Jimmy Richardson

Who was Jimmy Richardson?

James Robert "Jimmy" Richardson was an English footballer, best known for his time playing as a forward for Newcastle United.

Jimmy Richardson joined Newcastle in April 1928 from Blyth Spartans, making his debut at home to Blackburn Rovers on September 4, 1929,

Richardson played in the 1932 FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium against Arsenal, in what became known as the "Over The Line" final. While United were 1-0 down, Richardson chased a ball down the wing to the goal line and crossed it to teammate Jack Allen who scored. The referee ruled that the ball had not gone out of play, even though photographic evidence later showed that the ball had actually crossed the line, and the goal stood. Newcastle later scored a second to win the game 2-1. The event is often cited as an example by those who believe video replays should be used in matches to help referees make decisions. In March 2003 his medal from that game sold for £6,462 in an auction at Christie's.

He earned two caps for the England national football team, both in May 1933, against Italy and Switzerland.

In October 1934 he joined Huddersfield Town for a fee of £4,000, returning to Newcastle United in 1937 and later playing for Millwall and Leyton Orient.