The Manchester United All-Time Draft - Selection Thread & Rules

[benni...]

Phil "The Destroyer" Neville... all included with Patrick Vieira in his back pocket.

http://www.manutdzone.com/playerpages/philnevillecentresmall.jpg

Philip Neville (born January 21, 1977 in Bury, England) is an English football player, who has spent most of his professional career at Manchester United, the team he joined as a youngster, but now plays for Everton.

The younger brother of Manchester United Captain Gary Neville, and the twin of Tracey Neville, a netball starlet, Phil made his debut for Manchester United in 1994 and from that point was a regular, although not consistent, member of the first team until he left the club in the summer of 2005. A versatile player, Phil can play in defence or midfield. He has mainly played as a left back (despite being right-footed) though it is genuinely unclear where his strongest position on the pitch is.

Phil has also regularly been picked for England squads, making his debut as a 19-year-old against China in 1996. He was only briefly a regular first-choice player for the side, as a left back in 2000 under Kevin Keegan's management. In recent times he has struggled to make the squad with youngsters such as Stephen Warnock being preferred as backup to Ashley Cole. He has, nonetheless, once briefly captained the side in a friendly match.

Phil's England career included the honour of being the youngest member of Terry Venables' squad for Euro 96, though he never kicked a ball (his brother played in every match until the semi-finals); he was one of the players omitted at the last minute by Glenn Hoddle when he was selecting his final 22 for the 1998 World Cup. It is known that Hoddle's decision left Phil in tears, though media attention was almost entirely devoted to the exclusion of another player, Paul Gascoigne. Phil revealed in an interview that Gascoigne, not known for his maturity, took the younger Neville brother under his wing and consoled him.

Keegan played Phil at left back in Euro 2000; Neville was partly responsible for England's early exit from the competition, committing a needless foul which led to a late penalty for Romania which they scored to win the match and eliminate England.

Neither of the Neville brothers went to the 2002 World Cup - Phil was left out, while Gary was injured. Both were back in the squad for Euro 2004.

Phil continued to play for Manchester United and seemed destined to spend his whole career there. Like his brother, arguably to a greater extent, he is much maligned by some football fans but more seasoned observers of the game see a mature, versatile and unfussy player who has proved very worthwhile as part of Manchester United's success. When Phil won his 50th England cap in 2004, however, former Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough, in his monthly Four Four Two column, bemoaned that such an "average" performer could achieive this milestone. As of December 2005 his tally had risen to 52 caps.

On August 4, 2005 Phil joined Everton on a 5-year contract for a fee in excess of £3million. He made his debut in a UEFA Champions League qualifier against Villarreal CF of Spain, coming face-to-face with his former Manchester United colleague Diego Forlan. The following weekend, Phil made his FA Premier League bow for the Toffeemen. Fittingly, it was against Manchester United. The match marked the first time Phil and brother Gary had faced off for opposing teams.

Phil is married with two children.

Phil was also an excellent cricketer in his youth and a contemporary in Lancashire's Under-19 side of England's star all-rounder Andrew Flintoff. It is said that he was good enough to have been a professional cricketer if football had not claimed him. One of Phil's former coaches called him the greatest schoolboy cricketer he'd ever known. His father, the wonderfully named Neville Neville, was a well-known league cricketer in Lancashire.

[ASUCruz]

Harry Gregg


http://www.united-front.org/images/gregg.jpg

Born: 25 October 1932

Position: Keeper

Caps:

Northern Ireland / 25

Apperances for United

247 Games / 48 Clean Sheets

Profile

Born in Magherafelt on 27th October 1932, Gregg's career began in Ireland with Linfield and Coleraine where he mixed football with an apprenticeship to become a joiner.

Prior to leaving Ireland he was capped at every level - schoolboy, youth, amateur and Inter-League.

He captained the Irish Schoolboys Team which included Jackie Blanchflower who later became his team mate with Manchester United and the Irish international team.

He moved to England in 1952 to join Doncaster Rovers for £15,000 ( a further £5,000 was paid after he made 12 appearances). In December 1957 Matt Busby paid £23,000 for Gregg's goalkeeping services, a world record fee for a goalkeeper at the time.

He immediately became United's first choice goalkeeper, despite facing tough competition from (Deleted) and Englands (Deleted). In a nine year stay at Old Trafford the only medal he won was an F.A. Cup runners up medal from the cup final in 1958.

He remained United's first choice goalkeeper until a horrific shoulder injury was picked up during a game versus Tottenham Hotspur in the 1961-2 season. Gregg was told by surgeons that he may never be able to play again.

