John “Jackie” Bell showed early promise, being included in the England squad for the 1955 Victory Shield Competition.  He joined Newcastle United, turning professional in 1957, making 117 appearances, scoring 8 goals.  In 1962, he was transferred to Norwich City and in 1965 he joined Colchester United before retiring from the game in 1966.

Football Career

Newcastle United 1956 – 1962

Jackie Bell joined Newcastle United straight from school and turned professional in 1957.  Newcastle United had won the FA Cup 3 times in 5 years, 1951, 1952 and 1955 and Jackie played alongside club legends such as Ronnie Simpson, Jimmy Scoular, Bob Stokoe, George Eastham, Bobby Mitchell, Len White and Ivor Allchurch. 

16 November 1957, Jackie made his debut in a League 1 fixture against Luton Town and duly scored in the 3 – 0 victory.  He also made it to the fringes of the full international team but didn’t win a senior cap.  He played wing half for the club from 1956 to 1962, making 117 appearances and scoring 8 goals.  His playing career was as follows:

• 1957 – 58: 4 Div. 1 appearances, 1 goal
• 1958 – 59: 24 Div. 1 appearances, 1 goal
• 1959 – 60: 38 Div. 1 appearances + 2 FA Cup games, 5 goals
• 1960 – 61: 26 Div. 1 appearances + 4 FA Cup games, 1 goal:  Relegated to Division 2
• 1961 – 62: 19 Div. 2 appearances, 0 goals

The appointment of Joe Harvey as manager saw Jackie falling out of favour and his transfer became imminent. 

Norwich City 1962 – 1965

In 1962, he was transferred to Norwich City for a fee of £100,000, where he made 48 appearances and scored 3 goals.  A health issue, the diagnosis of diabetes, resulted in the return of 50% of the fee.

Colchester United 1965 – 1966

In May 1965, Jackie signed for Colchester United making only 7 appearances.   He retired from the professional game in 1966.

6 May 1990: Jackie Bell Testimonial Match at Evenwood: Selected details from the Match Programme

Family Details

John “Jackie” Russell Bell was born at Evenwood, 17 October 1939.  In 1962, John R. Bell married Carol Kipling. 

Jackie Bell died April 1991, aged 51.