Albert McInroy
Encyclopedia
Albert McInroy was an English
professional football goalkeeper
who played his club football for Sunderland
, Newcastle United
and Leeds United
. He helped Newcastle win the FA Cup
in 1932
and made one appearance for England
in 1926
.
, near Preston, Lancashire and played as a left-winger as a youth for various teams in Lancashire, including a spell with Preston North End
as an amateur.
in May 1923. His debut came on 29 September 1923 in a 5–2 victory over Manchester City
. Sunderland finished the season in third place in the First Division
table. In the following season, McInroy missed only one game and his agility and intelligent football mind made him a first team regular, as he went on to make over 200 appearances for Sunderland over six years.
He made his solitary England
appearance at Anfield
on 20 October 1926 in a 3–3 draw with Northern Ireland
. His Sunderland team-mate Warney Cresswell
played in front of him at right back.
In October 1929 he was surprisingly sold for £2,750 to arch-rivals Newcastle United
.
In 1932, Newcastle reached the final
of the FA Cup
against Arsenal
, played at Wembley in what became known as the "Over The Line" final. Newcastle won 2–1, both of their goals scored by Jack Allen. Arsenal had led 1–0 with a Bob John
goal, but Newcastle's equaliser came after a long ball had appeared to go over the goal line, and out for a goal kick; Newcastle winger Jimmy Richardson
nevertheless crossed the ball back into play and Jack Allen levelled the match for the Magpies. 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. Allen scored again in the second half to win the match 2–1.
As McInroy was at the other end of the pitch, he didn't see the incident clearly but related in an interview with Paul Jannou (Newcastle United's official club historian) that sitting afterwards in an after-game dinner at the Café Royal
, David Jack
and Frank Moss
, two of the Arsenal stars "had no complaints about the goal". He went on to state that all the hullabaloo was created by the media, that the fans and players didn't see it as a controversial incident.
He sustained an injury in a 2–0 defeat at Portsmouth
on 30 December 1933, which put him out for the rest of the season. His place was taken by Bill McPhillips
, but Newcastle's form then declined and they ended the 1933–34 season being relegated to the Second Division
. At the end of the season he left the club after getting involved in a dispute with the directors over benefit payments and returned to Sunderland.
in June 1934, as third choice 'keeper behind Jimmy Thorpe
and Matt Middleton
, but after eleven months without making a first team appearance, he moved on to Leeds United
in June 1935.
immediately opted for experience with former England internationals like 34 year-old McInroy in goal and 32 year-old George Brown from Burnley
in attack.
After two seasons at Elland Road
in which Leeds finished in mid-table in the First Division, McInroy moved to Gateshead
of the Third Division North
, where he played on until the Second World War.
He subsequently became a publican in the North East
, including running "The Crown" in Gateshead, which at the time was the largest pub in Gateshead
. He also had the "Havelock" in Houghton-le-Spring
and the "Baccus" in Newcastle.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
professional football goalkeeper
Goalkeeper (football)
In association football, the goalkeeper occupies a position that represents the last line of defence between the opponent's offence and his own team's goal. The primary role of the goalkeeper is to defend his team's goal and prevent the opposition from scoring a goal...
who played his club football for Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
, Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
and Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
. He helped Newcastle win the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
in 1932
1932 FA Cup Final
The 1932 FA Cup Final was contested by Newcastle United and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium in what became known as the "Over The Line" final. Newcastle won 2–1, both of their goals scored by Jack Allen....
and made one appearance for England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
in 1926
1926-27 in English football
The 1926–27 season was the 52nd season of competitive football in England.-Events:This was the season in which George Camsell scored an astounding 59 goals in 37 league appearances for Middlesbrough-Honours:...
.
Early career
McInroy was born in Walton-le-DaleWalton-le-Dale
Walton-le-Dale is a village in the Borough of South Ribble, in Lancashire, England. It lies on south bank of the River Ribble, and the south-side of the city of Preston, adjacent to Bamber Bridge.-Toponymy:...
, near Preston, Lancashire and played as a left-winger as a youth for various teams in Lancashire, including a spell with Preston North End
Preston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
as an amateur.
Sunderland
He began his professional career, by now playing as a goalkeeper, with SunderlandSunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
in May 1923. His debut came on 29 September 1923 in a 5–2 victory over Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
. Sunderland finished the season in third place in the First Division
Football League First Division
The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
table. In the following season, McInroy missed only one game and his agility and intelligent football mind made him a first team regular, as he went on to make over 200 appearances for Sunderland over six years.
He made his solitary England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
appearance at Anfield
Anfield
Anfield is an association football stadium in the district of Anfield, Liverpool, England, with a seating capacity of 45,522. It has been the home of Liverpool F.C. since their formation in 1892 and was originally the home of Everton F.C. from 1884 to 1892, before they moved to Goodison Park...
on 20 October 1926 in a 3–3 draw with Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland national football team
The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international association football. Before 1921 all of Ireland was represented by a single side, the Ireland national football team, organised by the Irish Football Association...
. His Sunderland team-mate Warney Cresswell
Warney Cresswell
Warneford "Warney" Cresswell was an English professional footballer, who helped Everton win the Football League championship twice and the FA Cup. His ability and talents earned him the sobriquet "The Prince of Full Backs" and helped him win seven caps for England...
played in front of him at right back.
In October 1929 he was surprisingly sold for £2,750 to arch-rivals Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
.
