Tom Adamson


Thomas Kay Adamson was a Scottish professional football left back and manager, best remembered for his time in the Football League with Bury and Brentford. He later had a short tenure as manager of Irish League club Ards.

Playing career

Early years and Bury

A left back, Adamson began his career at Scottish junior clubs Blantyre Celtic and Bellshill Athletic and moved to England to join Second Division club Bury in 1921. Over the course of seven years at Gigg Lane, Adamson made 271 appearances and helped the Shakers to promotion back to the First Division in the 1923–24 season.

Brentford

Adamson dropped down to the Third Division South to sign for Brentford prior to the beginning of the 1929–30 season. He immediately broke into the team and made 36 appearances during his debut season, a campaign memorable for the Bees record-breaking 21 home wins. Adamson was a mainstay of the team for the following two seasons and made 28 appearances to help the Bees to the Third Division South title in the 1932–33 season. Age caught up to Adamson and he made just eight appearances during the 1933–34 Second Division season, before departing Griffin Park at the end of the campaign. Adamson made 153 appearances in five seasons with the Bees.

Stockport County

Adamson returned to the Manchester area to sign for Third Division North club Stockport County in 1934. He failed to make an appearance for the club and ended his career having failed to score in over 400 professional matches.

Managerial career

Adamson had a short spell as manager of Irish League club Ards in 1935. Former Brentford full back partner Alexander Stevenson was one of his signings.

Personal life

While growing up, Adamson went to school with future Scottish internationals Hughie Gallacher and Alex James.

Honours

Blantyre Celtic
Brentford