Sam Irving

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Sam Irving

| image =

| fullname = Samuel Johnstone Irving{{Cite book | title = The Who's Who of Cardiff City | first = Dean | last = Hayes | publisher = Breedon Books | year = 2006 | page=96 | location=Derby | isbn= 1-85983-462-0}}

| height = {{height|ft=5|in=9}}

| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1893|8|28}}

| birth_place = Belfast, Ireland

| death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|1968|12|12|1893|8|28}}

| death_place = Dundee, Scotland

| position = Right half
Inside right

| youthyears1 =

| youthclubs1 =

| years1 =

| years2 =

| years3 =

| years4 = 1913–1915

| years5 =

| years6 =

| years7 = 1920–1926

| years8 = 1926–1928

| years9 = 1928–1932

| years10 = 1932–1933

| clubs1 = Shildon Athletic

| clubs2 = Galashiels United

| clubs3 = Esh Winning

| clubs4 = Bristol City

| clubs5 = Blyth Spartans

| clubs6 = Shildon Athletic

| clubs7 = Dundee

| clubs8 = Cardiff City

| clubs9 = Chelsea

| clubs10 = Bristol Rovers

| caps1 =

| caps2 =

| caps3 =

| caps4 = 18

| caps5 =

| caps6 =

| caps7 = 158

| caps8 = 47

| caps9 = 89

| caps10 = 21

| goals1 =

| goals2 =

| goals3 =

| goals4 = 4

| goals5 =

| goals6 =

| goals7 = 5

| goals8 = 3

| goals9 = 5

| goals10 = 1

| nationalyears1 = 1923–1931

| nationalteam1 = Ireland

| nationalcaps1 = 18

| nationalgoals1 = 0

| manageryears1 = 1938–39

| managerclubs1 = Dundee United

}}

Samuel Johnstone Irving (28 August 1893 – 12 December 1968) was an Irish professional footballer and manager. Born In Ireland, he was raised in Scotland before playing football in the North of England. He turned professional in 1913 and played in the Football League for Bristol City before World War I. After the war he returned to non-league in England.

In 1920, Irving joined Scottish Football League side Dundee where he quickly established himself in the first team. He spent six years with the club, making over 150 appearances in all competitions, despite suffering persistent knee injuries for several years. He helped the club to two top four finishes and reach the 1925 Scottish Cup Final where they were defeated by Celtic. He joined Football League First Division side Cardiff City in 1926 in a swap deal with Joe Cassidy. In his first year with the club, he helped them win both the FA Cup, becoming the only team from outside England to win the competition, and the Welsh Cup. He also won the 1927 FA Charity Shield the following year, but fell out of favour midway through the 1927–28 season.

He was sold to Second Division side Chelsea where he gained promotion to the First Division in 1930. He signed for Bristol Rovers in 1932 and spent one season with the side before retiring from playing. At international level, Irving made 18 appearances for Ireland between 1923 and 1931, captaining the side on several occasions. After retiring as a player, he was co-manager of Dundee United for the 1938–39 season.

Early life

Irving was born in Belfast on 28 August 1893 to Henry and Isabella Irving, both of whom were Scottish.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000986/19240804/120/0008 |url-access=subscription |title=Dundee |newspaper=Athletic News |page=8 |date=4 August 1924 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} The family later moved to Glasgow where Irving was raised. His father worked as a blacksmith.{{Cite web |url=https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/details-civil/ef4aa28797365?b=https%3A%2F%2Fcivilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie%2Fchurchrecords%2Fcivil-perform-search.jsp%3Fnamefm%3DSamuel%26namel%3DIrving%26location%3D%26yyfrom%3D1890%26yyto%3D1895%26submit%3DSearch |title=Samuel Irving |website=IrishGenealogy.ie |access-date=7 March 2019}} Irving served in the Royal Army Medical Corps during the First World War.{{Cite web |url=http://www.newmp.org.uk/article.php?categoryid=100&articleid=1421&displayorder=63 |title=North East War Memorials Project – Regional Content |website=www.newmp.org.uk |access-date=28 October 2019}}

