Gil MERRICK (Patreon)

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Gilbert Harold Merrick (26 January 1922 – 3 February 2010) was an English footballer and football manager. Considered one of the best goalkeepers in the UK during the mid-1950s, Merrick was one in a long line of great Birmingham City keepers which included the likes of Johnny Schofield and Harry Hibbs. Merrick spent his entire career at Birmingham City, playing more than 700 times between 1939 and 1960. He made 170 appearances during the Second World War and 485 in the Football League following the end of the war. He won 23 caps for the England national team, and played in the 1954 World Cup. After retirement as a player, he managed the club for four years.

Birmingham City renamed the Railway Stand at their St Andrew's stadium the Gil Merrick Stand for the start of the 2009–10 season.

Honours

As Birmingham City player

• Football League South war league champions: 1945–46

• Football League Second Division champions: 1947–48, 1954–55

• FA Cup runners-up: 1955–56

As Birmingham City manager

• Inter-Cities Fairs Cup runners-up: 1960–61

• Football League Cup winner: 1962–63

Personal

• In April 2009, Birmingham City F.C. announced their intention of renaming one of the stands at their St Andrew's stadium in Merrick's honour. From the 2009–10 season, the Railway Stand would be known as the Gil Merrick Stand.[6]

• In August 2009, Merrick was chosen by public vote as Birmingham City's representative on the Birmingham Walk of Stars.[7]

• In October 2009, Merrick was the first inductee to the Birmingham City F.C. Hall of Fame