normalcy arrived he returned to Blackburn, but by this time a leg injury was severely curtailing his appearances, and he was released in 1921-22.

Jock attempted to make a return for Falkirk, but it seemed his senior career was over, although he made the odd appearance for Falkirk Amateurs in the Scottish Qualifying Cup and Stirlingshire Cup. After finishing his senior football career, Jock took charge of the Horse Shoe Inn, a pub on Falkirk High Street, and continued to play for Falkirk Orient in the Falkirk District Wednesday Afternoon Shopworkers League. John Simpson died at Falkirk Infirmary on 4 January 1959, and was buried in Falkirk Cemetery. His son briefly played for St. Johnstone.