Clarrie Coutts - West Wallsend Bluebells

Born 25th March 1900 in Merewether, NSW, Clarrie's family moved to West Wallsend in the early 1900s. It was at school that Clarrie began playing soccer, where his natural ability for the game became apparent. He soon joined the Bluebell Juniors and was part of one of the best age-group teams in NSW, the West Wallsend Woodpeckers. He received his 1st team call up at 19 and became a regular in the side 1st at left-half before taking over at centre-half where he played the remainder of his career.

Success soon came with the Bluebells winning the Gardiner Cup in 1921, and repeating the victory in 1923, 24 and 26.

In 1935 he moved to Brisbane to coach the Queensland State team in a two-game series against NSW. At Lang Park, an unfancied Queensland defeated NSW 5-3, their 1st victory over NSW since 1929.

Queensland's joy was shortlived with NSW running out 9-3 victors in the next game.

He eventually returned to NSW to continue his playing career, eventually retiring in 1937.

In 1941 he was appointed coach of Australia for the test series against China.

In 1942 he became coach of West Wallsend.

A tall efficient pivot who was an unrelenting tackler on the pitch but a gentle giant off it, Coutts made 507 appearances in the NSW State League.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Representative Record

1920	Newcastle Vs HMS Renown
1924	Newcastle Vs British Fleet
1925	Newcastle Vs England
	Northern District Vs England
1926	Newcastle Vs Sydney
1927	Australia Vs China	1st Test
	Australia Vs China	3rd Test
1928	NSW Vs Australia	2-0
1929	Newcastle Vs SMBFA