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John Keith Jackson (5 September 1942 – 29 December 2022) was an English footballer who made 656 appearances in the Football League playing as a goalkeeper for Crystal Palace, Leyton Orient, Millwall, Ipswich Town and Hereford United.[3] He also played for St. Louis Stars[2] and California Surf[2] of the North American Soccer League.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | John Keith Jackson[1] | ||
| Date of birth | 5 September 1942 | ||
| Place of birth | Hammersmith, England | ||
| Date of death | 29 December 2022 (aged 80) | ||
| Position(s) | Goalkeeper | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Brentford | |||
| Crystal Palace | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1964–1973 | Crystal Palace | 346 | (0) |
| 1973–1979 | Leyton Orient | 226 | (0) |
| 1977 | → St. Louis Stars (loan)[2] | 17 | (0) |
| 1978 | → California Surf (loan)[2] | 13 | (0) |
| 1979–1981 | Millwall | 79 | (0) |
| 1981–1982 | Ipswich Town | 1 | (0) |
| 1982–1983 | Hereford United | 4 | (0) |
| Total | 686 | (0) | |
| International career | |||
| England youth team | |||
| 1971 | The Football League XI | 1 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Jackson was born in Hammersmith and began his career as a junior with Crystal Palace, signing from St Clement Danes School in March 1962.[4] He also spent time with Brentford as a junior.[5] He was initially understudy to Bill Glazier but when Glazier left in 1964, vied successfully for the goalkeeping position with Tony Millington.[4] He then went on to make 222 consecutive appearances and was ever present in the 1968–69 season which saw Palace reach the top flight for the first time.[4] In the club's subsequent four seasons in the top division Jackson missed only four games.[4] After Palace were relegated in 1973, he moved to Leyton Orient, where he stayed for six years. After that, two years at Millwall was followed by a year with Ipswich, and Jackson finished his career with Hereford United, after 19 years as a goalkeeper.[3] In 1983 he was signed by Brighton & Hove Albion as cover when they reached the FA Cup Final.
His one league appearance for Ipswich was in a high-pressure match against Manchester United, with Ipswich needing to win to stay in with a chance of winning the League Championship. Jackson received a standing ovation at the end of his first top flight match for seven years, having made three important saves in Town's 2–1 win. Ipswich manager Bobby Robson said: "We have paid him a year's salary to make those saves, but it was worth it!"[6]
His nickname, reflecting the Palace supporters' respect for his safe hands, was "Stonewall", inspired by the Confederate general from the American Civil War.[citation needed]
Prior to signing for Crystal Palace Jackson had already won England youth team honours and in March 1971, represented the Football League against the Scottish League.[4]
After retiring from football Jackson had many jobs including working for a golf magazine, then selling golf equipment after which for a time he was goalkeeping coach for Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.; and most recently reported as working as a courier for Lewes (district) council.[7]
Jackson died on 29 December 2022, at the age of 80.[8]
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