:Jackie Stamps

John David Stamps was born on 2 December 1918 in Thrybergh, West Riding of Yorkshire.{{cite web |url=https://www.enfa.co.uk/ |title=Player Details: Jackie Stamps |website=English National Football Archive |access-date=29 December 2024 |url-access=subscription}} He started his career in 1936 as an amateur with Silverwood Colliery before joining Mansfield Town in October 1937, having been scouted while working as a miner, when it was reported he was playing "exceptionally good games" for the reserve team.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sunday-people/161635794/ |newspaper=The Sunday People |title=Mansfield scouts make promising discoveries |page=21 |date=10 October 1937 |via=Newspapers.com}} He struggled to break in to the first team, making just a single senior appearance for the club,{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/leicester-evening-mail/161636187/ |newspaper=Leicester Evening Mail |title=Derby's New Forward |page=14 |date=20 January 1939 |via=Newspapers.com}} and was released at the end of the season.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-mirror/161593942/ |newspaper=Daily Mirror |title=Given free transfer, set for fame |page=30 |date=20 January 1939 |via=Newspapers.com}}

He was subsequently signed by New Brighton on a free transfer, with manager William James Sawyer announcing the signing on 11 August 1938.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/liverpool-echo/161594259/ |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |title=New Brighton Trial Teams |page=9 |date=11 August 1938 |via=Newspapers.com}} After initially playing for the reserve team,{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-express/161636052/ |newspaper=Evening Express |location=Liverpool |title=New Brighton in transfer deal |page=10 |date=19 January 1939 |via=Newspapers.com}} he made his senior debut on 12 November 1938 against Southport, following encouraging performances with the club's reserve team,{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-express/161635433/ |newspaper=Evening Express |location=Liverpool |title=John Stamps' successful debut |page=6 |date=19 November 1938 |via=Newspapers.com}} where he scored 11 goals in 13 matches.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-express/161635834/ |newspaper=Evening Express |location=Liverpool |title=New Brighton team debutant |page=2 |date=10 November 1938 |via=Newspapers.com}} By late January 1939, he had scored five league goals in eleven matches and his performances came to the attention of other clubs in the region, including Liverpool.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sunday-people/161635770/ |newspaper=The Sunday People |title=Liverpool take fancy to John Stamps |page=17 |date=2 October 1938 |via=Newspapers.com}}

After attracting interest from clubs such as Everton, Leeds and Newcastle, Stamps joined First Division leaders Derby in January 1939 for a transfer fee reportedly around £2,500, although other sources suggest it was closer to £1,500. He made his league debut in March 1939 against Charlton Athletic, scoring two second-half goals in a 3–1 win. His debut performance was reviewed favourably by Jack Haddon, writing for the Sunday Dispatch, who described him as a "thrustful, go-ahead opportunist who is a mighty useful chap to have on your side".{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/sunday-dispatch/161593704/ |newspaper=Sunday Dispatch |title=New player led Derby revival |page=20 |date=19 March 1939 |via=Newspapers.com}} His debut was also viewed favourably by Evening Telegraph writer Charles Mann, who commented that Stamps's performance "brought back a lot of the life to a jaded attack".{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/161636143/ |newspaper=Evening Telegraph |title=Much more fight shown against Charlton |page=7 |date=20 March 1939 |via=Newspapers.com}}

During the Second World War, he was wounded at Dunkirk and was one of the last men of the British Expeditionary Force to be evacuated in 1940.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/161709463/ |newspaper=Derby Evening Telegraph |title=Stamps, John David: Centre-forward |page=63 |date=27 April 1996 |via=Newspapers.com}} He also later severed a ligament in his leg while playing for an army team. Despite being told after the latter injury that it was career ending, he made a quick recovery on both occasions and returned to football.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-post/161723049/ |newspaper=Evening Post |title=Jack Stamps signs for Shrewsbury: Ex-Colleague Crooks pays only small fee |page=8 |date=17 December 1953 |via=Newspapers.com}} In 1942–43, he made 14 wartime guest appearances for Southampton, scoring 11 goals.{{cite book |title=The Alphabet of the Saints |last=Holley |first=Duncan |last2=Chalk |first2=Gary |publisher=ACL & Polar Publishing |year=1992 |isbn=0-9514862-3-3 |page=391}} He led the attack in Derby's 1946 FA Cup Final win against Charlton Athletic,{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincolnshire-echo/161581838/ |newspaper=Lincolnshire Echo |title=Testimonial for Jackie Stamps |page=3 |date=13 February 1954 |via=Newspapers.com}} in which he scored two goals in extra time. He came close to scoring in regular time but the ball burst as he shot, slowly dropping into the hands of Charlton's goalkeeper. It was the first time in a cup final game that a ball had burst.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-post/161786611/ |newspaper=Evening Post |title=Ball burst |page=26 |date=11 December 1967 |via=Newspapers.com}} His FA Cup run that season included nine goals in eight matches.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/161661356/ |newspaper=Evening Telegraph |title=Jack Stamps: a Derby County legend |page=66 |date=21 November 1991 |via=Newspapers.com}} In August 1947, Aston Villa enquired about Stamps, to which Derby responded that "£25,000 would not buy him". He finished as Derby's highest scorer in 1950 and as the joint highest scorer in the league that season.

