Today see's the Anniversary of what would have been Wor Jackies 88th birthday. A legend in his lifetime and still a legend and talked about on Tyneside, Jackie was admired both on and off the field by everybody that knew him and knew of him. 1924 Jackie Milburn born, Ashington. (1943-57) Commemorated in books, plays, statues and songs, “Wor Jackie” enjoyed a lifelong association with Newcastle United. Born into a footballing family (with second cousins Jack and Bobby Charlton), Jackie's Magpies association began in 1943 when he played two trial matches at St.James’ Park – scoring twice in the first then blasting home six second half goals the following weekend. His home debut in August 1943 was marked with a goal scored with his first touch, but Milburn had to wait until the 1945/46 season to make his competitive bow. A season before Football League fixtures returned, that debut came in the FA Cup - staged that season over two legs to assist clubs financially. Two goals in a 4-2 win over Barnsley sent a 60,284 crowd away from Gallowgate happy – although a 0-3 second leg reverse at Oakwell ended any Wembley dreams. Then-manager George Martin was to have a profound effect on Milburn’s career in 1947, moving him to centre forward and handing him the number nine shirt after the sale of Charlie Wayman to Southampton. That paid instant dividends with a hat trick away at Bury and a haul of twenty league goals that season, as the Magpies returned to Division One. At that point Milburn finally gave up his job as a colliery fitter and the JET (John Edward Thompson) age began. Netting twice against Blackpool at Wembley in 1951 and then after 45 seconds against Manchester City in 1955 en route to collecting a third winner’s medal. Many contemporary observers choose the Sixth Round tie away at Portsmouth in March 1952 as his finest display, featuring a hat trick of memorable strikes. First capped by England in 1948, Jack won a total of 13 senior caps and scored 10 goals. After having left Tyneside for Belfast club Linfield in 1957, Milburn returned home three years later at the age of 36, to be greeted by offers to make a playing return. Amid interest from Stoke City and various Scottish sides came a call from Charlie Mitten – the then Newcastle boss. However Milburn was denied the chance of a playing comeback after the Football League refused to sanction a request to repay his player’s insurance policy. Turning down the job of Ashington player -manager, he took a similar position at Yiewsley in Middlesex and briefly, at Carmel College in Wallingford. Jack then succeeded Alf Ramsay as Ipswich Town manager, but returned to the North East in 1964 after eighteen months. He then reported on United for The News of the World, often getting a helping hand from old pal Joe Harvey - whom he gently pressed for tipoffs on the golf course. A testimonial game in 1967 saw over 45,000 fans pay homage at SJP, while 1981 saw him the subject of TV show “This is Your Life.” Sadly, lung cancer claimed him in October 1988. His funeral cortege fittingly slowed on Barrack Road en route to St.Nicholas’ Cathedral amid large crowds of mourners. Milburn’s widow Laura later scattered his ashes across the Gallowgate End of the ground before returning to christen the stand that now bears his name. Jackie's club goalscoring record was finally surpassed by Alan Shearer in 2006, but his place in club history is assured - and what would have been his 88th birthday found a statue of the great man belatedly relocated to a spot outside St.James' Park. Mostly taken from NUFC.com
Seen some briliant video's of Wor Jackie and his team mates of the '50's on the coaches to the away games. What a hero and perfect gentleman he was. Idolised by all of Tyneside and yet one of the most modest people you could meet.
