24th September 1881

Kirkdale, Liverpool

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Liverpudlian Jack Crelley signed from Everton, and later playing for St Helens Recreation, appeared for Exeter City during the club’s first-ever professional season in the Southern League in 1908/09. He made close to fifty league appearances over two seasons and had earlier played in Everton's 1906 FA Cup final victory. 

Jack came to prominence with the Liverpool schools side and was soon playing for Everton as an amateur  before signing professional forms in 1899. Eventually winning a first team place, he went on to appear in 116 league matches for the Toffees and played in the 1906 FA Cup final victory over Newcastle United.

Much was expected of Jack when he signed in time for Exeter City’s first-ever professional season in 1908 although he didn’t make his Southern League debut for the Grecians until December 1908 against Northampton Town. Playing 18 league games in his first season, and thirty in his second, Jack remained at St James’ Park for two seasons before returning to the North West to sign for St. Helen’s Recreation.

After running a tobacconists' shop near Goodison Park, Jack died in Liverpool on 11 October 1946.

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