Jimmy Thorpe

Who was Jimmy Thorpe?

James Horatio "Jimmy" Thorpe 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, becoming starter for the club from the 1932/33 season. His life and career were cut short on 1 February 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 continued to take part until the match finished, but died in hospital 4 days later from diabetes mellitus and heart failure 'accelerated by the rough usage of the opposing team'

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. Though Thorpe may be little known, even in the North East, goalkeepers around the world doubtlessly owe a debt to him. The changed rules now says that players can't kick the ball out of the goalkeeper's hands. Sunderland went on to win the Championship that same year, and his medal was presented to his widow.