robert bernard born april english professional manager played known natural scorer goal ability best remembered time liverpool sixth highest history premier league scored goals total liverpool scored premier league premier league goals total earned nickname god crowd club legend goal subsequently played leeds united manchester city returning liverpool january moved clubs months later sign cardiff city refused year pay play contract extension signed month deal terms instead december departed forged career australia north queensland fury perth glory joined thai united player later appointed player manager remained retirement capped england times scoring goals included england squads euro euro world cup early life born liverpool brought inner city area liverpool time known robert mother surname lived time riots years old supported played regularly team scored times rout club career liverpool career began liverpool signed youth team player leaving school middle signing professional terms 17th birthday april involvement liverpool team came january unused substitute cup round tie following close season helped england team win european championship making scoring team debut liverpool win round league cup tie september scored goals second leg weeks later making fourth player liverpool history score senior fixture scored league hat trick southampton fifth league game league goal reds come october minute home struggling athletic saved reds biggest premier league season goal giving liverpool win scored twice thrilling draw december games club yielded goals rewarded england debut san november scored england opening goal minute unable sustain goal game ratio season finished season club leading scorer goals competitions rush scored goals league disappointing season liverpool finished eighth premier league making impact major competitions departure manager appointment roy evans successor built hope future success fame season present liverpool playing competitive matches including victory league cup final match arsenal scored premier league second fastest hat trick minutes seconds record stood years broken southampton villa scored goals minutes seconds scored villa town city league season voted young player year consecutive years feat ryan wayne mid late 1990s widely considered natural finisher playing england sealed reputation scored goals consecutive seasons remains player scored plus goals seasons england scoring goals total half years beaten partnership steve largely described reason liverpool club known potent attacking force england time renowned scoring goals varieties angle distance describing greatest time stan strike partner said autobiography best player played alongside prolific goal scoring strike partnerships england season season scored twice victory newcastle united match voted best decade premier league poll match helped prevent newcastle winning league liverpool clinch title finished manchester united crowned champions played cup final season losing manchester united won received england squad won cap march substitute friendly bulgaria start international level croatia england game following substitute appearance england squad euro making appearances tournament december scored including liverpool meant reached century goals game quicker strike partner rush games year won fair play award denying arsenal david penalty given unsuccessfully trying persuade referee change decision penalty took saved failed hold ball jason scored rebound people believe deliberately took penalty kick poorly reasons fair play said time job wanted score tried score missed purpose happened bad penalty boys group liverpool players mid-1990s dubbed boys press following series field controversies term coined daily_mail arose rumours dating girl emma term subsequently manner implying colleagues stan david james steve performance football season marred knee injury kept action half season caused miss world cup period injury fellow liverpool michael owen rose prominence making debut owen established liverpool team absence fined club bringing game celebrating goal liverpool rivals white line penalty area simulate cocaine use liverpool manager stated grass eating celebration learnt teammate song defending later said response fans insulted false accusations drug abuse received match suspension incident disciplinary hearing received match suspension separate incident defender waving wife children watched stands later attempted justify actions suggesting simply extension imposed fine match ban incidents apologized incident winning cup season successful season appeared finals scoring goals lifting trophies unique cup absence sidelined injury named liverpool captain started found choice liverpool favouring forward partnership michael owen took fourth round league cup city scoring hat trick victory second club biggest win defeat league cup final birmingham city club cup final captained scored 30th minute liverpool went win trophy penalties scoring liverpool fifth shootout picked man match award lifted trophy season picked scored important goals including runaway champions manchester united free kick cup semi final featured substitute cup final coming minute replacement liverpool point eventually won game goals owen raised trophy days later substitute liverpool final cup final came minute score scored seven minutes later time liverpool eventually won golden goal goal minute raised liverpool trophy season liverpool final game season athletic scored twice victory valley assured champions league qualification season liverpool departure began season dropped manager liverpool squad charity shield match following training ground confrontation assistant manager thompson appearance liverpool european super cup victory munich starts intermittent october scored league hat trick years helping liverpool beat leicester city dropped following league match contract extension unlike steve exercised year linked arsenal leeds liverpool management fans media constantly reported happened regarded huge financial loss repeated club rejected bids consideration meant coupled relationship speculation future persisted tenure issue divided liverpool fans appearance liverpool substituted half time leeds united despite popularity liverpool fans referred god michael owen established liverpool regular strike partnership leaving fringes team difficult relationship seek regular team football away form million leeds united maintains forced liverpool accused liverpool echo newspaper use influence turn opinion transfer went ahead month hat trick leicester leeds debut away game december ground liverpool debut years earlier scored goals remainder season helping leeds cup qualifying place included england squad world cup appearance coming substitute second round win denmark suffered pre existing hip injury pre season recover december struggling gain fitness seeing team mates sold financial crisis form market value diminished despite decrease form total scored goals appearances leeds achieving impressive strike rate goal games leeds finished 15th premier league severe financial crisis developing manchester city season transferred manchester city following protracted transfer saga initially turned dispute manchester city manager kevin chairman david transfer place medical concerns resulted leaving club following encouragement finally signed manchester city january initial fee million million dependent appearances bizarre transfer conditions meant leeds united paid significant proportion wages manchester city debut west february poor start manchester city career scoring goals remainder season continued struggle fitness problems season completing minutes times score old club liverpool draw home arrival close friend steve real madrid gave hope pair failed prolific partnership time liverpool received criticism fans salaries alleged named sex scandal covered news world year despite slump rallied following campaign showed marked improvement second half season scoring goal win city february failure convert minute penalty kick mark final game season prevented manchester city gaining place cup despite ended season club joint goal scorer gained approval fans finishing fans player year poll later described achievements career injury problems start season rarely featured fit making substitute appearances months season start season came united cup january scored hat trick following week scored manchester city goal win local rivals manchester united coming substitute appearance manchester city returning liverpool free transfer return liverpool january rejoined liverpool manchester city free transfer signing contract end season remained liverpool fan left club istanbul crowd liverpool won champions league fans learn returned large banners game birmingham city read god number welcome heaven god nickname previously liverpool return birmingham city february labelled tabloid press stuff said felt like kid waking christmas morning day appearance substitute birmingham receiving standing ovation introduction return goals ruled finally getting mark march home game opponents scored goal liverpool years earlier liverpool goal west meant overtook kenny club time resurgence continued marked 31st birthday goal goals games scored goal victory april fitness remained concern march manager commented work progress saying buy fit scoring goals cost lot maybe despite concerns fitness finished season scoring consistent basis liverpool offered new year contract club celebrated scoring goal liverpool league game season away win portsmouth final game season unable club cup final success cup tied featured rarely final liverpool season making league starts league goals penalties sheffield united away game opening day season reverse fixture appearances competitions common squad rotation policy october named liverpool captain time return league cup tie reading scoring half time win december scored goals champions league competition proper previously scored qualifying tie years prior liverpool lost substitute champions league semi final brought minutes extra time set attack shot went straight match went penalty shoot liverpool won fifth final spot kick game ended home winning penalty appearance club athletic given captain final time substituted minutes final whistle given standing ovation finished second run liverpool player champions league runners medal named starting seven free agent july having scored goals appearances spells club cardiff city july signed year contract play cardiff city missed season opening fixtures lack fitness making debut league cup tie august scored cardiff goals september preston north end scoring scored twice game round league cup tie west cardiff won led fourth round tie club liverpool liverpool faithful crowd urged score seeing time play cardiff knocked defeat november travelled frankfurt germany specialist sports injuries doctor try resolve recurring hip problem left lacking fitness early season fixtures treatment involved taking hip returned training late november comeback december late substitute defeat bristol city went suffer injury blow days later tackle training club captain purse left damaged ankle new injury blow cardiff plans colorado united_states undergo surgery hip problem