The History of Manchester United (let's take a trip back in time)

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iczster

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Update #9 : United Teams through the ages (Manchester United 1901 - 1902)

As mentioned in the previous update, the season 1901-1902 was a turbulent year but also a defining one in the history of our great club.

The 1901–02 season was Newton Heath's tenth season in the Football League and their eighth in the Second Division. They finished 15th in the league, avoiding relegation by only five points. In the FA Cup, the Heathens were knocked out by Lincoln City, losing 2–1 in the Intermediate Round.

The club also entered teams in the Lancashire and Manchester Senior Cups in 1901–02. They only managed to reach the second round of the Lancashire Cup, before losing 5–0 to Southport Central, but the real success came in the Manchester Cup, in which they beat Bolton Wanderers after a replay in the semi-final, before beating Manchester City 2–1 in the final.

The club had been struggling financially during the season, and were taken to court by their president, William Healey, over a sum of £242 17s 10d owed to him by the club in January 1902. Unable to pay, as they were £2,600 in debt, the club was declared bankrupt. Two months later, club captain Harry Stafford managed to enlist the help of Manchester brewer John Henry Davies, who, in conjunction with three other local businessmen, invested a total of £2,000 in the club. Davies was installed as club president and the club was renamed "Manchester United".

Newton Heath at the turn of the century were indeed at their lowest ebb. After a decade in the Football league all they had to show was two years in the top flight (both years finishing at the bottom) and eight years in the second. As mentioned in the previous update it was decided by the directors that new players had to be bought, but there were no funds available so a bazaar was arranged by the club to attempt to raise cash. The event was to start on Wednesday 27th February and run for 4 days, the Manchester Evening News reported that the Northern military and Bess-o'th'-barn Brass bands would be playing. The Bazzar ended on Saturday evening but after paying off the cost of renting the hall it was found that the event had hardly been a success and the funds needed still had not been found. The Club's fortunes then took a strange twist, Harry Stafford the Newton Heath captain owned a St Bernard dog, he had taken the dog to the Bazzar and tied a collecting box around its neck, the dog escaped from the hall and was found wandering the City by a Pub landlord, who showed it to a Mr Henry Davies who was then a managing director of the Manchester Brewers.


John Henry Davies owned a large brewery in Manchester

Davies took a fancy to the dog and immediatley bought it off the landord. Feeling guilty Davies decided to trace the dog's owner and soon found out that it belonged to the Newton captain, after meeting with Stafford the businessman decided to help and made a financial contribution to the club, and made further promises of help for the future. Stafford did not forget that promise! Mr John Henry Davies would become chairman and president of the club in the future. Newton Heath finished the season worse than last and by the end of the season they stood on a 15th place in the league, with 17 defeats out of 34 games played and a negative goal difference (38-53).

The Manchester Evening News reckoned Healey had been a little impatient, especially as he was president of the club, and pointed out that the directors had gone to some lengths to come to terms with him. But the truth was that Newton Heath were more than £2600 in debt and that was only going to get worse before it got any better.


Manchester Evening News Press Clipping 19th March 1902

The bankrupcy of one of footballs leading clubs caused a sensation. Nevertheless, the directors put on a brave public facem insisting that it did not mean the end of the club. A few good gates might solve the problems they argued, as long as the creditors did not press too hard. Under immediate threat was Saturdays fixture againt Middlesborough at Clayton. Ther were assurances that the game would go ahead as planned and even on the Friday evening the Manchester Evening News informed its readers that the match was on (press clipping above). Unfortunately, the football league and the official receiver intervened and, in an unprecedented step, closed the ground and postponed the fixture.

In the meantime captain Harry Stafford began a campaign to raise the money. Their next fixture, away to Bristol City, was threatened and if the money could not be raised for travelling expenses then the game too would be called off. Quite where that would have left the club us anyone's guess, but its fair to assume two postponed fixtures would have meant the end of Newton Heath. The club was probably 24 hours odd extinction. But the money did come in, not in vast quantities but enough to keep them going.

