Norman Tapken

Norman H. Tapken (21 February 1913 – 16 June 1996) was an English footballer whose regular position was as a goalkeeper . Born in Wallsend , Northumberland, he began his career with local club Wallsend Thermal Welfare, before joining Newcastle United in May 1933. [ 2 ] After taking over from Mick Burns as Newcastle's first-choice goalkeeper during the 1934–35 season, he went on to make a total of 106 Football League appearances for Newcastle [ 3 ] before joining Manchester United in December 1938 for a fee of £ 850. [ 2 ] [ 1 ] Taking over from regular goalkeeper Jack Breedon , Tapken made his debut for the club at home to Leicester City on Boxing Day 1938; [ 2 ] he kept a clean sheet as Manchester United won 3–0. [ 4 ] He retained the number one jersey for the next two months, but a run of four games at the end of February 1939 in which he conceded 16 goals saw Tommy Breen take over. [ 4 ] Tapken returned to duty for three games at the start of April, but a 3–1 defeat to Leeds United resulted in Breedon step in again for the final four games of the season. [ 4 ] During the Second World War , Tapken played in the Wartime League for his old club, Newcastle United (nine appearances), [ 5 ] and Sunderland (two appearances) in 1942–43, [ 6 ] before finding more regular action with Darlington (32 appearances) in 1943–44. [ 7 ] In 1944–45, as well as playing for Darlington (six appearances), [ 7 ] he turned out for Aldershot (three appearances), [ 8 ] Brighton & Hove Albion (two appearances) [ 9 ] and Chester (one appearance). [ 10 ] He played one more season in the Wartime Leagu — Wikipedia

Position

GK

Nationality

United Kingdom

Birthplace

Wallsend

Born

21 Feb 1913