Munro Alex Image 2 Blackpool 1948

Description

Carriden, near Bo’ness, West Lothian born outside right Alex Munro began his career in junior football with Bo’ness United in 1929, Champfleurie in 1930 and Newtongrange Star in 1931. He entered Scottish League football when signed by Hearts in April 1932 and had gradually worked his way into the first team by 1934, appearing mainly as a left-winger. He switched to the right flank from 1934-35 and that season helped Hearts to the Scottish Cup semi-finals, playing in both games as Double-winning Rangers proved too strong in a replay at Hampden Park.

He was first selected to play for Scotland, scoring in a 3-1 win against Ireland at Windsor Park, Belfast in October 1936, winning his second cap against Wales two months later while still a Hearts player. His final cap came in May 1938 when he played in a 3-1 win over The Netherlands in Amsterdam.

Having scored 22 goals in 116 appearances for The Jambos, Munro joined Second Division Blackpool in March 1937 for £3,500, making his Football League debut at Swansea Town on 6th March and helping them on the run in to their promotion to the First Division as Second Division runners up, scoring twice in 7 appearances. He was ever present in Blackpool’s first top flight season in 1937-38.

Described as “not very big, but what he lacks in inches he makes up for in enthusiasm”, he played both sides of the Second World War with The Tangerines, scoring 18 goals in 151 appearances. This total would have been considerably greater but for the disruption of the War, during which time he “guested” for Middlesbrough and Brighton and Hove Albion. The highlight of his Blackpool career was his appearance in the 1948 FA Cup Final, however they lost 4-2 to Manchester United at Wembley. He made his last appearance for Blackpool in an FA Cup tie against Barnsley in January 1949.

Upon his playing retirement in 1950 Munro joined the Blackpool coaching staff. He was later to serve the club as a scout.