Following a spell on the sidelines due to an ankle injury, Stamps made his return to the starting lineup as centre-forward in a match against Sheffield Wednesday in March 1953. This marked his first start in that position since April of the previous year, with his prior 25 appearances all coming as an inside-left.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/162009988/ |newspaper=Derby Evening Telegraph |title=Stamps leads Rams: Three Notts changes |page=52 |date=23 March 1953}} In October 1953, reports emerged suggesting Stamps was the favourite for the vacant position of chief scout. At this time, he was playing for the reserve team while occasionally coaching.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/birmingham-gazette/162008549/ |newspaper=Birmingham Gazette |title=Stamps may be Derby scout |page=7 |date=8 October 1953}} However, Derby quickly dismissed the reports, clarifying that Stamps was serving as a player-coach and assisting with scouting.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/football-post/162008566/ |newspaper=Football Post |title=Stamps not appointed Derby chief scout |page=2 |date=17 October 1953}} Stamps was recalled to the starting lineup for Derby's match against league leaders Leicester on 12 December 1953,{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/162008576/ |newspaper=Derby Evening Telegraph |title=Rams start on the attack |page=36 |date=12 December 1953}} making only his second league appearance of the season. His sole other league appearance had been in the opening match of the campaign, also against Leicester. Between that time, Stamps had played in the reserve Central League, scoring 11 goals in 15 appearances.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/162008806/ |newspaper=Derby Evening Telegraph |title=Mozley and Stamps back in Rams' side |page=140 |date=11 December 1953}} He ended his Derby career with 100 league goals in 233 games and 26 goals in 29 FA Cup games.

In December 1953, Stamps transferred to Shrewsbury Town for a reported "moderate fee",{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/liverpool-daily-post/161722729/ |newspaper=Liverpool Daily Post |title=Stamps joins Shrewsbury |page=8 |date=18 December 1953 |via=Newspapers.com}} joining under the management of his former Derby teammate Sammy Crooks. At that time, Crooks had been concerned by the lack of goal scoring and had spent weeks trying to find an experienced forward player. Stamps made his home debut against Swindon Town, where Shrewsbury won their first game in their last twelve.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/liverpool-echo/161748944/ |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |title=Derby Old Boys |page=7 |date=9 January 1954 |via=Newspapers.com}} By late January 1954, the signing of Stamps had reportedly improved the club's attack considerably and he was the only forward player to keep his place in the team when they faced Newport County that month.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-post/161748827/ |newspaper=Evening Post |title=City have lost only one of four games with Shrewsbury |page=21 |date=23 January 1954 |via=Newspapers.com}} On 23 January, he scored a hat-trick against Norwich City.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/161749374/ |newspaper=Derby Evening Telegraph |title=Others on mark |page=50 |date=25 January 1954 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Reports surfaced in June 1954 that Stamps had asked for a transfer away from the club, after refusing terms offered to him for the following season. Stamps was reported as saying that he would rather leave football completely than re-sign for Shrewsbury under the terms proposed.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/161786409/ |newspaper=Derby Evening Telegraph |title=In brief: Stamps refuses Shrewsbury terms |page=24 |date=29 June 1954 |via=Newspapers.com}} On 21 July, it was reported that Stamps had made arrangements to take charge of pre-season training at Matlock Town, planned to start on 8 August.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/161786497/ |newspaper=Derby Evening Telegraph |title=Jack Stamps to coach Matlock Town players |page=2 |date=21 July 1954 |via=Newspapers.com}} However, just a week later, Burton Albion manager Reg Weston approached Shrewsbury about signing Stamps, which was rejected. Burton Albion had requested the release of Stamps, but Shrewsbury found the offer unacceptable. Despite this, they left the door open for any future satisfactory bids, which Burton could not afford.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/161709475/ |newspaper=Derby Evening Telegraph |title=Albion's bid for Jack Stamps fails |page=54 |date=27 July 1954 |via=Newspapers.com}} In early August 1954, it was reported that terms were agreed with Boston United for Stamps's transfer.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/grimsby-evening-telegraph/161664008/ |newspaper=Grimsby Evening Telegraph |title=Boston to sign Jack Stamps |page=6 |date=6 August 1954 |via=Newspapers.com}} However, this was denied by Shrewsbury, who indicated that Boston United had merely been given permission to talk to the player.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/161664247/ |newspaper=Derby Evening Telegraph |title=Stamps and Boston reports denied |page=6 |date=7 August 1954 |via=Newspapers.com}} Less than a week later, on 11 August, news surfaced that Burton Albion planned to complete the transfer of Stamps,{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/161675136/ |newspaper=Derby Evening Telegraph |title=Mr. Reg Weston goes to Shrewsbury |page=32 |date=11 August 1954 |via=Newspapers.com}} which was possible after Stamps refused to re-sign for Shrewsbury.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/burton-observer-and-chronicle/161708738/ |newspaper=Burton Observer and Chronicle |title=Jack Stamps signs for Burton Albion |page=1 |date=12 August 1954 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Stamps transferred to Burton Albion on 12 August 1954, with the transfer being funded by the Burton Albion Supporters' Club. He made his debut just two days later, on 14 August, in a charity fundraising practice match.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/161708460/ |newspaper=Derby Evening Telegraphy |title=Stamps signs: In Albion practice game |page=40 |date=12 August 1954 |via=Newspapers.com}} Upon joining the club, he was also granted a temporary licence to run the Dog and Partridge Hotel in New Street, Burton.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/161664553/ |newspaper=Derby Evening Telegraph |title=Jack Stamps – mine host |page=108 |date=20 August 1954 |via=Newspapers.com}}

