Jack Alderson began his footballing career as a junior with his local side Crook Juniors, beginning his senior career with Crook Town. He moved to Shildon Athletic before joining Football League side Middlesbrough. Failing to establish himself at Middlesbrough and was transferred to Newcastle United in 1912 for £30, where he played just once, in a 3–1 win against Arsenal on 25 January 1913.
Crystal Palace
With the outbreak of World War I and with league football abandoned Alderson served as a gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery whilst remaining on the books at Newcastle. Based at Woolwich he played a number of wartime games for Crystal Palace as a guest player and at the end of the war signed for Palace from Newcastle for a fee of £50. He was an ever-present in the first post-war season, 1919–20, as Palace finished third in the Southern League. At the end of the season, Palace, along with all the other Southern League clubs formed the new Football League Division Three, Alderson playing in their first ever Football League game, a 2–1 win away to Merthyr Town on 28 August 1920. He remained a constant in the Palace side as they were promoted as champions in their debut season. Although Palace struggled in Division Two, Alderson was a success and won his only England cap on 10 May 1923, playing in a 4–1 win against France in Paris. In 2005, Palace's centenary year, Alderson was voted their third best goalkeeper of all time, being beaten only by the more recent players Nigel Martyn and John Jackson. Following a dispute with Crystal Palace over a benefit match Alderson moved to Pontypridd in 1924, having played 205 first team games for Palace.
Sheffield United
With FA Cup holders Sheffield United looking for a replacement keeper they turned to Alderson who had a reputation as a spectacular shot stopper and penalty saver. The football committee were not completely convinced however and sanctioned the £500 move only if the player was under thirty. Club secretary John Nicholson was tasked with verifying the matter and the fee was duly paid to Crystal Palace who still retained his registration. Alderson arrived at Bramall Lane with the local press citing him as 29 – this being far from the truth as he was in fact 34. Despite his confused transfer Alderson was a success at United, playing 137 games in four years, although he was often considered eccentric and unreliable by his teammates, particularly his liking for entertaining the fans during a game by touching the ground without bending his knees.
Later career
Moving to the South coast Alderson joined Exeter City in 1929 before moving to local rivals Torquay United, but with Joe Wright as first choice keeper and Laurie Millsom as an able understudy, Alderson left without making a first team appearance. He subsequently played for Worcester City before rejoining Crook Town where he ended his playing career.
