Tom Farquharson

Who was Tom Farquharson?

Tom Farquharson was an Irish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Cardiff City F.C. between 1921 and 1934. A dual internationalist, he also played for both Ireland teams – the FAI XI and the IFA XI. In 1927, Farquharson was a member of the Cardiff City team that became the only non-English team to win the FA Cup. He played 445 English League games for Cardiff, which remained a club record until 1985.

During his career Farquharson became known as the Penalty King for his many fine saves from spot kicks. One of his tactics was to move along the line to unsettle the penalty-taker. During the quarter-final of the 1927 FA Cup against Chelsea, he charged at the taker, Andy Wilson and blocked it on the six yard line. This tactic was so effective that in 1929 the law was changed to require the goalkeeper not to move his feet until the ball had been kicked. Farquharson's son Donald Farquharson was also an accomplished sportsman and was an early pioneer of Masters athletics. His Great-Grand son Steve Farquharson was drafted to the Ontario Hockey League in the 3rd round to the Toronto St. Michael's Majors where he played two season before playing one season with the Barrie Colts