Tom Swinburne Explained

Tom Swinburne
Fullname:Thomas Anderson Swinburne
Birth Date:9 August 1915
Birth Place:Houghton-le-Spring, England
Position:Goalkeeper
Height:5 ft 9 in[1]
Years1:–1932
Clubs1:East Rainton
Years2:1932
Clubs2:Hull City
Caps2:0
Goals2:0
Years3:–1934
Clubs3:Herrington Colliery
Years4:1934–1947
Clubs4:Newcastle United
Caps4:77
Goals4:0
Clubs5:Consett
Clubs6:Horden Colliery Welfare
Death Place:County Durham, England

Thomas Anderson Swinburne (9 August 1915 – 19 December 1969) was an English professional football goalkeeper who played in the Football League for Newcastle United.[2] Swinburne represented England once, in a Wartime International in December 1939. [3]

Swinburne was initially offered terms by West Ham United having been scouted playing for Herrington Swifts at the age of 17, however as he was home sick he returned to the North East. He was quickly signed by Newcastle and made his debut for them on 12 September 1934 against Blackpool.

His career was greatly disturbed by World War 2, with Swinburne serving as a PT and fitness instructor for the RAF in Egypt.

After the war, he restarted his Newcastle career, and was a star performer during their 1946/1947 FA cup run, which saw Newcastle finish as semi-finalists. His final appearance for the Magpies was against Newport County on 7 June 1947.[4]

The character of Jill Swinburne in the Biederbecke Trilogy was named in homage to the Newcastle goalkeeper.

Personal life

Swinburne's sons Alan and Trevor also became professional footballers.[5]

Career statistics

ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Newcastle United1934–35Second Division200020
1937–3824010250
1938–3930010310
1946–4721050260
Career total77070840

Notes and References

  1. News: Newcastle United. Prospects of promotion not much improved . Sunday Dispatch Football Guide . London . 23 August 1936 . vi . Newspapers.com.
  2. Book: Joyce, Michael . Football League Players' Records 1888 to 1939 . 2012 . 9781905891610 . Third edition, with revisions . Toton, Nottingham . 281 . 841581272.
  3. Web site: St James' Park programme which cost a penny sells for £3,600 at auction. Henderson. Tony. 2015-11-06. nechronicle. 2020-04-10.
  4. Web site: Thomas Anderson -Tom- Swinburne Players toon1892 ~ a site for Newcastle United fans everywhere....... Scott. Kenneth H.. toon1892.com. en. 2020-04-10.
  5. Web site: Tom Swinburne . 11v11.com . 28 April 2019.