John Arthur Brierley — "Perseus" — was one of the best-known sporting journalist in England, he spent 60 years in newspaper work, covering many events of the Association. He became chief reporter and sports editor of "Lancashire Evening Post" from 1908 to 1931. Perseus covered every FA Cup Final from 1894 to 1940 and had been staff on several papers.

In 1909, Mr. Brierley introduced the diagonal system of football control by which each linesman runs only half the touchline on opposite side of the pitch.

At the request of the management committee he wrote the jubilee history of the Football League.

J. A. Brierley died on September 4, 1951, at the age of 79.