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

Harry Moger

time at club (1903-1910)

Position: Goalkeeper

Appearances: 266

Honors: League Championship Titles 1908, 1911
FA Cup Winner's Medal 1909

Nationality: English

Height: 191cm

Harry Moger was born in Southampton in September 1879. He began his football career with local side Southampton.

I obviously haven't seen him play, but he was one of United's first greatkeepers. Purchased by one of our shrewdest ever managers, certainly in the transfer market - Moger proved to be a great buy and his purchase along with that of Meredith, Roberts, Duckworth and Bell was an essential part of United's dominance early in 20th century.

He began his career at United as our back-up but in the 1904-05 season he became United's regular goalkeeper, gaining much confidence from saving a penalty on the opening day of the season.

For the next seven years he was United's first choice keeper. However, despite his outstanding form for United and his reliability he never gained an England cap. Nevertheless, winning two League Championship medals in 1908 and 1911 and an F.A. Cup winners' medal in 1909 were just compensation.

After losing his place to Hugh Edmonds in 1912 he played out the remainder of the 1911-12 season in the reserves. In 1912, not satisfied with Central League football, he announced his retirement after playing in a total of 266 first team games for United.

 

FRANK BARSON

DATE OF BIRTH: APRIL 10TH 1891

Instead of putting up a profile because it was too difficult to find, I'll post up pieces of Dave Woodhall's article entitled "the hardest man in history":

"Hard men and characters. Everybody says there aren't enough of them left in football. All the old faces say there used to be plenty on the old days. Vinnie Jones wouldn't have lasted five minutes against Tommy Smith. Norman Hunter, there was a real hard man. And Dave Mackay, Billy Bremner and all the rest. They were real hard men. No they weren't. Not compared to the hardest of the lot.

Frank Barson. The mere mention of his name made opponents claim they were injured. Like all legends, tales about Barson are many. But in his case most of them are true.

Barson was born in Grimesthorpe, in the Sheffield steel belt. He first came to prominence playing for Barnsley, where he had already served a two month suspension following an incident in a friendly against Birmingham, and on one occasion had to be smuggled out of Goodison Park to avoid a large crowd who had gathered outside the ground to discuss with Barson his behaviour in an FA Cup tie with Everton.

Barson came into conflict with Barnsley over travelling expenses, and Messrs Ramsay and Rinder were convinced that he would be the best player to improve a Villa team which had been struggling after the First World War. Barson, strangely for such a self-confident man, initially thought himself not good enough for the Villa, but the persuasive Ramsay, as usual, won the argument and Barson moved to Villa in October 1919, making his debut in a 4-1 win at Middlesbrough.

Barson undoubtedly played a large part in the Villa team during his three seasons at the club, but it is his run-ins with authority for which he is best known.

He maintained a business in Sheffield and refused to move to Birmingham despite the Villa's insistence that he should do so. This cost him dearly once, when he and goalkeeper Sam Hardy, who lived in

Chesterfield, were forced to walk seven miles to Old Trafford in bad weather after missing a rail connection. Naturally, Barson was the best player on the pitch that afternoon.

Barson's living arrangements caused further controversy on the opening day of the 1920-21 season, when he and Clem Stephenson missed a defeat at Bolton. Both were suspended by the Villa board for fourteen days but Barson still refused to move. In fact, he was appointed captain in succession to Andy Ducat, although it's not known whether he merely decided he wanted the job and nobody dared argue with him. He celebrated his appointment by scoring with a header from thirty yards out against Sheffield United.

Opposing crowds hated him, so much so that Barson was forced to publicly defend himself on the grounds that he had been "brought up to play hard and saw nothing wrong with an honest to goodness shoulder charge."

However, Barson was not always the guilty party. The Villa's opponents frequently took out their anger on his colleagues, which was often the signal for Barson to roll up his sleeves and extract revenge on the miscreants. It was also common for the crowd at away fixtures to howl for Barson's blood following incidents in which he had played no part.

Probably the most famous story about Frank Barson concerned the 1920 FA Cup Final, when he was warned about his behaviour by referee Jack Howcroft - in the dressing room before the match started. "The first wrong move you make Barson, off you go" he was told. Howcroft repeated the threat a couple of years later when officiating another Villa game. But despite this, the two men retained a healthy respect for each other.