Team photograph for the 1901-1902 season (not great quality)​

In this season Newton Heath changed their club colours again, this time the white shirts and blue shorts were replaced by red shirts and white shorts. The name of Newton Heath was not liked by all, they had left their home in Newton Heath 9 years previously, and following the reorganisation of the Club many called for a name change. Manchester Central was suggested, but it was decided that it sounded too much like a railway station, also suggested and rejected was Manchester Celtic, then a Mr Louis Rocca hit upon the name Manchester United. The name had been suggested before but had not met much support, but this time it stuck and on Saturday 26th April 1902 Newton Heath became Manchester United.

This must have pleased many of the visiting teams and supporters who for years had been showing up for games at the old Newton Heath only to find a dilapidated and empty pitch, and then had to dash across town to arrive minutes before the kickoff.

Season Statistics 1901-1902

President: William Healey
Secretary: James West
Second Division: 15th
FA Cup: Intermediate Round
Top goalscorer League: Stephen Preston (11)
All: Stephen Preston (11)
Highest home attendance: 13,000 vs West Bromwich Albion (9 November 1901)
Lowest home attendance: 500 vs Burton United (21 April 1902)
Average home attendance: 4,389


Top goalscorer all competitions 1901-1902 season Stephen Preston

Preston signed professional for the club in 1901 and played for Manchester United until he was sold to Stockport County in 1904. He made his debut on 07/09/1901 versus Gainsborough Trinity (at Bank Street) which United won 3-0.


Rare photograph of the first ever team photo sold on a badge of Manchester United (1902)​

Manchester United was born!

To be continued ....​
 

iczster

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Update #10 : United Teams through the ages (Manchester United 1902 - 1903)

Here's another update of the History thread, I'm determined to see this out.

The 1902–03 season was Manchester United's 11th season in the Football League, and their first full season under their new name of "Manchester United", as opposed to "Newton Heath. The 1902/1903 season saw Manchester United beat Arsenal twice and Manchester City in the league as well as knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup Unfortunately, it was another disappointing season.

In this season Manchester United could recover a little bit of their bad run in the second division. With Mr. James West as manager they started the season well, but because of a bad run in the end they finished in 5th place. In the FA Cup they could not go further than the second round.


As mentioned in my previous post the name Newton Heath was not to the liking of everyone. After all, it had been nine years since the club had lefts its home in Newton Heath for Bank Street, Clayton. The club had been formed in 1878, 10 years before the birth of the Football League., when some of the workers employed by the Lancashire Railway at the Newton Heath depot decided to setup a football team. They were given permission to use land owned by the railway company which was almost adjacent to their depot. So, not unnaturally they adopted the name Newton Heath and soon become known as the Heathens. Once they had joined the football league in 1892, visitors began to arrive from as far afield as London and the Midlands. There was confusion. Where exactly was Newton Heath? Did the club actually play there? On at least one occasion the visiting team turned up at the old Newton Heath ground only to find a dilapidated and empty pitch, and then had to dash across the city to Bank Street, arriving with just minutes to spare before kick off.

Following the reorganization of the club in 1902 it was also decided that it should be renamed. There were a number of suggestions, although all seemed to agree that the name Manchester United should appear somewhere in the title. Someone put forward the name Manchester Central, but that sounded too muck like a railway station. Another suggested Manchester Celtic, but then Louis Rocca, a man destined to play a major part in the history of the club, hit upon the name Manchester United. All were agreed that this was far the best suggestion. Oddly enough, at the famous March meeting to discuss the clubs financial plight someone had suggested the clubs name to Manchester United, but it had, according to the Manchester Evening News, received little favor.

On Saturday 26th April 1902 the Manchester Evening News publicly revealed the clubs new name for the first time and commended it to its readers. 'There is no doubt its a step in the right direction', said the News. 'Visiting teams and supporters have many times been led astray by the name of the club and have journeyed either by car or train to Newton Heath only to find that they were miles away from the home of the club.'