In the 1954–55 season, Stamps had scored 12 goals (including two penalties) in the Birmingham & District League and 6 goals in cup ties by Christmas.{{Cite book|title=Burton Albion FC v Gresley Rovers FC Matchday Programme 26/12/54}} He went on to finish the season as Burton's top scorer, with 39 league goals in 37 appearances, along with seven goals in cup ties.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/161709510/ |newspaper=Derby Evening Telegraph |title=Stamps may not play again |page=9 |date=11 October 1955 |access-date=29 December 2024 |via=Newspapers.com}} Stamps was appointed as player-coach in June 1955.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-guardian-journal/161729390/ |newspaper=The Guardian Journal |title=Post for Stamps |page=6 |date=18 June 1955 |via=Newspapers.com}} However, in October, he suffered a serious injury to his left foot during an FA Cup second qualifying round match against Bedworth Town. Twisting awkwardly during a jump just before half-time, he broke five bones and severed several ligaments. Doctors informed him that he would never be able to play football again. Despite the prognosis, he continued coaching at the club{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/birmingham-evening-mail/161723734/ |newspaper=Birmingham Evening Mail |title=Stamps plan for Burton |page=22 |date=5 December 1955 |via=Newspapers.com}} and resumed light training in December, however still had pain in his foot and feared he would never be fit enough to play again.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-guardian-journal/161729455/ |newspaper=The Guardian Journal |title=Struggle over |page=5 |date=31 December 1955 |via=Newspapers.com}} He was back in training in March 1956, still hopeful of returning to action, pending the results of an X-ray in May.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-guardian-journal/161748503/ |newspaper=The Guardian Journal |title=Stamps back in training |page=6 |date=13 March 1956 |via=Newspapers.com}} He officially retired as a player in May 1956,{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/nottingham-evening-news/161727513/ |newspaper=Nottingham Evening News |title=Stamps gives up football |page=8 |date=16 May 1956 |via=Newspapers.com}} although later made a return to the pitch in October 1956 for a charity match against Derby Corinthians.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-post/161727261/ |newspaper=Evening Post |title=Stamps not finished |page=18 |date=11 October 1956}} He was appointed as team-coach in April 1957.

