St Helens Town Football Club 2011-12
CLUB SHOP
Welcome to the official website of
St Helens Town Football Club members of the North West Counties Football League and the St Helens Combination
03.03.12
Town earn a valuable point courtesy of a 0-0 home draw with Bacup Borough. In a game of very few chances Town 'keeper Chris Brinskman makes a couple of fine saves as the home side put in a solid defensive performance.
29.02.12
Town's poor form continued last night as Alsager Town ran out 0-3 winners at Edge Green Street. Town conceded all three goals in the second half after an even openong 45 mins. With a dozen games to go the battle against relegation is really on!
27.02.12
The club is saddened to report the death of former committee member and Trustee Bill Noctor Senior. 82 year old Bill, a former local Councillor and St Helens Mayor, passed away on Sunday morning after a battle with cancer. The club sends its condolences to Bill's friends and family. Funeral details to follow.
We also offer our condolences to the family of Peter King who was assistant manager at Town alongside John Davison a decade ago.
21.02.12
Visitors Runcorn Linnets ran out 0-1 winners with the only goal of the game coming from Matty Atherton late in the first half. Despite some decent second half possession Town lacked any quality in the final third and other than a late header from Andy Flood they rarely tested the visting 'keeper. Match report and on-line match programme are now available via the links above.
18.02.12
Town bowed out of the League Challenge Cup following a poor overall performance at Bootle. The Bucks took the lead on the half hour before Iain Dyson levelled the scores from the penlty spot seven minutes later. The second half saw Bootle hit a further three goals without reply to make the last eight with relative ease. Scott Baker is reported to have sustained a broken knee cap - we wish him well for a speedy recovery.
16.02.12
Four recent friendly games have seen Town defeated 5-2 at Runcorn Town, drawn 0-0 and win 1-2 at Burscough (two games) and win 3-2 at Eagle Sports. Hopefully the weather will impove and allow teams to get back to playing competitive games starting with this Saturday's League Cup game at Bootle.
22.01.12
All match reports have now been added to the website - they can be found via the 'match info' button top left.
21.01.12
Town earn a valuable point courtesy of a 2-2 draw at AFC Blackpool. Scott Baker gives Town an early lead but the home side hit back with two goals, the second a penalty following a hand ball from Andy Flood who is also dismissed. Carl Addison levels the scores just before the break and neither club can find the winner although Iain Dyson fails from the penalty spot.
17.01.12
Apologies for the lack of updates but illness has prevented me from doing anything over the last month - John McKiernan.
Since our 4-0 Boxing Day defeat at Ashton Athletic the lads enjoyed a 3-0 home win over fellow struggers Atherton LR to start the New Year in fine style. However this was followed by a 1-0 loss at Winsford United. Last Saturday's home game against Barnoldswick Town fell to a frozen pitch.
16.12.11
Town's trip to Bacup Borough on Saturday 17th December is off due to snow and a waterlogged pitch.
12.12.11
The planned fixture at home to Runcorn Linnets on Tuesday 13th December has been subject to an early postponement due to a waterlogged pitch and the liklihood of more rain over the next 24 hours. Thanks to all concerned for making this common sense decsion.
10.12.11
Today's trip to Winsford United has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. Keep an eye on the website for updates on Tuesday's game at home to Runcorn Linnets.
03.12.11
Town's planned NWCFL Premier Division fixture at Padiham FC has been postponed due to a waterlogged picth.
26.11.11
Town earn a valuable point at home to Silsden. Both sides dominate a half each and the visitors take a first half lead with a stunning goal. Colin Quirk hits Town's equaliser 5 minutes from time with a deflected free kick.
22.11.11
Town are beaten 3-5 by Squires Gate in an end to end thriller at Edge Green Street. Town created some great chances but the Gate 'keeper was in fine form pulling off a string of fine saves.
19.11.11
Town suffer a third successive 2-1 reverse this time at Maine Road who recover from Danny Hand's first half goal to eventually hit an 89th minute winner. Town looked solid in the first half and could have been further ahead at the break but a shambolic second period saw victory thrown away. Once again both Stone Dominoes and AFC Liverpool win to add to the relegation pressure.