For a player like Frank Barson, a lengthy career at any single club would have been impossible. The beginning of the end to his time at Villa came following a match against Liverpool. Barson invited a friend of his to wait in the dressing room while he got changed, and this drew a rebuke from a director. The disciplinarian Rinder became involved in the argument and when Barson refused to apologise, his Villa days were numbered. Even Frank Barson couldn't get the better of Fredrick Rinder. A seven day suspension was the result and this was followed by a transfer request.

Villa actually did offer him good terms to re-sign at the beginning of the following season, but Barson refused to play for the team again. He turned down offers from several clubs but eventually joined Manchester United in late August 1922. Villa had wanted £6,000 for his signature but eventually settled for a reduced fee from United (where have I heard that before?) of £5,000. He also received permission from the Old Trafford board to live and train in Sheffield.

It's typical of Barson that despite falling out with the Villa board, they should go to great lengths to help him out. He believed that he was due a signing-on fee, but the FA Management Committee ruled that his refusal to accept Villa's terms meant that he had forfeit this right. Rinder took his claim to the FA but the fee was never paid.

Despite suffering a bad injury, Barson was regarded as a hero in Manchester, although he didn't welcome undue flattery. In fact, he was so sick of such attention that on the opening night of his pub he gave the business to his head waiter.
In his book Soccer in the Blood, Billy Walker wrote of Barson "Perhaps the greatest of all the great characters in my album - he played with and against me - was the one and only Frank Barson.

"Frank was a Sheffielder, a truly great footballer and personality and a card. He was never ashamed of numbering amongst his friends the notorious Fowler brothers, who were hanged for murder."
In fact, prior to a game against Spurs, Frank was sent a good luck letter from the brothers - who at the time were in the condemned cell.

Walker claimed that Barson did more to make him the great footballer he became than did anyone else. However, that didn't stop Frank from behaving in his usual style when they were in opposition. When playing against Manchester United, Walker once laid on a goal and the latest of all late tackles then put him out of action for three weeks.

Barson later played for Watford, Hartlepool, Wigan and Rhyl Athletic. The fact that he moved to Birmingham upon retirement though, and lived there until his death, showed which club he held dearest to his heart.

Oh, and there's an unconfirmed story that towards the end of his career he didn't feel he was getting the pay rise he deserved, so helped contract negotiations along by going to a meeting with his manager carrying a gun.

Beat that, Vinnie Jones."

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courtesy of http://freespace.virgin.net/heroes.villains1/68/3.htm

 

John David Gaskell (GK)


(born October 5, 1940 in Orrel, England) was an English football goalkeeper. Gaskell started his career as a youth player with Manchester United. He helped United win several trophies during the 60's. He would leave the club for Wrexham A.F.C. in 1967.


Despite being brought up in Rugby League country, David Gaskell had a very successful soccer career which began with two seasons with Lancashire Schoolboys and five caps for England Schools.

He made his senior debut for UNITED in unusual circumstances, nineteen days after his 16th birthday. Having gone to Maine Road to watch the 1956 Charity Shield Final between UNITED and City, he was pitched into action when UNITED's, Ray Wood , suffered a hip injury which prevented his continuing in goal. It must have been a great thrill for the young goalkeeper, particularly as he was able to help UNITED to win the match by 1-0.

Some twelve months later he had a less happy experience when he made his league debut against Tottenham; Bobby Smith, Spurs' powerful centre forward, slamming in a first half hat-trick!. Throughout his career at OT Gaskell, who was an extrovert crowd- pleasing goalkeeper with excellent reflexes, faced stiff competition, notably from Harry Gregg and Ray Wood and, perhaps something was missing from his make up, was never an automatic choice for the first team.

In 1962-3 season he was introduced into the team for the FA Cup Semi-Final against Southampton, after Gregg had played in all the earlier rounds. Gaskell rather controversially, held his place in for the final and collected a winners medal as UNITED beat Leicester City by 3-1 at Wembley.

After a spell of non-league football and a few games with Orrell Rugby Club, he joined Wrexham, making exactly 100 league and cup appearances in a 3 year stay. He later had coaching appointments in South Africa and Kuwait.

Appearances: FL 96 - 0 g
FAC 16 - 0 g
FLC 1 - 0 g
EUR 5 - 0g
Total: 118 apps

United born and bred

 

Wilf McGuinness was born in Manchester on 25 October 1937. As a youngster he captained Manchester, Lancashire and England schoolboys. He signed for Manchester United on amateur forms in January 1953. He turned professional in November 1954 and made his debut as a seventeen year old on 8 October 1955 at Old Trafford against Wolves.

