Albert Quantrill

Albert Quantrill : Preston North End

Albert (Alf) Quantrill was born in India on 22nd January, 1897. He played non-league football with Boston Swifts until he was seen by a scout working for Derby County. He signed for the Second Division side in 1914.

A very fast outside right, Quantrill helped Derby gain promotion in his first season at the club. Quantrill's career was interrupted by the First World War. He served in Derbyshire Yeomanry but was sent home after developing malaria in Salonika.

Quantrill retained his good form in the first season after the war and in March 1920 was selected to play for England against Wales. Despite the surprise 2-1 defeat, Quantrill retained his place in the game against Scotland. Over the next couple of years Quantrill won four international caps.

In 1921 Quantrill was transferred to Preston North End. He joined a forward line made up of Tommy Roberts, Rowland Woodhouse and Archie Rawlings. Woodhouse, Rawlings and Quantrill provided the service for Roberts, who was the club's top scorer.

Quantrill played in 64 games for Preston before leaving the club in 1923. He also played for Bradford Park Avenue where he scored 58 goals in 191 games between 1924 and 1929. Quantrill finished his career at Nottingham Forest (1930-31).

Albert Quantrill died on 19th April 1968.