Joe Mercer (footballer, born 1889) facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Joseph Powell Mercer | ||
| Date of birth | 21 July 1889 | ||
| Place of birth | Higher Bebington, England | ||
| Date of death | 1927 (aged 36–37) | ||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||
| Playing position | Centre half | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1908–1909 | Burnell's Ironworks | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1909–1910 | Ellesmere Port | ||
| 1910– | Nottingham Forest | 150 | (6) |
| –1921 | Ellesmere Port | ||
| 1921–1922 | Tranmere Rovers | 15 | (1) |
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Joseph Powell Mercer (born July 21, 1889 – died 1927) was an English professional footballer. He played as a centre half, which is a defensive position. Mercer played 150 games in the Football League for Nottingham Forest. He was also the father of another famous footballer and manager, also named Joe Mercer.
Contents
Joe Mercer: Footballer and War Hero
Early Life and Family
Before becoming a professional footballer, Joe Mercer worked as a bricklayer. He continued this job even while playing football. In June 1913, he married Ethel Breeze. They had four children together. Their oldest child, also named Joe Mercer, later became a well-known footballer and manager.
A Footballer's Journey
Joe Mercer started his football journey in his youth with Burnell's Ironworks. He then played for Ellesmere Port. In 1910, he joined Nottingham Forest. He became an important player for them, making 150 appearances. After the war, he tried to play football again. He also played for Tranmere Rovers for a short time.
Serving His Country
When the First World War began in August 1914, Joe Mercer decided to join the army. On December 16, 1914, he and two of his Nottingham Forest teammates, Tommy Gibson and Harry Iremonger, enlisted in London. They joined the Football Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment.
Mercer was sent to the front lines on October 17, 1915. He was promoted to sergeant during his service. On April 28, 1917, he was wounded in the head, leg, and shoulder during a battle in Oppy, France. He was then captured by the German army.
Life as a Prisoner of War
Joe Mercer was held in several prisoner-of-war camps in Germany. These camps included Douai, Bad Langensalza, Giessen, and Meschede. He was held captive until January 1919, when he was finally able to return home.
Later Life
After the war, Joe Mercer tried to continue his football career. He also went back to working as a bricklayer. Sadly, he passed away in 1927. His health problems were caused by breathing in harmful gases during his time in the trenches during the war.