Louis Rocca, the man who thought of the name Manchester United

Season Statistics 1902-1903

Chairman: John Henry Davies
Manager: James West
Second Division: 5th
FA Cup: Second Round
Top goalscorer League: Jack Peddie (11)
All: Jack Peddie (15)
Highest home attendance: 40,000 vs Manchester City (25 December 1902)
Lowest home attendance: 2,000 vs Stockport County (23 March 1903)
Average home attendance: 10,091
John Hope "Jack" Peddie, also called Jock Peddie, (3 March 1876 – 20 October 1928) was a Scottish football who played for various clubs in both England and Scotland, including Newcastle United, Manchester United, Plymouth Argyle and Hearts. As a Plymouth Argyle player he is most famous for scoring their first ever goals in the Western and Southern Leagues.


Top goal scorer this season Jack Peddie or John "Jack" Hope Peddie

After five seasons at centre forward Peddie moved to Manchester United in June 1902. He departed in 1903 for Plymouth Argyle ahead of their first season as a professional club. He scored their first competitive goals in both the Southern League and Western League, and scored 21 goals from 46 appearances in his one year at Home Park. He returned to Manchester United in 1904. In 1906, Peddie made an important contribution of 20 league and cup goals as Manchester United won promotion back to the First Division. In total, he scored 58 goals for Manchester United and became their club captain after the retirement of Harry Stafford, pictured in the above team photograph.

Remember my post regarding the troubled season of 1901 (Check back in the thread). The picture below is taken around 1903 and is the site of the fund raising event in 1901 with Johh Henry Davies and the dog.


St James Hall C1903 Site of the fundraising bazaar of 1901

Below is a rare original postcard and real photograph of Dick Duckworth who played 251 games for Manchester United from 1903-1915. One of uniteds greatest players of the pre-Great War era. Dick Duckworth was a right-half scoring eleven goals – six of those came in an eight game spell of the 1904-05 season.

Duckworth was a one man club and made a goalscoring debut in a 4-2 victory over Gainsborough Trinity on 19 December 1903. In his 11 season career - ravaged by injury - Duckworth won two League Championships and one FA cup.​


To be continued ....​
 

iczster

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Update #11 : United Teams through the ages (Manchester United 1903 - 1904)

Manchester United's manager in 1903 was James West (pictured in the team photograph bottom row on the left), under him they had begun the season very poorly with two defeats and a draw, on Monday 28th September he resigned his position and Ernest Mangnall became the new United manager. Mangnall joined the club from Burnley where he had served as secretary. He would go on to become United's first "great" manager. The new manager had been born in Bolton and was well known in sporting circles in the North west. He was known in particular for his love of cycling, and during his youth had actually cycled the length of Great Britain from John O' Groats to Lands end, he could often be spotted riding his bike to the ground.


Ernest Mangnall the new United manager in the 1903-1904 season

With United's financial status at last secure Mangall proved himself a shrewd buyer in the transfer market. He brought goalie Harry Moger to United, along with Alex Bell, Dick Duckworth, and a great centre half in Charlie Roberts. His greatest coup however was bringing the great Billy Meredith across from Man City (more about Meridith in the next update), other Man City rebels quickly followed Meredith's path and United stole away Herbert Burgess, Sandy Turnbull, and Jimmy Bannister from their rivals.

Meredith and Roberts at the time were considered the most talented players in the land. With the new manager and new players United finished third in the league and just missed promotion to the first division.

This was Manchester Uniteds 12th season in the football league.