plagued recent seasons hope finally resolve problem january announced miss rest season cardiff hip operation revealed injury worse previously thought forced perform micro fracture order hip heal properly despite attempted comeback end season play cup final portsmouth included man match squad feature game receive runners medal having appearance competition offered new pay play contract cardiff season expected sign contract pulled deal preferring accept offer trial liverpool colleague paul left cardiff manager dave jones chairman peter furious club assisted rehabilitation summer training appearing handful offered month deal club january turned deal shorter offer previous rejected cardiff turning offer shock returning cardiff deal originally turned prompting anger supporters swift thanks club concluded trial period agreeing month pay play deal stated eager return premier league pre existing relationship earn treatment appearance win league cup september month left contract received interest league town noted friend manager mike held talks park possible player coach role club month deal expired december offered new contract released club entered talks new australian league club north queensland fury north queensland fury signed north queensland fury february inaugural player family relocating season australian league important signing new franchise struggled sign player questioned able cope heat humidity north queensland debut july pre season loss perth recovering groin hip complaints subsequently named north queensland fury captain season club history scored league goal penalty kick club competitive match sydney saturday august rounds scored solo league goal week shortly arrival australia reported british media making swift return homeland sign league appointed liverpool team mate john barnes manager quick dismiss talk quick return england barnes dismissed months later reported approached player manager reports dismissed controversy erupted reportedly refused play brisbane january named interchange bench clash returned starting line games season ended season collecting hat trick awards clubs end season awards night awarded clubs player year players player year golden boot goal scorer june confirmed taking legal action ending playing contract north queensland fury fury football federation australia took running club perth glory april announced agreed glory squad league season reportedly ignored offers middle_east clubs sydney play perth joined glory pre season training mid june following world cup sponsorship commitments scored goal perth august penalty melbourne heart followed headed goal following week wellington phoenix following match hat trick gave glory victory melbourne victory dairy stadium ended year scorer club united july agreed play united signing year contract press conference stated weather conditions problem played perth quickly hit fans thai public general attended thailand world cup wearing national team shirt played handful scoreless games stadium road cup twin eliminated competition kuwait head coach player coach october minutes play scored goal scored club career goal december february announced left club following appointment coach return england retirement march manager confirmed training earn deal end season agree deal decided signing offered week team appearance september announced retired professional football said television soccer interview march said officially retired jump opportunity play stated interviews currently completing coaching man interviewed vacant manager job conference town manager john eventually appointed time basis featured match august came bench minute big reception liverpool fans failed score goal april featured charity match commemorate lives liverpool fans died disaster scored goals team draw january tweeted unbelievable player officially hanging boots sad day officially announced retirement soccer aid revealed return pitch play england soccer aid charity football match aid alongside international career earned cap england march coming minute substitute friendly win bulgaria stadium april won second cap start england draw croatia despite having caps england manager terry selected man squad euro went substitute appearances tournament featuring win netherlands final group game draw spain quarter finals game england won penalties feature england qualifying campaign world cup mainly knee injury missed man squad tournament manage score goal country march second goal friendly win mexico stadium second goal followed cap november half time friendly win june played competitive game england nearly years starting draw bulgaria euro qualifying kevin named preliminary squad euro featuring warm games brazil ukraine malta named final squad june play tournament england eliminated group stages scored fourth goal england second goal friendly win mexico pride park derby september scored competitive goal england win albania james park newcastle qualifying world cup england qualified world cup scoring italy selected man squad tournament south_korea japan didn appear england group matches june came second half substitute win denmark round turned cap country won total caps england scored goals coaching career returning england worked league hoc basis assist club coaching staff april bury confirmed join coaching staff week assist briefly coached liverpool april united took action sacked head coach statement website read board appointed acting head coach terminate contract portuguese boss contract end season team adapt long term goals succeed asia making player coach united liverpool academy october announced taking coaching role liverpool academy september revealed applied vacant head coach manager job club leeds united style play prolific goal scorer quick good technical ability naturally left possessed accurate powerful shot inside outside area feet effective air despite reputation goal creative player capable linking players laying ball despite talent known injury prone career personal life married wife june town scotland daughters named madison son jacob supporter liverpool regularly attends matches media work sports channel sky sports itv association long term friend steve invested named company partnership notably queen elizabeth queen mother celebration chase runner listed wealthiest sunday_times rich list paper estimating property portfolio sports promotions company reported net assets million business interests including large property portfolio resulted net wealth totaling million gave rise manchester city football club chant live house sung tune yellow submarine september released book called autobiography time issues surrounding transfer liverpool updated included section return excerpts published newspapers included criticism england management june participated alongside steve nash showdown charity soccer game roosevelt park manhattan making goals including participated select world dictator select public relations fundraiser war torn nation capital match caused press western world mainly human rights record known practices torture rape weapons rule british press cited use payment parade event particularly evil guardian football moment bed cousin boxer commonwealth games gold career statistics managerial statistics honours club liverpool cup league cup charity shield cup super cup international england european football championship individual young player year award fair play award trophy north queensland fury player year north queensland fury golden boot north queensland fury players player year perth glory golden boot premier league player month december january


jon jon born december english semi professional plays defender northern premier league premier division club started career diamonds released spells cambridge city kingdom city reached football conference play final town unsuccessful play campaign season signed exeter city played conference national play final defeat returning left cambridge united year later playing conference premier play final spells forest green town town newport county town signed york city won promotion league fourth appearance conference play final following victory final winning trophy final released club year later club career early career born began career youth system diamonds team debut football conference club year old conference league cup game town december signed contract end scholarship failing break team squad released dropped divisions join southern league division east search team football impressed moving southern league premier division cambridge city february scoring goals league appearances end season appearances scoring goals season spending close season kingdom american premier development league returned england joining league premier division city year contract august debut came victory away charity cup round august scoring goal home win august played cup round defeat second division team county november scored goals games season spending second close season kingdom making appearances scoring goals premier development league town released signed football conference town august having appeared pre season debut home win stanley august scoring goal win away united august having impressive start scoring goals games signed contract lasting end season october sent home defeat december given match suspension making return defeat away january played football conference play final town stadium lost penalty shoot draw following extra time season finished having scored goals appearances qualified play offs season played semi final games united ended draw aggregate missed penalty kick penalty shoot scored penalty secured place play final having finished season goals appearances released despite rated best attacking conference national exeter city joined conference national exeter city year contract manager alex described saying years age fits bill type player help season tim likes forward score goals good grounding league non league football debut win away august scoring goal september away scored win club december targeted opposition fans manager terry brown claimed left financial reasons match said got manager proved wrong didn think good fans game focus finished season goals appearances exeter targeted fellow conference national athletic december remaining exeter offered new contract club february sign played exeter conference national play final conference play final played new stadium assisted lee phillips ninth minute opening goal exeter went lose appearances scored goals exeter season return diamonds returned conference premier club diamonds signing year contract debut draw away august scoring goal strike draw away salisbury city september started season playing played late february went run scoring goals consecutive games appeared conference league cup final recreation ground april match finished draw extra time won penalty shoot appearances scored goals season missing present status missing game season athletic injury cambridge united town joined conference premier rivals cambridge united year contract fee august debut came win away victoria august scored goal time winner home win october soon told manager provide support team agreeing saying added responsibility start shooting pressure forwards