Rfr's recent thread on the 1909 commemorative jersey reminded me that I had a
few things to add about the legendary Billy Meredith. Been meaning to do this for ages but was lazy.
A few titbits for you.....
- He was United's first 'superstar' and the crowds came in their thousands to see him play.
- He was a flying winger in a career that spanned over 30 years. He played till he was 47.
- His nicknames were 'Old Skinny' and the 'Welsh Wizard'.
- He used to play with a toothpick in his mouth.
- He was capped 48 times by Wales, scoring 11 goals.
- Billy was born in Chirk, North Wales in 1874. He joined United from neighbours City,
in 1906 amidst a bribes and illegal payments scandal that resulted in Meredith
and a few of his team mates receiving lengthy suspensions from the FA.
His reputation was tarnished by the allegation that he bribed Aston Villa's Alec
Leake £10 to lose a match. He received an 18 month suspension in the end.
- In 1909 he was instrumental in helping United win the FA cup and was also
an important member in the title winning teams of 1908 and 1911, which were
the first 2 titles that United won.
- Meredith was the only player to have played over 300 games for both United AND City. Quite an achievement.
- In 1908 four players defected form City
as they left Maine Road for United.
The players were James Bannister, Herbert Burgess and Sandy Turnbull,
a colourful Scot, who scored the winner in the 1909 FA Cup final.
(Ill write something soon about Turbull, he led a mad life lol)
- Meredith is the only player to have played at City's Hyde road and Maine road grounds,
as well as United's bank street and Old Trafford grounds.
- He died in Manchester, aged 83 in 1958, which was the same year as the Munich Disaster.
Billy Meredith was a massive influence in United's early successes and he will go
down as a great for both City and United. Hope you enjoyed the read.
Jazz
few things to add about the legendary Billy Meredith. Been meaning to do this for ages but was lazy.

A few titbits for you.....
- He was United's first 'superstar' and the crowds came in their thousands to see him play.
- He was a flying winger in a career that spanned over 30 years. He played till he was 47.
- His nicknames were 'Old Skinny' and the 'Welsh Wizard'.
- He used to play with a toothpick in his mouth.
- He was capped 48 times by Wales, scoring 11 goals.
- Billy was born in Chirk, North Wales in 1874. He joined United from neighbours City,
in 1906 amidst a bribes and illegal payments scandal that resulted in Meredith
and a few of his team mates receiving lengthy suspensions from the FA.
His reputation was tarnished by the allegation that he bribed Aston Villa's Alec
Leake £10 to lose a match. He received an 18 month suspension in the end.
- In 1909 he was instrumental in helping United win the FA cup and was also
an important member in the title winning teams of 1908 and 1911, which were
the first 2 titles that United won.
- Meredith was the only player to have played over 300 games for both United AND City. Quite an achievement.
- In 1908 four players defected form City
The players were James Bannister, Herbert Burgess and Sandy Turnbull,
a colourful Scot, who scored the winner in the 1909 FA Cup final.
(Ill write something soon about Turbull, he led a mad life lol)
- Meredith is the only player to have played at City's Hyde road and Maine road grounds,
as well as United's bank street and Old Trafford grounds.
- He died in Manchester, aged 83 in 1958, which was the same year as the Munich Disaster.

Billy Meredith was a massive influence in United's early successes and he will go
down as a great for both City and United. Hope you enjoyed the read.
Jazz