John Martin Wallace (13 April 1911 – 5 September 1978) was a Scottish professional footballgoalkeeper.[2]
He began his senior career at Raith Rovers,[3] before moving south of the border in March 1934 to join compatriot Sandy MacFarlane's Blackpool. He made his debut at Lincoln City on 17 February 1934 and became almost an ever-present, remaining at the club for fourteen years and notching up 243 league appearances for the Tangerines. During the Second World War, he appeared as a guest player for Dumbarton[4] in the unofficial competitions of the time.
On more than one occasion, the Scot fell out with the Blackpool board or management, and on one occasion he refused to join the team to play Leeds United in the FA Cup. He was replaced by his understudy, Joe Robinson. Wallace's argument was over contractual terms, and he eventually joined Derby County for a nominal £500 fee in February 1948.[5]The Rams had a goalkeeping crisis, and Wallace, who was not cup-tied, played in the FA Cup sixth round and semi-finals. Derby were knocked out, and it was Blackpool who went on to Wembley from the other semi-final.
His job done, Wallace left Derby for Leith Athletic in August 1948, returning to his hometown of Edinburgh, where he had guested for Leith's rivals St Bernard's during the war.[3]
^ abJohn Litster (October 2012). "A Record of pre-war Scottish League Players". Scottish Football Historian magazine. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
^McAllister, Jim (2002). The Sons of the Rock - The Official History of Dumbarton Football Club. Dumbarton: J&J Robertson Printers.
^Calley, Roy (1992). Blackpool: A Complete Record 1887-1992, Breedon Books. ISBN1-873626-07-X
General
Joyce, Michael (2004). Football League Players' Records 1888-1939. ISBN1-899468-67-6.
