In a sport that sometimes forgets its foot soldiers in favour of the generals, the story of Jack Lewis is a firm and timely reminder that not all heroes wear armbands—or lift trophies.
PART ONE
Born on 22 March 1948 in Long Eaton, a town nestled snugly in Derbyshire with one foot in Nottinghamshire, Jack Lewis did not arrive on the professional football scene with fanfare or fireworks.
Instead, he took the classic route: from local football to league action via sheer persistence and a nose for goal. He cut his teeth at Long Eaton United, where goals were his currency, and he traded in them handsomely enough to earn a move to Lincoln City in 1967.
At Lincoln, Lewis learned his craft under the weight of expectation and the rough edge of Third and Fourth Division football. The Imps were not exactly lighting up the league, and Lewis was far from the finished article when he arrived, but what he lacked in finesse he made up for in determination. Over the course of 62 outings he hit 8 goals, and while the numbers weren’t eye-watering, his development was plain to see.
Moreover, his bustling style, his willingness to chase lost causes, and his never-say-die attitude earned him admirers in the Sincil Bank stands. He wasn’t fancy, but he was effective—and as every seasoned lower-league scout knows, that kind of player can be gold dust. So when Grimsby Town came calling in 1970, it was a chance for Lewis to step into a side with bigger ambitions and greater expectations.
The Mariners, as they are affectionately known, had a history of punching above their weight, and a fan base that demanded both sweat and spirit. Founded in 1878 and long considered Lincolnshire’s premier club, Grimsby had spent time in the top flight and had a reputation for attacking football. Yet, by the turn of the 1970s, they were a side in transition, searching for the right blend of grit and flair to climb the league ladder once more.
It took a while for Jack Lewis to find his feet in Cleethorpes, and furthermore, it wasn’t until he bedded into the team and understood what made Grimsby tick that he truly flourished.
Grimsby fans, bless them, are not shy in voicing their opinions, but once they saw Lewis’s commitment, his eye for the back of the net, and his relentless energy, they began to warm to him. Then they adored him. Then they downright worshipped him.
In particular, his ability to make something from nothing became his trademark. Give him a bouncing ball, a slippery pitch, and a half-hearted centre-back, and Jack would turn it into a shooting chance—or a bar-room story. Between 1970 and 1977, he would play 258 games for the Mariners, scoring a superb 74 goals, many of which were etched into Blundell Park folklore.
Moreover, this was a Grimsby side with a bit of flair and quite a few players jostling for the attacking berths, but Lewis never looked out of place. He fought for his spot, gave defenders nightmares, and chipped in with goals from every angle—thumping headers, scuffed toe-pokes, and the odd belter from 25 yards that left most goalkeepers bewildered.
PART TWO
The defining moment came in the 1971–72 season, when Grimsby Town, under the inspired management of Lawrie McMenemy, stormed to the Fourth Division title. McMenemy, always one to spot a team player, knew what he had in Jack Lewis — a forward who didn’t just score goals but embodied the spirit of the club.
The season kicked off on 4 August 1971 at Blundell Park with a convincing 4-1 victory over Scunthorpe United. The early victory against Scunthorpe was more than a morale booster; it was a statement of intent from McMenemy’s men, demonstrating that the Mariners were not to be underestimated.
Grimsby’s momentum continued in an early season thriller against John Newman´s Exeter City on 21 August, where they triumphed 4-3 away from home. Grimsby then returned to their Blundell Park base to lock horns with Workington on 28 August, where a 1-1 draw demonstrated that while the team was potent going forward, defensive cohesion would be crucial over the grueling months ahead.
On 31 August, a comfortable 3-1 victory against Doncaster Rovers at Blundell Park showcased the side´s determination and teamwork. Yet, football, as ever, is a game of highs and lows; the early draw at Barrow on 4 September reminded fans that even the most promising teams could be tested.
Anyway, the Mariners bounced back admirably, defeating Brentford 3-1 at home on 11 September, an encounter in which the hosts unsettled the visitors’ defence throughout.
Despite a setback against Southend United at Roots Hall on 17 September, where Grimsby fell 3-1, the squad’s determination never wavered. In consequence, they responded emphatically with a 4-1 home win over Stockport County on 25 September, reinforcing the notion that they were firmly in the promotion mix.
However, as with any season, adversity struck; a heavy 3-0 loss to Lincoln City at Sincil Bank on 29 September tested the squad’s character, yet such challenges only seemed to sharpen their focus, as they claimed an impressive 3-1 victory over Reading at Elm Park on 2 October and followed it with a 2-1 triumph over Gillingham at Blundell Park a week later.
