Former Blues star Merrick dies

05 February 2010 10:19
The former England player made a club-record 551 appearances for Blues between 1939 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]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][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk