Jim Cumbes may not be a household name when it comes to legendary football or cricket figures, but his sporting career holds a uniqueness and charm that few others can match. In an era when dual sportsmen were somewhat of a rarity, Cumbes managed to excel in both football and cricket at a professional level. His journey across two distinctly different sports, playing as a goalkeeper on the football pitch and a fast-medium bowler on the cricket field, is a testament to his versatility, determination, and athletic prowess.
Born in East Didsbury, Manchester, on May 4, 1944, James “Jim” Cumbes showcased his sporting talent from a young age, though his passion for cricket and football took root gradually. As we explore his career, we see a man who truly embodied the spirit of a bygone era, when dedication to both sports was not just possible, but in Cumbes’ case, remarkably successful. Cumbes began his professional football career in the early 1960s, joining Tranmere Rovers as a goalkeeper. His imposing height and excellent reflexes quickly made him a solid choice between the posts, but his footballing journey was only beginning. Tranmere provided the foundation, yet, it was his subsequent move to West Bromwich Albion that truly brought Cumbes into the limelight. His time at West Brom marked a pivotal stage in his football career, giving him the opportunity to play at a higher level and establish himself as a dependable presence in goal.
Moreover, during his time at West Brom, Cumbes’ popularity began to rise. He played a key role in Albion’s successes and carved out a name for himself among supporters, particularly for his consistency and calmness under pressure. Yet, it wasn’t just his footballing abilities that garnered attention. He also began presenting shows on BBC Local Radio in the West Midlands, which further cemented his status as a likable and multifaceted public figure. In contrast, Cumbes’ move to Aston Villa in 1973 marked another high point in his football career. As Aston Villa’s first-choice goalkeeper, he became a key player during the club’s rebuilding phase after their relegation to the Second Division. His experience and maturity provided much-needed stability for Villa as they fought their way back up the English football ladder. Nevertheless, this period also brought additional challenges, as Cumbes had to balance his commitments to football with his growing passion for cricket.
While football was the more prominent sport for Cumbes, cricket was never far from his heart. His cricketing journey began in 1963 when he made his debut for Lancashire, but it was interrupted frequently due to his full-time football commitments. As a result, his early cricketing years were somewhat sporadic. However, the seed of his cricketing ambitions was firmly planted when he took his maiden First-Class wicket in his debut game against Worcestershire, dismissing their captain, Don Kenyon. However, it would take almost three years before he returned to First-Class cricket, and his career trajectory in the sport truly began to take shape when he moved to Surrey in 1968. Cumbes’ time at Surrey allowed him to get a more consistent run in the team, and he began showcasing his bowling skills more effectively. During that season, he took 54 wickets at an impressive average of 17.68, including notable performances such as 6-35 against Oxford University and 6-47 against Hampshire. His stock as a cricketer began to rise.
Yet, football commitments continued to disrupt his cricketing exploits, as he spent most of 1970 focused on football, only playing two John Player League games. Nevertheless, in 1971, he returned to Lancashire, though again for only a brief stint due to the overlap with the football season. This balancing act between the two sports became a defining feature of Cumbes’ career, illustrating both his passion and his struggle to give equal attention to both.
It was his move to Worcestershire in the early 1970s that finally provided Cumbes with some long-term stability in his cricketing career. He became a key player for the county over the next decade, and in 1977, he enjoyed one of his finest seasons. That year, he took 51 wickets, including a memorable 6-24 against Yorkshire, which played a crucial role in securing an innings victory for his side. His contributions on the field earned him his county cap the following year, solidifying his place in Worcestershire’s history books.
In addition, Cumbes continued to show his versatility by playing a significant amount of one-day cricket. His performances were consistent, and his popularity within the cricketing world grew, much like it had in football. By 1982, Cumbes had moved to his fourth and final county, Warwickshire, where he took 21 wickets in his last season as a professional cricketer. Interestingly, during his football career, Cumbes also had a brief stint abroad in the North American Soccer League (NASL), playing for the Portland Timbers. The NASL was growing in popularity at the time, attracting several high-profile footballers, including Pelé, against whom Cumbes played during his time in the United States. This overseas experience added another layer to his multifaceted career, showing that he was not afraid to explore new opportunities and challenges, whether in football or cricket.
Cumbes’ sporting career might not be remembered in the same way as some of the bigger names in football or cricket, but his ability to excel in two distinct sports is a feat that deserves recognition. His 376 Football League appearances and more than 300 wickets in First-Class cricket speak volumes about his talent, work ethic, and commitment. Moreover, his career didn’t end with his retirement from playing. Cumbes transitioned into a successful administrative role, serving as Chief Executive of Lancashire County Cricket Club from 1998 to 2012. During his tenure, he oversaw significant improvements both on and off the field, including Lancashire’s first outright County Championship win since 1934 and the redevelopment of Old Trafford.
In conclusion, Jim Cumbes’ footballing career was characterized by solid performances for several clubs, most notably West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa, and Tranmere Rovers, as well as a unique stint in the NASL. However, his story cannot be told without mentioning his simultaneous cricketing career, where he made significant contributions to counties like Worcestershire and Warwickshire. His dual-sport legacy, combined with his later success in administration, makes him one of the most unique figures in British sporting history.