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English Football Legends Series

Few, if any, Newcastle United players are held in as high regard as Jackie Milburn, or "Wor Jack" as he was known ("Wor" in the Geordie dialect means "our").

Jackie Milburn

Clubs: Newcastle United

Position: Forward

Appearances*: 407

Goals*: 245

Honours: FA Cup 2

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* League appearances and goals only

The member of a footballing family, Milburn was a lightning-quick centre forward, with a great shot and considerable aerial power. He was without equal amongst English strikers during the 1950's.

Newcastle United

Milburn signed for Newcastle United in 1943, after writing to the club in response to a newspaper advert. He scored 6 in the trial match, and was quickly signed up by Newcastle boss Stan Seymour.

The 2nd World War meant he only played in regional fixtures between 1943 and 1946. Once league football resumed Milburn was converted from a winger to a centre-forward, and his goal-scoring prowess soon made him the darling of the Newcastle faithful.

He was a central figure in Newcastle's three FA Cup triumphs in the early 50's - scoring both goals in the 2-0 win over Blackpool in the 1951, and one of the three that beat Manchester City four years later.

In all, Milburn achieved a scoring rate of a goal every other game, with 178 goals in 11 years at Newcastle. This remained a club record until overtaken by Alan Shearer in 2006.

Later Career

Milburn left Newcastle in June, 1957 and joined Linfield as player/coach. His time in Belfast saw him named Ulster Footballer of the year in 1957/58. He was also successful as a coach, leading the club the two league titles and an Irish Cup triumph.

He retired as a player in 1960, and briefly managed Ipswich Town before returning to the North-East.

He later worked as a sports writer for the News of the World.

Death and Legacy

Jackie Milburn died of lung cancer on 9 October 1988, at the age of 64. His funeral was held at St. Nicholas' Cathedral in Newcastle. Over 30,000 turned out to pay their respects.

A humble and unassuming man during his lifetime, Milburn enjoys near-godlike status on Tyneside. There are two statues of him at St James' Park, and the west stand is also named in his honour.

He was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

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