On December 3rd, 1892, Everton were playing league leaders Preston. One name in particular stood out – a certain “Thompson”.

Source: Liverpool Mercury

His name was air-quoted for a reason: he’s not called Thompson at all. He is called J. Campbell.

J. Campbell (first name unknown) joined Everton from Glasgow Thistle in November 1892 after he was spotted by Everton scouts in a match between Sheffield-based players and Glasgow-based players. When he joined, he became Everton’s highest paid player, earning £3.10 per week (over £360 per week in today’s money) – only 10 shillings more than the next highest wage, which was earned by several players. Campbell almost didn’t join Everton. Ardwick (now known as Manchester City) also had their eye on the Scotsman. However, they allowed Everton to have him as Ardwick were in financial disarray.

He made his debut in a friendly on November 19th against Hearts. He played again in another friendly against West Brom a couple of days later. He reportedly showed early promise and formed a fairly good defensive partnership with Albert Chadwick. Campbell was expected make his competitive debut against Sheffield Wednesday the following week, but he was forced to wait as he couldn’t play because he had to return to Glasgow for work a few days before the game and he couldn’t get back to Liverpool on time. Albert Chadwick took his place in Everton’s subsequent 5-3 defeat to the Owls.

The undesirable proclivities of the footballer “ayont the Tweed” were exemplified at Everton last week.  Campbell remembered he had an important piece of business to transact.  Alas! For Tom Pepper.  He has too many imitators now-a-days.

Cricket and Football Field, 3rd December 1892

Campbell didn’t have long to wait and eventually made his debut the following week against Preston. He was originally a back-up for Bob Kelso, but Kelso couldn’t play because he was recovering from a long illness and he couldn’t get better in time. Campbell, for some unknown reason, played under the name “Thompson”. Whatever the reason for the secrecy, he was recognised regardless.

Thompson—or whoever he is—is no great guns. Why the mystery about his identity, I don’t know, but I heard one of the Everton supporters shout Campbell to him. Does that explain it?

Athletic News, 5th December 1892

Campbell, however, had a very unsuccessful debut.

Campbell, the Thompson, that played was evidently considered a better back than either Chadwick or Collins by the Selecting Committee, who decision no doubt would be influenced by the advice of those who secured him, but their judgement on football matters is open to doubt, for, however, prodigious this faculty for comprehension, sufficient experience for the purpose cannot be crammed into an eighteen months’ tuition. I offer no opinion on the players’ merits, for I am not in a position to do so, but he does not appear to have played a brilliant game.

Cricket and Football Field, 10th December 1892

Everton lost to Preston 5-0, with every goal being scored within the first 30 minutes of the game. Campbell was reportedly at fault for the 5th goal as he cheaply gave the ball away to Preston forward Frank Becton and he made the most of Campbell’s slip-up by hitting it in the back of the net. There was some damage limitation from Campbell after he stopped Preston from scoring a 6th goal before half time.

Source: Scottish Referee

It was implied that Campbell was also expected to play the following weekend against Wolves, but he didn’t turn up. Everton promptly suspended him. After explaining his absence (the reason is unknown, although it is likely to be work commitments again), Everton accepted his reasoning and lifted his suspension. Everton also gave him permission to return to Glasgow and told him to come back to Liverpool so that he can play in their friendly against Newcastle United on January 2nd.

However, Campbell didn’t turn up for the friendly and as a consequence, Everton suspended him again, this time until the end of the season. A few weeks later, the Cricket and Football Field reported Campbell was sacked by Everton because of his off-pitch behaviour.

There is a lot of mystery about J. Campbell. Why did he play under a fake name? Why did refuse to return to Liverpool on time? Where did he go next? So many questions, no answers – and there might never be any.