Newcastle United
At Newcastle, he quickly established himself as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the country. McInroy was United's first choice 'keeper between 1929 and 1934 making 160 appearances.In 1932, Newcastle reached the final
1932 FA Cup Final
The 1932 FA Cup Final was contested by Newcastle United and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium in what became known as the "Over The Line" final. Newcastle won 2–1, both of their goals scored by Jack Allen....
of the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
against Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
, played at Wembley in what became known as the "Over The Line" final. Newcastle won 2–1, both of their goals scored by Jack Allen. Arsenal had led 1–0 with a Bob John
Bob John
Robert Frederick "Bob" John was a Welsh football player and coach.Born in Barry, John played for Barry Town and Caerphilly, before joining English club Arsenal, who signed him amongst stiff competition, in January 1922 for a fee of £750...
goal, but Newcastle's equaliser came after a long ball had appeared to go over the goal line, and out for a goal kick; Newcastle winger Jimmy Richardson
Jimmy Richardson
James Robert "Jimmy" Richardson was an English footballer, best known for his time playing as a forward for Newcastle United....
nevertheless crossed the ball back into play and Jack Allen levelled the match for the Magpies. 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. Allen scored again in the second half to win the match 2–1.
As McInroy was at the other end of the pitch, he didn't see the incident clearly but related in an interview with Paul Jannou (Newcastle United's official club historian) that sitting afterwards in an after-game dinner at the Café Royal
Café Royal
The Café Royal was a restaurant and meeting place on 68 Regent Street in London's Piccadilly.-History:The establishment was originally conceived and set up in 1865 by Daniel Nicholas Thévenon, who was a French wine merchant. He had to flee France due to bankruptcy, arriving in Britain in 1863 with...
, David Jack
David Jack
David Bone Nightingale Jack was an English footballer, the first player ever to score at Wembley, and the first footballer in the world to be transferred for more than £10,000...
and Frank Moss
Frank Moss
Frank Edward Moss was a Democratic United States Senator from Utah. He represented Utah in the United States Senate from 1959 until 1977....
, two of the Arsenal stars "had no complaints about the goal". He went on to state that all the hullabaloo was created by the media, that the fans and players didn't see it as a controversial incident.
He sustained an injury in a 2–0 defeat at Portsmouth
Portsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from...
on 30 December 1933, which put him out for the rest of the season. His place was taken by Bill McPhillips
Bill McPhillips
Bill McPhillips was a Scottish professional football goalkeeper who played his club football for Newcastle United. He was in the Newcastle squad that won the FA Cup in 1932.-Professional career:...
, but Newcastle's form then declined and they ended the 1933–34 season being relegated to the Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
. At the end of the season he left the club after getting involved in a dispute with the directors over benefit payments and returned to Sunderland.
Return to Sunderland
He returned to Roker ParkRoker Park
Roker Park was an English football stadium situated in Roker, Sunderland. The stadium was the home of the English football club Sunderland A.F.C. from 1897 to 1997 before the club moved to the Stadium of Light. Near the end of the stadium's history, its capacity was around 22,500 with only a small...
in June 1934, as third choice 'keeper behind Jimmy Thorpe
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...
and Matt Middleton
Matt Middleton
Matthew Young "Matt" Middleton was an English footballer. He was born in Boldon Colliery, County Durham.-External links:*...
, but after eleven months without making a first team appearance, he moved on to Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
in June 1935.
Leeds United
At Leeds, newly appointed manager Billy HampsonBilly Hampson
Billy Hampson was an English football player and later manager.Hampson was born in Radcliffe, Lancashire. He played for Rochdale, Bury and Norwich City before moving to Newcastle United for £1,250 in January, 1914. However before Hampson could properly settle at the club, war broke out later that...
immediately opted for experience with former England internationals like 34 year-old McInroy in goal and 32 year-old George Brown from Burnley
Burnley F.C.
Burnley Football Club are a professional English Football League club based in Burnley, Lancashire. Nicknamed the Clarets, due to the dominant colour of their home shirts, they were founder members of the Football League in 1888...
in attack.
After two seasons at Elland Road
Elland Road
Elland Road is an all-seater football stadium in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It has been the permanent residence of Leeds United A.F.C...
in which Leeds finished in mid-table in the First Division, McInroy moved to Gateshead
Gateshead F.C.
Gateshead Football Club are a professional Association football club, based in Gateshead, England. They currently play in the Conference National, the fifth level of the English football league system.Ian Bogie is the current manager....
of the Third Division North
Football League Third Division North
The Third Division North of The Football League was a tier in the English association football league system from 1921 to 1958. It ran parallel to Third Division South with clubs elected to the League or relegated from a higher division allocated to one or the other according to geographical position...
, where he played on until the Second World War.
He subsequently became a publican in the North East
North East England
North East England is one of the nine official regions of England. It covers Northumberland, County Durham, Tyne and Wear, and Teesside . The only cities in the region are Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne and Sunderland...
, including running "The Crown" in Gateshead, which at the time was the largest pub in Gateshead
Gateshead
Gateshead is a town in Tyne and Wear, England and is the main settlement in the Metropolitan Borough of Gateshead. Historically a part of County Durham, it lies on the southern bank of the River Tyne opposite Newcastle upon Tyne and together they form the urban core of Tyneside...
. He also had the "Havelock" in Houghton-le-Spring
Houghton-le-Spring
Houghton-le-Spring is part of the City of Sunderland in the county of Tyne and Wear, North East England that has its recorded origins in Norman times. It is situated almost equidistant between the cathedral city of Durham 7 miles to the south-west and the centre of the City of Sunderland about 6...
and the "Baccus" in Newcastle.
Honours
Newcastle UnitedNewcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
- FA CupFA CupThe Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
winner: 19321932 FA Cup FinalThe 1932 FA Cup Final was contested by Newcastle United and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium in what became known as the "Over The Line" final. Newcastle won 2–1, both of their goals scored by Jack Allen....