Clubs played for: Artizan Thistle, Dumbarton, Everton, Liverpool, Southampton, Woolwich Arsenal, Burnley (1892-1900)
Born: 1872
Birthplace: Dumbarton, Scotland
Position: Right-back/Centre-forward
Biography: 5 goals in 8 games for Dumbarton (who at the time won the Scottish Football League in successive years) encouraged Everton to tempt him south. Whilst never establishing himself asa first choice striker he did bag 25 goals in his 50 appeares before crossing the city to sign for Liverpool. At around this time, the Association Footballers Union was fighting to gain better terms for their members and after just one season at Anfield, Abe had the opportunity to earn more money by signing for Southampton. They were members of the Southern League and therefore free to pay more than their Football League counterparts and their investment paid off - Abe scored 25 times in 50 appearances and helped them win the title. He died in 1909, nine years after retiring from the game and still only 37 years old. He had taken up employment with the London and South West Railway but collapsed and died outside their pay office. During his playing days, it was claimed that he used to put a roll-up (cigarette) behind his ear before kick off and smoke it at half time!
Do you have any interesting, happy, or humorous memories of Abe?
If so, please let us know and we will be happy to share them with the world!