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See reviews of Rob Cavallini's The Wanderers FC, and Around The World In 95 Games.
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Gil Merrick Keith Dixon
Known as 'Mr Birmingham City', Gil Merrick's
story is one of unstinting loyalty to his home city club. This recently-released biography
gives a fascinating insight
into the man who played 551 times across more than two decades, having first
signed for Blues in 1938. Recalling his
early days at Blues, Gil reveals: "I was given a £5 signing-on fee, but
that was only 50 per cent of it - I got the other half years later! So with £3
10s a week from football, plus £2 a week from my factory job, I was a
prosperous young man." Merrick would have to wait until the 20 May
1940 to make his debut in the Birmingham first team whilst he was still
an 18-year-old apprentice: "I worked all day at the factory but left an
hour early, and the lads loved that and 'hammered' me out, banging on the
benches with their hammers." Merrick's
career at Birmingham City proved something of a golden age at the club with
promotions, FA Cup finals and European success. In 1948,
Merrick helped guide Birmingham City to the Division Two title, only missing 6
games along the way. The
biggest game of his long domestic career at Blues was undoubtedly the 1956 FA
Cup final at Wembley. But unfortunately the game itself doesn't evoke great
memories as Blues lost 3-1 despite being massive post-match favourites. Gil believes
that a half-time bust-up in the changing room was the main reason for the
defeat: "It was 1-1 and we knew we were a team that was stronger in the
second half; however, instead of using the ten minutes at half-time positively,
a huge row broke out between Arthur Turner (the manager) and Len Boyd. As a
result it was a de-motivated side that left the Wembley dressing room." Merrick was
also first choice for England earning 23 caps for his country. His last International appearance came against Uruguay on the 26 June 1954. He
is perhaps best known for being the last line of defence against Puskas's
Hungary side, when England lost 3-6 at Wembley, and 1-7 at the Nepstadion in
1953 and 1954. After hanging
up his playing boots, Merrick went on to take on the managerial mantle and led
the club to its only major silverware, the 1963 League Cup triumph over local
rivals Aston Villa. In the book
Gil talks honestly and openly about how bitter he felt about his departure from
the helm, as well as recalling the many happy times he had as a player and
manager. To order a copy of this book why not visit Breedon Books website at www.breedonbooks.co.uk
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