Gil merrick autobiography samples

He was England and Birmingham City's star goalkeeper and a talented cricketer who went on to teach PE in the region after he retired.

Now the West Midlands is mourning Gil Merrick, who died aged

The Sparkhill-born goalkeeper also managed Blues, leading his home town club to League Cup glory in

Merrick, who made more than appearances for the Blues between and , won 23 caps for England and played in the World Cup.

Former West Brom, Aston Villa and Manchester United manager Ron Atkinson led the tributes on BBC WM for the goalkeeper, who he remembers watching in his youth.

"The two great goalies in this area were the two great goalkeepers of England - Bert William and Gil Merrick," said Ron.

"The first football match I ever saw was at St Andrews and I remember standing behind Gil.

"He was a tremendous goalkeeper and a smashing bloke - I remember even trying to sign