Jack Alderson

Crystal Palace With the outbreak of World War I and with league football abandoned, Alderson served as a gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery, whilst remaining on the books at Newcastle. Based at Woolwich, he played a number of wartime games for Crystal Palace as a guest player and at the end of the war, signed for Palace from Newcastle for a fee of £50. He was an ever-present in the first post-war season, 1919–20, as Palace finished third in the Southern League. At the end of the season, Palace, along with all the other Southern League clubs formed the new Football League Third Division, Alderson playing in their first ever Football League game, a 2–1 win away to Merthyr Town on 28 August 1920. He remained a constant in the Palace side as they were promoted as champions in their debut season.

Although Palace struggled in the Second Division, Alderson was a success and won his only England cap on 10 May 1923, playing in a 4–1 win against France in Paris. In 2005, Palace's centenary year, Alderson was voted their third best goalkeeper of all time, being beaten only by the more recent players Nigel Martyn (winner) and John Jackson (runner-up). Following a dispute with Crystal Palace over a benefit match Alderson moved to Pontypridd in 1924, having played 205 first team games for Palace.

Sheffield United With FA Cup holders Sheffield United looking for a replacement keeper, they turned to Alderson who had a reputation as a spectacular shot stopper and penalty saver. The football committee (who ran the club at the time) were not completely convinced however, and sanctioned the £500 move only if the player was under thirty. Alderson left without making a first team appearance.

He subsequently played for Worcester City, before rejoining Crook Town, where he ended his playing career.