15.11.11
Town bowed out of the Liverpool Senior Cup at the quarter final stage against a youthful Everton outfit at Edge Green Street. The visitors ran out 1-2 winners with Andy Olsen heading home Town's goal to level the scores just before the half hour mark.
12.11.11
Town were beaten 1-2 at home to league leaders Runcorn Town in a very tight game. A great first start for Daniel Hand who hit Town's only goal but Jimmy McBride's charges will be disappointed not to have taken something from the game.
08.11.11
Town suffered a heavy defeat at Bootle going down 5-1 to the Bucks after Mike Burns had give Town an early lead.
05.11.11
Town were beaten 3-2 at Alsager Town. Andy Olsen was gifted a second half opener before Alsager hit back with two goals. Butorins hit a great goal to level the scores with six minutes remaining before the home side converted a hotly disputed penalty on 87 mnutes.
02.11.11
Town were denied three points as AFC Liverpool equalised four minutes into stoppage time. Town were under pressure throughout the game from a resurrgent AFCL and it took goals from Mike Burns and Andy Olsen to secure a share of the spoils.
29.10.11
Town made the 3rd Round of the League Challenge Cup with a battling 1-0 victory at Silsden. Town should have been at home for this fixture but as landlords Ashton Town were also drawn at home Jimmy McBride's me made the long trip to West Yorkshire. On a wind-swept afternoon both sides did well to play good football and create chances but Latvian Tom's goal for Town after just 8 minutes settled the tie and Town will now face Bootle in the next round.
22.10.11
Town battled to a first league win since August with a battling 3-2 victory over AFC Blackpool at Edge Green Street. Dave Berry gave Town a first half lead which was doubled by Iain Dyson 5 mins into the second hal. AFC hit back immediately to make it 2-1 but Town completed the three goals in three minutes when Danny Clarke headed home. Town were reduced to nine men when Butorins (63) and Clarke (73) were dismissed; the former very harshly following a second yellow. Blackpool hit a goal on 82 mins to set up a nervous finish but Town held firm.
15.10.11
Another poor showing from Town sees them go down 4-0 at high flying Barnoldswick Town. Despite being denied two second half penalties and a glaring miss from Danny Clarke at the start of the second period Jimmy McBride's men were never 'at the races' and had to be thankful for an inspired performance from 'keeper Dale Newbrook who made a string of fine saves.
08.10.11
Town are beaten 2-5 by Glossop North End at Edge Green Street never recovering from going two-nil down inside ten minutes. Carl Addison scored from the penalty spot to make it 1-2 at half time but the impressive Surrey Street outfit put the game beyond doubt with three goals early in the second half. Ian Roby hit a wonderful strike to reduce the arrears but it was always going to be the visitors' day!
10.02.12
Town play host to Congleton Town on Saturday 10th March, kick off 3.00pm
17.03.12
Town travel to Runcorn Linnets on Saturday 17th March, kick off 3.00pm
20.03.12
Tuesday 20th March sees Barnoldswick Town visit Edge Green Street, kick off 7.45pm
24.03.12
Padiham is the destination on Saturday 24th March, kick off 3.00pm
07.04.12
The first game of April sees Town make the trip to Surrey Street, home of Glossop North End on Saturday 7th April, kick off 3.00pm
28.02.12
100 Club February winners . . .
click here.
The original Town club was in existence from 1901 to 1928, but George Fryer and a number of local businessmen decided to re-form the club in 1946. They obtained a lease on the Hoghton Road ground in Sutton, adjacent to St. Helens Junction station on the Liverpool to Manchester railway line, took over a local St. Helens Combination team, Derbyshire Hill Rovers, signing a number of players from other clubs and entered the Liverpool County Combination in the 1947/48 season, playing against Everton “A” and Liverpool “A” and several reserve sides from the leading non-league clubs in the Merseyside area.