Club career

=Early career=

Irving began his playing career in the North-East of England, appearing for non-League clubs Shildon Athletic, Galashiels United and Esh Winning.{{cite web |url=https://nifootball.blogspot.com/2006/12/sam-irving.html?m=1 |title=Sam Irving |website=nifootball.blogspot.com |access-date=12 December 2020}} In 1911, he had an unsuccessful trial with Football League First Division side Newcastle United before eventually being signed to a Football League side with Bristol City in November 1913. After the First World War, Irving had spells playing for Blyth Spartans and with his first club Shildon Athletic before signing for Dundee in 1920.{{cite web |url=https://dundeefc.co.uk/news/played-dundee-partick-sam-irving/ |title=Played for Dundee and Partick – Sam Irving |publisher=Dundee F.C. |date=28 December 2016 |access-date=12 December 2020}}{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000164/19200515/089/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=Dundee's Latest Recruits |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=5 |date=15 May 1920 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}

=Dundee=

Irving quickly impressed during the club's pre-season and debuted for the first team on the opening day of the 1920–21 season in a 2–2 draw away at Falkirk on 16 August.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000164/19200810/057/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=Dundee's New Men Please |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=6 |date=10 August 1920 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} He immediately established himself in the first team and scored his first goal for the side on 4 September in a victory over Falkirk. After receiving the ball, he advanced to the penalty area before shooting past the opposition goalkeeper, with the Dundee Evening Telegraph describing it as a "great goal".{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19200906/074/0007 |url-access=subscription |title=Dundee Climbing the Ladder |newspaper=Dundee Evening Telegraph |page=7 |date=6 September 1920 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} With the club struggling to fulfill their forward line, Irving moved from his traditional half back role to play as an outside right in November,{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19201119/072/0011 |url-access=subscription |title=Dundee's Experimental Right Wing Against Hibernian |newspaper=Dundee Evening Telegraph |page=11 |date=11 November 1920 |access-date=13 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} although it was deemed unsuccessful by the Dundee Courier who noted that his presence was also missed from the half back line.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000164/19201122/091/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=Dundee's Lapse Continues |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=6 |date=22 November 1920 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} His early season was later disrupted after missing several weeks of the season during the later months of 1920 after sustaining an injury against Airdrieonians. He made his return in December against Hamilton Academical.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19201222/100/0007 |url-access=subscription |title=Bell and Irving Reported Fit |newspaper=Dundee Evening Telegraph |page=7 |date=22 December 1920 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} Irving helped the club to a fourth-placed finish in the 1920–21 Scottish Football League.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000164/19210502/094/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=Dundee Debacle at Shawfield |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=6 |date=2 May 1921 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}

At the end of his debut season with Dundee, Irving was appointed captain of the first team.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19210824/134/0011 |url-access=subscription |title=Will Honeyman of Dundee Land at Tannadice? |newspaper=Dundee Evening Telegraph |page=11 |date=24 August 1921 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} After failing to win their opening two games of the 1921–22 campaign, Irving led his side to victory over Third Lanark after which the Dundee Courier remarked that there was "probably no more popular player" at the club than Irving.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000164/19210829/110/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=Dundee's First Victory |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=6 |date=29 August 1921 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} These early performances led to him being considered for his first selection for the Ireland national football team,{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19210907/098/0011 |url-access=subscription |title=Sam Irving Catches the Eye of the Irish Selectors |newspaper=Dundee Evening Telegraph |page=11 |date=7 September 1921 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} but he was denied a call up due to injury.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19221019/069/0007 |url-access=subscription |title=Sam Irving Unable to Accept Irish Cap |newspaper=Dundee Evening Telegraph |page=7 |date=19 October 1922 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} These persistent problems would disrupt most of the remaining season as he missed several months at the start of 1922 with injuries, before returning in April.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000540/19220417/261/0008 |url-access=subscription |title=Scottish Cup Final |newspaper=The Scotsman |page=8 |date=17 April 1922 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} Dundee achieved another fourth-place finish during the season.{{cite web |url=https://www.fchd.info/DUNDEE.HTM |title=Dundee |website=fchd.info |access-date=12 December 2020}}

