Mike Sinclair (footballer)



Michael John Sinclair (13 October 1938 – 12 May 2017) was an English professional footballer who played as a forward in the Football League for Grimsby Town and Irish League for Ards F.C.

Mike, who was related to Alec Hall (Grimsby Town's Division One team), played in Ronald Humpston's Grimsby Town colts and juniors teams during the managerial reigns of Bill Shankly, Elemér Berkessy, and Billy Walsh; and represented the Lincolnshire County FA in the FA Youth Cup from 1954 to 1956.

He made his Football League debut on 26 April 1958 in a Division Two home fixture versus Bristol Rovers. Mike, who was an apprentice motor fitter, was Grimsby Town Reserves' top goalscorer in the Midland League during the 1957-58 season with 21 goals. Grimsby Town manager Allenby Chilton rewarded him with his full debut where he replaced striker Tommy Briggs. Grimsby won 3-2 with Mike scoring the first goal and setting up the winner for Ron Rafferty.

Mike made no league appearances during the 1958-1959 season, which saw Grimsby relegated to Division Three and the departure of manager Allenby Chilton, but scored the winning goal for Grimsby Town "A" team versus Grimsby Borough Police in the final of the Lincolnshire League Challenge Cup.

He returned to the first-team during the 1959-1960 season under the caretaker management of first-team trainer Bill Lampton; making three appearances, all in away fixtures. Mike was selected to make his 4th league appearance of the season in October 1959 for a home fixture versus QPR but was injured working for S.P. Commercials in Grimsby. He was sidelined from football for a number of months.

Mike signed full-time as a professional footballer under manager Tim Ward and played his final games for Grimsby Town in September 1960 in a Division Three home win versus Reading United and an away draw versus Coventry City. He was called up for National Service, the final intake of men before the UK scheme was scrapped in 1960, and was posted to Northern Ireland for two years.

He made his Irish League debut for Ards F.C. under manager Tommy Ewing on 25 April 1961 in a home fixture versus Bangor F.C. Ards won 4-2 with Mike scoring on his debut. Grimsby Town had agreed loan terms with Ards in a season that saw them finish 3rd in the league behind champions Linfield. Jackie Scott (Johnny), who played for Grimsby Town, Manchester United and Northern Ireland, had recommended Mike to Ards.

Mike won a British Army athletics title (Northern Ireland) in 1961 and was de-mobbed in 1962. He returned to his trade and played football and cricket for Ross Group in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, throughout the 1960s.