goals help team immediately followed winning goal home win october coming low right shot corner yards sending cambridge came receiving second yellow card home defeat town trophy second round january return suspension home draw oxford united january came minute substitute paul conference premier play final united won having struggled impact cambridge season finished goals games transfer listed sent loan start season divisional rivals forest green month august debut following day home defeat town going seven appearances forest green forest green interested taking loan appointing new manager left cambridge loan joining conference premier rivals town month loan november scoring debut goal close range draw home borough november making appearances scoring goal loan spell signed permanently rest season january released end season having appearances scored goals signing permanently town newport county signed southern league premier division town july set sign town conference north trial signed conference premier club newport county short term contract october making debut later day 28th minute substitute martin john home defeat town substituted minute scored appearance newport winning goal sam cross 29th minute extra time victory away trophy round replay december released newport december having appearances scored goal club town joined conference premier town contract end season january fighting quoted saying stay positive know transitional period club lot going debut later day half time substitute wilson loss away town goal came time home victory april having entered match minute finished season appearances goal agreed stay ahead season non contract terms belief permanent contract later agreed started season playing defensive york city august signed conference premier rivals york city contract january having impressed manager mills playing york days earlier debut day later coming 56th minute substitute patrick draw away town soon converted right york position displayed ability start attacking moves goal york came win away united october shot right corner goal edge penalty box signed new contract york end season january featured york won trophy final club newport days later played win promotion league conference premier play final victory town successful achieving promotion football league fourth appearance conference play final having appearances scored goals york season signed new year contract club july ahead season football league player quoted saying long time coming going embrace enjoy minute think team played gone reach league finally achieve dream come true doesn end appearance league player league cup round game away august minute substitute york lost penalty shoot extra time draw successful converting penalty finished season appearances released york april return halifax town signed august playing northern premier league premier division club pre season impressive performances december culminated named player month signed dual registration deal conference premier team halifax town january debut draw away january appearances halifax resuming playing february played final lincolnshire senior cup beat town penalty shoot following draw extra time april took manager november following andrew wilson remained charge appointment graham manager november international career capped twice england national game team represents england non league level making debut belgium november making second appearance italy february personal life married wife summer fan star wars films imperial march played ceremony career statistics match played april managerial statistics november honours york city conference premier play offs trophy lincolnshire senior cup


arthur bell arthur bell november april english played inside forward started career joining football league seven years bell league appearances scored goals lancashire club career won caps england national amateur football team architect trade bell played amateur cricketer cricket club years time won lancashire league championships selected represent lancashire second occasions biography bell born lancashire november children born thomas elizabeth bell educated grammar school amateur sporting career worked professionally architect miss matches work commitments involved building new road stand turf stadium died april age football youth bell played amateur football joining football league second division february debut club january win lincoln city turf winning goal scored storey playing senior match transferring bell selected campaign playing left inside forward defeat leicester january unable break team months following season form fellow inside forward william jackson new signing appearance campaign draw away town january bell scored competitive goal win trinity weeks later march scored late goal loss away manchester united total bell played league matches season scored goals bell selected play opening match season home defeat west bell kept place following match dropped trip favour william summer signing non league club recalled visit liverpool october unavailable spent months team bell appearances season playing consecutive defeats january found involved team campaign making league appearances january played cup game career eliminated southern league round bell scored goal season february opening goal draw port march scored home wins leeds city missing matches season commitments bell chosen replace visit nottingham forest september weeks later scored twice home win burton united went score goals appearances including late winner away leeds city victory overshadowed news leeds forward soldier wilson died collapsing match bell went score total goals highest return single season performances led england amateur team april won cap defeat netherlands match played alongside england like bell professional architect missed opening month following season bell quickly reclaimed status choice players starting league matches campaign scored appearance season draw away derby county scored twice win town november bell scored cup goal career home tie southampton january prevent southern league securing victory continued play work cricket allowed campaign making league appearances scored twice season scored defeat away athletic november scored winning goal defeat december bell played final league game loss derby county december retired football shortly stating playing football winter addition cricket summer combined managing architecture practice demanding career statistics cricket aside football bell accomplished amateur cricketer assisted cricket club choose play cricket football seasons overlapped member won lancashire league went captain team won consecutive titles bell won fifth lancashire league title season left handed batsman bowled slow left arm bell represented lancashire second occasions selected matches surrey yorkshire second teams season july played minor counties championship draw turf entering play substitute rhodes injured fielding


born february retired played number english clubs 1990s 2000s currently assistant manager new mills professional club manchester united reach team making league debut moving united played seven years moving bristol city years later moved manchester city fee known time manchester city scored goals finishing club scorer consecutive seasons leaving city spells reading city united retiring represented bermuda times scoring goals early life born capital hamilton living mother grandmother introduction english football came april invited join grammar school football basketball tour spent weeks playing english high school teams including leicester city youth team age left home education united_states soccer scholarship columbia high school new_jersey whilst home bermuda thanksgiving break spotted scouts manchester united invited england trial encouragement mother football player accepted scholarship time play instead played creative club career early career trial resulted offer professional contract break team signed united order play team football time suffered finding difficult adapt english climate took good years life england thought sun wasn gradually got living england course seven seasons gained reputation reliable lower division scoring goals appearances winner medal auto shield highlight league cup tie gave experience playing premier league team leg scored goal game won won return leg eliminated brief loan spell county appearance nottingham club work permit problem end season disagreement manager decided future lay close season received offers spanish club newly formed south having recently married decided stay england shortly moved bristol city fee bristol city debut came scored bristol city lost city finished season fifth qualifying playoffs lost following season bristol city pushing promotion division scored regularly eventually named team year division little years bristol city scored goals appearances march transfer deadline day signed manchester city paid bristol city services manchester city joined manchester city turbulent point history newly appointed manager joe battling save club second division scored goals seven remaining matches season prevent club relegated tier english football time fans initially ability goals scored supporters gradually won creating song honour feed goat score tune season saw score goals finishing season manchester city winning goal play semi final athletic sending manchester city stadium playoff final saw city promoted penalty shootout season successful club goal score time goals named manchester city player year supporters manchester city promoted second successive year summer awarded freedom bermuda june declared day island following season appearance flight football age injury presence new world player year george meant wait months established team manchester city consecutive season goals save team close season took place manchester city manager departing replaced kevin season manchester city player francis lee score goals season city promoted champions club scorer fourth time row scorer division summer speculation transferred manchester city twice broken transfer record buying jon stayed opportunities limited started games scored seven goals including 100th club came derby match local rivals manchester united february struck opposition score fastest goal substitute premier league history seconds coming pitch scored goal won city match shortly end season announced intention leave manchester city season finished order seek regular team football final match manchester city asked captain manchester city final game maine road total scored goals appearances manchester city ending career critical kevin claims praised feels wanted daddy manchester city later career moved reading august reading chairman john described transfer biggest reading football club history time happy shortly arrival reading manager left west united replacement steve regard plans second final season reading played times loaned city considered retirement instead moved league club united final season professional free transfer completed august acted mentor young contributed second successive promotion scoring goals final appearance retirement played bristol city clubs crowd included estimated manchester city fans travelled