Success was first attained in May 1949 when Runcorn were defeated in the final of the George Mahon Cup, played at the Prescot Cables ground. The following season, 1949/50, Town were elevated to the Second Division of the Lancashire Combination and they were promoted as Champions in only their second season to the First Division, where they ran up against teams such as Ashton United, Nelson and New Brighton, newly relegated from the Football League. Sadly, Town were themselves relegated in their first season and although promoted briefly again in 1955/56, they spent most of their early years in the Second Division.
Improvements were quickly made to the facilities at Hoghton Road in the early years, but in November 1952 the decision was taken to re-locate to the former St. Helens Recs’ rugby league ground at City Road in order to further their ambitions of reaching the Football League. Initially, the move resulted in some encouraging crowds, but the club had a change of heart and returned to Sutton in the October 1953. The ground was purchased and further developed and a social club and floodlights were added in later years.
Town were Champions of the Lancashire Combination in 1971/72 season, losing only one game, finishing 6 points clear of Accrington Stanley. 1975 brought a switch to the Cheshire League, where they remained until the formation of the North West Counties League in 1982 and St. Helens Town are the only club to feature in the top division of that league throughout its existence.
The club’s major achievement was victory in the FA Vase at Wembley in 1987. After a stuttering start in the Preliminary Round with a 5-4 extra-time win over Colne Dynamoes, further home successes over General Chemicals, Wren Rovers, Guisborough Town and Wythenshawe Amateurs, led to wins at Wisbech Town, at home to Rainworth Miners Welfare, away to Falmouth Town (after a replay) and in the away leg at Emley when, following a 1-0 home defeat in the first-leg, a 2-0 win in Yorkshire secured a Wembley Final against local rivals Warrington Town, who were dispatched 3-2 with goals from Phil Layhe (2) and Brian Rigby.
St. Helens Town boast an impressive “Hall of Fame”, including legendary goalkeeper and former German Prisoner-of-War Bert Trautmann, who signed for Manchester City 60 years ago this season and who went on to play the game of his life in the 1956 FA Cup Final, despite breaking his neck in the early stages. Bill Foulkes was transferred to Manchester United, where he had a glittering career, surviving the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, in which he bravely rescued some of his stricken team-mates. Other players from the 1950s to progress to League football include goalkeepers Jack Arkwright (Liverpool) and Jonny Daniels (New Brighton).
John Connelly, an England squad member in the victorious 1966 World Cup campaign, was sold to Burnley and he later moved to join Foulkes at Old Trafford. Other future stars, groomed at St. Helens Town, included John Quinn (Sheffield Wednesday), Mike Davock (Stockport County), Geoff Nulty (Burnley, Newcastle United and Everton) and more recently, ace goalscorer Dave Bamber, who began and ended his career at Blackpool and who played in all four divisions of the Football League. Other players to have progressed to league football from Town during the 1980s and 90s include Bryan Griffiths and Joe Paladino (both to Wigan Athletic), Ray Newlands (Plymouth Argyle) and Paul Edwards (Shrewsbury Town) and Mark Leonard (Everton and Bradford City). Captain of the FA Vase winning team was Tommy O’Neil, who began his league career playing alongside George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton at Manchester United.
Town sold their Hoghton Road ground in 2000 to move in with St. Helens Rugby League Club at their Knowsley Road base. Their farewell appearance at Sutton produced a 1-0 win over Champions Vauxhall Motors and the initial campaign at Knowsley Road got off to a cracking start, with Town leading the table for most of the season, before finishing in a rather disappointing fourth place. Recent seasons have been more of a struggle, perhaps none more so than 2008/09, with the club in the relegation positions until the end of March, when Gary Bickerstaffe was appointed the new manager and the team rallied to win six of the last eight games to pull clear of the relegation zone.
The close season saw Bickerstaffe step down and Lee Riley promoted to manager. The latter stages of the 2010-11 saw results dip dramatically and this coincided with Lee's departure due to work commitments. Iain Dyson took over temporary charge but stepped down at the end of the campaign before former boss jimmy McBride retook the helm after a break of almost a decade.
