Ruecroft: Jacob (Jake)

WW2 Guest: 1944-1945 (Leeds United War-time Guest Player Details)

Centre Half

Born: Lanchester, Co. Durham: 01-05-1915

Debut: v Sheffield United (h): 12-05-1945

Height & Weight: Unknown

Ruecroft started his career with Non-League Goole Town before signing for Third Division North Halifax Town in May 1938 and had scored one goal in thirty-five League games, mainly at Left Half, and also played in six F.A. Cup ties before World War Two brought an end to the Football League fixtures. During the War years he guested for Leeds United in the final two games of the 1944-45 Football League Northern Section (Second Championship), making his debut at Centre Half on 12th May 1945 in a 4-1 victory over Sheffield United at Elland Road and kept his position for the final game as United were soundly beaten 1-6 by Chesterfield at Saltergate. He returned to Halifax Town after the Second World War, playing two F.A. Cup games in 1945-46 and then in 1946-47 he scored once, from the penalty spot, in twenty-five League games while also playing four F.A. Cup games before leaving to join Non-League Scarborough. He returned to the Football League in January 1948 when he joined Third Division North Bradford City. He played until the end of the following season, making forty-three league and three F.A. Cup appearances before again joining his initial club Non-League Goole Town, where he played out his career. He died in 2005.