Career
He was a goalkeeper. Mearns later worked as a trainer for Durham City. He started his footballing career with local team Whitburn, before he signed a professional contract at Sunderland. Mearns then moved to Kettering Town where he reportedly saved 17 penalties in the 1902-1903 season.
Mearns joined Hartlepool United in 1908 for their inaugural season in the North Eastern League where they came fourth.
In the summer of 1909 he joined. Barsnley were beaten 2–0 in the replay after holding Newcastle United to a 1–1 draw in the first match.
