Charles Neilson
FullnameCharles Neilson[1]
Birth date27 November 1889
Birth placeMontrose, Scotland[2]
Death date1 June 1916 (aged 26)[1]
Death placeNeuville-Saint-Vaast, France
PositionOutside left
Years 1–1910
Clubs 1Ellon United
Years 21910–1913
Clubs 2Aberdeen
Caps 28
Goals 20
Years 31915
Clubs 3Aberdeen
Caps 30
Goals 30

Charles Neilson (27 November 1889 – 1 June 1916) was a Scottish professional footballer who played as an outside left in the Scottish League for Aberdeen.[2]

Personal life

Neilson attended Ellon Primary School and graduated with an MA from Aberdeen University in 1913.[3] He trained as a teacher at Aberdeen Training Centre and became a teaching assistant at Lossiemouth Public School.[3][4] After the outbreak of the First World War in September 1914, Neilson enlisted as a private in the Gordon Highlanders in Peterhead.[4] He was serving as a company sergeant major when he was killed in action near Neuville-Saint-Vaast, France on 1 June 1916.[2][3] He was buried in Marœuil British Cemetery, near Arras.[1] His brothers Rolland and James (the latter also a footballer) were also killed during the war.[5] Neilson was added to the Aberdeen University Roll of Honour in 1921.[4]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueScottish CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Aberdeen1910–11[2]Scottish First Division500050
1911–12[2]30001[a]040
Career total80001090
  1. ^ Appearance in North East Cup

References

  1. ^
  2. ^ "Charles Neilson". Aberdeen Football Club Heritage Trust. Retrieved 16 September 2016.
  3. ^ "They Died in the Conflict in Season 1915–1916". p. 5. Archived 15 May 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  4. ^ "Neilson, Charles | Roll of Honour". The University of Aberdeen. Retrieved 16 September 2016.
  5. ^ "Charles Neilson | Service Record". Football and the First World War. Retrieved 18 September 2016.