Thomas William Spink, born in Dipton, County Durham, was a professional footballer who primarily played for Grimsby Town AFC. His favoured position was outside right. In a "A Who's Who of Grimsby Town AFC 1890-1985" by Douglas Lamming, the book had the following to say: "Tommy was reckoned to be one of Grimsby's best ever right-wingers because of his speed, pinpoint centering and consistency." During the First World War he made one appearance as a 'War Guest' for Hartlepool United in the World War I League. He also played professionally for Hibernian, Fulham, Rochdale, and Worksop Town.
Grimsby Town A.F.C. Side (Pre-War): 1914/1915
The Mariner 'Official Matchday Magazine' printed a picture of the side, and a brief biography of the side's players and their service during the war. The magazine article mentioned the following players: Sid Wheelhouse: Club captain who died of his wounds at Beaumont Hamel, September 1916. Ralph Thompson: Winger, lost his life on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, July 1916. Dave Kenny: Centre half, served in the Middlesex Regiment's footballers battalion, survived the war. Frank Martin: Left half, served in the Middlesex Regiment's footballers battalion, survived the war. Tom Rippon: Forward, worked in the mines, before joining the army. George Rampton: Forward, did 'war work' in the midlands. Percy Summers: Goalkeeper, joined the footballers battalion, injuries from a grenade ensured he would play only one game after the war. Tommy Spink: Served firstly in a munitions factory, then with the Durham Light Infantry, survived the war.
Playing record
Match reports
Due to the era that Tommy Spink played in, there is a lack of media coverage of his career. However, Playupliverpool have listed a clipping of a match report from 28 April – 1914. The game was Rochdale vs Liverpool, and the result was a 2–2 draw. The match report states: "On their respective wings Spink and Smith were at times sparklingly clever; especially so was Spink, for his runs and centres were quite a feature of the second half."
Later life
He died in 1966 and was buried with his family in Cleethorpes.
