On Tyneside John Edward Thompson Milburn was simply “Wor Jackie.” A coalminer from Ashington, Milburn became Newcastle United’s record goalscorer with 200 goals, a record that stood until 2006. He was the star of Newcastle United’s great cup side of the 1950s. In 1951 he scored both goals as Newcastle beat Blackpool 2-0. Stanley Matthews described the second as “the greatest goal I have ever seen.” Newcastle retained the trophy in 1952 and in 1955 Milburn scored after just 45 seconds to help beat Manchester City 3-1.
Famed for his speed, Milburn originally started as a winger before he was switched to centre-forward. His prolific goal scoring earned him 13 England caps in an era of great centre-forwards.
After finishing his career with Linfield in Northern Ireland and a short managerial spell at Ipswich Town, Milburn returned to Newcastle as a sports journalist. In 1967 he was given an overdue testimonial although he worried that no one would turn up. 45,404 people attended. Widely admired for his modesty and gentlemanly qualities, he was made later made a Freeman of the City. On his death in 1988 he was given a Civic Funeral with the whole of Newcastle coming to a standstill.
Clubs: Newcastle United
Honours: 3 FA Cups
Caps: 13 (10 goals)
Inducted: 2006