James Brogan

[Bristol Rovers]

When Bristol Rovers played Watford in the Southern League on 1st October 1910, two of the team, both Scottish, played under an alias. James Brogan's career is reasonably well-documented in places (I have put below what I have), but does anyone know any more about the Lanarkshire side Maryhill? Equally, does anyone have details for Bathgate in the 1919-20 season and can anyone confirm 1974 as his date of death, please?

On the same day, Rankin played under the pseudonym Barnes. Although he was at Rovers for some time, his career is less well-known. I have found a note in the Scottish Referee (Oct 1910) to the effect that, as both men played for what was erroneously described as Bristol City's side, both ran the risk of suspension by the SJFA. Rankin played his second game with Rovers the following Saturday; Brogan did not make his second Rovers appearance until Easter 1911. Did Brogan return north of the border in the meantime? And does anyone have any further information on Rankin, especially dates of birth and death?

I would be really grateful for any ideas and suggestions.


JAMES EDWARD BROGAN
b 1889 Burnbank d 1974 Hamilton
Début: 1.10.10 v Watford
Career: Larkhall United; 1910 Maryhill; 1.10.10 Bristol Rovers (trial); 1911 Bristol Rovers; 17.9.15 Royal Albert; August 1916 Hamilton Academical; 21.9.18 Airdrieonians [15,0]; 14.8.19 Bathgate; 14.10.20 St Bernard’s [15,3] (to 1922).

Twenty-four goals in 107 Southern League appearances is an impressive return from this Scottish inside-forward from his five seasons at Eastville. He contributed four goals in five games over Easter 1912 and then hit four goals in one match, as Merthyr Town were defeated 7-1 at Eastville on Boxing Day 1912. In addition, he was in the Rovers side which defeated First Division Notts County in an emotional FA Cup-tie at Eastville in January 1913. Top scorer at Rovers in 1912-13, he also scored the only goal of the game, at home to Swindon Town in April 1915, in his final appearance in a Rovers shirt. He later returned to Scotland, playing his first match for Royal Albert against Stevenston United and lived in Petershill. His first Bathgate appearance was in a 2-1 home defeat to Alloa Athletic and he was “the pick of the visitors’ forward line” when the side lost 1-0 at Clackmannan in the Scottish Second Division in September 1920. Brogan scored a dramatic late winning goal in a 4-3 victory over Cowdenbeath on his St Bernard’s début in October 1920, his side recovering from a three-goal half-time deficit, before making his Rovers bow under the alias “Scott”, as he was still registered north of the border at that time, perhaps with Cambuslang Rangers.

JOHN RANKIN
b Blantyre
Début: 1.10.10 v Watford
Career: Earnock Rovers; Blantyre Victoria; 1.10.10 Bristol Rovers (trial); 4.10.1910 Bristol Rovers; 1912 Burnbank Athletic; July 1916 Parkhead.

Under the pseudonym of Barnes on his arrival at Eastville from Blantyre Victoria, outside-left Rankin scored six times in 47 Southern League matches for Rovers. He scored in the large victories over Southampton and New Brompton, but his tour-de-force was contributing both goals as Rovers won 2-1 away to Coventry City on Christmas Day 1911. It is possible that he is the John Rankin, who was born in Hartsfield, Lanarkshire in 1881, the second son of Robert Rankin (1860-1902) and Helen Russell.

[ScottishFA]

Brogan and Rankin are lodging in the same household in Bristol in the 1911 census:

John Rankin, 21, professional footballer, born in Blantyre, Lanarkshire.
James Edward Brogan, 20, professional footballer, born Burnbank.
And another player, aged 20, first name James, surname looks like Sones. Born in West Bromwich.

In which case I think Rankin is the son of John and Jane Rankin, born 1889.

Brogan is mentioned in passing in the history of Maryhill Juniors, as a member of the team in 1910/11.

[Bristol Rovers]

Thank you. Much appreciated. There isn't, by any chance, a team group in that history with Brogan in it, is there?

[Bristol Rovers]

A player called Charles Jones, born in Birmingham (I thought in the summer of 1888) was on Rovers' books at the time - Sones could be him. Perhaps, though this is a reserve player who has slipped through the net so far. The only James Jones with Rovers was considerably older and had left the club before that date.

[ScottishFA]

Have a look at the FA Registration records: https://www.cfchistory.com/fa-registrations-transfers

This shows that J Jones signed for Bristol Rovers on 9 Feb 1911. There is a report in the following day's Sporting Life which confirms he joined from Aston Villa and was previously with Shrewsbury. It was an exchange deal for Brendel Anstey.

The census return is probably just poor handwriting, all the other 'J' on the page are clear, including 'James', but Jones looks different.

Re a photo of Brogan, it was just a passing mention as I said.

[Bristol Rovers]

Many thanks for your help. The James Jones will be this player, then, even though his age is not the same ....

JAMES WALTER EDMUND JONES
b c 1884 Wellington, Staffordshire d 1951
Début: 11.2.11 v Plymouth Argyle
Career: Hill Top United; Old Hill Red Rose; Wellington Ravenhurst; 9.10.05 Shrewsbury Town; April 1909 Wellington Town; 30.4.10 Aston Villa [2,1]; 10.2.11 Bristol Rovers; 1.9.12 Walsall (to May 1913).

Jim Jones scored twelve times in 39 Southern League matches after his Football League career at Villa was over. In only his second game for Rovers he scored the second goal as Rovers ran up an unexpected 5-1 victory and he later added two goals in a game against both New Brompton and Millwall. His 33 Birmingham League goals for Shrewsbury included four as Dudley Town were defeated 4-2 in April 1908 and a hat-trick three months earlier against Birmingham reserves; he also scored twice in the Shropshire Mayor’s Charity Cup Final of 1908, as Whitchurch were defeated 3-1. His Villa goal was the opener in a 2-1 victory at Bradford City in September 1910 on his first appearance, playing alongside Walter Gerrish and Arthur Cartlidge, whilst his seven goals in 23 Birmingham League matches with Walsall included one in his final game, a 3-2 win at home to Wrexham in April 1913.

[Alan Brown]

Re. bathgate 1919/20 in the central league. Brogan played in 10 Central league games, scoring 4 goals. He also played in all 6 games for bathgate in the qualifying Cup, scoring 2 goals.

[Bristol Rovers]

Thank you. Very much appreciated.