Season Statistics 1903-1904

Chairman: John Henry Davies
Manager: Ernest Mangnall
Second Division: 3rd
FA Cup: Second Round
Top goalscorer League: Tommy Arkesden (11), Billy Grassam (11), Billy Griffiths (11)
All: Tommy Arkesden (15)
Highest home attendance: 40,000 vs Bristol City (5 September 1903), 40,000 vs Woolwich Arsenal (30 January 1904)
Lowest home attendance: 6,000 vs Gainsborough Trinity (19 December 1903)
Average home attendance: 16,737
The top goal scorer in all competions in the 1903-1904 season was Thomas Arthur "Tommmy" Arkesden (July 1878 – 25 June 1921), also known as Tom Arkesden, was an English footballer who played as a forward. Born in Warwick, Arkesden played for Burton Wanderers, Derby County, and Burton United, before joining Manchester United for £150 on February 2, 1903. In 1907, he was transferred to Gainsborough Trinity. In 79 matches for Manchester United, he scored 33 goals.


Top goalscorer in all competitions Thomas Arthur "Tommmy" Arkesden

The picture below is the home kit worn by Manchester United from 1903-1907. The Manchester Evening News of August 8th, 1903 suggests that the sock bands were blue rather than red.


In April 1904 United made what was to be one of the most important deals in their early history when they signed a young half back from Grimsby by the name of Charlie Roberts. His transfer on the evening of Friday, 22nd April was largely overshadowed by Manchester City's appearance in the Cup final the following day and passed unmentioned in both the local and national press. Even when he made his debut the following day in a second division fixture versus Burton United at Clayton it went almost unnoticed. The Manchester Evening News, however, in its match report commented 'Roberts gave a capital display and his sound play was all the more remarkable when it is remembered that he had made a long journey from Grimsby that morning'. But it was the Athletic News whose astute reporter realised that in Roberts United had made an important purchase when he wrote that 'Roberts was almost the best man on the field. His presence certainly strengthened the line and he may be safely looked to as a player who will give a satisfactory account of himself in the future.'

United won the game against Burton 2-0 to end the season in third position just one point behind Woolwich Arsenal. It may have been a disappointment to have missed out on promotion, but in Roberts United had sowed the seeds that would reap dividends in the years ahead.

The picture below is an original postcard of Charlie Roberts who played 299 games as a half back and scored 23 goals from 1903-1913. A wonderful player who won 2 League Championships in 1908 and 1911, English Cup in 1909, and could run 100 yards in 11 seconds (impressive).

He left the club after the Directors refused to grant him a second benefit. Oldham paid a club record fee of £1,750 for him (they dont pay much more today :) ). He was made club captain and guided them to their highest ever League finish in 1914/15 - runners up to Everton. One of United's finest captains.


Original photograph of Charlie Roberts one of Uniteds greatest captains.

To be continued ....​
 

decorativeed

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You were right about the sock bands being blue, apologies for the old version of that kit still being on the blog:
 

iczster

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Excellent summary, really enjoying reading it chap.
Thanks Sparky

You were right about the sock bands being blue, apologies for the old version of that kit still being on the blog:
No problem Tim, haven't seen you around the site for a while. I was half-expecting you to join in the debate in my Jimmy Murphy thread. Hows things?
 

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Working a lot, nowhere near my PC most of the time. Last time I visited there was another "Anderson is overweight" debate going on so didn't post. Actually got to watch a full United match for the first time this season at the weekend though, so things are looking up!
 

iczster

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Thanks Icy. A very good and emotional reading it was.
Your welcome izzy, stay tuned for more updates. By the way its icz or iccy ;)

Working a lot, nowhere near my PC most of the time. Last time I visited there was another "Anderson is overweight" debate going on so didn't post. Actually got to watch a full United match for the first time this season at the weekend though, so things are looking up!
You picked a good one to watch. By the way, have you been to the National Football Museum in town? Took my lad there a few weeks ago and we spent the day there. A lot of interesting stuff, cant believe it took me so long to go.
 

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Your welcome izzy, stay tuned for more updates. By the way its icz or iccy ;)



You picked a good one to watch. By the way, have you been to the National Football Museum in town? Took my lad there a few weeks ago and we spent the day there. A lot of interesting stuff, cant believe it took me so long to go.
Yeah, about five times a week, 9:45 till 17:15! :lol:
 

Summit

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Fantastic read mate, keep up the good work. ;)
 

iczster

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Yeah, about five times a week, 9:45 till 17:15! :lol:
What the feck :lol: I bet I walked past you that day. You should get a thread up mate about it. I was well impressed with the exhibits and how the whole building is laid out. It was quite impressive, my lad had to have a go on that lift. Anybody visiting Manchester should definitely pay the place a visit.

