John Fleming


John Barr Murray Fleming (1890-1916) was born in Slamannan, Stirlingshire in 1890 and died near Richmond, Yorkshire on 21 March 1916. The son of a mining contractor, Fleming began his career in Scottish football before moving south of the border for spells at Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. After joining the British Army during World War One, Fleming died in tragic circumstances at Richmond Camp, Yorkshire in 1916.

Football Career

Fleming began his football career at Musselburgh Union before enjoying spells at Armadale Thistle, Bonnybrigg Rose Athletic and St Bernard’s. He then signed for English club Newcastle United in April 1911, who paid £250 for his services. Despite netting four goals during a pre-season tour match against German side Koln, Fleming struggled to establish himself at St James’ Park and left one year later after just four competitive appearances.

Fleming then joined Tottenham Hotspur for a fee of £300, making his debut on 18 October 1913 in a 3-1 defeat at Burnley. After making a further seven appearances before the turn of the year, Fleming was struck by injury and had to wait until 5 September 1914 for his next match in a Spurs shirt. He would eventually play 11 times for Tottenham during the 1914/15 season before returning to Scotland to play four games for Glasgow Rangers. He then enlisted in the British Army.

First World War Service

To Follow…


COMPLETE CAREER STATISTICAL RECORD


Season Club League Position FA Cup League Games League Goals FA Cup Games FA Cup Goals
1907 Musselburgh Union
1908 Armadale Thistle
1908 Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic
1909 St Bernard’s
1912/13 Newcastle United 14th (First Division) R4 4
1913/14 Tottenham Hotspur 17th (Second Division) R2 8 1
1914/15 Tottenham Hotspur 20th (Second Division) R2 11 2
1915/16 Rangers 2nd (Scottish Division One) 4 1
Summary
Newcastle United 4
Tottenham Hotspur 19 3
Rangers 4 1
Total 27 4

A full list of sources used to create this page can be found here.