William James Sawyer

William James Sawyer (1870 - 1940) was born in Liverpool. Better known simply as "WJ", he was an accountant who rose to Secretary of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal Company. He played a prominent role in footballing circles on Merseyside over a 30-year period. He was instrumental in the formation of South Liverpool F.C., which in 1914 played in the same league as Tranmere Rovers F.C., Chester City F.C., Accrington Stanley and others. He was Hon. Secretary/Manager of Everton F.C. in 1918-19 (until stepping down due to work commitments) - steering the club through tricky times as World War I ended. He remained on the Everton Board for a decade and chaired the Financial Committee. In 1925 he was involved in bringing Willian "Dixie" Dean to the club. He also assisted in the formation of Wigan Borough FC (forerunner of Wigan Athletic). In 1933, he became Secretary-Manager at New Brighton A.F.C..

Known to be a "bon-viveur", he had twin sons in 1895 Daniel and William. His family remained committed Evertonians.

He died on June 27, 1940, and is buried in Anfield Cemetery.

References

• History of The Everton FC (1878-1928), by Thomas Keates
• New Brighton - A Complete Record, by Garth Dykes