Albert Mercer

OVERALL STATISTICS

BIRTHAGESIGNED ONFROM
23-10-1911
N/A
28-01-1933
Thatto Heath ARL
DEBUTLAST MATCHLEFT
28-10-1933 v Salford
Salford
1933-
CAREERAPPEARANCES (SUBS)
1933-
1 (0)
TRIESGOALSDGOALSPTS
0
0
0
0

Biography of Albert Mercer



HERITAGE NO : 413
Albert Mercer by SHS

A regular in the A team, Albert was the younger brother of established Saints’ star Billy, who was of representative standard. Although a centre like Billy, Albert’s chances of first team matches were somewhat limited. However, he was named in the seniors for the league game against Salford at Knowsley Road on 28th October 1933. The threequarter line was as follows: Peter Smith, Tom Winnard, Albert and Roy Hardgrave.

Despite the appearance of some star names in the Saints’ team, there were financial problems beginning to bite at Knowsley Road, with the club forced to sell their best players in what was to become a near constant fight for survival until the onset of the Second World War.

So how did young Albert fare against one of the most promising teams in the league? The St Helens Newspaper correspondent was the legendary Tom Reynold, known as ‘Premier’ who was not one to mince words. “Saints’ forwards heeled well…but the forcing play of Billy Mercer in the middle was missing. His younger brother is promising, but he isn’t Billy.” It was obvious that this was not going to be Albert’s day. “There were plenty of chances, but the centres were unable to take advantage of the openings that came their way,” he added. “Once Mercer opened the path to the line very wide, only to throw the pass out with such a swipe that no one could get near it. Hardgrave and Smith scarcely got a pass that was worth calling by name during the first half hour.”

So an unfortunate debut for Albert, who duly returned to A team duty after his sole senior outing, with Saints defeated by 2-17. He was one of ten children and we are grateful to his niece, Helen, for the image. It is clear that he had been a rugby player, for sure.


SEASON STATISTICS

Season (Official Matches)TriesGoalsDGoalsMatches
1933~340 0 0 1
TOTALS:0 0 0 1
Season (Other Matches)TriesGoalsDGoalsMatches
TOTALS:

ALL MATCHES

DateMatchPosOpponentsCompVenueFTFTOTGDG
28th Oct 1933 1
L
4 Salford L H 2 17 VIEW
*Unofficial Match. **Non Playing Sub.
WINS : | LOSSES : 1 | DRAWS :

GALLERY





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