mark occasion retiring returned bermuda receiving official welcome premier bermuda alex scott arrival week later played bermuda national team appreciation game expressed wish enter coaching following retirement studied coaching licence organised annual grass roots soccer festival football coaching event children bermuda september united soccer leagues announced bermuda receive professional football team play division american football second division roles director player team bermuda left bermuda concentrate youth coaching north village home town partners bermuda based east end group limited announced amalgamation telecommunications networks limited renamed east end november added group business east end asphalt east end aviation serves group business development manager england regular appearances local media covering manchester area included column entitled read goat official manchester city match programme regular guest spot bbc radio manchester programme blue tuesday august announced join northern premier league division north club new mills assistant manager andy september resigned new mills defeats games international career played national team times scoring goals bermuda standing world football played major international tournament international appearance age canada season missed weeks club season order represent country qualifying world cup bermuda finished group containing el_salvador canada jamaica final appearance june el_salvador playing bermuda professional player team journalist chris described difference team mates class player island went england quick totally different player lot aggressive better ball problem sets chances noted detrimental aspect fitness dropped bermuda like holiday team ate liked kept professional diet weeks peer pressure took personal life married childhood sweetheart daughters born october manchester awarded services sport young people bermuda autobiography feed goat story published september career statistics international goals scores results list bermuda goal tally honours club united football league trophy manchester city football league second division play offs football league division united football league individual football league division scorer team year


norman norman born northern_ireland international played world cups played began career manchester united signing professional forms age quickly key member scored goals league cup appearances club seven years picking cup winners medals playing youth cup final league cup final charity shield remained united july sold retired playing years later aged knee injury holds records youngest player world cup youngest player score league cup cup final youngest player score senior goal manchester united winning caps northern_ireland played world cups helped country win british home championship retiring player works corporate department old early years born belfast norman grew road aggressive physical playing style later nicknamed manchester united supporters family later moved danube street family poverty meant share bed brothers remained relatively unscathed troubles protestant parents kept firm watch children ensure stray far home involved age seven joined boys brigade quickly showed natural talent football scoring goals game boys twice age educated high school famous area age said discovered town scout jim goals level meant known football scouts northern_ireland told manager bobby wait grew older instead manchester united year old scout bob bishop previously unearthed belfast born george best club offered trial english club family manchester united supporters held particular allegiance found offered terms club school trip united_states trip classmates met president jimmy carter oval office rare extraordinary occasion children background club career manchester united days old sign terms manchester united offered trial liverpool causing united chief scout joe brown fly belfast immediately offer contract sign remained belfast flew manchester weekend training age constantly compared retired george best little cease comparisons told journalist thing common george best come place play club discovered man injury problems started early years old saw bobby resolve groin strain said highly physical subjected damaged robbed natural pace lack pace later seen weakness game weeks july looking challenge preston north end player team game saw requiring operation right knee injury occurred couple years later able pioneering surgery potentially saved career seven month lay operation remove returned fitness january adapt playing style compensate damaged knee developed youth team coach harrison united youngest team player duncan edwards debut substitute brighton league win ground april weeks 17th birthday later played youth cup final defeat year appeared final senior competition turned professional old 17th birthday signing year contract shared room steve heading retirement knee injury struck close friendship paul face similar problems knee final day season days 17th birthday club youngest home win city performances world cup convinced manager ron start alongside frank united attack season pair similar players held ball frequent runs box allowing join attack scored goals games campaign entering seventeen game drought scored goals games domestic cup competitions season helping manchester united finals league cup cup notably scoring past arsenal cup semi finals age years days beat liverpool centre half score league cup final defeat making youngest player score league cup final consistent performances liverpool 1980s earned moniker united supporters gave assist cup final finished draw brighton age years days scored headed goal replay united won youngest player score cup final player score domestic cup finals season played times competitions season missed league games scoring total goals manchester united later accepted million offer milan offered cash accept transfer refused felt good future manchester united given brief time consider relocate club location knew little continued impress despite loan tipped team place sign permanent contract happened united exiting domestic cup competitions division sides play memorable win barcelona old round cup winners cup lost starting place mark hughes semi final clash ended defeat february started games season having fallen order hughes new signing brazil injury moses left opening centre field proved revelation role intelligent play positioning skills stayed rest manager ron time club formed solid partnership despite similarly attacking players united lost games new partnership operation scored hat trick professional career home win west united march cup quarter finals perfect hat trick scored foot head went score winning goal cup final shot right hand 20th minute extra time man united victory second cup winner medal goal required vision timing precise shooting guardian praised cool brain clever shot success negotiated new contract year united won drew opening league matches campaign destined win division title dropped mid season won final games end season fourth place press blamed decline form club drinking culture ron disciplinary attitude autobiography denies blame states stories player drinking sessions exaggerated came decline career young age began soon arrival new manager alex november change manager coming dismal start season led decision sack ron facing trouble right knee beginning require medical procedures prevent causing retirement turn scored times games injury numerous drinking sessions ended season goals appearances united manage 11th place finish felt excitement felt watching player highest class self assurance extraordinary year old excellence technique gave easy mastery ball gift making time stamp quality island looking making decisions rarely surrendered possession increased angle weight passes receiver fight ball eyes cold steel temperament match player close genius category start season represented football league game rest world celebrate league centenary formed solid partnership brian scoring goals appearances united finished second league liverpool found bench peter selected play alongside felt better contract decided bluff club handing transfer request recovering injury abuse supporters transfer request united fans best performance career april came substitute team help united salvage point midway season missed year team action goal win derby county league match baseball ground february prove manchester united limited appearances summer came close joining american club portland injury negotiations hold view medical reports rejected bids spain ron new club sheffield wednesday accepting bid follow reached games july dismay club supporters felt hope establish key player club recently years earlier intended build team having signed duo mike hunt players including paul wallace played total games competitions united scoring goals collected winner medals cup despite years old left signed year contract alex helped negotiate pay deal earn years park years manchester offered tabloid article criticising declined offer time boasted recent success manchester united having won league titles cup european cup winners cup manager harvey planning boost chances signed mike martin formed effective partnership stuart score goals appearances finished season sixth place points rivals liverpool intense running sessions ran coach took toll right knee september took knock practice match required operation right knee return howard manager november managed appear reserve team games delayed inevitable forced retire game age june game manchester united old united lost title previous week turned occasion international career broke record youngest player appear world cup debuted northern_ireland aged years days world cup spain selected world cup squad manager billy played competitive games club level opening game yugoslavia june international debut received yellow card second half challenge game finished days later helped iron draw honduras disappointment believed doomed northern_ireland chances advancing competition needed win hosts spain final group game stadium faced partisan atmosphere spanish crowd spanish speaking referee unwilling punish dirty play spanish players mistake gifted armstrong goal game despite having sent minutes northern_ireland went record historic win played left draw austria stadium win france semi finals french team inspired won eliminated northern_ireland competition featured qualifying euro green white army suffered heartbreak winning final group game west_germany managing better world best man markers germans secured qualification place group final match group late winner albania nation achieve glory year helped northern_ireland win 100th edition british home championship northern_ireland won qualification world cup second successive tournament draw england final group game scored goals qualification process strike romania windsor park proving crucial ended qualifying romanian expense world cup finals mexico scored country result tournament draw algeria beaten group games losing spain brazil won total caps scored times years playing northern_ireland personal life post retirement married wife october met relationship despite fears protestant catholic marriage ended couple years children subsequently married retirement studied graduating degree university served victoria assistant manager october march quit role enjoy time spent travelling games playing career attended courses pick coaching wish coaching instead dinner speaker worked professional association taking course manchester metropolitan university later took private practice manchester worked corporate department old released book entitled memories manchester united help writer rob released autobiography entitled determined august published headline foreword actor james saturday comes magazine reviewer wrote determined entertaining written account ordinary 1980s added twist able rebuild life knee month reported diagnosed irregular heart rhythms worked itv coverage euro statistics club statistics notes european statistics cup cup winners cup statistics listed autobiography international statistics international goals scores results list northern_ireland goal tally honours manchester united cup charity shield northern_ireland british home championship