A number of new faces have joined the club and this combination of youth and experience will be looking to improve on last season. The club continues to share with Ashton Town following the departure from Knowsley Road but spring 2012 will see the club re-locate to the new stadium, sharing once again with Saints rugby league club.
GLYN JONES
1949 George Mahon Trophy Winners
1951 Lancs Comb Div 2 Champions
1972 Lancs Combination Champions
1973 Bass Charrington Cup Winners
1978 St Helens Hospital Cup Winners
1979 St Helens Comb Div 1 Runners Up
1979 St Helens Hospital Cup Runners Up
1980 St Helens Comb Div 1 Champions
1985 NWCFL Reserve Div 2 Runners Up
1986 NWCFL Reserve Div 1 Runners Up
1987 FA Vase Winners(Wembley)
1994 League Challenge Cup Finalists
1994 NWCFL Reserve Div Runners Up
1995 NWCFL Reserve Div Champions
1996 NWCFL Reserve Div Runners Up
1998 Floodlit Trophy Finalists
1999 REALCO Fair Play Award Winners
2009 Bert Trautmann Trophy Winners
1993-94 NWCFL Programme of the Year
1995-96 NWCFL Programme of the Year
1997-98 NWCFL Programme of the Year
1998-99 NWCFL Programme of the Year
1999-00 NWCFL Programme of the Year
2000-01 NWCFL Programme of the Year
2009-10 Vodkat League Premier Division Programme of the Year
2010-11 Vodkat League Premier Division Programme of the Year
Annual Soccer Club Swap Shop
18th Annual Awards 2010-11
Vodkat League Programme of the Year
(28th from over 1000 club entries)
Wirral Programme Club National Survey
1996-97 NWCFL Programme of the Year
Programme Monthly
2007-08 NWCFL Programme of the Year
Record Appearances: Allan Wellens
Record Goalscorer: Steve Pennington
Record Attendances: 4000 Home v Manchester City (at Hoghton Road); 1700 Home v FC United of Manchester (at Knowsley Road); 9000 Runcorn v Town George Mahon Trophy win 1949 at Prescot Cables FC
Best FA Cup: 4th Qualifying Round, 1985
Record Win: 10-2 vs Abbey Hey,
3 January 2001 (NWCFL Division 1)
Record Loss: 1-9 vs New Mills, 2011 (North West Counties League
1-8 vs Liverpool Reserves, 1950 (Liverpool Senior Cup)
Record Sale: Terry Fearns (to Vauxhall Motors FC)
Record Purchase: Mark Wild (from Burscough FC)
This section will be updated at the start of the 2011-12 season
Dale Newbrook: Signed at the start of this season as cover from Kevin Woods but has already made the number one jersey his own. Played against Town for West Didsbury and Chorlton FC in a pre-season friendly fixture. A great shot stopper who commands his area extremely well. Vodkat League Premier Division 'Goalkeeper of the Month' for August 2010
Iain Dyson: Former Town Skipper and the heartbeat of the team, a great motivator and leader on the pitch who battled at the heart of midfield and also up front during the last couple of seasons. Was the club's top goalscorer last term for the third time in four seasons. Can count Everton, Bolton, Rochdale, Chorley, Winsford and Warrington amongst his former clubs. Iain is hoping to make to 100 goals for Town and play at the new stadium (therefore making it all three having played spells at both Knowsley Road and Hoghton Road).
Ian Frazer: Midfield player who joined the club last season. After some early substitute appearances he's now become a regular with some confident performances. A player who reads the game very well and who's good on the ball with excellent passing skills.
Karl Aldridge: Right sided defender or midfield player who is another of the crop of summer signings. A pre-season shoulder injury kept him out of the side in opening games.
Che Morgan: Youngster signed in November 2010 from neighbours Prescot Cables. Another strong left sided player who likes to get forward. Will cause problems for opposition defenders, tricky feet and he posesses a great cross.
