Source: Daily_Mail
Former Birmingham player and boss Gil Merrick dies at the age of 88
Former Birmingham goalkeeper and manager Gil Merrick - who steered the club to their only major trophy - has died at the age of 88.[LNB]The former England player made a club record 551 appearances for Blues between1939 and 1960.[LNB]He then took charge of City and led them to a League Cup final success against local rivals Aston Villa in 1963.[LNB] Merrick: In goal for England against Hungary[LNB]Sparkhill-born Merrick made his debut as an 18-year-old apprentice and went on to represent England 23 times including in the 1954 World Cup.[LNB]Merrick's contribution to City was recognised last year when the former Railway End Stand at St Andrew's was renamed the Gil Merrick Stand in his honour.[LNB]He was also the first player to be inducted into the club's Legend's XI in late 2009.[LNB]And Merrick received a further accolade after supporters voted him their choice to represent the club on the Broad Street Walk of Stars in Birmingham city centre.[LNB]The club and its supporters will be commemorating Merrick's life at Sunday's Premier League game against Wolves at St. Andrew's.[LNB] Birmingham chief accuses Spurs of messing around over PavlyuchenkoBirmingham striker Bent completes loan move to Queens Park RangersBIRMINGHAM FC