This came as particularly unwelcome news, especially as personal tragedy was to follow, his first wife Mavis died after a long illness.

However, he eventually had major surgery to his shoulder and staged a comeback against Benfica at Old Trafford seven months later.In 1963, he lost his place to (Deleted) for the F.A. Cup final, after playing in all rounds bar the semi-final.

However, at the start of the following season Gregg was first choice keeper and retained his place until injury struck again in November 1963, when he badly broke his collarbone in a match at Old Trafford versus Liverpool, this was followed by a horrendous car crash which resulted in a broken leg and eventually a cartilage operation.

Gregg missed most of the 1964-65 season due to these injuries. In the 1965-66 season Gregg took over from (Deleted) and carried on in the first team to the European Cup semi-final against Partizan Belgrade losing 1-2 on aggregate.

He began the 1966-67 season in the first team until the purchase of Alex Stepney from Chelsea.In a playing career which spanned almost two decades Gregg won 25 full international caps for Northern Ireland, assisting his country to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Sweden in 1958, where he was voted the tournament's best keeper.

A survivor of the Munich air crash, Gregg was one of the heroes of the day. After escaping the crash with a bloody nose he went back into the blazing wreckage to pull out those who were trapped, rescuing a 20-month-old child and a pregnant woman as well as trying to revive his boss, Matt Busby.

He was a part of the patchwork team that Jimmy Murphy built after Munich, who reached the cup final some three months later.

In December 1966 Gregg moved to Stoke City, as player-coach. He played only 2 games for Stoke City before moving on into management.

In November 1978 he moved back to Old Trafford as a goalkeeping coach, but was released by Ron Atkinson when he took charge. In fact Atkinson made an almost clean sweep of United's coaching staff in 1981.

Gregg now lives in his native Northern Ireland and works as a hotelier.

In June 1995 Gregg was rewarded by his country, receiving an M.B.E. in the Queens Birthday Honours List, which he accepted on behalf of the many friends who died at Munich.

[Numquam Moribimur]

http://www.united-front.org/images/wood.jpg
Ray Wood

City of Birth - Hebburn-on-Tyne, Co. Durham, 11/6/1931

Weight 75.28 kg

Height 180 cm

Position Goalkeeper

Appearances with Club
208

International Caps
3 (England)

Ray Wood was the last line of defence for the Busby Babes.

Bought from Darlington in 1949 as an 18-year-old, he was purchased as an investment for future years. However he made his debut almost as soon as he was transferred to United, against the club which had signed him as an amateur in May 1948 - Newcastle United.

"We played in a terrible storm and perhaps the referee was lenient to me," recalled Ray in later years. "He disallowed two Newcastle goals and we drew 1-1." (quoted in United Review)

Despite this exciting start, it was not until the 1953/54 season that Ray broke into the first team to win a permanent place. He then won consecutive League Championship medals in 1956 and 1957.

Wood and United were unfortunate not to win the Double in 1957. Six minutes into the FA Cup final, Wood collided with Aston Villa's Peter McParland, suffering concussion and a fractured cheekbone. With no substitute to replace him, the blow was a big one - United lost the Cup final 2-1.

Matt Busby once said of Ray Wood's goalkeeping style: "You didn't get miracles from Ray, he was just there when it mattered."

In 1958 Ray was on the plane carrying the Manchester United team home from Red Star Belgrade, which crashed at Munich airport. Ray was one of the lucky ones who escaped with minor injuries and he was able to resume a playing career. In later years he was quoted as saying:

"I came around with a wheel on top of me. Harry (Gregg) had spotted me and thought I was dead. The aftermath was indescribable and the enormity of what had happened didn't sink in for a long time." (quoted in United Review)

In December 1958, after being replaced in the United goal by Northern Ireland international Harry Gregg, Ray moved to Second Division Huddersfield Town, where he stayed until 1965. It is testament to his ability and nature that a few years after he'd been sold, Matt Busby tried to buy him back!

On retiring from playing professional football, Ray went into management and coaching. His CV included teams in Canada, Kenya, America, Cyprus, Greece, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates.

Ray returned to England in the 1980's and lived in Bexhill, East Sussex. He died in July 2002, only a few weeks after his 71st birthday.

