Jackie Stamps

Jackie Stamps
Personal information
Full name John David Stamps
Date of birth (1918-12-02)2 December 1918
Place of birth Thrybergh, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
Date of death 19 November 1991(1991-11-19) (aged 72)
Place of death Winshill, Staffordshire, England
Position(s) Centre-forward
Youth career
1936–1937 Silverwood Colliery
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1937–1938 Mansfield Town 1 (0)
1938–1939 New Brighton 11 (5)
1939–1953 Derby County 233 (100)
1953–1954 Shrewsbury Town 22 (4)
1954–1956 Burton Albion 37 (39)
Total 304 (148)
Managerial career
1957–1959 Burton Albion
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

John David Stamps (2 December 1918 – 19 November 1991) was an English footballer who played as a centre-forward, most notably for Derby County. He is best remembered for scoring two goals in the 1946 FA Cup Final for Derby County in a 4–1 win against Charlton Athletic. He started as an amateur with Silverwood Colliery before being signed by Mansfield Town but was released after making just one senior appearance. After signing with New Brighton, his performances attracted interest from top clubs, and in January 1939, he signed with Derby County. He made an immediate impact, scoring two goals on his league debut.

Stamps's career was disrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War, during which he was wounded at Dunkirk and later suffered a severe leg injury while playing for an army team. Despite being told the latter injury could end his career, he made a full recovery and continued to play at a high level. In addition to his wartime service, he became a key player for Derby County and in 1950, finished as their top scorer. After a brief stint at Shrewsbury Town, Stamps transferred to Burton Albion in 1954, where his career was cut short by a serious foot injury in 1955 that led to his early retirement from playing.

Stamps remained involved in football as a coach and later as a manager at Burton Albion. His health began to decline in the 1970s due to deteriorating vision, attributed to repeated heading of the ball during his playing days. His financial struggles were highlighted in 1970 when a public appeal raised funds for him, culminating in a benefit match. He died in 1991 at the age of 72 from cancer.