Jimmy Munro

Jimmy Munro (1870-1899) is considered to be the first ever professional player for Swindon Town Football Club.

The Scottish defender was born in January 1870, and started his career with his home town club Dundee Strathmore before moving south to join Bolton Wanderers and Burton Swifts. Munro then switched to Swindon Town.

Munro made 73 appearances for Swindon, scoring 13 goals, playing his final match for the club on 31 December 1898 in the 4-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. After the game it appeared that Munro caught a cold. Days later Munro died from spinal meningitis. Munro was survived by his wife and five-month old daughter.

"In Memoriam" card from the time for Jimmy Munro

:"A star from out our ranks has gone,:A light which shone the best,:No more he'll play the manly game,:For Jimmy has gone to rest.

:Gone from us, but not forgotten,:Never shall thy memory fade,:Sweetest thoughts shall ever linger,:Round the spot where thou art laid."