The following year, Dundee were unable to repeat their top four finishes and fell to seventh place before undertaking a tour of Spain at the end of the campaign.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19230524/110/0011 |url-access=subscription |title=Dundee F.C.'s Tour in Spain |newspaper=Dundee Evening Telegraph |page=11 |date=24 May 1923 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} Irving missed the opening of the 1923–24 season due to injury.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19230824/080/0011 |url-access=subscription |title=Dundee Introduce New Back Against Hearts |newspaper=Dundee Evening Telegraph |page=11 |date=24 August 1923 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} He returned to the first team in September but suffered further injury problems after playing for Ireland against England in October that saw him rarely feature in the following months.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19240219/090/0011 |url-access=subscription |title=Dundee's Task To-morrow |newspaper=Dundee Evening Telegraph |page=11 |date=19 February 1924 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} He returned to the first team in late February 1924 against Third Lanark.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000164/19240222/103/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=Football Players' Wages |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=6 |date=22 February 1924 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} However, Irving continued to be plagued by knee problems; he was stretchered off in matches against both St Mirren on 30 March and Clydebank on 19 April.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000986/19240331/112/0008 |url-access=subscription |title=Depleted Dundee |newspaper=Athletic News |page=8 |date=31 March 1924 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19240421/104/0011 |url-access=subscription |title=Where Hibs Failed in Scottish Cup Final |newspaper=Dundee Evening Telegraph |page=11 |date=21 April 1924 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} Representatives from Burnley had travelled to watch Irving play in the latter match, the final game of the season, and were informed that the recurring problem would require surgery to remove a piece of loose cartilage from the knee to rectify the problem.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000566/19240427/147/0012 |url-access=subscription |title=Noted Players onf Transfer List |newspaper=Sunday Post |page=12 |date=27 April 1924 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}

Although troubled by injury, Irving was resigned for the following season.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000164/19240814/100/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=Dundee's List of Players |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=6 |date=14 August 1924 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} However, he began the season as cover for Crawford Letham until the latter was sold to Cowdenbeath in September.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19240912/080/0009 |url-access=subscription |title=Surprise Transfer by Dundee |newspaper=Dundee Evening Telegraph |page=9 |date=12 September 1924 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} Having overcome his injury concerns, Irving remained a first team regular and returned to form.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000164/19250204/105/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=Stiff Struggle Ahead of Dundee |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=6 |date=4 February 1925 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} Although Dundee finished in eighth place in the league, their lowest placing since Irving's arrival, the club did reach the 1925 Scottish Cup Final, losing 2–1 against Celtic at Hampden Park. Despite the defeat, Irving was praised for his performance in the match with the Dundee Courier remarking that he had "held the Celts' forwards as in a vice".{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000164/19250413/091/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=Dundee's Mistaken Tactics |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=6 |date=13 April 1925 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}

Irving started the 1925–26 season in goalscoring form, opening his account for the campaign on the opening day during a 3–0 win over Morton.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000164/19250817/104/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=Moreton No Match for Dundee |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=6 |date=17 August 1925 |access-date=13 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} He added another against local rivals Dundee United a week later, in the first Dundee derby played since United's promotion to the top tier of Scottish football. Irving's side won the match 5–0 with his goal being scored via a deflected shot off a United player.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000164/19250827/105/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=Disappointing United |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=6 |date=27 August 1925 |access-date=13 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} He was awarded a benefit match against Sunderland in April 1926. More than 11,000 people attended the match which raised around £500 for Irving.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000164/19260413/108/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=11,000 Rally Round Sam Irving |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=6 |date=11 April 1926 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} Dundee ended the season in 10th place. His final appearance for the club came on the opening day of the 1926–27 season when he scored in a 4–1 victory over Heart of Midlothian. In total, he made 183 appearances for Dundee netting 6 goals.