[Father Ted]

Allenby Chilton

http://www.btinternet.com/~keano16/manupag/legends/chiltonpag/chilton.jpg

Birthdate: 07/10/1920
Birthplace: South Hylton, County Durham, England
Appearances: 389
Goals: 3


Allenby Chilton started his career with Seaham Colliery before joining Liverpool as an amateur in the summer of 1938. Chilton transferred to Manchester United soon after in November 1938 and made his first team debut against Charlton Athletic in September 1939. Chilton's early career was cut short by the second world war although he made guest appearances for Airdrieonians, Cardiff City, Hartlepools United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United and Charlton Athletic who he helped to win the League South Cup Final in 1944. He served in the Durham Light Infantry and saw active service in the D Day Landings in 1944.

Chilton established himself in a defensive midfield position with Sir Matt Busby's first great post-war team and helped United to triumph in the 1948 FA Cup and was a key member of the 1952 league championship winning team. He was made club captain during the 1953/54 season. Having missed just 13 games in nine seasons at United and with 175 consecutive appearances to his name, Chilton requested a rest from first team action in early 1955. He was replaced by Mark Jones, one of the rising Busby Babes, and never returned to first team action. He left the club in March 1955 to become player-manager with Grimsby Town. He joined the Mariners late in the 1954-5 season and was unable to stop them having to apply for re-election, but the following season under his management they were Champions of Division Three North - the only club ever to go from re-election to promotion in one season.

Chilton continued as manager at Grimsby Town until April 1960 when he joined Wigan Athletic as manager for one season during 1960/61. Chilton joined Hartlepools United as a scout for the 1961/62 season and became manager during 1962/63. Chilton made 432 appearances and scored 3 goals for United and made two international appearances for England. Chilton died on 15 June 1996.

[listen_up_fergie]

John Giles

http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/bob.dunning/giles2.jpg

PROFILE

Johnny Giles, one of the finest players ever to represent the Republic of Ireland, enjoyed a glittering club career with Manchester United and Leeds.

A combative figure in the centre of midfield, Giles’ competitive streak was matched by his considerable ability on the ball; he was a regular provider of goals for others and scored more than a few himself, with many coming as a result of an unerring ability from the penalty spot.

Giles joined Manchester United as an apprentice and soon made his mark at Old Trafford.

He became the youngest player to win a full cap for the Republic of Ireland, four days before his 19th birthday, and was a member of the United team – alongside the likes of Bobby Charlton and Denis Law - that beat Leicester in the 1963 FA Cup final.

So it came as a surprise when Giles was allowed to leave Old Trafford for Leeds soon after that FA Cup triumph. Manchester United boss Matt Busby later admitted that he made a mistake in letting Giles go, especially for the bargain fee of £33,000.

Reflecting on his decision to quit Old Trafford, Giles said: "I wanted to leave Manchester United because I felt I'd have a better future somewhere else. Matt Busby didn't want me to stay. I went to see Matt and said that I felt it was better for me to go and he didn't disagree."

The signing proved to be an astute one as he helped Leeds win two League titles, along with the League Cup and FA Cup. On the European front, they also won the Fairs Cup twice.

Giles' immense contribution to the game was recognised when the FAI granted him a testimonial match at Lansdowne Road - the first time they had allowed an England-based Irishman such an honour. At the end of his playing career, when Don Revie quit Leeds to take the England job, the outgoing manager suggested that Giles would be an ideal candidate to replace him.

Statistics for Manchester United
Name: Michael John Giles
Birthdate: 06/11/1940
Birthplace: Cabra, Dublin
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 10st 13lbs
Transferred from: Home Farm, 2000, £10
Full International: Republic of Ireland
Debut for Manchester United: 12/09/1959 v Tottenham Hotspur (H) 1-5 (League Division One)
Farewell to United: Transferred to Leeds United, 08/1963, £37,500
Total Appearances: 114
Total Goals: 13


Courtesy of nobok.co.uk and Encyclopaedia Manchester United

[listen_up_fergie]

Jimmy Delaney

http://www.btinternet.com/~keano16/manupag/legends/delaneypag/delaney.jpg

PROFILE

Name: Jimmy Delaney
Birthdate: 03/09/1914
Birthplace: Cleland, Lanarkshire, Scotland
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 11st 13lbs
Transferred from: Sunderland, 1946, £4,000
Previous clubs: Celtic, Sunderland
Full International: Scotland
Debut for Manchester United: 31/08/1946 v Grimsby Town (Maine Road) 2-1 (League Division One)
Farewell to United: Transferred to Aberdeen, 1950, £3,500
Passed Away: 26/09/1989

Jimmy Delaney was one of Sir Matt Busby's first major signings. The Scottish international signed with Manchester United in 1946, and played on the outside right in an attack comprising of the likes of Rowley and Pearson, which was known as the "Famous Five". Despite being 32 years old when he signed and regarded as "over-the-hill", Delaney proved his critics wrong and went on to make 183 appearances for United over five seasons, scoring 28 goals.