Fantastic read mate, keep up the good work. ;)
Cheers Summit
 

iczster

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Update #12 : United Teams through the ages (Manchester United 1904 - 1905)

Here we go with another history update.

Manchester United's manager Mangnall was building a side that looked better than anything the fans had seen so far. The 20 year old Charlie Roberts proved a great buy (see previous update for more information), signed from Grimsby for the grand total of 450 pounds. He was sturdily built and extremely fast, it was reported that he could run the hundred yards in 11 seconds. This was the time that the world record stood at 9.6 seconds!

Vittorio Pozzo the Italian national team coach was reported to be a huge fan of Roberts and took back to Italy a lasting memory of the player after he visited Clayton to watch him play. Pozzo went on to create one of the finest pre-war teams ever to play the game, he had stated publicly that Roberts had been his inspiration. Strangely enough, the English team selectors didn't seem to agree and Roberts only played for England 3 times, it was believed that his image as somewhat of a rebel contributed to him being ignored this way. Roberts wore his shorts short, this was a time when the FA had ruled that all shorts were to cover the knee, he had also been a pioneer in the Players Union becoming its chairman and later becoming a leader in the "outcasts" (to be explained later).


Above Lining up for the start of the 1904-05 season in both home and change kits. Major the St Bernard is lying at the front of the players. Remember the deal at the bazzar in 1901 with John Henry Davies (see the 1901 update), fascinating photograph this
On Boxing day 1904 united entertained Liverpool at Clayton, 40,000 fans showed up for the game and United defeated the Merseysiders 3-1. It was a high point in the season although Liverpool took their revenge 4 months later and hammered United 4-0 at Anfield to finish the season at the top of the table and again deny United the promotion they desperately desired. They finished on the third spot again with only five defeats out of 34 matches played and 81 goals scored.

The rivalry between Liverpool and United stretches back to the clubs earliest days, when Liverpool relegated Newton Heath in the 1894 test match. Even in 1904 the press followed the tie closely. Williams, Roberts and Arkesden were the scorers in Uniteds 3-1 triumph.


Athletic News Article detailing the Boxing Day Fixture 1904​

The 1904–05 season was Manchester United's 13th season in the Football League. United finished 3rd in the Second Division. The Reds also competed in the FA Cup, but failed to get past the Intermediate Round stage, losing to Fulham.

Season Statistics 1904-1905
Chairman:John Henry Davies
Manager: Ernest Mangnall
Second Division: 3rd
FA Cup: Intermediate Round
Top goalscorer League: Jack Peddie (17)
All: Jack Peddie (17)
Highest home attendance: 40,000 vs Liverpool (24 December 1904)
Lowest home attendance: 4,000 vs Blackpool (24 April 1905)
Average home attendance: 15,000


Top goal scorer this season (as in 1902-03) Jack Peddie or John "Jack" Hope Peddie

The rare photograph below is a Handbill Advertising the English League Match for Bristol City v Manchester United 1905. Note the A 2.30 kick off,, remember this was the time for winter kick offs until the coming of floodlights. Maine Road had floodlights before United did.


Advertising for league match versus Bristol City

Finally one more treat from this season a rare Baines card c 1908-10. The United player shown has a remarkable likeness to George Wall who made 316 appearences for United and scored 98 times between 1905-1915. England International. Signed from Barnsley for £175!!!!. A great United player and he went to Man United and he won the lot! League Championship in 1908/1911, English Cup 1909, Charity Shield, Manchester Senior Cup. Continued to play into his 40's an early United true LEGEND.


A rare Baines card believed to be George Wall

To be continued ....​
 

iczster

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I forgot about this thread. I have a lot more material I could post, last update:

Update #12 : United Teams through the ages (Manchester United 1904 - 1905)

Are people interested in this kind of thing?
 

