John Cumming

Who was John Cumming?

John "Darkie" Cumming was a Scottish international footballer who spent his whole club career with Heart of Midlothian during which he made 612 appearances and scored 58 goals.

Cumming was nicknamed the 'Iron Man' and renowned for his fearless and resolute tackling. His commitment to the team is best typified by a quote from Cumming, now displayed above the entrance to the players tunnel at Tynecastle: "Blood doesn't show on a maroon jersey". This said after Cumming received a head injury in the 1956 Scottish Cup Final and returned to the playing field. Cumming is the most decorated player in Hearts' history, having played through the club's most successful era in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He won two league championship medals, one Scottish Cup medal and four Scottish League Cup medals.

Cumming played nine times for Scotland and also represented the Scottish League XI.

Cumming and his wife Jean 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.