Courtesy of Encyclopaedia Manchester United and wikipedia.org

From scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk:
Jimmy Delaney - played 1930's/50s
Celtic, Manchester United, Derry City, Cork City
Very long career despite injuries. Great outside right with speed and scoring ability. He reached the final of the FA Cup, Scottish Cup, Irish Cup, and FAI Cup. 13 Full Caps and 2 Wartime internationals. 6 Scottish League Appearances. With Celtic Scottish League Champions 1936, 1938 and Scottish Cup Winner 1938. With Manchester United FA Cup winner 1948. With Derry City Irish Cup Winner. With Cork Athletic FAI Cup finalist 1956.

[Father Ted]

Father Ted selects...

Jack Crompton

http://www.btinternet.com/~keano16/manupag/legends/cromptonpag/crompton.jpg

Name: Jack Crompton
Birthdate: 18/12/1921
Birthplace: Hulme, Manchester, England
Height: 5' 9"
Weight: 11st 1lb
Signed trainee: 06/1944
Signed professional: 01/1945
Debut for Manchester United: 05/01/1946 v Accrington Stanley (Peel Park) 2-2 (FA Cup 3rd Round 1st Leg)
Farewell to United: Retired from game, 06/1956
Position: Goalkeeper
Appearances: 275

Quote: "I have given my heart and soul to United. They have been my very lifeblood".

Jack Crompton, (born December 18, 1921 in Manchester Jack was a goalkeeper for Manchester United in the 1940's and 1950's. Jack would help United win the 1948 F.A. Cup and 1952 league championship. Jack retired in 1956.

[Numquam Moribimur]

http://www.mu-fc.net/images/g34.jpg




D.O.B. 28/4/53
City of Birth Barnsley, 28/4/1953
Weight 68.48 kg
Height 175 cm
Position Defender
Appearances with Club 271
Goals Scored with Club 18
International Caps 18 (England)






Born in Barnsley on 28th April 1953, Brian Greenhoff joined United as an apprentice in August 1968 and signed as a professional two years later in June 1970.

After spending five years in the youth and reserve teams, Brian Greenhoff made his debut on 8th August 1973, away to Ipswich Town.

In his first full season, Greenhoff played in midfield along side Sammy McIlroy. However, despite his enthusiasm Manchester United got relegated at the end of the 1973-74 season.

After a successful season in Division Two he collected a Second Division Championship plaque in 1975. By 1977 Greenhoff had found his forte in central defence, playing alongside Martin Buchan.

During his time at Manchester United he played in two F.A Cup finals in 1976 and 1977, where he collected a runners-up and a winners' medal respectively. He was a non-playing substitute in the 1979 F.A. Cup final, after appearing in all the previous rounds.

At the end of the 1978-79 Dave Sexton sold him to Leeds United for £350,000. He made a total of 271 appearances for United and scored 17 goals. He also won 18 England caps, most of them as a Manchester United player.

[ASUCruz]

Francis Burns

http://www.sporting-heroes.net/files_football/BURNS_Francis_19720803_GH_R.jpg

Born: 17 October 1948

Position: LB

Caps:

Scotland / 1

Apperances for United

142 Games / 7 Goals

Profile

Francis Burns joined Manchester United as a 15-year old in 1964. The side won the 1967/68 League Championship whilst Francis was carving a reputation in the reserves. He broke into the first team at 18 making his debut on 2nd September 1967 in a 3-1 win against West Ham United at Upton Park.

His first goal came a week later on his home debut in a 2-2 draw with Burnley. He featured regularly throughout the season as the team's left-back and appeared in the opening seven games of the European Cup campaign up to and including the first leg of the semi-final when United beat Real Madrid 1-0 at Old Trafford.

However, Francis missed out on the final success against Benfica as Sir Matt Busby elected to play the more experienced Shay Brennan. By the following season Busby had seen enough to start with Francis as the European champions attempted to defend their crown. They began impressively with a 10-2 aggregate win against Waterford with Burns scoring in the second leg. He also played in the first leg of the fiercely fought World Club Championship against Estudiantes de la Plata.

However, injury kept him out of the majority of the remainder of the season, though he did return to feature in both legs of the ultimately unsuccessful European Cup Semi-Final with AC Milan. Wilf McGuinness took over the reins at Old Trafford for the 1969/70 season and he saw the talent in Francis, as Burns was virtually a permanent fixture for the first three quarters of the campaign.

