Noisy black and white tribute to Toon legend
WOR JACKIE HONOURED BY TOWN
FOOTBALL legend Jackie Milburn has been honoured in his hometown with a cacophonous tribute.
The roar at St James’ Park as the revered Newcastle No 9 scored another spectacular goal was almost equalled in volume by the sound of Ashington youngsters, gleefully popping 238 black and white balloons.
The number, as well as the colour, of the balloons was significant – Milburn scored 238 times in a Newcastle shirt, with his record standing until Alan Shearer became the Magpies’ most prolific goalscorer in 2006.
An unusual but more environmentally friendly alternative to a balloon release, the celebration was organised by Jackie’s granddaughter Laura
Reed, who said she wanted to unite her local community in the beloved footballer’s memory.
“After 30 years he’s still such a pillar of the community around here, and I just thought it would be nice if we could all come together,” she said.
Speaking at Jackie’s statue, outside Ashington leisure centre, Wansbeck MP Ian
Lavery said: “This is about the 30th anniversary of the sad passing of Jackie Milburn – Wor Jackie, as I like to call him. That’s the affectionate name we use for people here in Ashington.
“But most of all, it’s not about the sad commemoration, it’s about the celebration of Jackie’s life and what he brought to this town. He was an absolute legend.”
Among those attending the celebration was former Newcastle captain Bobby Moncur, who joined the Magpies’ team just as Jackie’s career there was ending, and who later became a friend of his.
Locals shared their memories of the man who is still considered a town hero, while donations were collected for the new generation of the town’s footballers, raising money for the community teams at Ashington Town FC.
These include Jackie’s own greatgrandchildren Antonia, 10, Jack, seven, and eight-year-old Keira, who are continuing his footballing legacy on the Ashington Town pitch, while mum Laura pitches in as a coach for Jack’s team, determined to make her beloved grandad proud. Although Milburn netted 238 times for Newcastle, 38 of those were scored in the War League, games which are classed as friendly matches.
Shearer reached 201 goals in February 2006 to break Milburn’s officially recognised tally of 200, and went on to register 206 in total.
After 30 years he’s still such a pillar of the community ... I thought it would be nice if we could all come together Laura Reed