Like many famous players, Jerry Dawson is probably best remembered for one particular match.  Unlike every other player, this match was one that Dawson did not play in!

He had preformed brilliantly in all matches up to the semi-final, when in a goalless draw at Old Trafford against Sheffield United he twisted a thigh muscle.  Four days later in the replay, reserve Ronnie Swell took Dawson's place and a goal from Tommy Boyle sent the Clarets through to their first FA Cup final. 

Dawson reappeared for a League game at Manchester City.  In a 4-1 defeat for Burnley, Dawson was yet again injured, this time suffering from bruised ribs and it became a race against time to get his fitness levels back up to the best so he would be fit enough for the 'Royal' cup final at Crystal Palace.  Burnley was rumoured with questions of whether Dawson was going to play or not.  Everybody was waiting for the news and on the Friday before the big match, Dawson went to see his manager John Howarth privately and said that he was not willing to play as he felt that he wasn't up to his best and he was worried about not making it to the end of the match. 

Jerry Dawson's unselfishness went down in football history and, as a gesture of appreciation by the club and the football authorities, a special medal was struck to honours the great man. 

Jeremiah Dawson was born in Holme-in-Cliviger, just outside Burnley, on 18 March 1888.  He first played football for nearby Portsmouth Rovers whilst serving his apprenticeship to the Cliviger village blacksmith.  It was whilst playing for the village football team that he came to Burnley's attention and, after playing a few games for the reserves, he was signed as a full time professional in February 1907. 

He made his league debut two months later and although he had little to do in a 3-0 win against Stockport at Turf Moor, his class was unmistakeable. 

Soon after the start of the following season, stalwart Billy Green was displaced and Jerry Dawson's monumental League career had begun in earnest. 

In 1919, Jerry Dawson carried on between the posts for the Clarets, but missed eight games in mid-season with a damaged shoulder.  He returned to assist the club to runners-up position at the end of the season, the highest ever finish and a foretaste of things to come.  He was again injured again in the heavy defeat in the opening game of the title-winning season but after missing two games, was back in the side to play his part to the full in the memorable Championship campaign. 

The years passed by and Jerry Dawson joined the coaching staff at Turf Moor and continued to keep himself fit by playing cricket for Burnley Cricket Club.  He was an accomplished batsman and graced the Lancashire League scene for many years.  A lifelong bachelor, Jerry Dawson lived in Cliviger all his life and died at his home on 8th August 1970, aged 82.  He played well over 700 first team games for Burnley and his record of 522 League appearances will undoubtedly stand for a very long time. 

Jeremiah Dawson, fresh faced country boy, village blacksmith and dedicated professional footballer will be remembered in Burnley as football is played.