Albert Fairclough (4 October 1891 – 5 November 1958), sometimes known as Fairy Fairclough, was an English professional footballer who played as a centre forward in the Football League for Bristol City, Derby County, Southend United, Gillingham and Manchester City.
Career A centre forward, Fairclough began his career in non-league football, before he and his brother Peter transferred to First Division club Manchester City in March 1913. The First World War hampered Fairclough's career at Hyde Road, though he top-scored for the club's reserve team in the 1913–14, 1914–15 and 1919–20 seasons. He made just five first team appearances for City, scoring one goal. In May 1920, Fairclough dropped down to the Third Division to join Southend United and earned the distinction of scoring the club's first Football League goal. He subsequently played in all three divisions of the Football League and scored 88 goals in 163 league appearances for Southend United, Bristol City, Derby County and Gillingham, before retiring at the end of the 1926–27 season.
Personal life Fairclough was the older brother of footballer Peter Fairclough. In October 1915, 14 months after the outbreak of the First World War, Fairclough enlisted in the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. He was later appointed a lance corporal and saw action on the Western Front, Salonika and Egypt.
Honours Bristol City Football League Third Division South: 1922–23
Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational CupTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsManchester City1913–14First Division2100211914–151000101919–20200020Total510051Southend United1920–21Third Division2415202615Derby County1924–25Second Division32220032221925–262200221926–27First Division320032Total3726003726Gillingham1926–27Third Division South113—113Career total7745207945
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