Help Sitemap Home Skip Navigation Contact Us Disability Statement

 
 
Monday, 12th May 2008

Premium Article !

Your account has been frozen. For your available options click the below button.

Options

Premium Article !

To read this article in full you must have registered and have a Premium Content Subscription with the n/a site.

Subscribe

Registered Article !

To read this article in full you must be registered with the site.

Call for tribute to Co Derry Rangers star



View Video
Download Video

Video

John Thompson video
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image

EAST Derry MP Gregory Campbell has urged the British Government to commemorate the life of a Co Derry footballer who starred for Glasgow Rangers and Liverpool.
Sam English, from Aghadowey, near Coleraine, holds the record for scoring the most goals ever for Rangers in a single season, netting 44. However, the prolific hitman is more often remembered for being involved in a challenge which resulted in the death of Celtic goalkeeper John Thompson.

As a life-long Rangers fan, Mr Campbell wants to commemorate English this year, to mark the 100th anniversary of his birth (August 18, 1908). He has tabled an early day motion in the House of Commons to ensure the striker be remembered for his achievements on the pitch and not for a brilliant career cut short by tragedy.

"He is a person of whom I would have thought people should be proud and his memory should be cherished," he said.

English and Thompson faced each other at Ibrox on September 5, 1931 in a match which would never be forgotten in Glasgow for the tragedy which unfolded.

Five minutes into the second half the 22 year-old goalkeeper and the 23 year-old Co Derry man collided about 12 yards from Thompson's goalline in a 50-50 challenge.

Grainy black and white footage of the clash, which can be viewed online at www.derryjournal.com, shows both players rushing to a loose ball and Thompson's head colliding with the knee of English as he dives to save. Thompson was rushed to the Victoria Infirmary in Glasgow, where he died later that day.

Despite being cleared of any blame by an official enquiry and going on a blistering run to score a record 44 goals that season, the event cast a dark shadow the career of English - who was deeply traumatised. He was taunted and jeered by away crowds wherever he played.
At the end of 1933, he left Rangers for Liverpool FC, where he scored 26 times in 50 games. However, the jeering followed him and he retired from professional football aged 28. He died aged 58 after battling motor neurone disease.

The full article contains 364 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 28 March 2008 11:54 AM
  • Source: n/a
  • Location: Derry
 
Prev
1
2
1

edward devenney,

scotland 30/03/2008 08:59:32
Gregory Campbell should get on with the future rather than live in the past with something that has no reflection on DERRY.He seems to me he likes to keep things stirred up against the catholic population was elected to represent the people of Derry East he should stick to that
2

edward devenney,

scotland 30/03/2008 09:01:01
Gregory Campbell should get on with the future rather than live in the past with something that has no reflection on DERRY.He seems to me he likes to keep things stirred up against the population was elected to represent the people of Derry East he should stick to that
3

STEADFAST,

Vanguardbears.com 02/04/2008 22:22:56
Well done, Mr Campbell, for bringing this to the attention of all.

If someone deserves this accolade then it's Sam English.

44 goals in one season is a remarkable record and one that everyone should be congratulating him on.

Only a bigot will see otherwise.
4

The_General,

Here, there and everywhere 03/04/2008 08:37:00
1 & 2. Have you got a stutter Edward? Our do you just like repeating examples of your twisted hate?

A magnificent gesture by Mr. Campbell.
5

W Anderson,

03/04/2008 08:48:23
Edward

I'm sure you were just about to tell us why Catholics will be upset by this? What has honouring a local football player got to with upsetting the RC community?

Answers on the back of a stamp to

Edward the confessor

1690 Seriously offended Avenue

Bigotsville

bjk 52T

Poor wee Edward appears to be seriously hurting about something...

6

W Anderson,

03/04/2008 08:54:00
Only in the world of the bigot, would honouring a local sporting hero be seen as divisive.

I'm sure Edward the bigot, would have no problems honouring Martin O'neill for his contribution to sport. So why the big hoo haa about Sam English?

His religion and football team may play a part in Edward's delusional rant I suppose.
7

blue star,

Glasgow 03/04/2008 09:48:19
1&2 Im really sickened that after 77 years of this tragic event happening, you can still show your bitterness towards a man who had the misfortune to collide with a celtic football player, resulting in his unfortunate and untimely death. Would you feel the same if the incident was reversed? I think not! I think if it was someone from the Celtic football team you would welcome this with open arms...Just my thought that's all. you are bitter and it shows!
8

adam murray,

windmillhill 03/04/2008 12:07:50
My late mother was a neighbour of Sams when he played for Rangers His life was hell after that tragic accident He was abused constantly and that abuse may be associated with Maleys terrible comment "I hope it was an accident"
9

W Anderson,

03/04/2008 12:22:24
Post8 Adam

Even to the present day, Celtic fans sing a sectarian song about English. The only people who don't believe it was an accident, are Celtic fans.

It feeds into their paranoid, delusional madness that is so common among ra Hoops fans.

Look at Edward's posts! A Scotsman writing in an Irish message board. Surely he's not looking to be offended everywhere he goes?

Is he?
10

,

03/04/2008 12:35:02
Comment Reported Unsuitable By User
Prev
1
2

 

Comment on this Story

 

In order to post comments you must Register or Sign In

 
 
 
  

 
 


Sister Newspapers:
Press Complaints Commission

This website and its associated newspaper adheres to the Press Complaints Commission’s Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then contact the Editor by clicking here.

If you remain dissatisfied with the response provided then you can contact the PCC by clicking here.