The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Footballer who became legend in a distant town
Dundee-born football hero James Munro caught a cold as he led his Swindon side to a 4-3 victory over Tottenham on New Year’s Eve 1898. Days later he was dead. Munro’s name is largely forgotten in Dundee but he is a legend among Swindon Town fans.
Thousands of people lined the streets to pay their respects when he was laid to rest, aged just 28.
James Turner is leading a group of enthusiasts trying to raise money to restore his grave and trace any surviving relatives.
Born in January 1870, Munro quickly rose from junior to senior circles and played for Our Boys before joining Strathmore at the age of 17.
He signed for Bolton in 1890, before moving to Burton Swifts, then joined Swindon in 1895.
The centre-half was given the captaincy after the club turned professional, earning 35 shillings a week.
Munro was 5ft 5in and weighed 11 ½ stone but was described as “lionhearted” with a “never-saydie” attitude despite his stature.
He played 73 games for Swindon, scoring 13 goals, and won Southern League representative honours.
He died on January 4 1899 of pneumonia, with the cause of death being officially registered as spinal meningitis.
Just a few days before, the club minute book noted a letter sent to the board by his wife, explaining he was too ill to get out of bed and could not train.
Mr Turner said: “It was quite possible playing in the cold was a contributory factor to his death.
“We may never know his health generally before the match and it was likely that even if he felt unwell he could have shrugged it off with a tot of whisky.
“And if he was of the character that was at his best when the chips were down he would have carried on.
“With possibly a loss of wages if he was unfit, I am sure this would have been the case.”
Contemporary accounts reveal thousands lined the streets as Munro’s wreath-covered coffin and a carriage laden with floral tributes passed by.
Among the floral tributes was one from his teammates which bore the inscription: “Manfully he did his duty”, and the verse: “A star from out our ranks is gone; a light which shone the best; no more he’ll play the manly game, for Jimmy has gone to rest.”
Mr Turner said: “The reaction of the Swindon public at the time of his death would have been shock and grief because out of nowhere this tough individual who, according to general reports, played even though injured, was suddenly taken from them.
“As in most parts of the country at this time, the Swindon fans would have had a close bond with their players, many of whom they would see on a daily basis and some players worked in the railways and the bond would have been so strong.
“Football was their outlet from the daily toil of long hours including a half day on Saturday so these players were their heroes and the newspaper reports of his funeral only demonstrate the high esteem he was held.”
Mr Turner said Munro’s grave, partly paid by public subscription, has deteriorated and there are plans to restore it.
“After renovation an event is to be held to rededicate the grave and to recognise the achievements of James Munro, laid to rest so far from his home town, and bring together interested parties who had an association with his career.
“We would also look to replicate some of the events of his funeral and to have a small service.
“We want to raise people’s awareness of the pioneers of the people’s game like James Munro, who travelled in order to pursue their dream. It would be ideal if we could trace any relatives of James.
“The true cost of the renovation is to be determined and would be raised by public funding.
“Although in an ideal world a kind monumental mason from Swindon, or even Dundee, who would like to do it just for the love of it would be welcome.”
Anyone who can help or is a family member of James Munro can contact James Turner at james. turner3@ntlworld.com