=Cardiff City=

In June 1926, after six years with Dundee, Irving signed for Football League First Division side Cardiff City in an exchange deal that led to Joe Cassidy moving to Dundee, with the Scottish club also paying a fee towards the move.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000564/19260820/111/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=Dundee Football Deal |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=6 |date=20 August 1926 |access-date=13 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} Irving had nearly joined Cardiff in February 1924 but the move had collapsed.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002318/19240218/134/0008 |url-access=subscription |title=Gossip of the Clubs |newspaper=Belfast Telegraph |page=8 |date=18 February 1924 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} He made his debut for Cardiff in a goalless draw with Leeds United on 30 August, before scoring his first goal on 9 October in a 3–0 win over Sheffield United. His early months were disrupted by a knee injury sustained after slipping down steps at a team hotel before a game against Bury and an infected finger that caused him to miss several matches in November.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002318/19261101/126/0008 |url-access=subscription |title=Gossip of the Clubs |newspaper=Belfast Telegraph |page=8 |date=1 November 1926 |access-date=13 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19261130/040/0003 |url-access=subscription |title=Talk of the City and Round About |newspaper=Dundee Evening Telegraph |page=3 |date=30 November 1926 |access-date=13 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} Having initially played at half back, he was moved to inside right in February 1927 and remained there for the rest of the campaign. Irving made 27 league appearances, scoring three times as Cardiff finished in 14th place. He also played in all six of the club's matches en route to reaching the 1927 FA Cup Final and was instrumental in his side's 3–2 victory over Chelsea in a sixth round replay, scoring one and assisting Len Davies for another.{{harvnb|Shepherd|2002|p=28}}{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000986/19270314/060/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=A Football Nursery |newspaper=Athletic News |page=6 |date=14 March 1927 |access-date=14 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} In the final, Irving started at inside right as Cardiff went on to beat Arsenal 1–0 to become the only side from outside England to win the competition.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7328650.stm |title=Cup Friends Reunited |publisher=BBC Sport |last=Shuttleworth |first=Peter |date=4 January 2009 |access-date=13 December 2020}} Two weeks later, Irving scored in the final of the Welsh Cup as Cardiff defeated Rhyl to complete a cup double.

Irving remained a first team regular the following season and played in Cardiff's 2–1 victory over Corinthians in the 1927 FA Charity Shield on 12 October.{{harvnb|Shepherd|2002|p=29}} During a 2–1 defeat against Burnley on 24 December, Irving was hit in the chest by a forceful shot. After the match, he was taken ill and rushed to hospital where he was diagnosed with pleurisy.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000475/19271230/167/0009 |url-access=subscription |title=En Passant |newspaper=Arbroath Herald and Advertiser for the Montrose Burghs |page=9 |date=30 December 1927 |access-date=14 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} Irving found his first team opportunities limited after the injury and appeared in only four more matches for the club.

=Chelsea=

On 29 February 1928, Irving joined Second Division side Chelsea and made his debut in a victory over Hull City.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000104/19280301/273/0012 |url-access=subscription |title=Sam Irving Goes to Chelsea |newspaper=Western Mail |page=12 |date=1 March 1928 |access-date=14 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000104/19280305/102/0004 |url-access=subscription |title=Huddersfield Humble the Spurs |newspaper=Western Mail |page=4 |date=5 March 1928 |access-date=14 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} Despite his advancing years, the Dundee Evening Telegraph reported that by December of the same year he was excelling following his move to Chelsea.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19281210/108/0007 |url-access=subscription |title=Old Dundee Half Shinging in Chelsea's Ranks |newspaper=Dundee Evening Telegraph |page=7 |date=10 December 1928 |access-date=22 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} Near the end of his first full season with Chelsea, Irving was signed on for another season shortly before the club embarked on a 20-match tour of South America.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19290425/098/0007 |url-access=subscription |title=Sam Irving Signs for Chelsea Again |newspaper=Dundee Evening Telegraph |page=7 |date=25 April 1929 |access-date=22 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19290425/098/0007 |url-access=subscription |title=Sam Irving Signs for Chelsea Again |newspaper=Dundee Evening Telegraph |page=7 |date=25 April 1929 |access-date=14 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} The team were surprised by the unsporting tactics of their opponents, and antics of the crowd who pelted them with oranges. Irving responded by catching one of the oranges, before peeling and eating the fruit.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000728/19390703/247/0023 |url-access=subscription |title=Football is Popular in Rio, But They Use Guns |newspaper=Daily Record |page=23 |date=3 July 1939 |access-date=20 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} He was part of the side that won promotion out of the Second Division during the 1929–30 season after finishing the campaign as runners-up.{{cite web |url=https://www.fchd.info/CHELSEA.HTM |title=Chelsea |website=fchd.info |access-date=14 December 2020}}

During a match against Liverpool in October 1931, Irving collapsed on the field late in the game and required medical attention. The cause was later discovered to be a burst varicose vein in his knee.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000104/19311005/130/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=Chelsea Half-back Collapses |newspaper=Western Mail |page=6 |date=5 October 1931 |access-date=23 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} The injury would keep Irving out of the side until the following year and, on his return, he found himself unable to regain his place in the first team.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002318/19320229/149/0008 |url-access=subscription |title=Everton and Frewin |newspaper=Belfast Telegraph |page=8 |date=29 February 1932 |access-date=23 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} At the end of the 1931–32 season Irving was released by the club.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002318/19320502/166/0008 |url-access=subscription |title=Celts Lending a Hand |newspaper=Belfast Telegraph |page=8 |date=2 May 1932 |access-date=23 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}

