John Cockerell

John Cockerell (22 November 1845 – 27 January 1937) was an English amateur athlete who played for England in two of the unofficial football matches against Scotland in 1870 and 1871. Family background Cockerell was born at Camberwell in south London, the only son and third child of John Brand Cockerell and his wife Ellen née Field. His uncle, George Joseph Cockerell, was a highly successful coal merchant who supplied coal to HM Queen Victoria. The family firm was appointed as coal merchants to HM King Edward VII in 1901. Sporting career Cockerell was an all-round athlete, who ran for the Brixton Athletics Club and the South Norwood AC. in June 1868, at the Blackheath Sports, he defeated W. G. Grace in a quarter mile race. He also played cricket for Crystal Palace and was a keen rower. His football career started with Crystal Palace in 1865. In 1867, he represented Surrey & Kent and in 1868–1869, he represented Surrey three times. In 1868, he joined the Brixton Club, becoming club captain, and later joined the Barnes Club.