Born: 20 May 1869

Born in: Bannockburn

Died: 12 August 1922

Other clubs: Cardross Swifts, Broxburn, East Stirlingshire (1893-94), Wolverhampton Wanderers (1894-1901)

Signed from: Wolverhampton Wanderers

Joined Liverpool: 02.05.1901

Debut: 21 Sep 1901

Final appearance: 11 Sep 1905

Debut goal: 08 Feb 1902

Last goal: 16 Apr 1904

Contract until: 1906

Honours: Second Division 1904/05

League: Apps / Goals: 79 / 5

All Competitions: Apps / Goals: 83 / 6

Player Profile

After featuring in 187 matches for first division Wolves from 1894-1901, Fleming was five years at Liverpool when the club's contrasting fortunes were quite dramatic. When Fleming played his first game Liverpool were defending their first Football League Championship and yet would be relegated just three years later. Liverpool bounced straight back by winning the Second and then the First Division in successive seasons. Fleming played in a number of different positions, making him the utility player of his time, but he preferred the centre-half position.

Fleming had his best season in 1904/05 when after missing the opening five second division fixtures he played in the remaining 29. He started the 1905/06 championship season in the first team but lost his place after three matches to newcomer James Bradley. The joint Everton/Liverpool programme in 1904 captured the essence of Fleming: "The old wolf. Never a star, but ever a worker. Can still do good service if called upon. Never gives up."

After losing his place Fleming, now well into his thirties, became assistant trainer at the club. He remained in the role until he was no longer able to work due to his sickness a year before his untimely death at 1 Elise Road, close to the Anfield ground. He was buried in Anfield Cemetery.