=Bristol Rovers=

In May 1932, he returned to Bristol, this time signing for Bristol Rovers alongside teammate Alec Donald. Irving assumed a player-coach role upon his arrival at the club.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000564/19320506/138/0009 |url-access=subscription |title=Sam Irving Leaves Chelsea |newspaper=Dundee Courier |last=John |first=Don |page=9 |date=6 May 1932 |access-date=18 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} After leaving Rovers at the end of the season, Irving spent a year away from playing. He initially agreed to join Scottish Division Two side Brechin City in August 1934 but later backed out of the deal after deciding to retire from playing.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002007/19340807/108/0008 |url-access=subscription |title=Captured But Let Go |newspaper=Brechin Advertiser |page=8 |date=7 August 1934 |access-date=18 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}

International career

Irving first attracted the attention of selectors for the Irish national side in 1921 after his first season with Dundee, but was not called up after struggling with injury. He was again considered for selection for matches against Scotland and England in 1922, but missed the first match due to injury before turning down his call-up for the latter game due to Dundee suffering from a number of injuries which had left them short of players.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000164/19220221/096/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=Ireland's Team for Parkhead |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=6 |date=21 February 1922 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} He eventually made his debut for the side in March 1923 against Scotland and played in the remaining two matches of the 1922–23 British Home Championship. Their victory over England October 1923 was the first time they had defeated the opposition since 1914,{{cite web |url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/Seas1900-39/1923-24/M0137Ire1923.html |title=Ireland 2 England 1 |website=englandfootballonline.com |access-date=12 December 2020}} with Irving being described as "a big factor" in the win by The Sunday Post.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000566/19231021/115/0012 |url-access=subscription |title=Unique Incidents |newspaper=Sunday Post |page=12 |date=21 October 1923 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} After the match, Irving and Billy Gillespie were carried off the pitch on the shoulders of the team's supporters.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000164/19231022/107/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=Sam Irving's Triumph at Belfast |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=6 |date=22 October 1923 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}

In October 1925, Irving was selected to captain the Irish side for the first time, but withdrew from the squad when Dundee refused to release him for international duty.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002947/19251021/226/0011 |url-access=subscription |title=Another Change in Irish XI |newspaper=Westminster Gazette |page=11 |date=21 October 1925 |access-date=13 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} From his debut, Irving missed only one match for Ireland until 1929 when he was omitted from the squad for a match against Wales in February of that year when Chelsea refused to release him.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001542/19290121/019/0002 |url-access=subscription |title=Irish Team to Meet Wales |newspaper=Northern Whig |page=2 |date=21 January 1929 |access-date=22 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} After an absence of two years, Irving was recalled to win his 18th, and final cap, at the age of 38 in a 4–2 defeat against Wales in April 1931.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000564/19310414/183/0009 |url-access=subscription |title=Murdoch and Ferrier May Not Play |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=9 |date=14 April 1931 |access-date=23 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}

Managerial career

Upon retiring from playing, Irving unsuccessfully applied for the vacant managerial position at his former club Dundee.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19330519/146/0012 |url-access=subscription |title=Football Snippets |newspaper=Dundee Evening Telegraph |page=12 |date=19 May 1933 |access-date=18 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} In July 1938 he was involved in a takeover of Dundee United, taking control of the team as joint-manager/director with Jimmy Brownlie for the 1938–39 season.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000577/19380706/040/0004 |url-access=subscription |title=Dundee United's New Deal |newspaper=Aberdeen Press and Journal |page=4 |date=6 July 1938 |access-date=20 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} The pair led the side to 9th place in the Scottish First Division but stepped down from the manager's role after a year, remaining with the club as a director.{{Cite web |url=http://www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk/index.asp?pg=287 |title=Dundee United A – Z ( I ) |publisher=Dundee United F.C. |access-date=2 January 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614233302/http://dundeeunitedfc.co.uk/index.asp?pg=287 |archive-date=14 June 2006}}{{cite web |url=https://fchd.info/DUNDEEU.HTM |title=Dundee United |publisher=Football Club History Database |access-date=23 December 2020}}

