Ex-Burnley FC managers honour Clarets record holder

Goalkeeper Jerry Dawson, who was born in Cliviger in 1888, made 522 appearances for the Clarets from 1907 to 1928.

Now, today’s residents of Cliviger have banded together to give him a permanent memorial in the village.

A blue Burnley heritage plaque was placed on the pavilion, also renamed in his honour, at Mount Lane playing fields in the village.

Retired photographer Eddie Rawlinson, who sits on the Cliviger Archive Group committee, was the main mover behind the plans.

Former manager Stan Ternent and former manager and player Frank Casper, as well as former players Colin Waldron and Jimmy Robson, attended the unveiling.

Mrs Alice Harris from Cliviger said: “Jerry was a Cliviger lad and I think we all felt he’s been forgotten about. It’s fantastic to now have a lasting memorial to his sporting efforts.”

Tony Scholes, secretary of the archive group, spoke about the career of Jerry, whose full name was Jeremiah.

Chairman of Cliviger Parish Council, Coun. Alan Pickles, also attended – complete with a framed photograph of Dawson.

He is mostly remembered for one match, the 1914 FA Cup Final, even though he did not play in it. The day before the game, he told manager John Haworth that he did not think he would make it to the end of the game. As there were no substitutes in those days, that would have left Burnley without a goalkeeper.

Burnley went on to win the FA Cup and, as a sign of respect of his unselfishness, Dawson was given a winner’s medal along with the rest of the team.

After retiring from professional football he joined the coaching staff at Turf Moor, and played as a batsman in the Lancashire League for Burnley Cricket Club.