International Football History and Statistics

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On this day in football history

1929 Bill Imrie, St. Johnstone half back, transferred to Blackburn Rovers. A versatile player who could play wing half or centre half and was a fine attacker. Moved to Newcastle United in March 1934 and a month later scored 3 goals in a First Division game against Wolverhampton Wanderers. He spent the last season before the War with Swansea Town and by the close down of soccer in 1939 had appeared in exactly 400 Scottish League and Football League matches and scored 54 goals. Took part in Scotland’s first continental tour in May and June 1929 but no caps were awarded for appearances against Norway and Germany.

1935 Leeds United signed George Brown, Burnley inside forward. Joined Huddersfield Town in 1922 when a pit boy on strike and became one of the best forwards of his era. Won 3 Championship medals and a Cup runners-up with the Yorkshire club and in the League scored 142 goals in 214 matches. Moved to Aston Villa 1929 and Burnley 1934. Had a year with Leeds and then took over as player manager to Darlington, resigning from that job mid-way through 1937-38. In 17 seasons he played in 445 League games and scored 268 goals. Appeared in 9 internationals for England between 1927 and 1933.

1954 Willie Woodburn, Rangers and Scotland centre half, suspended sine die for offences on the field. The ban was lifted a few years later but by that time he felt he was too old to take up his career again. Made his debut in 1938 after a year on the club’s books and made 216 peace-time League appearances, won 5 Championship and 4 Scottish Cup medals. Played in 24 internationals between 1947 and 1952.

1955 A qualifying round replay between Kidderminster Harriers and Brierley Hill Alliance FC became the first FA Cup tie played under floodlights.

1960 Reg Flewin, former Portsmouth centre half and captain, appointed manager of Stockport County. Took over a similar job with Bournemouth & Boscombe United in July 1963 but had to resign a couple of years later due to ill health. His playing career began with Portsmouth before the Second War and he made one League appearance before the programme was abandonned. Went back to Fratton Park after hostilities and captained the team which won the League Championship in successive years in 1949 and 1950. Continued playing until 1953 when he became a club coach. Appeared in 152 League games and for England in one war-time international.