Style of play

Irving spent the majority of his career as a half back. The Western Mail wrote that, although not as accomplished on the defensive side of the game as other leading backs, he was especially skilled at "creating openings for the forwards" and always "placed (his passing) perfectly". The paper also noted that, during his time with Dundee, he was regarded as "one of the best attacking half-backs in Scotland".{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000104/19261025/081/0004 |url-access=subscription |title=Cardiff City's Best of the Season |newspaper=Western Mail |page=4 |date=25 October 1926 |access-date=13 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} During his career, Irving played at inside right on numerous occasions when required, but was often deemed to be simply adequate cover in the position rather than a natural.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000038/19270228/062/0004 |url-access=subscription |title=The Irish Side |newspaper=Belfast News Letter |page=4 |date=28 February 1927 |access-date=14 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}

In the later years of his career, the Dundee Evening Telegraph noted how Irving adapted his game to compensate for his advancing years, writing how he "has made a fine art of accomplishing much with the minimum of effort".

Personal life

Irving married Nellie Gelston on 8 December 1922 in Monifieth. Bobby Willis, his Dundee teammate, served as his groomsman at the ceremony.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000164/19221209/166/0003 |url-access=subscription |title=Dundee Footballer Weds |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=3 |date=9 December 1922 |access-date=12 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} The couple had a son and daughter together. Their son died as an infant in 1930 after suffering from diphtheria.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000564/19300307/151/0010 |url-access=subscription |title=United's Team Changes |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=10 |date=7 March 1930 |access-date=15 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000564/19500105/127/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=Dundee Bride Chooses Blue |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=6 |date=5 January 1950 |access-date=23 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} During his playing career, Irving owned a shop in the Dundee area.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002669/19330616/057/0006 |url-access=subscription |title=A Spectator |newspaper=Broughty Ferry Guide and Advertiser |page=6 |date=16 June 1933 |access-date=18 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} After his retirement, Irving settled in Dundee where he ran the La Scala billiards hall and competed for the venue's team in the Dundee Snooker League.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000563/19330728/166/0010 |url-access=subscription |title=In The Football Limelight |newspaper=Dundee Evening Telegraph |page=10 |date=28 July 1933 |access-date=23 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000564/19330920/036/0003 |url-access=subscription |title=Dundee Snooker League |newspaper=Dundee Courier |page=3 |date=20 September 1933 |access-date=23 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}} He died in December 1968 at the age of 75 in a Dundee hospital.{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000578/19690118/181/0014 |url-access=subscription |title=Sam Irving (75) Dies |newspaper=Aberdeen Press and Journal |page=14 |date=18 January 1969 |access-date=23 December 2020 |via=British Newspaper Archive}}

Managerial statistics

rowspan="2"\|Team !rowspan="2"\|Country !rowspan="2"\|From !rowspan="2"\|To !colspan="6"\|Record
class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
G	W	D	L	Win %
align=left\|Dundee United{{cite web \|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=1435 \|title=Sam Irving \|publisher=Soccerbase \|access-date=23 December 2020}} \|{{flagicon\|Scotland}} \|align=left\|June 1938 \|align=left\|July 1939 \| 36	16	3	17	{{#expr: 16/36 * 100 round 2}}
colspan="4"\|Total ! 36	16	3	17	{{#expr: 16/36 * 100 round 2 }}

Honours

Dundee
Scottish Cup runner-up: 1924–25
Cardiff City
FA Cup: 1926–27
Welsh Cup: 1926–27
FA Charity Shield: 1927
Chelsea
Football League Division Two runner-up: 1929–30

References

Bibliography

{{Cite book | title=The Definitive: Cardiff City F.C. | first=Richard | last=Shepherd | publisher=SoccerData Publications | location=Nottingham | date=2002 | isbn=978-1-899468-17-1 }}

Category:1893 births

Category:Association footballers from Belfast

Category:Men's association footballers from Northern Ireland

Category:1968 deaths

Category:Pre-1950 IFA men's international footballers

Category:Shildon A.F.C. players

Category:Esh Winning F.C. players

Category:Bristol City F.C. players

Category:Dundee F.C. players

Category:Blyth Spartans A.F.C. players

Category:Cardiff City F.C. players

Category:Chelsea F.C. players