Toyota Helping Town's Drive For Success
St Helens Town Football Club is delighted to announce that Johnsons Toyota Liverpool will become the club's main sponsor for the forthcoming season.
This will see the company's Toyota brand emblazoned on the new Town kit throughout 2011-12.
Club Chairman John McKiernan said, 'I am delighted that we've been able to develop our partnership with Johnsons and this builds upon the great support they offered St Helens Town throughout the last two seasons'.
Johnsons Toyota Liverpool, the Bootle based car dealership, were initially the club's Executive Programme Sponsors for season 2009-10 and extended their support courtesy of a number of match and match ball sponsorships along with the provision of a branded car which formed part of the club's Player of the Month awards. Johnsons were also extremely generous in their support of Town's Bert Trautmann anniversary celebrations in November 2009. They became the clubs main sponsor last season and have renewed their excellent partship for the 2011-12 campaign.
John McKiernan said, 'We worked extremely hard to generate a huge amount of sponsorship last season and gave considerable coverage to a large number of new sponsors via our printed and on-line matchday programmes, club website and matchday activities. We are hopeful that last year's efforts will provide a firm foundation for future seasons.
"Johnsons Toyota Liverpool have given the club a record breaking financial boost during tough economic times and we feel that it is in part a recognition that St Helens Town can play a leading role in promoting their brand across the North West.'
He added, 'Johnsons will be undertaking a number of promotional events and product placement activities across St Helens during the coming year and St Helens Town will be prominent throughout these. It's a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of the club prior to our arrival at the new stadium in spring 2012!'
Gareth Shone, General Sales Manager at Johnsons Toyota Liverpool said, 'Our work with St Helens Town over the past two seasons has proved an ideal opportunity to expand our brand across Merseyside and we are looking forward to developing and extending our partnership so that both ourselves and the club will continue to see significant benefits'.
He added, 'We have some exciting plans for the coming season which will raise the club's profile along with additional sponsorship monies.'
Chairman John McKiernan pictured with Gareth Shone of 2011-12 Main Sponsors Johnson Toyota Liverpool
Many thanks to the listed companies who have supported the St Helens Town 'Win-A-Toyota-Car' project in conjunction with Johnson Toyota Liverpool and The Steve Prescott Foundation:
Ashton Town Football Club
Temporary home of St Helens Town AFC from October 2010
M6 to Junction 23, A49 to Ashton-in-Makerfield. Turn right at the traffic lights onto the A58 towards Bolton. After approx. three quarters of a mile, turn right into Golbourne Road. After 200 yards turn right into Edge Green Street. Ground at bottom of street.
Ground parking is very limited at Ashton Town and parking on Edge Green Street is restricted. Please park with due care and attention for local residents.
Edge Green Street
Ashton-in-Makerfield
Wigan
Greater Manchester
WN4 8SL
Telephone: 01942 701483
Hon. Secretary: Mr Jeff Voller
Chairman: Mr John McKiernan
e-Mail: sthelenstownfc_hotmail.co.uk
Sponsorship packages available for season 2011-12 include:
Main Club Sponsor: £ SOLD - Includes company logo/details on First team 'home' and 'away' shirts ensuring local and regional business exposure. Regular use of photographs in the local press, matchday programme and club website. The club produces a 10 minute video highlights programme of each of our fixtures which are made available on the club website - company logo/details are used at the start of each programme. The video highlights have had over 20,000 hits over the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons. Company logo/details also used throughout the club on posters, letterheads, match programmes, website, etc. Full page colour advert included in a premium position on the matchday programme cover (normally back cover) and a full page colour advert is available inside the programme (which can be changed regularly throughout the season). 4 x VIP passes to all home games throughout the 2010-11 season are also included.
Executive Programme Sponsor: £ SOLD - Includes company logo/details on the front cover of the matchday programme throughout the 2010-11 season and two full page colour adverts which can be updated on a regular basis throughout the season. Company logo/details will appear on each 'editorial' page in the matchday programme. An e-Programme is made available for each edition of our printed matchday programme which is avilable for free download and ensures an extended audience of up to 6000 per season. 2 x VIP passes to all home league games throughout the 2010-11 season.
