Jimmy Thorpe

James "Jimmy" Thorpe (16 September 1913-5 February 1936) was an English footballer born in Jarrow. He played 139 games as a goalkeeper for Sunderland Football Club. He signed when he was 17 after attending Jarrow Central School. He had a promising career, become starter for the club from the 1932/33 season. His life and career were cut short on February 5 1936 when he was kicked in the head and chest after he had picked up the ball following a backpass in a game against Chelsea at Roker Park. He was carried off in the second half, and died in hospital 4 days later from a diabetic coma 'accelerated by the rough usage of the opposing team' [ [http://www.jarrowcentralschool.org.uk/jimmy_thorpe.htm] ] .

This tragic end to Thorpe's career led to a change in the rules, where players were no longer allowed to raise their foot to a goalkeeper when he had control of the ball in his arms. [ [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2006/10/04/soinve04.xml On the run with dogs and a long-dead goalkeeper - Telegraph ] ] . Though Thorpe may be little known, even in the North East, goalkeepers around the world doubtlessly owe a debt to him.

Sunderland went on to win the Championship that same year, and his medal was presented to his widow. [ [http://www.a-love-supreme.com/100%20greatest/90-81.htm A Love Supreme - The Independent Sunderland Football Club Fanzine ] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.thestatcat.co.uk/Mplayers/MPG804.asp Full details of Sunderland career]