George Swindin
Encyclopedia
George Hedley Swindin was an English
football player and manager.
, Yorkshire
. He played as an amateur for various local clubs, including Rotherham United
, before turning professional in 1934 with Bradford City
. He played 26 times for Bradford City, before being signed by Arsenal
in 1936 for £4,000. He made his debut against Brentford
on September 3, 1936, and played nineteen games in his first season. To begin with, his time at Arsenal was characterised by nervous and erratic displays, and he was made to share the goalkeeping spot with Alex Wilson and Frank Boulton. However, he played seventeen games in 1937-38
, the most of Arsenal's three keepers, and won a First Division medal.
The Second World War interrupted his career somewhat, but Swindin continued to play through the war for Arsenal, whilst acting as a PT instructor for the Army
. In 1945, he made a guest appearance for Southampton
.
By the time first-class football had resumed after the war, he became Arsenal's undisputed No. 1, and stayed there for the next six seasons. By now, he had put his erracticness behind him, and he was a commanding keeper who was especially known for his aerial ability and assured handling of crosses, as well as his strong physical resilience. He won his second League title in 1947-48
. After the arrival of Ted Platt
in 1950, Swindin was forced to share the goalkeeper's spot for 1949-50
, but kept his place to play in the 1950
and 1952 FA Cup
finals; Arsenal won the former against Liverpool
, but lost to Newcastle United
in the latter.
By 1952-53
, Swindin was beginning to show his age, and another talented keeper, the Welshman
Jack Kelsey
had taken his first-team place. Nevertheless, Swindin played 14 matches that season as Arsenal won the title again, giving him his third Championship winner's medal. Despite his excellent form for Arsenal, he was never capped by England
at senior level, with Sir Walter Winterbottom preferring Frank Swift
and Bert Williams
between the sticks. In all, he played 297 first-class matches (not including wartime games) for the Gunners.
as player-manager in 1954, and took his team to several famous FA Cup runs (which included getting to the Fourth Round in 1956-57
and three consecutive Midland League titles between 1956 and 1958. Peterborough would go on to win the title twice more after Swindin left, enough to win election to the Football League
in 1960.
In the meantime, Swindin had returned to Arsenal in 1958 as manager, and his side initially started strongly, finishing third in 1958-59
. However, the team soon flagged and spent the next three seasons in mid-table. Despite signing players such as George Eastham
and Tommy Docherty
, Swindin was unable to bring any silverware to the club, whilst up the road the club's rivals Tottenham Hotspur
won the Double
in 1961.
He resigned in May 1962, and then became manager of Norwich City
for five months, and then Cardiff City
from late 1962 to 1964. At Cardiff, he signed John Charles
from Roma, but after a bright start Cardiff soon faded and he resigned after the club were relegated to the Second Division
. After that, he had spells as manager of Kettering Town
and Corby Town
before leaving the game for good.
, before emigrating to Spain
, where he spent several years following his retirement before returning to his homeland. In the later years of his life he suffered from Alzheimer's disease
. He died at Kettering
in October 2005, aged 90 years.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
football player and manager.
Playing career
A goalkeeper, Swindin was born in Campsall, DoncasterDoncaster
Doncaster is a town in South Yorkshire, England, and the principal settlement of the Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster. The town is about from Sheffield and is popularly referred to as "Donny"...
, Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
. He played as an amateur for various local clubs, including Rotherham United
Rotherham United F.C.
Rotherham United Football Club are an English professional football club based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, who compete in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club's colours have traditionally been red and white, although these have evolved through history...
, before turning professional in 1934 with Bradford City
Bradford City A.F.C.
Bradford City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, playing in League Two....
. He played 26 times for Bradford City, before being signed by Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
in 1936 for £4,000. He made his debut against Brentford
Brentford F.C.
Brentford Football Club are a professional English football club based in Brentford in the London Borough of Hounslow. They are currently playing in Football League One....
on September 3, 1936, and played nineteen games in his first season. To begin with, his time at Arsenal was characterised by nervous and erratic displays, and he was made to share the goalkeeping spot with Alex Wilson and Frank Boulton. However, he played seventeen games in 1937-38
1937-38 in English football
The 1937–38 season was the 63rd season of competitive football in England.-Overview:This season is notable as the reigning champions Manchester City became the only team to have won the League title one season then been relegated the next.-Honours:...
, the most of Arsenal's three keepers, and won a First Division medal.
The Second World War interrupted his career somewhat, but Swindin continued to play through the war for Arsenal, whilst acting as a PT instructor for the Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
. In 1945, he made a guest appearance for Southampton
Southampton F.C.
Southampton Football Club is an English football team, nicknamed The Saints, based in the city of Southampton, Hampshire. The club gained promotion to the Championship from League One in the 2010–2011 season after being relegated in 2009. Their home ground is the St Mary's Stadium, where the club...
.
By the time first-class football had resumed after the war, he became Arsenal's undisputed No. 1, and stayed there for the next six seasons. By now, he had put his erracticness behind him, and he was a commanding keeper who was especially known for his aerial ability and assured handling of crosses, as well as his strong physical resilience. He won his second League title in 1947-48
1947-48 in English football
The 1947–48 season was the 68th season of competitive football in England.-Honours:Notes = Number in parentheses is the times that club has won that honour...
. After the arrival of Ted Platt
Ted Platt
Edward "Ted" Platt is an English former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.-Career:Born in Romford, Platt spent his early career with Colchester United of the Southern League, before moving to Arsenal in 1938. Platt made his debut for Arsenal in 1946, and made a total of 53...
in 1950, Swindin was forced to share the goalkeeper's spot for 1949-50
1949-50 in English football
The 1949–50 season was the 70th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Portsmouth retained the First Division title by one of the narrowest margins in history ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C....