In 1958 McGuinness suffered a bad injury, but one which probably saved his life as he missed the ill-fated trip to Belgrade. As a player he had a tremendous amount of determination and strength, and these were qualities which were recognised by his national coaches. He played for England youth, the Under-23's, and twice for the full England team. He also twice represented the Football League.

At the age of 22 McGuinness was forced to retire after he broke his leg playing in the Central League. In 1965 McGuinness attempted a playing comeback with United's reserves, but the injury which initally forced him out of the game proved to be too severe.

He was still a United player at the time of the Munich air disaster in 1958, but an injury had prevented him from playing so he was not on the plane that crashed. A broken leg finished his playing career when he was only 22.

 

Darren Fletcher is regarded as one of the best of the current crop of Manchester United youngsters. Living in Dalkeith, outside Edinburgh, he was discovered playing with Edinburgh side Hutchison Vale, aged 11 by reds scout Andy Perry. The scout immediately made plans to take him to Old Trafford to meet boss Sir Alex. Darren impressed Fergie and was asked to come down to trials four times a year.

Despite having had been on the books of both Rangers and Celtic, it was an easy decision to move south as the United manager told him if he was good enough he would get a chance no matter what superstars were in the side. Fletcher joined Manchester United as a trainee in July 2000, turning professional in February of the following year. Fletcher was so good a prospect that Roy Keane tried to use his Irish mother as a means to make him play for the Republic of Ireland. That is until Fergie stepped in to save the day for Scotland and Fletcher committed himself to the Tartan Army, much to Berti Vogts' relief.

Sir Alex Ferguson rates this talented midfielder very highly given the fact he had a squad number while only 16 years of age. and still has time very much on his side. Darren made his debut in March 2003 in a 1-1 Champions League draw at home to FC Basle at the age of 19 and has featured in several of the opening games of the 2003-2004 season.


The midfielder represented Scotland at Youth and Under-21 level, before finally earning his first full Scottish cap against Norway in Oslo on 20 August 2003 coming off the bench in the second half. Better was to come as he scored the crucial winner against Latvia to take the Scots into the European Championship play-offs in October 2003.

Described by one United coach as a 'monster', Fletcher has all the attributes to be a complete midfielder in Patrick Vieira vein but with a range of passing and shooting like a certain famous number seven from the recent past. He is mainly creative central midfield player, but can operate on the right wing. Whether he fulfils his potential is unclear given the strength of the United midfield but the young Scot has a four-year contract signed in October 2003 to keep him at Old Trafford until June 2007.

Sir Alex Ferguson clearly believes Fletcher has the talent to become one of the best in the country. In the 2003-2004 season he was given his opportunity to make an impression on the first team by the boss. Darren started 25 games and was sub nine times. Playing mainly on the wing, opinion was divided on the young star's contribution but towards the end of the season he had impressed many of the Old Trafford faithful with solid composed performances. Enough so that he edged out long standing stalwarts Nicky Butt and Phil Neville for a starting place in the FA Cup Final.

Last season, Fletcher further established his place in United's first team, despite a spell on the sidelines after damaging knee ligaments in February. He returned at the end to score two goals, against Charlton and Southampton as well as playing in the FA Cup final. However, though Sir Alex rates him highly, the Scot still has a lot to do to convince fans he can be anything other than a utility player.

 

My Final pick:

Mikael Silvestre



DOB: August 9, 1977
Appearances: 322
Goals: 9

Mikael Silvestre began his career with French First Division club Rennes in the 1995/96 season. He made just one appearance that term.

The next year, he made 16 appearances, taking his tally up to 31 in the 1997/98 season.

Inter Milan spotted his potential, and signed him in time for the 1998/99 Serie A season. He made 18 League appearances, scoring one goal into the bargain. He also played six times in the European Cup, including the quarter-final second-leg, against Manchester United.

Silvestre, a centre-back who can also play at full-back, signed for Manchester United on 10 September 1999.

Mikael took his time to settle into English football, but showed flashes of the pace and skill that had persuaded Sir Alex Ferguson to sign him. He became United’s first choice as partner to Jaap Stam in the centre of defence both in the League and in Europe.

In the 2000/01 season, Mikael switched to left-back on a full-time basis, and became a fixture in the side. Playing every game improved his consistency, and his good form earned him a call-up to the senior French team.

