John Morley was born in Carlisle on 29th January, 1884. After playing Workington he joined Sunderland in 1907. An inside-right, he only managed to make four appearances before moving on to Second Division side, Burnley. Over the next three years he scored 15 goals in 96 league games.

Morley joined Preston North End in 1911. With Peter McBride in goal and Joseph McCall at centre-half, Preston had a good defensive record. However, the club had difficulty scoring goals and at the end of the 1911-12 season, was relegated from the First Division of the Football League.

Alf Common, the former English international, was purchased from Arsenal for £250, half-way through the 1912-13 season. Common scored 7 goals in 21 games and helped Preston win the Second Division title with 53 points. Morley was more of a creative inside forward but he did score a hat-trick on 1st January, 1913.

Preston North End finished in 19th place in the 1913-14 season and were relegated once again. Freddie Osborn ended up as top scorer with 26 goals. However, Preston finished second to Derby County in the final season before the First World War. One again Freddie Osborn was top scorer. This time he scored 17 goals. However, the club had to wait another four years before they could take their place in the First Division.

Morley, now in his thirties decided to retire from the game. During his time at the club he had scored 15 goals in 94 league games.

After the First World War he joined former Preston players, Bob Holmes, Jack Warner and Billy Greer in coaching Dick Kerr Ladies, the best woman's football team in England.

John Morley died in 1957.

Who's Who of Preston North End is available from Amazon

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