Hacking Jack Image 3 Oldham Athletic 1929

Description

Blackburn, Lancashire born goalkeeper Jack Hacking played junior football for Grimshaw Park Co-operative in 1918 and joined Second Division Blackpool in 1921, making his Football League debut at Hull City that September. In three seasons at Blackpool he made 32 appearances but joined non league Fleetwood in 1925 before returning a year later to League action with Oldham Athletic as understudy to Bert Gray. When Gray moved to Manchester City the following summer, Hacking became the senior glovesman, and stayed with Oldham for eight seasons until Manchester United signed him in March 1934, having played 234 times for The Latics, all of which were in the Second Division.

He won three England caps in the 1928-29 season, making his international debut against Ireland in a 2-1 win at Goodison Park, and playing against Wales and Scotland in the remaining Home Championship fixtures, which make him Oldham’s most capped England international. He also made two appearances for The Football League, both matches against The Scottish League in 1928. He also represented The Lancashire FA the same year.

He lost his place in the United team to Jack Hall in February 1935 and joined Accrington Stanley as player manager in May 1935 after 34 appearances for The Red Devils. He only had a single season with Stanley, making 17 appearances, before retiring from playing in 1936 but continued as their manager until May 1949, when he became secretary-manager of Barrow. He stayed a further six years at Barrow until his death on 31st May 1955.

His son, also a goalkeeper and also named Jack, played for Accrington Stanley while his father was their manager, and also for Stockport County, Macclesfield Town and Nelson.