Kerr Peter Image 1 Hibernian 1920

Description

Prestonpans, East Lothian born centre half Peter Kerr began his senior career with Scottish League club Hibernian in 1910, having previously played with junior sides Prestonpans, Wallyford Bluebell and Wemyss Athletic. Kerr was signed by Hibs as a replacement for Scotland international full back James Main, who died as a result of injuries sustained on the football pitch on Christmas Day 1909, but he played most of his career as a centre half. He was a mainstay of the side over the next 16 years, helping Hibs to reach three Scottish Cup Finals, although on each occasion he ended up on the losing side. In 1914, Hibs drew the initial Final 0-0 with Celtic, but they succumbed 4-1 in the replay at Ibrox. Celtic again proved too strong in 1923, while the following year Hughie Gallacher’s Airdrie beat Hibernian 2-0.

Kerr had already gained representative honours for the Scottish League by this stage, playing against The Irish League in a 1-0 victory in October 1923, however his consistent play with Hibs earned him selection for Scotland, playing in a 2-0 victory over Ireland at Parkhead in March 1924. His debut, aged 32, in a 2-0 win over Ireland, proved his only full international appearance. He also later played once more for The Scottish League, again against The Irish League, in a 5-2 victory at Tynecastle in October 1926, by this time a Heart of Midlothian player.

In 1926, a 34 year old Kerr switched from the east side of Edinburgh to the west, joining Hibs’ rivals Heart of Midlothian. The 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. 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 the First Division, before retiring two months shy of his 41st birthday. He was appointed Leith’s manager in 1933.