Jack Balmer

Born in West Derby, Liverpool, Lancashire, Balmer came from a family of footballers: Billy and Bob both played for Everton during the early part of the 20th century, whilst uncle Jack was an amateur at Goodison Park. Balmer played for Collegiate Old Boys and Everton, where he was an amateur, before he made the short journey across Stanley Park and was signed by Liverpool manager George Patterson, who gave him his first professional contract on 23 August 1935. The 19-year-old made his debut on 21 September 1935 at Elland Road against Leeds United in a Football League First Division match, however, it wasn't a success as Liverpool lost 1–0. His first goal came on 7 December the same year in a league game at Anfield, the 81st-minute strike turned out to be the winner in a 2–1 victory over Preston North End. Balmer flitted in and out of the starting line-up during his first season, fighting for the number 9 shirt with Fred Howe. He gained experience playing in an inside forward position as well as his more accustomed centre-forward role. The Second World War curtailed Balmer's footballing career. Upon resumption of the national competitions, Balmer formed a partnership with Albert Stubbins; they both finished the first post-war season (1946–47) with 24 goals, helping to guide Liverpool to their first championship in 24 years. During the title season, Balmer created a League record by scoring a hat-trick of hat-tricks (no other player scored even two successive hat-tricks for the…

Liverpool F.C (1935–1952) – 312 appearances, 111 goals – Football League First Division (level 1) championship winners medal (1947)