GoS: Player Details

JACK PULLEN

Full Name: William John Pullen

Born: 01 November 1901

Came from: Ebbw Vale Went to: Retired

First game: 01 September 1924 Last game: 25 August 1934

Appearances: 199 (199/0) Goals: 18

Born as William John, though known as 'Jack' rather than John, as was common at the time, Pullen was born in the village of Victoria in Monmouthshire, a workers' village literally within the steel works of Ebbw Vale.

After establishing himself with Ebbw Vale and making a name for himself, he joined the Pilgrims in 1924. He broke into the first team the following year and became a central figure in Argyle's team, ending with one short of a double century of appearances in 11 first team seasons but weighing in with a creditable 18 goals in that time.

He was an imposing centre-half who was perfectly built for the position and was known for never shirking a header or tackle, a reputation that earned him one international cap for Wales, against England in 1926 on March 1st, St David’s Day. This was a game in which he played alongside Argyle team-mate Moses Russell and it was a memorable one. Wales beat England 3-1 in the British Home Championship fixture at Selhurst Park.

Ironically two of Wales' goal were scored by former Argyle forward, Jack Fowler who had departed Home Park in 1924.

Pullen had won two medals in the Devon Professional Championship in 1932 and 1933 whilst with Argyle and third when he was awarded a Division Three South winners' medal for the 1929-30 season, when the club finally won the title after several near misses throughout the 1920s. These items have been donated by Pullen's family and now form part of the memorabilia collection managed by PAHA (Plymouth Argyle Heritage Archive).

His football career ended ten years after arriving at Home Park, with Argyle his only professional club, after which he retired and returned to the Ebbw Vale area. He passed away in Bedwellty, about 10 miles from Ebbw Vale in 1969 aged 67, as the contribution below, also helps confirm.

YOUR CONTRIBUTION

If you can add to this profile, perhaps with special memories, a favourite story or the results of your original research, please contribute here.

From Vincent John OBrien in Newport, Gwent, South Wales on 05/11/2018 ...

Hello. My family has recently buried my father, James O'Brien, after succumbing to Alzheimers. He has been buried in Ebbw Vale cemetery. Whilst recently returning with my mother, we had a walk around and came upon my mother's auntie's grave, who was Theresa Pullen, and on the headstone is her husband, John Pullen, who played for Plymouth Argyle and Wales. There is no year of death on yours or Wikipedia's page but his headstone says 1969. I wasn't aware of John and his football history so nice to find out. Thanks, Vincent.

APPEARANCE DETAILS [reselect competitions]

The details below reflect appearances in all first-team competitions.

I'm very grateful to many who have helped write GoS-DB's player pen-pictures, and to Dave Rowntree, the PAFC Media Team and Colin Parsons for their help with photos. Thanks also to staff at the National Football Museum, the Scottish Football Museum and ScotlandsPeople for their valuable assistance.

The following publications have been particularly valuable in the research of pen-pictures: Plymouth Argyle, A Complete Record 1903-1989 (Brian Knight, ISBN 0-907969-40-2); Plymouth Argyle, 101 Golden Greats (Andy Riddle, ISBN 1-874287-47-3); Football League Players' Records 1888-1939 (Michael Joyce, ISBN 1-899468-67-6); Football League Players' Records 1946-1988 (Barry Hugman, ISBN 1-85443-020-3) and Plymouth Argyle Football Club Handbooks.