Jackie Milburn

Jackie Milburn, affectionately known as Wor Jackie, was a legendary English football player and coach, primarily celebrated for his remarkable career with Newcastle United and the England national team. Born on May 11, 1924, Milburn's journey in football began at a young age, with his first trial matches at St James' Park occurring in 1943, where he showcased his talent by scoring six goals in one match.

Milburn made his competitive debut in the FA Cup during the 1945–46 season, initially playing as a left winger. However, a pivotal moment in his career came when he was shifted to the centre forward position, where he truly flourished. On October 18, 1947, he donned the iconic number nine shirt for the first time and marked the occasion with a stunning hat-trick.

His contributions to Newcastle United were monumental, particularly in the FA Cup Finals of 1951, 1952, and 1955, where he scored crucial goals, including the fastest ever Wembley FA Cup Final goal at that time. By the time he departed from Newcastle in 1957, Milburn had etched his name in the club's history as its highest goalscorer, a record that stood until Alan Shearer surpassed it in 2006.

After leaving Newcastle, Milburn joined Linfield, where he continued to impress, scoring sixty-eight goals in fifty-four appearances over four seasons. Despite facing challenges, including a delayed testimonial, his legacy continued to grow. Milburn passed away from lung cancer on October 9, 1988, leaving behind a legacy that resonated deeply with fans, as evidenced by the thousands who attended his funeral and the statue erected in his honor.

In recognition of his contributions to football, Milburn was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2006, and in 2009, he was ranked among the top English players of all time by Goal.com.