John Cumming Footballer | 1930 - 2008

Hearts legend whose bravery inspired trophy haul during 1950s and ’60s

John Cumming was a Scottish midfielder who was the most decorated players in Heart of Midlothian's history and an inspiring captain.

The international who made 503 competitive appearances for the Edinburgh club, died on 8 December, 2008 aged 78.

Cumming, who was born in the mining town of Carluke, west of Edinburgh, on 17 Match, 1930, joined Hearts from local side Carluke Rovers for a fee of £105 in 1948.

Over the two decades he was virtually ever-present as Hearts enjoyed their most lucrative era, winning the Scottish Championship in the 1957/58 and 1959/60 seasons.

They also won the Scottish Cup in 1956 and the Scottish League Cup four times, in 1955, 1959, 1960 and 1963.

The left-winger established himself as the link between defence and attack and his commitment earned him the nickname 'Iron Man' - in the Cup Final against Celtic he suffered concussion and had four stitches in his forehead, but still managed to boss the midfield.

He played nine times for the Scottish national team and also represented the Scottish Football League.

After retiring from playing in 1967 he coached at Hearts for seven years before returning to the coalmining industry where he had worked before becoming a footballer.

Hearts staged a testimonial for him in 1980 and elected him to their Hall of Fame in 2006.

A statement from Hearts following his passing described him as "one of the greatest players ever to wear a maroon shirt".