Peter Kerr (footballer)

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For other persons named Peter Kerr, see Peter Kerr (disambiguation).

Peter Kerr (born 20 June 1891 in Prestonpans, East Lothian; died 24 April 1969 was a former Scottish footballer who played with three different Edinburgh clubs in a 21 year senior career.

Kerr began his senior career with Hibernian in 1910, having previously played with junior sides Prestonpans FC, Wallyford Bluebell and Wemyss Athletic.[1] Kerr was signed as a replacement for Scotland international fullback James Main, who died as a result of injuries sustained on the football pitch on Christmas Day 1909,[1] but played most of his career as a centre-half. He was a mainstay of the side over the next 16 years, helping the Greens to 3 Scottish Cup finals, although on each occasion he ended up on the losing side. In 1913-14 Hibs drew the initial Final 0-0 with Celtic but, with Kerr unavailable through injury for the replay, they succumbed 4-1 at Ibrox. In 1922-23 Celtic again proved too strong, while the following year Hughie Gallacher's Airdrie won 2-0.

Kerr had already gained representative honours for the Scottish League by this stage, however his consistent play with Hibs earned him selection for the Scotland national team in March 1924. His debut, aged 32, in a 2-0 win over Ireland, also proved to be his last international appearance.[2]

In 1926, the then 34 year old Kerr switched from the east side of Edinburgh to the west, joining Hibs rivals Hearts. Hearts side at this time contained numerous youngsters and the Tynecastle side's directors felt Kerr would provide a steadying influence to counter youthful inconsistency.[3] He spent five seasons with Hearts before joining his third and final Edinburgh club, Leith Athletic in 1931. He played one season for Leith, during which they suffered relegation from Division 1, before retiring two months shy of his 41st birthday.[1] He was appointed Leith's manager in 1933.[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d Lamming, Douglas (1987). A Scottish Soccer Internationalists Who’s Who, 1872-1986 (Hardback), Hutton Press. (ISBN 0-907033-47-4). 
  2. ^ Scotland the Complete Record 1872-2005:Peter Kerr. londonhearts.com. Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  3. ^ Speed, David; Smith, Bill, Blackwood, Graham (1984). Heart of Midlothian Football Club: A Pictorial History 1874-1984. Heart of Midlothian F.C. plc. (ISBN 0-9510124-1-X). 

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