Percy Summers

Percy Summers

Percy SUMMERS

Born in Chesterfield in 1889, Percy was working locally as a colliery mechanic and playing for his works side when he was picked up by Chesterfield Town of the Midland League.

Regarded as the best goalkeeper in the Midland League he spent four years at Saltergate before attracting the attention of Division Two Grimsby in 1914. Virtually ever-present in 1914-15 he was good enough to be recruited into the Footballers Battalion during the Great War.

Gassed on the Somme in 1916 he was subsequently discharged from the army but had recovered sufficiently to sign on for the Town in 1919.

Not the tallest goalkeeper, he made up for his lack of height with superb reflexes and but for a few injuries would have remained ever-present through 1919-20.

After refusing a new contract in 1920, Percy elected to go part-time with Margate.