Career
Born in Birchover, Derbyshire, Shimwell was a trainee with Sheffield United in 1939, but failed to break into the first team before the outbreak of World World War World War II In 1943-1944, he made 15 guest appearances for Southampton. Shimwell began his professional career with Sheffield United in 1946, but on 20 December he made the move to the club with which he made his name. The Blades had refused Shimwell permission to run a public — the Plough Inn, in Two Dales — which prompted him to put in a transfer request. manager Joe Smith jumped in to sign the full-back for £7,000.
His debut for was supposed to be against Charlton Athletic, the day after his signing, but it was put back after his train got stuck in snow, which meant he didn"t arrive at The Valley until half-time.
His first game came four days later, on Christmas Day, against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. He replaced Eric Sibley, and from that moment he made the right-back position his own. reached that year"s final, in which they met eventual victors Manchester United, and Shimwell became the first full-back to score in such a Wembley event when his 12th-minute penalty gave the lead.
On 13 May 1949, at the age of 29, Shimwell gained his only England cap, against Sweden. Indeed, he made only one more start for the Seasiders, on 19 January 1957, at home to Sunderland, but it gave the faithful amongst the 18,702 present the chance to say farewell to the defender after thirteen years of service.
In May, Shimwell was given a free transfer to Third Division Oldham Athletic.
He played only seven games for the club before joining Burton Albion as player-manager. He finished his playing career while at Matlock Town in 1960. After hanging up his boots, Shimwell became licensee at The Royal Volunteer, a public in Clay Cross, Derbyshire.
He was also the licensee of the Plough Inn, Two Dales, and later of the Duke of Wellington, Matlock.
Shimwell died in 1988 at the age of 68.