When John ‘Jock’ Elliott retired in the late 1930’s he could
look back on an association with Everton F.C. that had spanned over 40 years,
embracing the roles of player, trainer, scout and groundsman.
Born in County Down, Northern Ireland on 4th
March 1864, Jock Elliott spent much of his early years in Scotland and it was
from Lanarkshire team Uddingston that he joined Everton in the early 1890’s. A Liverpool
Echo [11th December 1937] article described Elliott as a “speedy
and skilful player” who for the most part appeared on the left wing. He
formed a useful left field partnership with McMillan but their first team
chances were limited as they understudied a top-class partnership in these
position in Edgar Chadwick and Alf Milward. Elliott’s five years as an Everton
player yielded only 15 first-team appearances, with just one goal which was
scored against Rawtenstall in his first game.
Moving onto the back-room staff he was the trainer of the
1906 F.A. Cup winning team. Amongst other roles for the club he proved a very
perceptive scout, travelling many miles across the country in search of new
talent.
In 1911 Jock Elliott and his wife Mary were living at 27
Hans Road L4. He died in hospital on 12th September 1940 and was
buried in Anfield Cemetery. At the time of his death he was living at 1 Oban
Road L4 (now demolished).
