Samuel English (18 August 1908 – 12 April 1967) was a Northern Irish footballer who played for several clubs during the 1930s, but is mainly remembered for his time with Rangers. English also won two international caps for Ireland.

His career was overshadowed by the death of Celtic goalkeeper John Thomson who died as a result of an accidental collision with English during an Old Firm game in 1931.

Early life

Samuel English was born in the hamlet of Crevolea in Aghadowey, Ireland. In 1924 his family moved to Dalmuir in Scotland, and for a time he worked at the John Brown & Company Shipyard.

Club career

English began his career with Junior side Yoker Athletic before joining Rangers in July 1931. English scored 53 goals in all competitions that season, including a five-goal haul against Morton, four goals against Queens Park and hat-tricks against Dundee United, Leith Athletic, Falkirk, Brechin City, Ayr United and Raith Rovers. English won the Scottish Cup final in 1932, with him scoring Rangers' second goal in a 3–0 win over Kilmarnock. English was less prolific the following season, but still scored 11 goals in 30 league and cup matches, helping Rangers to win the Scottish League Championship.

Later life and legacy

After retiring from playing, English worked as a coach for Duntocher Hibs and Yoker Athletic before finding employment in a shipyard. Members of his family and Rangers supporters also commissioned silversmith Cara Murphy to produce a commemorative silver bowl containing 44 silver balls, each ball representing the 44 goals English scored in his record-setting first season at Ibrox. The Sam English Bowl was then presented to Rangers and is now awarded yearly to the club's top-scorer in a season.

References

  • Northern Ireland's Footballing Greats
  • Honour call for NI soccer star BBC News