John Somerville
Scottish football player and manager
About John Somerville
John Somerville was an association football player and association football coach.
John Somerville (1868–1917) was a Scottish footballer and manager, serving in both capacities, as well as that of secretary, for Bolton Wanderers.
Joining the club in 1890 from Ayr, Somerville was made secretary-player, on retirement becoming secretary-manager (leading the team to the 1904 FA Cup Final, again resulting in defeat) and eventually becoming the club's first full-time manager in 1908. Under Somerville, the club were promoted to the First Division on three occasions and relegated four times. During the season that Bolton were relegated the fourth time (1909–10), Somerville stepped down, being replaced by Will Settle. He remained as secretary for the rest of the season before leaving the club. He later became a Football League linesman.
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Important facts
Frequently asked questions
Who was John Somerville?
Scottish football player and manager
When was John Somerville born?
John Somerville was born in Ayr.
What was John Somerville's occupation?
John Somerville was an association football player and association football coach.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Somerville (Scottish footballer)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Somerville. https://biography.guide/john-somerville-association-football-player/
MLA: "John Somerville." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-somerville-association-football-player/.
Chicago: "John Somerville." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-somerville-association-football-player/.
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