Tom Swinburne


Thomas Anderson Swinburne was an English professional football goalkeeper who played in the Football League for Newcastle United. Swinburne represented England once, in a Wartime International in December 1939.
Swinburne was initially offered terms by West Ham United having been scouted playing for Herrington Swifts at the age of 17, however as he was home sick he returned to the North East. He was quickly signed by Newcastle and made his debut for them on 12th September 1934 against Blackpool.
His career was greatly disturbed by World War 2, with Swinburne serving as a PT and fitness instructor for the RAF in Egypt.
After the war, he restarted his Newcastle career, and was a star performer during their 1946/1947 FA cup run, which saw Newcastle finish as semi-finalists. His final appearance for the Magpies was against Newport County on 7th June 1947.
The character of Jill Swinburne in the Biederbecke Trilogy was named in homage to the Newcastle goalkeeper.

Personal life

Swinburne's sons Alan and Trevor also became professional footballers.

Honours

Career statistics