Archive Films

Think of some of Swindon Town Football Club's all-time great players, and the names Don Rogers, John Trollope, Colin Calderwood and John Moncur might spring to mind.

But long before any of those players ever kicked a football around the County Ground, Harold Fleming was the toast of the club.

Fleming in action

Fleming joined Swindon in 1907, and over the next 17 years he scored a whopping 203 goals in 322 games.

His glowing career was only sidelined by the advent of World War One, when he temporarily became a PE instructor.

As one of Swindon's most famous sons he has a road in the town centre named after him, and a bronze statue in his image stands proudly in the foyer of the County Ground.

Until now, Fleming's footballing prowess has been the stuff of legend, but recently discovered footage of the player in his prime shows he was indeed a sportsman to be reckoned with.

The film, which depicts a footballing masterclass from Fleming at the County Ground in the twenties was bought off eBay by STFC fan James Turner for the princely sum of £10.00.

A caption card from the silent footage

One notable scene shows Fleming demonstrating his 'Triangular Game' technique designed to enable a player to keep possession of the ball.

Swindon Town FC historian Dick Mattic said of the find: "For all Swindon memorabilia fans it is an absolute gem."

Fleming may have died in 1955 but the discovery of this remarkable film brings the Swindon hero's skills back to life.