Chesterlestreet

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I forgot about this thread. I have a lot more material I could post, last update:

Update #12 : United Teams through the ages (Manchester United 1904 - 1905)

Are people interested in this kind of thing?
Definitely - I'm going to put the kettle on and read through this properly. And please continue - very much appreciated, as I'm sure many will agree!
 

Eyepopper

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Definitely, keep going, one of the best threads on the site.
 

iczster

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Update #13 : United Teams through the ages (Manchester United 1905 - 1906)

Here's the next update ....

After 12 unhappy seasons in the second division 1906 was the year that United finally claimed their place again in the top flight. One of the season's finest results in the club's young history was a Cup win over the mighty Aston Villa. Villa had won the League Championship in 1894, 1896, 1897, 1899 and 1900 and they had also won the FA Cup in 1887, 1895, 1897 and 1905. Everyone had Villa as hot favorites to hammer the 2nd division United, but before a record crowd of over 40,000 (gate receipts 1,460 pound) United proceeded to hammer the Villa team 5-1 on the mud bath Clayton pitch. Promotion was clinched with a 3-1 victory over Leeds City (yes they were called City back then) and United finished the season out in style by trouncing Burton United 6-0 at Clayton. When the final whistle blew the crowd invaded the pitch and carried the team shoulder high from the field. Ernest Mangnall addressed the cheering fans and promised them that this was only the beginning, little did he know, he was right!


Taken before the match against either Bristol City or Blackpool in September 1905

Although Manchester did gain promotion, they didn't win the second division. They finished on the second place with only 4 defeats out of 38 matches played and they scored an unbelievable amount of goals (90). The 1905–06 was Manchester United's 14th season in the Football League. United finished second in the Second Division and gained promotion to the Football League First Division for the 1906–07 season. In the FA Cup, United reached the fourth round, where they were defeated by Woolwich Arsenal.

Season Statistics 1905-1906

Chairman: John Henry Davies
Manager: Ernest Mangnall
Second Division: 2nd
FA Cup: Fourth Round
Top goalscorer League: Jack Picken (20)
All: Jack Picken (25)
Highest home attendance: 35,500 vs Aston Villa (24 February 1906)
Lowest home attendance: 6,000 vs Leeds City (15 January 1906)
Average home attendance: 16,242

Jack Picken scored the 1st ever competitive hat trick at Old Trafford v Middlesbrough, United won 4-1 & Jack scored all 4 goals


Top goal scorer this season John Jack Barclay Picken

From the 1905 season below is a rare match day photograph. This is a fascinating photograph of what supporting united was like during these times. Notice the fans sat on the roof of the stand.


Manchester United Vs Arsenal at Bank Street, 1906

Remember the Baines card from the last history post, this is who it is believed to be George Wall. This is an original Postcard for George Wall (see the resemblance). He played 316 games for United scored 98 goals cost £175 from Barnsley in 1906 and stayed with United until 1915. A great winger and won an FA Cup medal in 1909 and 2 League Championships in 1908 and 1911


Original Postcard for George Wall

One final thing, early in January 1905 United welcomed unusal visitors to Clayton in the shape of Fulham for an FA cup tie. The London club where members of the southern league and the cup was the only opportunity the northern clubs usually had to size up their southern opponents. It had been some years since a southern league club last visited Clayton for an important fixture.

The tie was considered so attractive that the Athletic News featured it as their front page cartoon (below).


Athletic News January 16th 1905 (Front Page)

Around 16,000 turned up for the tie at Bank Street a disapointing crowd in those days and our cup jynx continued that year. Although the Clayton tie was an epic with a 2-2 draw we lost the replay at 1-0 at a neutral ground (Villa Park).

To be continued ....
 
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Eric'sCollar

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When I was back in Manchester last season, I spent so many hours at the football museum, it had some great stuff.
 