In November 1957, as assistant manager, Stamps took over as caretaker manager following the dismissal of Sammy Crooks.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hull-daily-mail/161635556/ |newspaper=Hull Daily Mail |title=Burton Town sack Sammy Crooks |page=8 |date=13 November 1957}} He was offered the role permanently in March 1958,{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/nottingham-evening-news/161593129/ |newspaper=Nottingham Evening News |title=Jackie Stamps is sacked by Burton Albion |page=9 |date=28 October 1959}} but was asked to tender his resignation just over 18 months later in October 1959 after a poor run of results, with the club facing severe financial difficulties and the threat of collapse.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/161724376/ |newspaper=Derby Evening Telegraph |title=Stamps quits at Board's request |page=11 |date=28 October 1959}}

In October 1962, it was reported that Stamps had picked up an ankle injury during a Burton and District F.A. match and was treated at hospital.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/161786813/ |newspaper=Derby Evening Telegraph |title=Stamps injured |page=16 |date=22 October 1962}} He later played in another charity game in April 1964 along with fellow Derby County team-mate Ken Oliver.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/161868927/ |newspaper=Derby Evening Telegraph |title=Ex-Rams turn out in charity football game |page=7 |date=4 April 1964}}

For many years after leaving Derby County, Stamps remained a supporter, being described by the Evening Telegraph in 1966 as among their "most enthusiastic supporters" and would often wish the team good luck in the dressing room before a game.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/161938811/ |newspaper=Derby Evening Telegraph |title=Regular fan - that's Jack |page=44 |date=10 December 1966}}

Stamps began losing his sight around 1970, initially in one eye. Despite over twenty visits to various specialists, none were able to offer a solution. His vision problems were believed to be the result of repeated heading of a football during his playing career.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/football-post/161582356/ |newspaper=Football Post |title=The Plight of Jackie Stamps |page=4 |date=19 September 1970 |via=Newspapers.com}} In September 1970, The Sunday People published a feature article to draw attention to Stamps's struggles, shedding light on his financial difficulties as he was surviving on disability and unemployment benefits. Additionally, he received two one-time hardship grants of £50 from the Football Association and the Football League respectively. Former Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Sam Bartram, whom Stamps had scored against in the 1946 FA Cup Final, made attempts to organise a testimonial match to help raise funds and awareness of Stamps's condition.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sunday-people/161592565/ |newspaper=The Sunday People |title=I'm going blind, says cup hero |page=17 |date=13 September 1970 |via=Newspapers.com}} The benefit match took place the following month in October, with Burton Albion playing an all-stars team in front of a crowd of 12,000 at Derby's Baseball Ground. The match raised nearly £5,000 with Bobby Charlton being the standout star.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sunday-people/161658618/ |newspaper=The Sunday People |title=Jack Stamps's benefit match |page=20 |date=18 October 1970 |via=Newspapers.com}} He was elected as honorary vice-president of Derby F.C. in January 1983.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/burton-mail/161592211/ |newspaper=Burton Mail |title=Soccer mourns legend |page=24 |date=20 November 1991 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Stamps died on 19 November 1991 at his home in Winshill, Staffordshire, shortly before his 73rd birthday,{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph/161657804/ |newspaper=Evening Telegraph |title=Rams cup hero dies |page=40 |date=20 November 1991 |via=Newspapers.com}} after losing his battle with cancer.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/burton-mail-obituary-for-burton-stamps/161939782/ |newspaper=Burton Mail |title=Soccer legend dies |page=1 |date=20 November 1991}} Although blind for the final 20 years of his life, he continued to attend Derby County games.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/161648394/ |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |title=Jack Stamps dies at 72 |page=32 |date=21 November 1991 |via=Newspapers.com}} He was remembered fondly by former teammates at Derby County, with Raich Carter highlighting his strength and Tommy Powell describing him as a "gentle giant and a wonderful man". His wife Norah died just the following month, on 27 December 1991.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-telegraph-obituary-for-norah-myr/139247482/ |newspaper=Derby Evening Telegraph |title=Norah Myra Obituary |page=20 |date=1 January 1992}}

A pub in Derby city centre, opened in 1998, was named after him but in the early 2000s was changed to a Walkabout bar.{{cite news |title=Tenants of Derby city centre's oldest pub moving on to new spot after 20 years |url=https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink/masons-home-home-jo-jim-6863736 |first=Colston |last=Crawford |website=Derbyshire Live |publisher=Local World |date=25 March 2022 |access-date=29 December 2024}}

{{notelist}}

Derby County

• FA Cup: 1945–46

{{reflist}}

{{Burton Albion F.C. managers}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Stamps, Jackie}}

Category:1918 births

Category:1991 deaths

Category:People from Thrybergh

Category:People from the West Riding of Yorkshire (before 1974)

Category:English men's footballers

Category:Men's association football forwards

Category:Mansfield Town F.C. players

Category:New Brighton A.F.C. players

Category:Derby County F.C. players

Category:Shrewsbury Town F.C. players

Category:Burton Albion F.C. players

Category:English Football League players

Category:English football managers

Category:Burton Albion F.C. managers

Category:Southampton F.C. wartime guest players

Category:British military personnel of World War II

Category:20th-century English sportsmen