Jackie Milburn
Simply, Wor Jackie
| Full name: | John Edward Thompson Milburn |
|---|---|
| Date of birth: | May 11, 1924 |
| Date of death: | October 9, 1988 |
| Clubs played for: | Newcastle, Linfield |
| Clubs managed: | Ipswich |
Club Career
Widely regarded as the best striker to ever wear the black and white strip, Jackie Milburn was instrumental in Newcastle's three FA Cup victories in 1951, 1952 and 1955. His Newcastle career spanned 14 years, during which he scored a staggering 200 league and cup goals – a figure surpassed only recently by Alan Shearer.
Milburn also struck 38 wartime league goals, which effectively still makes him Newcastle's all-time top scorer in all competitions. In 1957, Milburn departed Tyneside to join Belfast club Linfield as player-coach.
International Career
Milburn appeared 13 times for England – a total deemed paltry by many who believed the striker's outstanding record in front of goal deserved better. He was also called up for the 1950 World Cup finals, but England were knocked out in the group stages after an embarrassing defeat to the United States.
International Career Stats
| Years | Clubs | App | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1948-55 | England | 13 | 10 |
Key Games
Newcastle 2-0 Blackpool (FA Cup final, April 28, 1951)
After netting in every round of the competition on the way to Wembley, Milburn continued his fine goalscoring form in the final. The striker scored two goals in five second half minutes to stun Blackpool and lead Newcastle to FA Cup glory for the first time since 1932.
Portsmouth 2-4 Newcastle (FA Cup quarter-final, March 8, 1952)
In a pulsating tie at Fratton Park, Milburn set the holders on their way to a second consecutive FA Cup triumph with a stunning hat-trick against Portsmouth. His supreme predatory instincts ultimately proved the difference between two otherwise evenly-matched sides.
Newcastle 3-1 Manchester City (FA Cup final, May 7, 1955)
Bidding for a third FA Cup triumph in five years, Newcastle were keen for a good start at Wembley. They achieved that and then some when Milburn scored after 45 seconds, breaking the record for the quickest ever goal in a Wembley FA Cup final. Bobby Johnstone then levelled the scores, but further goals from Bobby Mitchell and George Hannah eventually sealed victory for the Magpies.
Honours
| Club | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle | FA Cup | 1951, 1952, 1955 |
Did You Know...?
Milburn was part of a famous footballing dynasty. Family members who played professional football included Jack (Leeds and Bradford), George (Leeds and Chesterfield), Jimmy (Leeds and Bradford City) and Stan (Chesterfield, Leicester and Rochdale). His cousin Cissie was the mother of legendary England pair Bobby and Jack Charlton
During Milburn's era, Newcastle players were given cigarettes by the club as bonuses, and those who didn't smoke passed them on to those who did. Sadly, Milburn died from lung cancer at the age of 64
Milburn was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2006 in recognition of his contribution to English Football.
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