billy meredith william henry billy meredith july april welsh professional considered early superstars football performances notably manchester city manchester united won domestic trophy english football league gained caps wales scored goals won british home championship titles favoured position outside right key skills passing crossing shooting dedicated extremely fit professional habit games instantly seasons football league including seasons lost world war season banned opposition player scored goals league cup appearances played joining victoria career took signed manchester city turned professional january captained team club major honour victory cup final moved manchester united banned villa half alex lose match won league title cup charity shields helped set players union fore runner professional association returned manchester city age played games retiring making oldest player city united wales later ran road hotel helped coach short lived manchester central early life meredith born small mining town north wales south started work black park pit pony driver age family primitive meredith remained lifelong spent years working mines worked tough time industry enduring pay cut led strike action experience helped shape political views significant later life interest football elder brothers eldest train driver lancashire yorkshire railway work allowed meredith watch professional teams football keen miners standard amateur teams towns villages north east wales high result won welsh cup times miners making large proportion team meredith brothers played football sam years older billy impression left attempt professional career went play city meredith debut team september club played combination league contained mixture town clubs reserve teams clubs big cities end season meredith played welsh cup final lost meredith formed solid understanding inside right william owen wales international withdrew combination entered welsh league low caused coal miners strike attempt ends meet meredith played accepted offer play football league club victoria gave small fee expenses struggling withdrew football league end season finishing second division club won league matches meredith featured win meredith gained honour team beat westminster win welsh cup club career spell manchester city meredith performances gained attention clubs football league jones player spoke possible secretary felt meredith inexperienced frame slight lawrence official noticed match meredith played meetings clubs season later known manchester city vigorously pursued meredith signature club officials travelled wales meet player secretary manager chairman john pair met suspicion anecdotes contemporary figures suggest initially chased away locals allowed speak meredith bought drinks mining colleagues meredith wish abandon life mother particularly idea gentlemen leave big cities come villages steal boys away boys happy healthy satisfied work innocent billy takes advice stick work play football amusement work finished meredith eventually sign manchester city amateur continued work pit year forth matches meredith manchester city debut november loss newcastle united following week played home match club road scored goals newton heath later manchester united manchester derby place league newton heath won match turned professional january ended season goals appearances strikes scorer pat played extra games season manchester city meredith finished scorer appointed club captain second season club aged club finished second division runners denied promotion heavy defeats west small heath test matches departure strike partner pat liverpool march meredith remained city star player new partner season william smith known smith differentiate william smith team whilst placed centre forward meredith provided crosses box picking numerous assists meredith goals meredith acted mentor slightly younger steering away drinking sessions taking fishing trips final match season saw meredith score hat trick club win burton city dominated second division season won promotion champions helping winning ways close season late signing jimmy ross veteran forward meredith considered favourite hero meredith claimed goals games including hat tricks town meredith scored city goal division opening day season defeat park september seven days later claimed goals home victory derby county led field day ball length pitch launching powerful shot settled corner jack net athletic news reported real brilliance right wing meredith ross took division defences managed limit meredith contribution campaign rough treatment liverpool manager tom watson felt compelled write letter manchester city denying liverpool director stated opposition watch meredith rest good finished season seven goals appearances meredith found net times games campaign city relegated division club secretary sam selected different players club defeat opening games forced step new business figures took control scenes began sign promising young scottish players new manager tom willing predecessor confront meredith tendency stray position attempt dominate city attack city won immediate promotion second division champions meredith scoring goals appearances claiming hat trick town managed find suitable inside right partner jimmy play willing feed ball meredith played frost half able win ball bring meredith play signed outside left frank booth balance attack encouraged meaning pressure meredith opposition defenders meredith partnered george campaign able supply rest team quality passes drawn strong outfit round cup meredith chief city claimed victory road city defeated arsenal reach semi finals faced wednesday park meredith scored goal bundled claimed assists city won game opponents final crystal palace mid table second division outfit meredith optimistic match stating ought win play like normal game cup cup final happen minutes played found meredith long ball beat davies score goal game supporters long maintained meredith captain meredith handed trophy prime minister arthur scored goals games season city came points places champions newcastle united season ended controversial circumstances villa park defeat villa ending hopes winning league sandy villa captain alex exchanged blows football association launched investigation violence findings shocked sporting world meredith suspended entirety season unsuccessfully attempting bribe alex evidence taken meredith denied charge evidence public club fearful sanctions refused pay meredith campaign transfer listed claimed attempted bribe orders manager tom illegal payments common practice road acted information fined manchester city illegal payments suspended numerous players members staff members approve severe punishment administered commission state offence committed villa wiped football forever spokesman equally guilty manchester united serving ban meredith moved manchester united joined free transfer received signing fee united manchester city reluctantly accepted transfer previously signed undertaking promising meredith benefit match willing agreement club instead granted transfer returned suspension january marked debut bank street assist sandy score goal game villa addition meredith joined united city teammates jimmy new forward line team powerful force possessed dominant half line captain charlie roberts dick alex bell ended season eighth place division manager signed jimmy forward line meredith jimmy sandy dominant campaign united won title point margin second placed villa secured charity shield charity shield win queens park rangers bridge united slipped disappointing 13th place finish meredith suspended month january punishment kicking brighton player cup match club reached cup final knocking brighton newcastle united cup final opponents crystal palace bristol city captained centre half billy england captain staunch opponent players union sandy goal settled tie described boring game meredith dismissed reports match stating good game keen thrilling football great narrow escapes end meredith teammates celebrated victory music hall stars george united finished fifth exited cup round defeat turf club continued advance generous john henry davies old opened february partner meredith inside right season proved free spirit replaced jack understands meredith requires defeat villa park penultimate game season left united needing beat place hope villa failed beat liverpool united goal meredith provided west cross west sent net goal goals came won game left field champions england second time meredith played charity shield united beat town bridge campaign ended disappointing 13th place finish left club manage rivals manchester city meredith benefit match played september manchester united manchester city welsh donated proceeds trial matches fund spectators total raised new manager john led united fourth place finish dropped meredith blood young time meredith headlines primarily club payment benefit matches dissatisfaction dropped club dropped 14th spot avoided day season liverpool lose old meredith time played resulting scandal instead claimed teammates refused pass game world war actually played match united making guest appearance port recording victory old recreation ground frustrated club delaying payments benefit match played guest manchester city war ended demanded free transfer repulsed club demanded transfer fee stating transfer market business players years days united oldest player took field league game derby county return manchester city returned manchester city free transfer played team games season helping city record derby victory rivals manchester united featured campaign playing club final game road played cup division games season manager city shocked manchester selected meredith cup game brighton ground victory meredith scored goal poor mistake brighton played games cardiff city round draw maine road win park claimed assist goal settled tie match newcastle united semi finals age years days making city oldest player game ended defeat international career meredith won cap wales draw ireland march belfast won caps 1890s forced miss games club let play games clashed league fixtures wales compete ireland