Francis' United career was curtailed thereafter by a series of cartilage injuries and he left in June 1972, whilst Frank O'Farrell was in charge, for a fee of £50, 000 to Southampton. He made his final appearance in a 0-0 home draw with Everton on 8th March 1972. (Steve Drabble)

[benni...]

I draft - Mike Phelan

http://www.rugssoccersignatures.com/Mike_Phelan_1.jpg

Mike Phelan born September 24, 1962 in Nelson was an English football player. He was a versatile player equally at home in midfield or defence.

Mike Phelan began his career at Burnley, signing as an associated schoolboy in July 1979, as an apprentice two years later and as a professional in July 1980. He made his league debut in January 1981 against Chesterfield and whilst at Turf Moor would gain England Youth caps and a Third Division champions medal. 168 games for Burnley brought him to Norwich's attention, for whom he signed on 30th May 1985. A strong, influential midfielder was needed if Norwich were to return to the top flight following their relegation to Division Two in May 1985. Phelan lived up to the expectations and Norwich won the Division Two championship in his first season at the club. He became club captain when Steve Bruce joined Manchester United, and led the Canaries to 4th place in Division One in 1988/89 and a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.

He was called into the England squad for the Rous Cup games against Chile and Scotland but did not play due to a hamstring injury. His success drew the attention of larger clubs and he followed Steve Bruce to Old Trafford for £750,000. At Manchester United, he won his first international cap (against Italy) and a FA Cup winner's medal in his first season. This was followed the European Cup Winners Cup in 1991, the League Cup in 1992, and the Premiership title in 1993 before he dropped down a division to join West Bromwich Albion in 1994 . He returned to Carrow Road in December 1995 as Assistant Manager to Gary Megson. and managed the Norwich Reserves. When Megson was fired and joined Blackpool, Mike followed him returning to his native North-West. He has since accompanied Megson to Stockport County. His career total stands at Burnley (168 league games, 9 goals), Norwich City (194 games, 10 goals), Manchester United (102 games, 2 goals) and West Bromwich Albion (21 games)

Following Megson's sacking as Stockport boss on 25th June 1999, Andy Kilmer took over as manager. Phelan moved on shortly afterwards, taking up a role at Manchester United's Centre of Excellence. With Steve McClaren's departure to Middlesboro in the summer of 2001, Mike was promoted to first team coach.

Man. Utd.:
1989-1990 Played 38 Scored 1 goal (Division 1)
1990-1991 Played 33 Scored 1 goal (Division 1)
1991-1992 Played 18 Scored 0 goals (Division 1)
1992-1993 Played 11 Scored 0 goals (Premiership)
1993-1994 Played 2 Scored 0 goals (Premiership)

[Stud83]

George Wall

http://www.btinternet.com/~keano16/manupag/legends/wallpag/wall.jpg

Born: 20/2/1885

Weight 68.03 kg

Height 170 cm

Position: LW

Appearances with Club: 330

Goals Scored with Club: 100

International Caps: 7 (England)

Debut for Manchester United: 07/04/1906 v Leyton Orient (A) 1-0 (League Division Two)

Farewell to United: Transferred to Oldham Athletic, 03/1919, £200

Passed Away: 04/1962


George Wall was born in Boldon Colliery, near Sunderland on 20th February 1885.

He began his professional football career with Barnsley in 1903 after playing for various local sides. Spending a little less than three years at Oakwell, Wall was transferred to Manchester United for £175.

Employed as an outside-left, he supplied United's forwards with an endless number of goal scoring opportunities from his pinpoint crosses. He also possessed an accurate shot, scoring 100 goals in 330 first team appearances.

Whilst at Manchester United, Wall was an ever present member of the great pre-First World War team, which won two League Championships in 1908 and 1911 and the FA Cup in 1909. In addition to this he won seven full international caps for England and represented the Football League on four occasions.

When war broke out, Wall joined the Black Watch Regiment as a Sergeant. On demobilisation in 1919 he joined United's neighbours Oldham Athletic. Like many of his United team-mates he defied father time and was playing for the Manchester Ship Canal FC in his 42nd year.

After his playing career was over George Wall worked on the Manchester docks as a goods checker.

