Daniels: John Francis (Jack)

1933-1935 & WW2 Guest: 1941-1945 (Player Details) (Leeds United War-time Guest Player Details)

Goalkeeper

Born: Prestwich: 06-10-1913

Debut v Chelsea (a): 16-03-1935

5’10” 11st 10lb (1935)

Known as Jack, he joined Third Division North side Stockport County as an amateur and they blooded him as an eighteen year-old in their “A” team. He was released and joined Manchester North End and then Ashton National. First Division Leeds signed him in October 1933, on amateur forms and he turned professional the following April. Daniels made his only peace-time appearance for Leeds against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in March 1935. It was a debacle as Chelsea won 7-1. Within three months he rejoined Third Division North Stockport County but could not establish himself as first choice, making only nine League appearances in three seasons. He left for Third Division North Accrington Stanley in July 1938 and injured his hand in one match against Gateshead, prompting him to come out and play on the wing. After ten games at Peel Park a move to Third Division North Tranmere Rovers followed in June 1939, but the Second World War came before he could make his debut. During the War Years he returned to Leeds and made one hundred and twenty-one appearances as a guest. He made his debut in the 1940-41 North Regional League in a 1-4 away defeat to Hull City on 18th January 1941 and after Gerry Henry, with one hundred and eighty-six, and Aubrey Powell, with one hundred and twenty-six, he was the third in United’s appearance list for Second World War-time guests and made his final appearance on 2nd April 1945 in a 0-2 home defeat by Chesterfield in the 1944-45 Football League Northern Section (Second Championship). He joined Third Division North Bradford City after the war but did not play for them and joined Third Division North Lincoln City in July 1946 where he made seventeen appearances before retiring. An excellent cricketer, he was also an F.A. coach. In the 1950s he was games master at Boston Spa Special School. He died in 1970.