regularly beaten scotland england march wales played time south wales cardiff arms park meredith scored goal earn welsh celebrated draw england serving suspension returned wales british home championship title victory nation success competition games scored ireland victory captained wales win scotland draw england wales denied late penalty english meredith later recorded said mind little wales win day england death draws ireland scotland meredith helped wales beat england claim british home championship second victory english attempts marked caps record number caps later surpassed years days remains oldest player win wales cap actually chosen consecutive matches appearances clubs regularly refused release international duty style play meredith able avoid injury career despite extremely physical nature game period extraordinary balance agility allowed avoid clumsy challenges built spending working mines model professional spent spare time improving game extra training sessions maintained peak physical fitness avoiding alcohol tobacco gimmick matches unusual trait picked time writing critique stanley meredith criticised lack direct play 1940s stated playing knew expected beat wing half ball corner flag centre ball control skills leaving opposition players unable tackle extremely accurate ball crossing gave large advantage rival relied solely speed beat opposition backs addition wing play highly skilled sending long range shots face goal relied meet crosses left powerful volley meredith deal extremely physical defences boxed corner pitch players talents widely regarded organised defences designate man marker try teammates left reliant inside right partner willing carry ball expecting terms goals glory return hard working wing half improve meredith effectiveness winning ball sending pass flank best teams played centre forward able accurate crosses players union meredith organised meeting players union december meredith previously involved association union attempt football players england organise trade union players union like sought restrictions transfers wages argument free market wage structure ruin amateur principles sport founded meredith felt words hollow considering club directors shareholders vast profits annual meeting december stated aims allow unlimited wages right transfer club club players percentage transfer fee union threatening strike action particularly international matches april football association insisted players agree leave union pledge loyalty manchester united refused issue revised contracts players suspended entire squad club refused pay players lieu suspension players instead took away ornaments club office persuaded return items players continued train captain charlie roberts came organised meeting players excluding speech chairman charles failed win agreement reached recognised october union members organisation membership general federation trade unions result vote decisive support effectively supported position professional fundamentally different industries meredith resumed league football november view players refuse things seriously continue live kind life personal life legacy married ellen couple daughters supporter liberal party ran businesses career little success declared bankrupt july shop damaged fire 1910s ran public house despite later pursued interest film industry buying shares numerous cinemas 1930s starred picture ball fortune playing football trainer film received generally positive reviews colleague charlie roberts coach ambitious short lived manchester central meredith son law city captain charlie player retained passion football spent retirement discussing game colleagues regulars hotel road hotel ran rarely missed chance attend wales game 1920s 1930s meredith died manchester april age months munich air disaster claimed lives manchester united players spent years unmarked grave professional association welsh manchester city manchester united agreed cover cost new meredith honoured hall_of_fame city manchester stadium announced august meredith new english football hall_of_fame career statistics club statistics international statistics honours club welsh cup manchester city second division cup manchester united division cup charity shield national team wales british home championship


stanley sir stanley february february english regarded greatest players english game player playing winner european year football writers association year awards nicknames included wizard kept fit play level years old oldest player play england football division oldest player represent country played final competitive game age inaugural english football hall_of_fame honour contribution english game spent years city playing helped second division title spells spent years losing cup finals helped win cup formidable personal performance final won caps england playing world cup winning british home championship titles following unsuccessful stint port general manager travelled world coaching enthusiastic notable coaching experiences came south_africa spite harsh laws time established black team known stan men family early life stanley born february house street trent sons born jack local boxer known fighting barber summer jack took year old stanley victoria ground home local club city open race boys age start according age father placed bet son winning attended wellington road school later described respects model pupil said games children played helped improve prepared children future life giving focus purpose discipline respects escape home spent countless hours practising kitchen chairs placed backyard later associated city grew supporting club local rivals port father wanted follow footsteps boxer stanley decided age wanted rigorous training session mother elizabeth stood firm jack realise son year school follow passion football father conceded picked england continue career time school football master picked outside right preferred position centre half played england wales spectators dean court playing career city birmingham city villa west rumoured interested wake appearance england city manager tom persuaded father allow stanley join club staff office boy 15th birthday pay week played reserve team season coming game father gave usual assessment seen play better seen play worse played reserve games social scene focus improving game games manchester city attempted run left defender committed challenge follow accepted wisdom day wait defender run attacker new technique worked treat national press predicting bright future teenager joined club country signed professional 17th birthday paid maximum wage week summer break wage seasoned professionals kicked ball despite father insisted save money spend winning bonus money earned team debut bury lane march won game learned physical dirty opponents away spending pre season training intensely opposed playing golf teammates selected games earn winners medal crowned second division champions point ahead march scored senior goal win local rivals port old recreation ground played division games secured flight status 12th place finish continued progress campaign selected football league inter league game irish league oval finished english england debut followed game football league scottish league finished season 10th place continued improve added double body technique increasing arsenal tricks largely international picture games finished fourth bob club best finish played games including club record win west victoria ground end season paid loyalty bonus board initially insisted spent years club amateur attitude left sour taste matthew mouth slipped league extremely tight season annoyed rumours circulating city resentment dressing room england success requested transfer february request denied request public knowledge disturbed attention harassment receiving supporters urging stay decided days club relax finding peace chairman albert booth told allowed leave club city supporters organized meeting feelings known demanded stay touched strength feeling worn attention receiving agreed stay despite playing regularly national games helping seventh place finish season football league action war cost professional career age age instead joined royal_air_force based outside rose rank corporal admitted easy going forces played wartime league cup games guest appearances addition played handful games scottish sides rangers played arsenal moscow extremely thick fog played times england caps awarded unofficial games games period cup sixth round second leg tie clash match ended tragedy known park disaster people died injured sent disaster fund couldn bring train days father died deathbed son promise things look mother win cup final regular football league returned time season played league games major contributor club league goals matched record finish fourth league finishing points shy champions liverpool losing sheffield united final day season february returning knee injury manager told game arsenal press reported bust relations city board sour story players sided recalled game find minute replacement injured mitchell second transfer request board eventually accepted selected club lived area following service raf board sanctioned condition deal remain secret end season disrupt club title bid secret revealed matter hours unknown person informed press immediately great_britain versus rest europe match glasgow britain won age match raised home nations football associations british players received questioned exactly money ended doubted ended funding grass roots football think couple years manager joe smith smith told express play game pitch knowledge support assembled talented stan jimmy alex emphasis entertaining football finished ninth place reached cup final april eve final won inaugural football writers association year award despite taking lead twice match lost matt manchester united final assisting second injury limited appearances struggled 16th place finish spent summer touring theatres variety act brother troubled ankle injury picked charity game finished seventh title contenders vast crowds turned home away witness entertaining football displayed time received maximum wage allowed professional player week stormed place finish played games league cup cited highlights season win draw arsenal defeat newcastle united reached cup final favourites beat opponents newcastle ended second runners medal thanks picking ankle injury november missed campaign forced instead spent time working hotel wife ran time cut red meat diet begin new near vegetarian diet point new manager frank taylor bring club parties agreed idea principle joe smith foot ensure stayed inspirational speech promised cup winners medal possible telling lot people think mad believe best football come despite spending months season muscle injury campaign proved smith words accurate year old won cup winners medal match despite hat trick subsequently dubbed final leading minutes game life greatest cup final spurred team victory credited team especially victory accepted nickname final helped record sixth place finish hopes retaining cup title ended defeat port park fifth round missed league games journalists keen write occasional performance missed game replied despite age media