Courtesy: manutd.com

[SirManchester]

http://www.mainprize.demon.co.uk/utdfront/images/blanchf.jpg

JACKIE BLANCHFLOWER

DATE OF BIRTH: MARCH 7TH 1933
NICKNAME: "TWIGGY"
POSITION: CENTRE HALF
APPEARANCES: 117
GOALS:26


Blanchflower - nicknamed "Twiggy" by his teammates - is the younger brother of Tottenham's Danny, and made his United debut as a wing-half in the 1951-52 season.
His versatility is a great strength. Before the current batch of young attackers came onto the scene at Old Trafford, he often played as a creative inside forward, but Matt Busby chose to play him at centre-half, recognising his aerial power and intelligent positional sense. Blanchflower underlined his versatility by spending much of last season's F.A. Cup final in goal, after Ray Wood had left the field injured. Blanchflower also possesses a good touch with either foot.
He helped the club with three league titles in the 1950's and helped Northern Ireland to their first ever victory over Italy in 1958, however the injuries sustained in the Munich air crash meant that he never played again.

[Dark Savante]

Johno picks:

http://eur.news1.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sp/empics/2764579

Name:Louis Saha
Born: 8 Aug 1978, Paris, France
Position: CF

Louis Saha completed his £12.82million move from Fulham to United on 23 January 2004.

Just seven days later the French striker scored on his Reds debut – albeit via a deflected free-kick - as United earned a 3-2 victory over Southampton at Old Trafford.

Despite suffering a string of niggling injuries in the months that followed, he still managed an average of a goal every other game as he ended the campaign with 7 goals in 14 appearances.

Saha’s impressive performances for United lead to him winning his first cap for France in a 2-0 win over Belgium – a match in which he scored – in February 2004. He also earned a place in his country’s Euro 2004 squad, but was only used as a substitute as the French crashed out in the quarter-finals.

United are Saha’s third Premiership club having turned out for both Fulham and Newcastle, where he spent four-and-a-half months on loan during the 1998/99 season, making 12 appearances and bagging 2 goals.

The French striker was former Fulham manager Jean Tigana’s first signing at Craven Cottage in June 2000 after he joined for £2.1million from French club Metz.

In his first season with the Cottagers, Saha’s 32 goals helped Fulham gain promotion to the Premiership.

The Frenchman first sprung to Sir Alex Ferguson's attention when he ran United's defence ragged with two goals as the Reds’ laboured to a 3-2 win over the newcomers on the opening day of the 2001/02 season.

It proved something of a false dawn, however, as Saha managed just nine goals that season and only seven in 28 appearances during the 2002/03 campaign.

The goals finally started flowing in the first half of the 2003/04 season and he found the net on fifteen occasions before penning a five-year deal at Old Trafford.

A combination of injuries and the arrival of both Wayne Rooney and Alan Smith made Saha’s second season with United an increasingly frustrating one; he played just 22 games and scored only twice.

[GrodZilla]

Joe Spence

http://www.keano16.btinternet.co.uk/manupag/legends/spencepag/spence.jpg

City of Birth: Throckley, 15/12/1898

Weight: 69.84 kg

Height: 174 cm

Position: Forward

Appearances with Club: 514

Goals Scored with Club: 174

International Caps: 2 (England)

International Goals: 1


Joe Spence was born in Throckley, Northumberland on 15th December 1898.

As a schoolboy he played for Blucher juniors and Throckley Celtic. It is reported that whilst playing for Blucher Juniors he scored 42 out of the teams 49 goals in his first season.

At 13 years old he began work as miner. He was later to be conscripted into the army at the age of 17 where he served as a machine gunner.

Whilst in the army he made guest appearances for Liverpool, Newburn and Scotswood, he also won the Army Cup with his battalion.

In March 1919, Manchester United signed Spence from north east amateur side, Scotswood. In his first game for United, Spence scored four goals in a 5-1 victory over Bury at Old Trafford.

He made his League debut in August of the same year when League football was resumed. Spence was a consistent player in his 14 years with the club making a total of 514 appearances, scoring 174 goals.

However, whilst at Manchester United he failed to win any major honours and it was not until he left the club in 1933 that he lifted any silverware (1936 Third Division North Championship, with Chesterfield).

Spence was always a popular player at Old Trafford. In a period when United teams often failed to produce the goods, Spence's entertaining presence was the highlight of many games with the crowd regularly heard shouting "Give it to Joe!" during the match.

