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Birthdate:
26.12.1878
Birthplace: Polmont, Stirlingshire, Scotland
Other clubs: Larkhall Thistle, Royal Albert, Hibernian, Stoke (on loan), Partick Thistle, Hamilton Academical
Bought from: Hibernian
Signed for LFC: £350 06.05.1898
International debut: 07.04.1900 vs. England
International caps: 8/0 - 06.04.1907
Liverpool debut:
03.09.1898
Last appearance: 30.04.1909
Debut goal: 11.02.1899
Last goal: 12.04.1909
Contract expiry: 16.08.1909
LFC league games/goals: 312 / 18
Total LFC games/goals: 341 / 19
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Player Notes:
Scottish international Raisbeck was an inspirational figure in Liverpool's defence for just over a decade in the very early part of the club's history. Born on Boxing Day 1878 he had played professionally for Hibernian in Scotland and spent two months on loan at Stoke in England before his move to Anfield in May 1898 for a fee of £350! Despite being 'only' 5'10" in height, Alex was a commanding centre-half whose timing and athleticism enabled him to reach the ball before taller opponents. He was said to have almost a military air in the way he carried himself, certainly not out of place as he was one of seven brothers who either became soldiers or footballers. Raisbeck was captain when Liverpool won their first-ever Football League Division One championship title in 1901 and lifted the championship title again five years later.
Raisbeck returned to Scotland in 1909 to play for Partick Thistle and a year later he became manager of Hamilton Academicals. Raisbeck returned to England and took over as manager of 2nd division Bristol City on 28th December 1921. City were relegated that Spring, but bounced straight back as 3rd division south champs in the 1922-23 season. That very season manager David Ashworth left League champions Liverpool just before Christmas 1922 and Raisbeck was tipped as his successor before Matt McQueen took over in mid February. Raisbeck had lead Bristol City to the 2nd division, but his team went back down again! After finishing 3rd and 4th, Bristol got promoted to 2nd division in the 1926-27 season with former Liverpool centre-half, Walter Wadsworth, as captain and managed a decent 12th place in their first season back. Raisbeck resigned on 29th June 1929 after Bristol City finished 20th out of 22 teams narrowly escaping relegation.
Raisbeck later managed Halifax Town, Chester & Bath City before returning to Liverpool, not as manager as he once dreamt of, but as scout. He served Liverpool until his dying day on 12th March 1949. |
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