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TOM SWINSCOE
Born: 16 October 1919
Came from: Chesterfield Went to: Chesterfield
First game: 22 April 1946 Last game: 22 April 1946
Appearances: 1 (1/0) Goals: 1
Although the Second World War was at an end, the Football League divided its competition into regional sections for the 1945-46 season because of the exceptional conditions at that time, with so many players still serving in the Armed Forces or employed on essential war work. Argyle played in the Football League South that season, against first-class opposition such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Aston Villa and Wolves. It proved impossible for the Pilgrims to field a regular side; 72 players made an appearance and performances inevitably suffered. From week to week the club called on Armed Services players who were stationed in the area, guest players from other League clubs and local amateurs to supplement its registered playing staff.
Swinscoe was one of 27 in the guest category. Born in Sutton-in-Ashfield in Nottinghamshire, he was a fan of the game as well as playing it, quite literally, because he was spotted by Chesterfield playing centre-forward for Shirebrook Supporters FC. Shirebrook, in north-east Derbyshire on the Nottinghamshire border, was home to Shirebrook Colliery FC (precursor to the present-day Shirebrook Town), a team whose own supporters had an active, fund-raising football team themselves, winning the 'Derbyshire Medal' on Good Friday 1946 no less. It was from the Supporters' Team that he moved to Chesterfield, enabling him to make his Football League debut when the League programme fully resumed. Despite the improbable step-up, the move was a success; he made his debut in the 1946-47 season and scored 12 times in 43 appearances across two seasons. Towards the end of 1947 he moved on to Stockport County and spent three years with the club, playing 72 times and scoring 31 goals. His next move was to Peterborough United, some 10 years before they joined the Football League.
Note: Tom should not be confused with Terry Swinscoe who also played for Stockport County and later for Mansfield Town. Unlike Tom, Terry (who was no relation) never donned Green but did once famously score two own-goals for Argyle in Town's 8-3 hammering at Home Park in March 1959.
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APPEARANCE DETAILS [reselect competitions]
The details below reflect appearances in all first-team competitions.
I'm very grateful to many who have helped write GoS-DB's player pen-pictures, and to Dave Rowntree, the PAFC Media Team and Colin Parsons for their help with photos. Thanks also to staff at the National Football Museum, the Scottish Football Museum and ScotlandsPeople for their valuable assistance.
The following publications have been particularly valuable in the research of pen-pictures: Plymouth Argyle, A Complete Record 1903-1989 (Brian Knight, ISBN 0-907969-40-2); Plymouth Argyle, 101 Golden Greats (Andy Riddle, ISBN 1-874287-47-3); Football League Players' Records 1888-1939 (Michael Joyce, ISBN 1-899468-67-6); Football League Players' Records 1946-1988 (Barry Hugman, ISBN 1-85443-020-3) and Plymouth Argyle Football Club Handbooks.
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