[billyireland]

Steve James
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/files_football/JAMES_Steve_19730310_GH_R.jpg

1966-1976
POSITION: Central Defender
DATE OF BIRTH: Tuesday, 29th November 1949
PLACE OF BIRTH: Coseley, West Midlands
DEBUT: Saturday, 12th October 1968 in a 2-0 defeat at Liverpool (Aged: 18)
CLUB CAREER: 129 League apps, 4 goals

Steve James signed as an apprentice for Manchester United in July 1965 and made his debut some three years later, when still only 18, in a 2-0 defeat at Anfield. James was being groomed as Bill Foulkes' successor and played in exactly half of the league games in the 1968/69 season, scoring his first goal in a 3-2 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 15th March. He also played in both legs of the European Cup Quarter-Final against Rapid Vienna, which United won 3-0 on aggregate. Sir Matt Busby stepped down at the end of the season and Wilf McGuinness was appointed in his place. McGuinness brought Ian Ure to Old Trafford from Arsenal and James was out of the first team for practically all of the 1969/70 season. Steve forced his way back into contention the following season, making 14 appearances as United finished in 8th place in the league. McGuinness was sacked in December and the legendary Busby resumed control until the end of the season before handing over the reins to Frank O'Farrell, under whom James enjoyed his longest run in the starting eleven. The side began O'Farrell's reign in great style and lead the league by 5 points at Christmas. Steve scored his second goal for the club in a 2-2 home draw with Coventry City on 27th December 1971. However, he played only once over the subsequent six weeks as the side's title challenge fell apart. The following season saw the departure of O'Farrell and the arrival of Tommy Docherty. Steve was again out of the side for a considerable period though he did return to play 10 of United's final 12 games of the 1972/73 campaign as United staved off relegation. Steve was in and out of the side over the next two years as United were relegated and then promoted. He made his final appearance in a 4-0 win at home to Blackpool on 26th April 1975 and reformed links with McGuinness in January 1976 when he left for York City.

[Teso Dos Bichos]

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/2682/connelly645ej.jpg

Name: John Connelly
Position: OL/OR
Born: 18/7/38 (St. Helens, Lancs.)
Weight: 71.2 kg
Height: 173 cm

Appearances: 113
Goals: 35
Caps: 20 (England)
Goals: 7

"John Connelly joined Burnley at 18 years of age from St. Helens Town, the team that launched Bert Trautmann into League football with Manchester City.

Whilst serving his time as an apprentice joiner, Connelly began with St Helens as an inside-forward, but at Turf Moor was switched onto the wing.

He developed into one of the quickest and most prolific goalscoring wingers in the First Division, and when he joined United in a £56,250 transfer in April 1964 had scored 105 League and Cup goals in 265 matches.

During his stay at Turf Moor he won a League championship medal in 1960, and an FA Cup finalists' medal two years later. Some strangely suggested he might now be past his best, but he was an immediate success with United, who won the League championship in Connelly's first season when he was an ever-present and contributed an impressive 15 goals.

The Reds' usual forward line during that memorable campaign was: Connelly, Charlton, Herd, Law and Best. There can have been few, if any, better combinations in the club's long history. Between them, they scored 83 of United's 89 League goals during 1964-5.

After two sterling years that further illuminated his career and only a matter of months after appearing for England in the opening match of the 1966 World Cup Finals, Connelly left Old Trafford for Blackburn Rovers in a £40,000 transfer.

He later joined Bury, and when he retired in 1973 had completed 571(2) League matches and scored 180 goals. In international football, John Connelly won 20 England caps and appeared once at Under-23 level.

He also represented the Football League on eight occasions. After leaving the game, he ran a fish and chip shop in Brierfield, near Burnley." [manutd.com]

Appearances: 64-67
FL 79 - 22 g
FAC 13 - 2 g
FLC 1 - 0 g
EUR 19 - 11 g
Total: 112 apps 35 goals

*slight discrepancy between games played on the sites I checked. Only out by 1 game though, so meh.

[Dark Savante]

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Name: Henry Cockburn
Born: Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancs, 14/9/1923
Weight: 64.4 kg
Height: 165 cm
Position: Half-back (CM)

Appearances with Club
322
Goals Scored with Club
6
International Caps
13 (England)

Henry Cockburn was born in Ashton-Under-Lyne on 14th September 1923.
He was signed by Manchester United during the Second World War as an amateur in April 1943 and signed as a professional four months later in August 1944.
Cockburn was a small but gifted half-back, who for his height had remarkably good aerial ability. His pace, tenacity and aggression made up for his lack of height and ensured he was never bullied out of games. Cockburn’s game was primarily to give the ball to the more creative players in the side such as Charlie Mitten and Stan Pearson. His precise passing out of defence enabled the team to play a fine brand of attacking and counter-attacking football. Although Cockburn wold rarely be seen past the middle third of the pitch, his passes into space and studious, defensive nature allowed the more fashionable players the chance to express themselves. Cockburn did the job given to him by Sir Matt Busby to perfection. His affect on Manchester United was such that after only playing seven full league games for the Red Devils, he was selected to play for England in September 1946. A quite remarkable feat for his era.

