June 5, 1939
One time Everton footballer and a former member of Southport Town Council, Mr. Thomas Lea, aged 70, wine and spirit merchant, of Brighton-road, Birkdale, died suddenly yesterday afternoon.
He had not been well for some time but was in his shop yesterday morning. Later he complained of feeling unwell and died soon afterwards.
Mr. Lea first played for Everton in the 1886-7 season, and was the first player to sign on for Southport Central when the club became professional in 1888. Later he played for Accrington Stanley.
Mr. Lea was a member of Southport Town Council from 1912 to 1918, and his brother, Mr, William Lea, is a member of the present Southport Town Council. Mr. Thomas Lea had been member of Birkdale Conservative Club for 52 years and was made a life member last January.
(Evening Express: June 6, 1939)
Thomas Lea (Liverpool Echo: January 18, 1890).
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"Play Up, Liverpool" 