Norman Creek

Norman Creek, often referred to by his initials “FNS”, was educated at Darlington Grammar School before joining the Durham Light Infantry straight from school in 1915. After seeing service in Flanders during World War I, Creek switched to the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1917, and before the War was over flew on 62 missions. He was awarded the Military Cross (MC) for extreme bravery before his 21s birthday.

After the War, Creek went to Trinity College Cambridge and became a two-time football Blue in 1919 and 1921. Only injury in 1920 prevented him winning a third Blue. He also played football for the amateur team, the Corinthians, and in 103 matches between 1919-32 he scored 120 goals. Creek also registered with his local club Darlington FC in the early 1920s, but only played for them twice. He won five amateur international caps, and scored for goals on his début against Wales. He also scored in his only Full England international appearance, a 4-1 win over France at Paris, in 1923.

Creek was a schoolmaster at Dauntsey’s School in Devises, Wiltshire, and between 1926-36 played Minor Counties cricket for Wiltshire, and was useful with both bat and ball. Creek then became a respected broadcaster for the BBC, and was also a highly regarded journalist with the Daily Telegraph and The Times. He served in World War II as a flight-lieutenant in the RAF Volunteer Reserve, and was awarded an MBE in 1943, to go with his Military Cross.

Creek left teaching in 1954 to become the Assistant Director of Coaching at the Football Association, a role which also included managing the national side. He also took charge of the Great Britain squads at the 1956 and 1960 Olympics. He retired in 1963, having remained a “true” amateur throughout his career.