He made his full international debut on 27 February 2001, coming on as a 77th minute substitute for Marcel Desailly in a Stade de France friendly against Germany, a match the Euro 2000 Champions won 1-0. "I was really proud to be involved, even if it was only for a couple of days. I am determined to learn fast because we have quite a few friendlies coming up," said Mik after the match.

He held onto his place in the squad for friendly matches against Japan and Spain in March, the squad being named just five days before Mikael's wife Sev gave birth to their first child, a daughter named Evy.

Mik again came on as a substitute in the Japan match, but finally made his full debut on 28 March in a 2-1 defeat. He kept his place in the starting line up for April's match against Portugal, and opened his scoring account for the World Cup holders in a 4-0 triumph.

Then just days later, Mikael lifted the Premiership trophy for the second time in his career, having made 46 appearances and scoring one goal, a great effort against Leicester City in mid-March.

The joyful season didn't end there for Silvestre. In June 2001, he was a member of the France squad which won the Confederations Cup in Japan and Korea. Although he didn't play in the final, Mikael made a couple of appearances at centre-half in the group stages.

He was also selected for Roger Lemerre's World Cup 2002 squad, but did not make an appearance in France's disappointing attempt to defend the trophy won four years earlier.

Silvestre continued to improve as a player throughout the 2002/03 season, and became one of United's most consistent performers on their way to their eighth Premiership title. The Frenchman was almost ever-present - playing more minutes than any other Red - during the campaign in which United confounded the critics to beat Arsenal to the Championship. Mikael also proved - thanks to a partnership with Wes Brown - that he is equally capable of playing in the centre of defence as he is at centre-back.

Mikael formed a rock-solid partnership with Rio Ferdinand at the heart of United's defence until January 2004, when the former Leeds man was banned for missing a drugs test. Robbed of the stability provided by the duo, United surrendered their title to Arsenal.

Silvestre represented France in each of their Euro 2004 games, including their shock second-round defeat to eventual winners Greece.

The return of Rio in September 2004 allowed their partnership to stabilise United's defence, as frailties have increasingly been ironed out.

In an out-of-character episode, Mikael received the first red card of his career in United's February 2005 win at Arsenal, when he was given his marching orders for headbutting Freddie Ljungberg.


Trivia
Silvestre is often called Ol-Peanut Head due to the rather abnormal shape of his head.

 

Alexander "Sandy" Turnbull



PROFILE

Name: Alexander Turnbull
Birthdate: 1884
Birthplace: Hurlford, Scotland
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 12st 1lbs
Previous clubs: Hurlford Thistle, Manchester City
Joined United after suspension from Game: 05/1906
Debut for Manchester United: 01/01/1907 v Aston Villa (Bank Street) 1-0 (League Division One)
Passed Away: 03/05/1917, whilst serving in the Eighth Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment in Arras, during WW1


Sandy Turnbull (born, 1884 in Hurlford) was an Scottish football player. He started his career with his hometown club, Hurlford Thistle. He later moved to Manchester City before moving to their crosstown rivals Manchester United. His first game for United came on January 1, 1907 against Aston Villa. He scored three league hat-tricks in the 1907/08 season. Along with Billy Meredith, he helped the club to their first championship in 1908 and the 1909 F.A. Cup. In 1908 alone, he would score 27 goals in 25 games. He would go on to score 100 goals for the club in 245 games. His final game for the Reds came against Sheffield United in 1915. He would later tragically die in World War I in France in 1917.


Courtesy of redweb.tk, wikipedia.org and Encyclopaedia Manchester United

 

John Aston, Jr.



Nationality: Great Britain (UK)
City of Birth: Manchester, 28/6/1947
Weight: 68.93 kg
Height: 175 cm
Position: Forward
Appearances with Club: 187
Goals Scored with Club: 27

John Aston established himself with UNITED in the mid-sixties and whilst he
lacked the charisma of some of his more celebrated colleagues,which
sometimes made him butt of unfair abuse, he was nevertheless a most
effective outside-left.

His chief assets were great pace and commitment which included a determined willingness to tackle back in defence. He was also a player for the big occasion, never better illustrated than in the European Cup Final win against benfica at Wembley in 68, when he quite literally had the game of his life. A championship winner with UNITED in 67, John joined Luton Town for a fee of 30.000 pounds in 72. He assisted the Hatters to promotion into Div One,as runners up to Middlesborough in 74.

Courtesy of Whos Who of Manchester United.

 

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