Alec Jackson, born Tipton, England, May 29, 1937. Not only was Alec Jackson a remarkable player on the field, but he also embodied the spirit and resilience that characterized an era of English football filled with both triumphs and challenges.
Alec Jackson’s association with football began when he joined West Bromwich Albion as an amateur in May 1954, and he turned professional just a few months later, in September of the same year. His debut for West Bromwich arrived in November 1954 against Charlton Athletic, where he made history by becoming the youngest player to score a League goal for Albion. However, while his debut was a resounding success, the years that followed were a blend of personal triumphs and collective disappointments for The Baggies. West Brom, a club that had recently experienced the joy of winning the FA Cup and finishing as League runners-up just before Jackson´s arrival, would struggle to replicate that trophy-winning form during his tenure. Jackson’s statistics at West Bromwich Albion were nevertheless impressive, finding the net 52 times in 208 appearances. Despite his success at Albion, the winds of change were blowing, and in 1964, Jackson made a significant move to Birmingham City for a fee of £12,500. This transfer marked a new chapter in his career, where he would continue to hone his skills but also face the harsh realities of the game. The Blues presented a different set of challenges for Jackson as he was part of the squad that faced relegation from the First Division in 1965, an experience that could have deflated many a player. Yet, Jackson’s resilience shone through and he remained at the club for an additional 18 months, However, after a season of limited appearances in 1966-67, Jackson submitted a transfer request, a decision that reflected his desire for more playing time and his determination to contribute more significantly on the pitch.
Consequently, in February 1967, he signed for Walsall, a club in the Third Division, where he hoped to reignite his career. This transfer not only allowed him to play regularly but also provided him with a platform to showcase his talents further. Unfortunately, Jackson’s time at Walsall was marred by financial difficulties faced by the club, leading to his departure on a free transfer at the end of the 1967-68 season. After leaving Walsall, Jackson transitioned into non-league football, where he would spend the next decade. His journey took him to various clubs, including Nuneaton Borough, Kidderminster Harriers, Warley, Oldbury Town, and several others. Playing for clubs like Lower Gornal as a player-coach allowed him to impart his knowledge and experience to the next generation, demonstrating his commitment not only to his own career but also to the development of young players. His time in non-league football proved to be enriching both personally and professionally and he continued to engage with the sport he loved. Each club he joined brought new experiences and challenges, but Jackson remained steadfast in his dedication to the game. As Jackson’s professional playing days drew to a close, he transitioned to work on the production line at the Austin works in Longbridge, Birmingham, manufacturing cars, a stark contrast to the thrills of professional football yet a testament to the working-class roots from which he came.