John Neal (Welsh footballer)
John Edward Neal (29 November 1899 – 14 January 1965) was a Welsh international footballer who played for UCNW Bangor, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay and Wrexham. He was part of the Wales national football team, playing 2 matches. He played his first match on 25 October 1930 against Scotland and his last match on 22 November 1930 against England.[1]
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | John Edward Neal | ||
| Date of birth | 29 November 1899 | ||
| Place of birth | Llandudno | ||
| Date of death | 14 January 1965 (aged 65) | ||
| Place of death | Rhos on Sea, Denbighshire | ||
| Position(s) | Centre forward/inside left | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1919-21 | UCNW Bangor | ||
| 1921-24 | Llandudno | ||
| 1924-29 | Colwyn Bay United | ||
| 1929-30 | Wrexham | 17 | (3) |
| 1930-31 | Colwyn Bay United | ||
| National team | |||
| 1930 | Wales | 2 | (0) |
| Teams managed | |||
| Colwyn Bay United | |||
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only | |||
The Unknowns
The Football League refused to allow clubs to release players for internationals if it clashed with a League game. Welsh selectors were forced to pick home based players, including Llandudno-born Neal. The team dubbed 'the Unknowns' and captained by Cardiff City's Fred Keenor gained a 1–1 draw against Scotland at Glasgow's Ibrox Park in October 1930. Neal won his second and final cap in the next match, a 4–0 defeat by England in Wrexham the following month.