John Cumming

John Cumming (17 March 1930 – 6 December 2008) was a Scottish footballer, who played as a wing half, spending his whole club career with Heart of Midlothian. He made 612 appearances and scored 58 goals for Hearts, and helped them win every major honour in Scottish football. Cumming also represented Scotland and the Scottish League.

Club career Cumming was signed for Heart of Midlothian on provisional forms by the then manager, Dave McLean. At the time Cumming was employed as a pit worker and playing junior league football for Carluke Rovers. Cumming signed fully for Hearts in January 1950. He was quickly dubbed the "Iron Man" for his fearless and resolute tackling. His versatility saw him play at either wing-half or left-back. He even appeared as a goalkeeper for one reserve match.

Dave Mackay had previously been on schoolboy terms at Hearts. Mackay joined the club's pro ranks in 1951. Cumming and Mackay became the duo who made that team tick for the remainder of the 1950s. "He never had a bad game. It was either a fairly good game or an excellent game," said Mackay of Cumming.

Cumming is the most decorated player in Hearts' history, having played throughout the club's most successful era. In nine seasons from 1954 to 1963 Hearts won seven trophies. He won two league championship medals, one Scottish Cup medal and four Scottish League Cup medals.

Personal life Cumming and his wife Jane had a daughter, Jean, a son, James, and five grandchildren. He died on 6 December 2008.

The John Cumming Stadium in his home town of Carluke is named in his honour.