Billy Meredith

William Henry " Billy" Meredith ( born July 30, 1874 in Black Park, Chirk, Wales, † April 19, 1958 in Withington, Manchester, England) was a Welsh football player and one of the best players in the early days of British football. For the Welsh national team, he was in 48 games for use.

Meredith grew up in the North East of Wales in Black Park, in the town of Chirk, on and later worked in the local coal mining industry as the leader of a pit pony ( "pit pony" ).

After his first career stations in Chirk and at Northwich Victoria Meredith joined in October 1894 for an undisclosed transfer fee known Manchester City. There he celebrated in the same month his debut against Newcastle United and lost with 4:5. This was followed in the subsequent week, however, his first step a legend in Manchester when he (later Manchester United) scored two goals in the first city derby against Newton Heath. This worked on immediately a large following and attracted a large number of audience from now on, whenever he took in a public game.

Meredith's career at Manchester City suffered a setback then in 1904 when he was assigned due to bribery allegations with a 18- month ban.

He joined in May 1906 Manchester United and was established on January 1, 1907 in a 1-0 win over Aston Villa for the first time. Even when local rivals he was in the period following a crowd favorite. The strong dribbling winger looked like it due to its controversial personality superficially to the later Éric Cantona, by the way of playing and technical skill but to George Best or Ryan Giggs, the latter should rather inherit the nickname " Welsh Wizard" by Meredith many years later. Meredith returned to the First World War in 1921 back to Manchester City, where he - should remain active into old age of 47 years - including his whim to play with a toothpick in his mouth. Then in 1924 he was once again score a goal against Brighton & Hove Albion and graduated at the age of 49 years and 245 days, his last game in the Cup semi-final against Newcastle United in the FA Cup. He is still the oldest player ever came for use in an FA Cup match. Overall, Meredith came to 390 games and 150 goals for Manchester City.

At the age of 83 years Billy Meredith died in 1958 in Withington, Manchester.

After many years in which the footballing heritage of Meredith had been little noticed, the Professional Players 'Association ( PFA) and the Welsh Football Association Football Association of Wales agreed "Professional Footballers' Association " on the player from the pioneer days to honor with a new grave stone which was finally unveiled together with Billy Meredith's now 94 -year-old daughter, during a special ceremony.

Meredith was also inducted into the Hall of Fame of the City of Manchester Stadium, now home ground of Manchester City.

• National football team (Wales )
• Person (Manchester United)
• Welshman
• Briton
• Born in 1874
• Died in 1958
• Man