He was a member of the side who won the F.A. Cup in 1948 and the League Championship in 1952. After nine years with United, he lost his place to none other than Duncan Edwards and requested a transfer in October 1954, his pride hurt after being usurped by an incomparable 17 year-old.

He joined Bury where he played for two seasons, after which he played for Peterborough United, Corby Town, Sankey's and Oldham Athletic. Cockburn never regained the form shown at United in his stints with other clubs. His heart was still in Manchester and if not for the emergence of Edwards, Cockburn’s name would be known by many more Red’s than it is now.

[Dark Savante]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v206/Fortitude1/BigJim.jpg


Name: Jim Holton
Born: Lesmahagow, Lanarks., 11/4/1951
Weight: 84.81 kg
Height: 185 cm
Position: Centre-back

Appearances with Club
72
Goals Scored with Club
6

International Caps
15 (Scotland)

International Goals
2


Jim Holton was associated with both Celtic and West Bromwich Albion as a youngster, but made his League debut with Shrewsbury Town after Albion had released him on a free transfer in June 1971.

Progress was so rapid that he made his full international debut for Scotland less than two years later. In total he won 15 caps.

Strong and dominant in the air and the possessor of a shuddering tackle, it was a remarkable success story for the rugged, no-nonsense centre-half who had cost United boss Tommy Docherty £84,444 in January 1973, and done much to ensure their survival in Division One that season.

Despite the fact that the Reds were relegated in the following term, Holton had risen to cult status with the Stretford Enders who adored his rough edges and sang:

"Six foot two, eyes of blue, big Jim Holton's after you...."

In addition to the vocal tributes, he was also voted Player of the Year. However, the fairy tale ended midway through the 1974-5 promotion season when he broke a leg at Sheffield Wednesday.

When he suffered another break in his come-back game with the Reserves, his United career was virtually finished. He spent the summer of 1976 on loan to Miami Toros, joining Sunderland for £64,000 on his return to England.

He subsequently assisted Coventry City and Sheffield Wednesday, without ever really recapturing his earlier form.

His premature death at the age of 42 came as a shock to all who, 20 years earlier, enjoyed the big Scot's spell in the Old Trafford limelight.

[Teso Dos Bichos]

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Name: Stewart Houston
Position: DL
Born: 28/8/49 (Dunoon, Argyle)
Weight: 73.47 kg
Height: 180 cm

Appearances: 250
Goals: 17
Caps: 1 (Scotland)

Stewart Houston made his debut for United in what proved to be George Best's final appearance for the Reds.

Born in Dunoon, Houston began with Chelsea at 18 years of age under Tommy Docherty but spent much time on the injured-list and had played in only nine League matches (three as substitute) when he moved to Brentford for £17,000 in March 1972.

Signed again by Docherty for £45,000 in December 1973 to help shore-up United's wobbling defence, Houston developed into a superbly consistent left-back whose measured clearances along the left flank were the source of countless attacking runs from Gordon Hill in the mid 1970's.

Houston won a Second Division championship medal in 1975, and appeared in the FA Cup final against Southampton the following year, when the Second Division team were surprise winners by 1-0.

He missed out when United reached Wembley again in 1977, having the great misfortune to suffer torn ankle ligaments at Bristol City, just a fortnight before the final. His place was taken by Arthur Albiston who sportingly offered Houston his winning medal, which he declined with thanks.

He was never quite such an effective defensive force again although after leaving United in July 1980 he won a Fourth Division championship medal with Sheffield United in 1982.

The son of a former St Mirren player, Stewart Houston won one Scotland cap in 1976 and played twice for the Under-23 team. In 1990 he joined the backroom staff at Arsenal and, as assistant to George Graham, and played a significant role in the Gunners' recent domestic and European successes.

In season 1996/97, Houston became Manager at Queens Park Rangers, and won the Nationwide Division One Manager of the Month for September 1997.

He was released from this position in November 1997. From here he joined Ipswich Town as First Team coach. Houston then moved on to Tottenham Hotspur, appointed Assistant Manager on 01 March 1999. [manutd.com]

[GrodZilla]

Billy Picks :

Gerry Daly

Position: CM