Description
South Shields, County Durham born centre half John McLaverty began his football career with Chester Moor, playing for Sacriston United in 1911 and Birtley Colliery in 1912, from where he signed for First Division club Aston Villa, making his Football League debut in a win at Derby County on Christmas Day that year, also playing against Bradford City two days later in a home defeat. These would prove his only senior career appearances, and after a spell (on loan?) at North Eastern League South Shields in 1914 he spent 1914-15 at Villa Park without making their first team before his career was interrupted by the First World War. After the War, in the early 1920’s, he played North Eastern League football for West Stanley, Houghton Rovers and Shildon before his retirement in the mid 1920’s.