Author's appeal for info on Carlisle amateur football legend

Seamus O’Connell, who was born in the city, went on to play at the top level with Chelsea.

A book is now being researched on the man who famously divided his playing time with involvement in his father’s cattle dealing business in Carlisle.

O’Connell briefly played for the Blues in 1957/8, scoring twice in four appearances, during a career when he also starred for Queens Park, Middlesbrough, Bishop Auckland, Crook Town and the England Amateur side.

Bishop Auckland director Terry Jackson is researching O’Connell’s life and is keen for as much information as possible on his Carlisle background.

In particular, Terry would like help on O’Connell’s education at St Patrick’s Catholic Boys School, as well as his cattle dealing and associated activities.

Terry would also love to hear from anyone who may have known O’Connell, who was born in Carlisle in 1930 and died in 2013.

Seamus O'Connell, diving for the ball in the centre, for Bishop Auckland at Wembley (Image: PA)

O’Connell had a distinctive career – one when he shunned the prospects of turning professional thanks to his agricultural earnings.

He famously scored a hat-trick on his Chelsea debut against Manchester United in 1954, but turned down the chance to turn pro.

O’Connell, from Irish ancestry, was playing at a time the maximum wage was in force, and could earn more by taking amateur money and continuing with his cattle dealing work.

He famously won an Amateur Cup medal with Bishop Auckland whilst simultaneously being part of Chelsea’s league title-winning squad.

O’Connell’s football skills are said to have attracted the attention of Matt Busby at Manchester United.

An enigmatic figure who was fond of the good life, O’Connell’s brief spell with Carlisle was followed by more Amateur Cup success with Crook – as he continued in the cattle trade.

Anyone who can help Terry Jackson with his research can contact him on terry.jackson@bishopafc.com or 07811159403.