Tom Bromilow
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Thomas 'Tom' George Bromilow (born 7th October 1894 died 4th March 1959) was a legendary English left half who played for Liverpool between 1919 and 1930. He was virtually ever-present during the back-to-back League title triumphs of the early 1920s.
[edit] Life and playing career
Born in Liverpool, Merseyside, England, Bromilow was signed by Liverpool after the 23 year old turned up at Anfield one afternoon in 1919 asking for a trial. He had only recently been demobilised from the army. George Patterson, the then Liverpool assistant manager, agreed to give him a trial and was impressed by his skill. Tom was signed and a legend was made.
Tom made his debut on the 25th October 1919 at Turf Moor in a Division 1 match against Burnley, a game that the Reds won 2-1, his first goal came in the 57th minute of a 3-0 league victory at Burnden Park over Bolton on the 24th January 1920. Bromilow soon became an established member of the side that was to win back-to-back League titles in the early 1920s. A fine tackler and distributor of the ball, Bromilow was regarded as the brains of the team and blossomed into a full England international within three years of turning professional. He continued to be an influential first team regular until the latter part of the decade, serving the club with distinction and leading by example as team captain.
His England debut came in a British Championship match at Ninian Park, Cardiff on the 14th March 1921 against Wales, the game finished in a goaless draw, his debut was made that little bit easier as team-mates Jack Bamber and Harry Chambers also appeared in the game.
After hanging up his boots he took up a career in coaching and went to coach in Amsterdam during the summer of 1930. Tom later embarked on a managerial career with Burnley, Newport, Crystal Palace (twice) and Leicester City. Tom died suddenly on a train in March 1959 while scouting for Leicester City, on his way home from a cup-tie between Wrexham and Merthyr Tydfil.
[edit] Career details
As a player
- Liverpool F.C (1919 - 1930): Position: Left Half, 375 appearances, 11 goals - Two Football League First Division (Level 1) winners medals (1922 and 1923), Charity Shield runners-up medal (1923)
England (1921 - 1925) 5 caps
As a Manager
- Burnley (1932 -1935)
- Crystal Palace (1935 - 1936) and (1937 - 1939) Football League Third Division South (Level 3) runners-up (1939)
- Newport County A.F.C (1936 - 1937)
- Leicester City F.C (1939 -1945) Wartime manager
