October 8, 1904
The departure of Andy McCombie to Newcastle led the Sunderland officials to seek for a new back, and the must be considered fortunate in securing Don McCallum, of Greenock Morton.
The newcomer has not yet celebrated his 24th birthday, is 5ft. 8½in. in height, and weighs 12st. 7lb.
He is a native of Argyllshire, but he learnt his football in Glasgow. He commenced with the Queen’s Park Club, playing in the Strollers or third eleven. This was about seven years ago, and his position was right back, though he can play equally well on the left.
After a season with the Strollers, he was promoted to the second eleven, and thence to the senior team, remaining a member three seasons. At the end of that time he was signed on by the Liverpool Club, and was in the Mersey city a couple of season.
Owing, however, to the Liverpool club having such fine players as Tom J. Robertson and Billy Dunlop, McCallum never really got a chance of showing his methods.
At the close of the 1902-3 season he re-crossed the Border to become a member of Greenock Morton. He played for that club regularly throughout last season, and earned the reputation of being one of the best backs in Scotland.
His principal honour was being included in the Anglo-Scots trial match, when he partnered Jackson, of St. Mirren, who had taken the place of McCombie. He did so well in this match that he was put up for the place of left back in the Scottish team against England. James Watson, of Sunderland, however, beat him by a narrow majority.
McCallum gives one the impression of being a temperate and straightforward young fellow. He is a fearless and cool player, and kicks neatly. None of your launching over the stand on the slightest provocation, but a placer.
Sunderland were not the only club after him at the time he signed on for them. He got his first League engagement last Saturday against Aston Villa, and did very well.
(Source: Sunderland Daily Echo: October 8, 1904)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 