constant references age arsenal manager tom tried unsuccessfully lure lucrative somewhat illegal approach smith began establish new talents jimmy posted second place finish ended points champions manchester united believed performance gave win arsenal opening day season finest gave end campaign inaugural winner european year award having narrowly defeated poll remaining key team member injury restricted league appearances claimed fourth place finish scored 18th final goal league victory road september finished seventh joe smith left club smith replacement ron wanted stay wide value contribution way smith limited league appearances times signed arthur place local steve hill outside right position enjoyed games playing league games club narrowly avoiding odd point started season hill order getting place time win hill picked injury final appearance shirt defeat arsenal october fitting final bow enjoyed playing arsenal wonderful memories team mate close friend city tony keen welcome victoria ground return home town club sealed impressed board demanded transfer fee director bold tell forget player having kept secret knee injury carrying got player return found playing second division football time years despite cash tony gave year contract week double wages received signing broadcast live ear welcome home stan years club going way delayed return debut october played town victoria ground attendance previous home game set city goals win went score goals games rest campaign signed eddie clamp protect season close friends pitch veteran teammates jimmy eddie stuart don dennis jimmy oldest team football league scored goal season final home game campaign town beaten result ensured gained promotion flight went second division champions voted year second time career years inaugural winner award picking injury missed january onwards campaign missed football league cup final defeat leicester city discovering injuries cost day action required weeks worth rest recover decided retire season spent season playing reserve january services football whilst active professional player thought worthy honour team appearance season football league game career came february 50th birthday necessitated injuries peter opponents day won game felt retired early carried playing years brought end year professional career city arranged match honour needed spent career tight maximum wage enforced english game game played victoria ground april time decided retire player pre match entertainment consisted match veteran teams featuring legends game harry led team consisting tim ward george jimmy hill franklin don stan jimmy tom frank reserve barnes led opposing team consisting jimmy jimmy jimmy kelly bill barnes arthur reserve main game teams legends formed stan consisting football league players international international won carried shoulder high field time england international career playing england playing trial park england representing football league given england debut park scored goal england beat welsh second game infamous battle set brook goal win world champions italy italians turned match ended violent match involved cap came germany white hart lane december unable play injury opposite number attack defence england supporters condemned press wait april chance england shirt selected play spectators enemy scotland park physically sick match big game big factor scots won despite good english performance game wales scored hat trick win czechoslovakia played games england starting defeat scotland team containing young bill travelled berlin encounter pre match witnessed hand devotion people showed drove past café england team dining game infamous instruction british government informed england team perform nazi salute strategy england won getting having got better time game shock defeat switzerland turn followed win france paris following conclusion summer tour continent scored defeat wales cardiff played england win europe win norway newcastle win ireland old april returned muddy park england claim victory rain soaked supporters set tommy winner seconds spare summer time england tour europe hitler nazis defeated game italy gave english warm reception despite breast beating bad blood years previous world champions italians managed salvage draw san scoring clear time left field hip bone efforts game loss yugoslavia captain eddie passengers game picking early injuries injury forced sit following encounter romania following war return england came scotland april match finished draw summer took england tour switzerland portugal following surprise defeat swiss england win portuguese scoring 10th september finest performances england shirt set england goals victory belgium april travelled england park helping country victory match subject inquiry claimed tea expenses cost regardless treatment month helped england record victory italy folklore told beat pull shorts pocket hair reality simply hand beating italian sun legend follow world later life spectators crowd convinced witnessed later year played draw denmark win northern_ireland win wales triumph switzerland manager walter began look defensive defeat scotland british home championship tour canada named minute inclusion england squad world cup brazil play win chile infamous defeat united_states played defeat spain preparation ideal competition seriously hotel food training facilities playing games draw europe win northern_ireland found international scene following cup final selected play hungary golden team november defeat known match century blamed heavy loss great admiration hungarians particularly play england defeat hungary squad world cup switzerland helped england draw belgium left win switzerland returned england crashed competition defeat stadium mistakes match year win northern_ireland windsor park british home championship pitch don superb win welsh helped england record victory world champions west_germany germans world cup final england beat scotland april time linked better year old largely credited outstanding margin victory game duncan edwards making england debut edwards born went england unsuccessful tour continent erratic choices helped ensure defeat france draw spain defeat portugal left denmark team october draw wales having awarded inaugural recalled england line encounter brazil brazil lift world cup helped english record victory refused summer european tour having committed second summer coaching south_africa international game northern_ireland october aged years days oldest england player score international goal played england qualification games world cup victory republic ireland wins denmark oldest player represent england years days old turned victory copenhagen despite calls press included world cup squad time bow pressure years enjoy longer career england team subject life surprised bbc television theatre style play said speed skill possessed meant game stop john charles noted best seen contend old heavy ball johnny said good close control great ability lightning quick intelligent player knew pass ball despite great talents rarely tackled opponents adept heading ball left foot scored goals seasons backs began mark tightly decided drop deeper collect ball aim play crosses opposed going glory score goals season effective team player greater threat opposition running beach matter weather wore shoes contained lead changed football boots feet felt light giving impression run faster having trained level fitness players reach mid-1950s able cut intense training level fitness body smoked instead conscious item food drink consumed maintained rigid daily training regime childhood old age interview said good advice started eat fruit monday food day monday felt better time consumed alcohol drinking champagne cup addition attention detail diet fitness afforded close scrutiny kit struck boot sponsorship deal instead began wearing lightweight pair boots discovered world cup time available buy england wear boots retirement delicate got countless pairs season avid student game world cup stayed watch teams brazil compete tournament england elimination english manager media returned home said bury heads sand regularly condemned brigade autobiography conservative stressing old view treated players supporters poorly demonstrated arrogance ignoring competitions control world cup european domestic competitions viewed innovations excessive suspicion example sanctioned use despite artificial lighting having experimented far years insisted outdated kit heavy reinforced boots writing fact allocated available tickets cup final supporters wrote couldn mind simply didn care genuine supporters game booked sent entire career teammate jimmy noted extremely physical challenges opponents try game ran emotions run retained level head pitch losing temper allowing emotions affect game coaching management career appointed general manager rivals port july alongside good friend unpaid given expenses pair plan bringing talented selling improve club bleak financial picture whilst time advancing leagues autobiography said later achieved mind concentrated search north east england central scotland discovered talented overlooked teenage ray kennedy handed complete managerial control following resignation couldn guide club success instead port fined february march expelled football league financial irregularities forced use football league clubs elect duly stood manager despite owed salary expenses agreed stay park continue work youth team final settlement reached december given owed written player roy later said trusted people trusted people took advantage convinced lot people club sliding experience left sour taste mouth convince try hand management english football gave summers year coach poor children south_africa nigeria south_africa ignored form team black called stan men members team told dream play brazil organised trip black team tour outside south_africa money fund trip connections time save port arrange sponsorship sunday_times newspaper south african authorities want cause international incident prevent stan men getting plane rio_de_janeiro meet legendary player trip met way trip stan men captain gilbert called black man white face played final game football england veterans brazil veterans brazil age english lost likes damaged match promising career cut short wrote autobiography retirement death having toured world coaching australia united_states canada especially africa returned trent wife later served president city honorary vice president died february aged falling ill holiday died previous year illness suffered death announced radio start england argentina friendly match cremated following funeral service march funeral attended fellow bobby jack gordon banks tom ashes buried beneath centre circle city stadium officially opened august death people lined streets trent pay tribute wound way mile route employees downed tools stood witness final passing death dozens legends paid tribute epilogue autobiography contains pages quotations said man taught way football played brian added true gentleman shall like english legend gordon banks said don think synonymous football england whilst world cup winning german defender commented england famous world regarded true football genius legacy