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It does indeed. Cracking place for visitors, especially if you are into your football history. Loads of United stuff too.
 

decorativeed

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I seen you on Granada TV a few months ago Tim. I think Wilf and another United Legend were at the museum? My memories a bit fuzzy.
Yeah, I did a tour with Wilf and Tom Clare. He's an amazing man. They don't make them like him any more, sadly. Tom's a nice guy too, obviously!
 

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I didn't start watching United until the 1962/3 season but I was raised on tales of the Babes and the 1948 cup winning team that included Johnny Carey, Jack Rowley, and Stan Pearson. My old man went to Wembley in his demob suit with his brother (Uncle Arthur) and my granddad. United were favourites even though Blackpool had the likes of Matthews and Mortensen playing for them. No doubt that Blackpool were an excellent team back then but we still beat them 4-2. My dad died many years ago and never saw his beloved United lift another league title after 1967 but I remember my Uncle Arthur, as sick and frail as he was then, wrapped up in a red and white scarf, an antique rosette from 1948, and a bottle of Guinness, on his bed the night we won in Barcelona in 1999. He looked at me and said "your dad would have loved to have seen that, wouldn't he?" and I had to agree. He died later that year and we put the rosette in his coffin with him. In my will, there are strict instructions that my scarf goes with me along with a few other odds and sods. You never know: might get a good view of the game from up there.
 

iczster

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I didn't start watching United until the 1962/3 season but I was raised on tales of the Babes and the 1948 cup winning team that included Johnny Carey, Jack Rowley, and Stan Pearson. My old man went to Wembley in his demob suit with his brother (Uncle Arthur) and my granddad. United were favourites even though Blackpool had the likes of Matthews and Mortensen playing for them. No doubt that Blackpool were an excellent team back then but we still beat them 4-2. My dad died many years ago and never saw his beloved United lift another league title after 1967 but I remember my Uncle Arthur, as sick and frail as he was then, wrapped up in a red and white scarf, an antique rosette from 1948, and a bottle of Guinness, on his bed the night we won in Barcelona in 1999. He looked at me and said "your dad would have loved to have seen that, wouldn't he?" and I had to agree. He died later that year and we put the rosette in his coffin with him. In my will, there are strict instructions that my scarf goes with me along with a few other odds and sods. You never know: might get a good view of the game from up there.
Great post mate, thanks for sharing that. It must have been great supporting United back in the day? Football as changed a lot over the years, some of it for the better. I would argue that for the match going red, a lot of it for the worse.
 

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Great post mate, thanks for sharing that. It must have been great supporting United back in the day? Football as changed a lot over the years, some of it for the better. I would argue that for the match going red, a lot of it for the worse.


It was a different world. I miss the terraces and going to the match with my mates. As an eight-year-old, I sat on my dad's shoulders for many a game and the surrounding supporters always treated the kids well. A couple of years later, my primary school would hand out free tickets for Cenral League games which were played at Old Trafford. It was great because we got to sit down near the tunnel as the tickets were for anywhere in the ground, except the Stretford End which the closed for reserve team games. One match, against Bolton reserves, a couple of the senior players sat near by. They weren't travelling with the first team because they were injured. David Herd was sat there next to Shay Brennan and we shouted over to them and they came and autographed our programmes, which consisted of one sheet of paper. At half time, they sent over tea and Wagon Wheels which was great. Didn't really start going to a lot of aways until the 1966/67 season but I remember a couple of games with my dad in 1964/65. We went to Blackburn and slaughtered them, with Bobby Charlton scoring four.

My first European Cup game was against Vorwarts Berlin in December 1965. It was the second leg and Herd scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 (5-1) aggregate lead. That was something special all right and whetted my appetite for the European games. My old man was at Maine Road when the Babes leathered Anderlecht 10-0 and said years later it was one of tghe greatest games he'd seen any team play. Said everything they did that night was done to perfection and Jimmy Murphy was dancing a jig by the dugout while Busby just looked on and smiled.
 
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Plugsy

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Even today the "What happened to the Stephen Preston money?" debate still rumbles on
 
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