John Elvey

John Elvey

Born in Sharpenhoe in 1892, Jack attended Dunstable Road school and first came to prominence as a footballer with Luton Clarence who he captained at a young age.

Naturally progressing to the Town, Jack signed on at Kenilworth Road in 1913 where his cool, calm displays at full-back soon earned him a regular place in the side.

He guested for Millwall during the Great War when it was said that but for the conflict he would have earned an international call-up. As it was he was picked for the FA team that toured South Africa.

Back at Luton in 1919 he formed the best full-back partnership in the club’s history at that point with John Dunn which led to an offer from Bolton of £2500 which could not be turned down.

Sadly, a botched cartilage operation cut his appearances at Burnden Park and after two years he moved to Arsenal but made only one appearance there before he retired from the game.