James Utterson (26 November 1914 – 6 December 1935) was an English footballer who played as goalkeeper in the Football League for Wolverhampton Wanderers.[1][3]

Jimmy Utterson
Personal information
Full name James Utterson[1]
Date of birth 26 November 1914[1]
Place of birth Gateshead, England[1]
Date of death 6 December 1935[2][1]
Place of death Wolverhampton, England
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[2]
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1933–1934 Glenavon
1934–1935 Wolverhampton Wanderers 12 (0)
Total 12 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Utterson was playing in a local junior football team Gateshead Celtic when he was recruited for the Northern Ireland club Glenavon, with whom he played a single season, distinguishing himself in matches against the English Football League and the Scottish League. This led to his acquisition, for a reported £500 transfer fee, by Wolves manager Frank Buckley.[2]

He was into his second season with Wolves when he died of heart failure in December 1935 aged 21. He was buried at Merridale Cemetery, Wolverhampton. The later discovery of his gravestone in a dilapidated state led to an appeal to fund its restoration in 2022.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Jimmy Utterson at the English National Football Archive (subscription required)
  2. ^ a b c d "Appeal to restore 'dilapidated' grave of Wolves goalie". Shropshire Star. 20 May 2022. p. 15.Report by Thomas Parkes.
  3. ^ Joyce, Michael (2004). Football League Players' Records 1888 to 1939. SoccerData. ISBN 1-899468-67-6.