, but kept his place to play in the 1950
1950 FA Cup Final
The 1950 FA Cup Final was contested by Arsenal and Liverpool at Wembley. Arsenal won 2–0, with both goals scored by Reg Lewis. Future legendary Liverpool manager Bob Paisley was famously dropped for the final, even after scoring the winning goal against rivals Everton in the semi final...
and 1952 FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
finals; Arsenal won the former against Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
, but lost to Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
in the latter.
By 1952-53
1952-53 in English football
The 1952–53 season was the 73rd season of competitive football in England.-Events:This was the closest championship win in English league history at the time, with Arsenal claiming the title by just 0.099 of a goal. Both Arsenal and Preston had identical records aside from their goal averages...
, Swindin was beginning to show his age, and another talented keeper, the Welshman
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
Jack Kelsey
Jack Kelsey
Alfred John "Jack" Kelsey was a Welsh international football goalkeeper, who also played for Arsenal. He is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers to play for Wales.- Early career :...
had taken his first-team place. Nevertheless, Swindin played 14 matches that season as Arsenal won the title again, giving him his third Championship winner's medal. Despite his excellent form for Arsenal, he was never capped by England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
at senior level, with Sir Walter Winterbottom preferring Frank Swift
Frank Swift
Frank Victor Swift was an English footballer, who played as a goalkeeper for Manchester City and England. After starting his career with local clubs near his home town of Blackpool, in 1932 he was signed by First Division Manchester City, with whom he played his entire professional career.Swift...
and Bert Williams
Bert Williams (footballer)
Bert Frederick Williams MBE is a former English international football goalkeeper. Nicknamed The Cat, he spent the majority of his playing career at Wolverhampton Wanderers where he won the League Championship and FA Cup....
between the sticks. In all, he played 297 first-class matches (not including wartime games) for the Gunners.
Management career
Swindin moved to Midland League side Peterborough UnitedPeterborough United F.C.
Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is...
as player-manager in 1954, and took his team to several famous FA Cup runs (which included getting to the Fourth Round in 1956-57
1956-57 in English football
The 1956–57 season was the 77th season of competitive football in England.Manchester United won the First Division to become English football champions for the fifth time. Tottenham Hotspur were runners-up. In the Second Division it was Leicester City who finished in top spot, ahead of East...
and three consecutive Midland League titles between 1956 and 1958. Peterborough would go on to win the title twice more after Swindin left, enough to win election to the Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
in 1960.
In the meantime, Swindin had returned to Arsenal in 1958 as manager, and his side initially started strongly, finishing third in 1958-59
1958-59 in English football
The 1958–59 season was the 79th season of competitive football in England.-Diary of the season:August 1958: The Football League season begins with the new national Third and Fourth divisions that have been created from the old Third Division North and Third Division South.September 1958: Manchester...
. However, the team soon flagged and spent the next three seasons in mid-table. Despite signing players such as George Eastham
George Eastham
George Edward Eastham, OBE is an English former footballer. He is known for playing for Newcastle United, Arsenal and Stoke City, as well as a non-playing member of England's 1966 World Cup-winning squad...
and Tommy Docherty
Tommy Docherty
Thomas Henderson "Tommy" Docherty , commonly known as "The Doc", is a Scottish former footballer and football manager.-Playing career:...
, Swindin was unable to bring any silverware to the club, whilst up the road the club's rivals Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
won the Double
The Double
The Double is a term in association football which refers to winning a country's top tier division and its primary cup competition in the same season...
in 1961.
He resigned in May 1962, and then became manager of Norwich City
Norwich City F.C.
Norwich City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Norwich, Norfolk. As of the 2011–12 season, Norwich City are again playing in the Premier League after a six-year absence, having finished as runner up in the Championship in 2010–11 and winning automatic promotion.The...
for five months, and then Cardiff City
Cardiff City F.C.
Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
from late 1962 to 1964. At Cardiff, he signed John Charles
John Charles
William John Charles, CBE , commonly known as John Charles, was a Welsh international footballer best remembered for spells with Leeds United and Juventus. Rated by many as the greatest all-round footballer ever to come from Wales, he was equally adept at centre-forward or centre-back...
from Roma, but after a bright start Cardiff soon faded and he resigned after the club were relegated to the Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
. After that, he had spells as manager of Kettering Town
Kettering Town F.C.
Kettering Town Football Club are a football club originating in Kettering, Northamptonshire but currently based in the nearby village of Irthlingborough. The club play in the Conference National after winning the Conference North in 2007–08...
and Corby Town
Corby Town F.C.
Corby Town F.C. is an English football club based in Corby, Northamptonshire. They will be members of the Conference North for the 2011–12 season. The Steelmen play their home games at the newly built Steel Park, adjacent to their previous ground, Rockingham Triangle Sports Stadium, which is...
before leaving the game for good.
Final years
After retiring from football, Swindin first owned a garage in CorbyCorby
Corby Town is a town and borough located in the county of Northamptonshire. Corby Town is 23 miles north-east of the county town, Northampton. The borough had a population of 53,174 at the 2001 Census; the town on its own accounted for 49,222 of this figure...
, before emigrating to Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, where he spent several years following his retirement before returning to his homeland. In the later years of his life he suffered from Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease also known in medical literature as Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia. There is no cure for the disease, which worsens as it progresses, and eventually leads to death...
. He died at Kettering
Kettering
Kettering is a market town in the Borough of Kettering, Northamptonshire, England. It is situated about from London. Kettering is mainly situated on the west side of the River Ise, a tributary of the River Nene which meets at Wellingborough...
in October 2005, aged 90 years.