Coyne: Cyril

1944-1946 (Player Details) (Leeds United War-time Guest Player Details)

Wing Half

Born: Barnsley: 21-05-1924

Debut v Middlesbrough (h) (F.A. Cup): 05-01-1946

5’8” 10st 8lb (1946)

Signed from Barnsley Main in September 1944, Coyne made fifty-three War-time appearances, scoring nine goals and also guested with York City, where he played one game in the 1944-45 season. He never played for Leeds in the Football League. He started at Inside Right and it was in that position that he first played for United as he made his debut in a 4-2 win over Middlesbrough at Elland Road on 30th September 1944 and celebrated with a goal. He quickly established himself as a regular and only missed six games in the rest of the Competitions in that season and notched his nine goals. He was switched to Left Half for the 1945-46 season and once more was a regular until Bob Batey arrived from Preston North End and Coyne played his twenty-fourth and final game for United in the 4-9 away loss to Bradford Park Avenue on 16th March 1946. Just like Frank Butterworth and Jack Duthoit, his only peace-time appearances were when he played both Legs of the Two-legged F.A. Third Round Cup-tie with Middlesbrough in the 1945-46 season, then dropped out of favour and, in May 1946, joined Stalybridge Celtic in the Cheshire League. He finally made his League debut after signing for Halifax Town in June 1951, when his old Leeds wartime team-mate Gerry Henry was in charge. He made four League appearances in the 1951-52 season at the Shay before he retired. He died in Leeds just before Christmas 1981.