stanley inducted ontario sports hall_of_fame inaugural english football hall_of_fame recognition talents international federation football history statistics voted 11th greatest 20th century inducted hall_of_fame road officially opened jimmy april organised supporters association fans world voted time heroes players decade inducted 1950s west stand road named honour inducted trent hall_of_fame opened january statue outside city stadium centre dedication reads symbolic beauty game fame timeless international universally acclaimed magical player people people stanley collection held national football museum february boots worn cup final auctioned chester undisclosed buyer sierra football club mighty based capital city changed united admiration sir stanley academy secondary school named personal life summer married betty daughter city trainer jimmy met 15th birthday day office boy victoria ground couple children jean born january stanley born november went tennis player john boys champion making english player translated success senior game instead moved united_states run seasons club connecticut jean married robert met tennis club january later said father good father family man kept brother protective grandfather jean gave birth son matthew children daughters samantha great grandfather wife son cameron great grandchildren tour czechoslovakia port met year old group interpreter trip married betty convinced found true love life betty divorced spent ensuing years living times malta specifically south_africa canada travelled extensively coaching jobs guest appearances dictated died age according les scott helped write autobiography person self strong minded humorous generous spirit fame earth folk adorned hope seeing gold dust harsh working lives statistics matches played competitive football suspended outbreak second world war included total domestic international statistics listed matthew autobiography honours club cup cup runner football league division runner city football league second division country england british home championship championship shared scotland wales scotland wales individual year knight bachelor football league legends english football hall_of_fame team century autobiography autobiography way released headline book dedicated wife died year publication collaborated les scott friend years writing book month period daily basis stan life early wrote scott epilogue collaborations morning fail took place den loved working book left morning session applied thought ringing home provide additional thoughts anecdotes


mark mark nicholas born december english currently manager signed professional contract unable gain regular place team moved newcastle united appearances football league later played portsmouth united orient dropping non league football appointed manager athletic remained charge took manager borough led victory final trophy repeated feat november manager football league team time took clubs unable prevent club league end season led league following season league play final contract terminated team relegated league following season june appointed new manager league club sacked new year day club near table later spell manager conference club town playing career born east london played essex county representative football team books queens park rangers joining july year later signed professional contract age football league debut struggled gain place team sent orient loan march played times following season loaned time manager keith worked appearances kent based club unable help team avoid division contribution impressed fans voted second place club player year ballot end season transferred newcastle united second division fee spent years club finally gained regular team place making appearances kevin took manager found favour short spell loan portsmouth december led transfer end season appearances portsmouth loaned time early season march transferred united fee season club affected long lay injury meaning play august november ultimately football league appearances club time roots hall club suffered consecutive dropping division second division division march having played previous november returned club orient free transfer played club semi finals play offs restricted appearance unused substitute final orient lost prior season spent short period trial clubs manager peter taylor decided offering contract instead joined league club island helped win trophy season setting goal winning man match award defeat forest green final selected play england national game national team semi professional players earning cap equivalent team united_states left join athletic player coach managerial career september took manager edwards initially manager leading team victory season quickly given job ongoing basis despite signing number level players jason team escaped point following season boosted switch time professional status helped goals finished 6th place sufficient gain place newly formed conference south season won conference south attempt margin points achieving promotion conference national level non league football time history season led trophy final team beat town penalty shoot reached trophy final following season claimed second successive win victory park conference finished place qualified play offs promotion football league lost halifax town semi finals citing disappointment failing gain promotion resigned post stated time received firm job offers clubs acknowledged taking career said unable find new job manager youth coaching open football school linked managerial vacancy league united eventually took manager borough led club eighth place finish conference national season charge defeated club reach trophy final beat new stadium final giving consecutive trophy win manager early season speculation began mount approached manager football league club port alleged interested services offered new contract october resigned following day november appointed new manager quickly moved sign number players including adam miller john unable recreate previous success end season relegated league criticised departing player aaron brown acknowledged strong coaching skills described man management shocking following season gills finished fifth league beat town play final stadium gain promotion season relegated league contract terminated mutual consent june appointed new manager league club sacked seven months later january bad string results left club near table stages season accepted coaching role brief spell appointed manager conference national club town september january left team placed conference places months later appointed manager following club league managerial statistics january honours player trophy winner island manager conference south champions athletic trophy winners athletic trophy winners athletic trophy winners borough league play winners personal life married returned club athletic manager borough wife praised visiting game chat home supporters children including son charlie joined youth team turned offer professional contract father dismissal manager job presented essex senior cup winner medal disabled island fan saying easy forget fans come support pouring rain


born june scottish semi professional plays national_league south club united started career youth player moved town end making debut march spent seasons making appearances scoring goals moving national_league system conference national club borough appearances having loan spells joined spending seasons making appearances short spell athletic sent loan diamonds short spell oxford united season leaving oxford took step football league time career signing exeter city went score seven goals season loaned united second eventually released club dropped non league football joining town played old team defeated manchester united cup fifth round tie rejected new contract end season subsequently joining newport county won major honour helping town win conference premier time history career non league born glasgow started career non league football later moved town debut march scoring draw richmond borough played games season scoring goals started season goal opening day drew united november scored hat tricks games helped win bishops second helped win town finished goals games success continued scored goals appearances success earned trial queens park rangers football league championship level premier league scoring times games town moved conference national outfit transfer debut substitute beat town struggling starting line sent loan club scored goals games december loaned second time season moving debut defeat united second minute draw town scored goal loan scored second goal loan days later helped team draw stanley returned parent club january end left having played games competitions goal start signed permanent deal debut august starting defeat finished debut season thirteen goals league scored september helped overcome forest green away home scoring goals attracted interest conference sides signed athletic making debut athletic draw united august played times scoring goal sent loan league rivals diamonds october returned loan january having scored goal oxford united signed return having joined oxford contract end season debut club win scored minutes game appearances scoring goal leaving end season exeter city completed football league exeter city summer signing time club football league team debut august home match southampton league cup exeter lost game took december score competitive club scored help exeter win lincoln city scored goals later month win north west club added goals tally january exeter win remainder season saw add goals town space month making appearances exeter joined loan november goal couldn games played returned exeter january march having played exeter return signed emergency month loan deal united debut away win seven games goals returned exeter released team mates return non league following release exeter city moved non league signing conference premier outfit town year contract june debut august lost town days later scored goal shirt scoring second win newly promoted bath city days later scored goals beat united away home february started town cup fifth round tie manchester united old end season gained promotion football league released rejected new deal signed newport county deciding stay non league football signed newport manager anthony hudson earlier stated verge massive additions squad club direction want failing find net games newport county joined conference rivals town loan end season scored goal year united april june rejoined style play plays explosive man described height time town described prolific number goals scored exeter city manager paul described excellent said fellow exeter city richard logan good partnership scored hat trick reserve team signing town manager described role works hard strong chips fair share goals personal life oxford united january stated reason closer family home southampton arrival exeter city july moved house fellow exeter forward ben watson stated huge difference living near training ground instead travelling long distances training matches career statistics honours town conference premier winner conference south united national_league south