John Fairbairn (3 March 1871 – 23 October 1966) was a Scottish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Heart of Midlothian in the late 19th century. He won the Scottish Cup with the club in 1891 (their first major trophy and the first time the competition had been won by a team from the Scottish capital)On this day 1891: Hearts win first-ever trophy with Scottish Cup final win over Dumbarton, The Scotsman, 7 February 2020. Retrieved 14 March 2022 and 1896 (an Edinburgh derby victory over Hibernian), and was a Scottish Football League title winner in 1896–97, playing in all 18 fixtures (he made only three appearances when they were champions two seasons earlier, William Cox taking over). His last game for Hearts was in 1898 but he is reported to have signed for Abercorn in 1903, though no appearances were recorded for him with the Paisley club so it is likely he was registered as an experienced backup player for a potential goalkeeping emergency which did not come to pass.(Hearts player) Jock Fairbairn, London Hearts Supporters Club
Fairbairn was selected for the Scottish Football League XI in 1893;(SFL player) Jock Fairbairn, London Hearts Supporters Club an under-strength team (players from Celtic and Rangers were excused as they met in an important league fixture on the same day) lost to the Irish League XI in Belfast.Ireland's Pride Triumphant. The Scottish Referee, 1 May 1893. Scan via London Hearts Supporters Club
His younger brother James, a forward, also played for Hearts for one season(Hearts player) James Fairbairn, London Hearts Supporters Club (scoring four times on his league debut in 1891 against ClydeSaturday's Football. League Matches. The Glasgow Herald, 5 October 1891. Scan via London Hearts Supporters Club and featuring alongside Jock for the East of Scotland representative team)Association Matches. Renfrewshire V. East of Scotland. The Glasgow Herald, 22 February 1892. Scan via London Hearts Supporters Club before moving on to England with Nelson,League Lights. The Scottish Referee, 15 August 1892. Scan via London Hearts Supporters Club where he played in the Lancashire League.Nelson v Liverpool, Burnley Express, 22 February 1893. Via Play Up Liverpool. Retrieved 14 March 2022
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