Bell: Thomas Gilbert (Tom)

1922-1925 (Player Details)

Left Back

Born: Usworth nr Gateshead: 11-04-1899

Debut v Bury (a): 25-12-1922

5’7” 11st 2lb (1922)

United signed Bell from Birtley in March 1922, but he managed just the one game, at left-back, when Jimmy Frew and his deputy Joe Potts were unavailable. "He had an enforced break to his football career in August 1923, when he was sidelined due to firstly injury and then diptheria and it was not until January 1924 that he was ready to return to football" (Courtesy Neil Roche). He left for Third Division South side Southend United, after United released him in June 1925 and his career blossomed, becoming club captain. After scoring twice in ninety-one League and four F.A. Cup appearances for the Shrimpers. First Division Portsmouth signed him in March 1928 and the following year he was in their side which lost 0-2 to Bolton Wanderers in the F.A. Cup Final. In the Final during a period of second-half pressure from Bolton, Bell was injured, and, after attention, switched to outside-left. The cohesion of the Portsmouth team was broken as a result, and Butler, a fiery and determined winger, cut inside to shoot Bolton into the lead with ten minutes to go. Mackie hacked the ball clear a fraction too late, as it had already crossed the line. He made twenty-six League appearances for Pompey before, in May 1930, he joined Third Division North team, Carlisle United, where he made twelve League appearances before moving to Non-League Burton Town in August 1931 and finally back home to Usworth Colliery in October 1931. He died in 1975.