He scored City's winning FA Cup goal, and went on to give his life for his country 90 years ago. The story of Jimmy Speirs Jimmy Speirs was not only a sporting hero for Bradford but also a gallant soldier. If we lived in a society where just rewards were given there should be a statue in Bradford city centre to this man, who died in action 90 years ago next week.

James Hamilton Speirs was born in the Glasgow area on March 22, 1886, one of many males within the family to carry that distinguished name, but in Bradford he will always be known as Jimmy Speirs, scorer of the goal that won the FA Cup for City.

He had played for Clyde before he arrived in Bradford in 1909, becoming one of a large contingent of Scottish players at Valley Parade. He lived in Idle Road, probably as a tenant as his name does not appear on the land registry at that time.

City were in the First Division, having been champions of the Second Division in the 1907/08 campaign, just four years after their formation and after immediate entry to the Football League.

The 1910/11 season was to be the pinnacle of Bradford City's success, the year they brought the FA Cup back to our city, with Jimmy playing a major part.

City went on a run which took them past New Brompton (later to become Gillingham), Norwich City, Grimsby Town, Burnley and Blackburn Rovers to set up a cup final appearance in London against the might of Newcastle United.

Jimmy Speirs not only captained Bradford City in the cup final appearance at the Crystal Palace, but scored the winning goal in the replay at Manchester's Old Trafford ground, to earn a place in the record books.

Over 100,000 Bradfordians turned out to welcome home the winners of the English Cup, designed by Bradford's own jewellers Fattorini. It was definitely Bradford's Cup, in more ways than one.

Jimmy made 96 appearances for City, scoring 33 goals. He left Valley Parade in 1912 and made the short journey east to play for Leeds City, later to be reborn as Leeds United. During his period at Elland Road Jimmy continued to score goals, and despite joining midway through the season he finished second top scorer. In total he made 78 league and cup appearances for Leeds City, scoring 32 goals However, he was still remembered with affection in Bradford, even becoming newsworthy when he visited the city to go to the theatre.

Just before the 1914 season started the First World War had broken out and was affecting leisure and sporting activities. Professional football was not exempt. In January, 1915, Jimmy left Leeds and offered his services for King and Country, joining the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders.

He returned to Glasgow, and ultimately was sent to join the conflict in France where he was quickly promoted, and wounded.

He won the Military Medal for "bravery in the field" although the citation which would have given the exact details of what Jimmy did has not survived. His honour was published in the supplement to the London Gazette on July 17, 1917, and shortly after he became a sergeant.

On August 22, 1917, it appears that Jimmy was hit in the thigh as he and his company made an advance, and crawled into a shell hole. His company did not return by the same route, and it is assumed that he died in that location.

Recent research by Jan Van de Fraen of the Memorial Museum, Passhchendalele, indicates that Jimmy's body was recovered between the lines. Sergeant J H Speirs, MM, lies in plot V1.E 15 , one of 1,439 men buried at Dochy New Farm British Military Cemetery.

Two years ago a group of Bradford City supporters visited the grave and laid a Claret & Amber tribute to a player they had never watched. Robert Torrance, one of Jimmy Speirs's team-mates in that 1911 victory, was killed just two days earlier in the same area.

Although no grave exists, he too is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial at Dochy Farm, within sight of the grave of Jimmy Speirs.

Jimmy is featured in current celebrations to mark the anniversary of Passchendaele and a life-size replica of this great man is on loan to the Memorial Museum, Passchendaele. It was viewed by the Queen, during a recent visit.

For further details see. www.jimmyspeirs.co.uk *In Bradford there is a group of football fans who not only watch the current team but also remember those who trod the Valley Parade pitch in earlier days. They have set up a fascinating exhibition of relics and pictures which fully illustrate the history of Bradford City Football Club.

Last year the museum had to close because its location at Valley Parade was required for other use, but they have now set up the collection again.

The Bantamspast Museum will reopen in the upper floor of the Upfront Club shop at Valley Parade today at 1pm. Mark Lawn, the joint chairman of Bradford City, will perform the opening ceremony.