The middle of the season brought a series of mixed results, with wins over Scunthorpe United and Hartlepool United offset by losses to Crewe Alexandra, Southport, and Northampton Town.
November and December saw Grimsby Town rediscover their winning rhythm. A 3-2 victory against Hartlepool on 6 November was particularly significant, as it marked a return to form after the challenging October fixtures. In addition, a resounding 4-1 demolition of Bury on 4 December and a 2-0 win over Barrow two weeks later emphasized the team’s attacking versatility.
Nonetheless, a 3-1 defeat to Cambridge United at Abbey Stadium on 27 December provided a sobering reminder that the road to promotion was never without obstacles.
The turn of the year brought renewed optimism. On 1 January 1972, Grimsby dispatched Southend United 4-1 in a performance that encapsulated their attacking philosophy: swift transitions, clever interplay, and an unrelenting appetite for goals.
Consequently, Town maintained a steady march towards the summit, claiming key wins over Newport County, Crewe Alexandra, Chester, and Northampton Town in January and February, all while navigating a handful of draws and defeats that tested their mettle.
By March, it was clear that Grimsby Town were serious contenders for the Fourth Division crown. A series of impressive victories, including a morale-boosting 3-0 triumph against Colchester United at Blundell Park on 21 March and a crucial 2-0 win over Peterborough United at London Road six days later, proved their ability to perform under pressure,
Even when the team suffered setbacks, such as a 2-0 loss at Brentford on 25 March, they responded with resilience and focus, securing vital points in subsequent matches against Reading, Cambridge United, and Stockport County.
April proved to be a pivotal month. A hard-fought 2-1 victory at Chester on 8 April and a 3-3 home draw with Aldershot a week later demonstrated both the challenges of sustaining promotion form and the depth of character within the squad.
Yet, Grimsby remained steadfast, claiming wins against Colchester United and Peterborough United and drawing crucially with Bury, before a narrow 2-1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers on 25 April could not derail their momentum.
In consequence, the final two games of the season—home victories over Peterborough United (3-2) and Exeter City (3-0)—cemented Grimsby Town’s status as Fourth Division champions, with promotion secured and celebrations erupting across Lincolnshire.
Central to this success was Lewis, whose contributions went far beyond the scoresheet. Whether it was an assist, an intelligent run to draw defenders, or a perfectly timed interception in the midfield, he embodied the hard work, skill, and tactical awareness that McMenemy demanded.
PART THREE
In the following season, Grimsby Town’s first back in the Third Division, Jack Lewis continued to shine, helping the club secure a respectable ninth-place finish in the table. Lawrie McMenemy’s influence remained evident, as his tactical nous allowed Lewis to flourish, both in the final third and as a mentor to younger players finding their feet in the professional game.
The manager’s departure to First Division outfit Southampton partly into the 1973-74 campaign might have unsettled some, but Lewis’s consistency and professionalism ensured the side continued to compete, even as the football landscape shifted around them.
Notably, McMenemy would later lead Southampton to FA Cup glory in 1976, defeating Manchester United 1-0 with former Grimsby goalkeeper Ian Turner between the sticks.
Interestingly, that same year produced one of those curious stories that seem to follow Grimsby Town around like seagulls chasing trawlers. Local MP and Foreign Secretary Anthony Crosland was said to have invited US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger to watch the Mariners play Gillingham.
Newspapers gleefully reported that Kissinger — a supposed football enthusiast — had become a fan of the club. In truth, the great diplomat never made it to Blundell Park; his plane simply touched down at RAF Waddington for a brief breakfast meeting with Crosland. But the tale endures, perhaps because it captures something of the club’s charm — a blend of pride, humour, and a touch of mischief.
As for Lewis, his career at Grimsby continued to be defined by positive work ethic and a remarkable footballing intelligence, which allowed him to adapt to different systems and opponents. He could drop deep to link midfield with attack or surge forward to exploit space, and his movement off the ball often created opportunities for teammates to shine.
Additionally, he was remarkably consistent; over seven seasons, he amassed a wealth of appearances and goals that cemented his reputation as a reliable, hard-working forward who could always be counted on in critical moments.
By the 1976–77 season, however, Grimsby’s fortunes began to waver. Despite Lewis’s efforts, the club was relegated back to the Fourth Division, marking the end of an era in which he had become synonymous with the club´s resilience, commitment, and occasional flashes of brilliance.
This transition represented a natural progression for a player whose reputation had been built on adaptability, determination, and the ability to impact matches across multiple divisions. At Blackburn, he continued to demonstrate the qualities that had defined his career: scoring goals, setting up teammates, and giving everything on the pitch.
Following his time with Grimsby, Lewis moved to Blackburn Rovers in 1977, seeking a new challenge and fresh opportunities. This transition represented a natural progression for a player whose reputation had been built on adaptability, determination, and the ability to impact matches across multiple divisions.
Some might say it was a step up, and in terms of club stature it certainly was, but the move wasn’t quite the match made in heaven fans had hoped for. Still, Lewis gave it his best shot. He made 28 league appearances, scoring 6 goals, and although he never quite hit the same heights he reached on the east coast, he was far from a passenger.
Nevertheless, there was a feeling that the chemistry wasn’t quite right, or perhaps that the Lewis magic needed a different kind of team to unlock it. So when Doncaster Rovers came in for him in 1978, it felt like the right move at the right time.
At Doncaster, Lewis returned to familiar territory: hard graft, loyal fans, and Fourth Division football. And yet, this is where he once again showed his ability to adapt and lead from the front. Over two seasons, the frontman played 64 games, bagging 10 league goals, and became a steadying presence for a club often in need of calm amid the chaos.
He then joined Scarborough in 1980, when they were a force in non-league football, and it was here that he finally got to play without the relentless pressure of league points and promotion chases. The pace was a touch slower, the pitches no less muddy, but the game still mattered—and Lewis still delivered.
He rounded off his club career in 1981, the final whistle sounding on a footballing life that brought joy to thousands, frustration to many a centre-back, and pride to every club he wore the shirt of. All in all, he finished with a grand total of 412 Football League appearances and 99 goals—just one shy of a century.
PART FOUR
In 1975, Jack Lewis´ tireless work rate caught the eye of of Wales manager Mike Smith who valued effort as much as elegance. But for all his domestic heroics, the international scene proved a cruel mistress.
Wales had been drawn in Group 2 of the UEFA Euro 1976 qualifiers, a tricky mix that included Hungary, Austria, and Luxembourg. It was a group laced with history and hazard; Hungary were still a footballing heavyweight, Austria were technically gifted, and Luxembourg, while minnows, were capable of irritation if underestimated.
The campaign began on 4 September 1974 in Vienna, where Wales took the lead through Arfon Griffiths only for Austria to rally. Goals from Wilhelm Kreuz and the prolific Hans Krankl turned the match around, leaving Wales nursing a 2–1 defeat. For Smith’s men, it was a setback but not a disaster—and crucially, the only one they would endure during the entire qualifying run.
Consequently, Wales responded in the perfect way. On 30 October, under the floodlights of Ninian Park, they defeated Hungary 2–0 thanks to Griffiths again and the ever-reliable John Toshack.
The same pairing struck in a 5–0 thrashing of Luxembourg soon after at the Vetch Field, with Mike England, Phil Roberts, and Terry Yorath also chipping in. Confidence was building, and for the first time in years, there was genuine belief that Wales could qualify for something meaningful.
As the qualifying campaign gathered pace, Wales remained resilient. In Budapest on 16 April 1975, they again dispatched Hungary, with Toshack and John Mahoney scoring before László Branikovits finally broke their run of clean sheets. Even so, the 2–1 win was vital, keeping momentum firmly on their side.
Two weeks later, they travelled to Luxembourg, where Gil Reece and Leighton James fired Wales into a two-goal lead inside 30 minutes. Paul Philipp pulled one back for the hosts from the penalty spot, but James restored the cushion late on to seal a 3–1 victory. The result set up a grandstand finish—a winner-takes-all showdown against Austria at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground.
In November, Lewis was called up to the Wales squad for their crucial qualifier against the Austrians. It was the moment he had worked for, dreamed of, and deserved. As the match wore on and the possibility of his debut drew closer, he was told to get stripped and ready.
However, fate had other ideas. With Wales leading 1–0 and protecting their advantage, the tactics changed. Lewis, boots on, heart racing, was told to sit back down.
The cap that would have sealed his legacy, the one piece of glittering icing on an otherwise hearty cake, never came. And as a consequence, he remains one of those great ‘nearly men’ of international football—called up, kitted out, but uncapped.
Yet that moment didn’t sour his love for the game. If anything, it deepened his resolve. Just a few months later, in February 1976, he was given a run-out for the Wales under-23 side, albeit as an overage player, in a 3–2 defeat to Scotland. He didn’t sulk; he played. And that tells you all you need to know about Jack Lewis.