Matchday Programme Advertising: Full colour adverts with artwork prepared if required (full page £200, half page £110, quarter page £60). The cost covers a minimum 21 home league games plus home fixtures in a range of cup competitions. An 'e-Programme' is made available for each edition of our printed matchday programme which is freely available on-line and ensures an extended audience of up to 10000 per season. (2010-11 figures)
Town Pages Directory: £25 per season. A new feature for season 2011-12 will be our website business directory. 'Town Pages' offers a link direct to your company on our official website which has thousands of unique hits every month and these pages are the first source of contact for our fans looking for specialist services. A great way to show your support for St Helens Town.
Match Sponsor: £100 to £150 depending on the opponents and competition. Benefits include up to 8 match tickets, complimentary programmes, full colour half page advert in the matchday programme, seats in the Directors Box, half time refreshments, company details announced over the PA system and details included in all match reports to local press and club website. There will be an opportunity to have a photograph taken with team captains and match officials prior to kick off. Match sponsors will also have the opportunity to choose and present the 'Man of the Match' award. Discount will be offered to companies wishing to take more than one match sponsor package.
Match ball Sponsor: £50 to £100 depending on the opponents and competition. Similar to above with up to 4 match tickets, programmes, etc. There will be an opportunity to have a photograph taken with team captains and match officials prior to kick off. Discount will be given to companies wishing to take more than one match ball sponsor package.
We also offer a 'Combination Deal' for £250 which includes 1 x Match sponsorship of your choice, 1 x Match ball sponsorship of your choice, plus a half page colour advert in the matchday programme throughout the 2011-12 season.
Town Newsletter Sponsors: £250 - The club will be distributing 60,000 A4 newsletters (in three batches of 20k) across St. Helens during the 2011-12 season. A full colour advert, with artwork prepared, is included in each Newsletter, a 1/8th page full colour advert in the matchday programme throughout the season and 1 x Match sponsorship package of your choice (subject to availability).
Individual Player Sponsorship: £50 per player for the season 2011-12. Have your company name associated with a Town player for the 2011-12 season. Includes company logo/details added to the player sponsors 'Roll of Honour' page in the matchday programme and on the club website.
Matchday Mascot: £65. An excellent matchday experience for boys and girls of all ages. This package includes a replica St Helens Town home shirt for the mascot, pre-match photographs with the match officials and two teams captains. Half time refreshments with club officials for the mascot and four up to guests. Matchday programmes, provided free for the guests, will also contain details of the mascot and a photograph (if provided in advance). An ideal present for the budding Town fan!
Man of the Match Awards: £250. The club presents a St. Helens Town Man of the Match trophy/medal following each home league fixture. This sponsorship would be named the 'Your Company' Man of the Match and would be detailed in each match report sent to the local press and on the clubs website. Includes full colour half page advertisement in the matchday programme throughout 2011-12 which would be shared with a half page detailing the winners of the awards as the season progresses. Company logo and web link would be added to the club website 'Town Pages' business directory for the duration of the season.
100+ Club Sponsor: £200. The club's weekly fundraising draw now has 200 regular members. The draw Sponsor will have company/business name associated with the draw ('Your Company' 100+ Club Draw). Also includes a full colour quarter page advert in the matchday programme throughout the season. Company details/logo will be included on weekly results leaflets and all 100+ Club advertising literature throughout the 2011-12 season.
Tracksuit & Leisurewear Sponsor: £950. The club are issuing new tracksuits and Polo shirts to all players and staff which could have your company details printed/embroidered on them for the whole season. A full page colour advert in the matchday programme throughout 2011-12 season is also included with this package and your company logo and weblink would be added to the club website 'Town Pages' business directory for the duration of the season.
Training , Warm-up tops and Sub-suits: £450. The club will issue a range of match wear in addition to playing kit which includes warm-up kit and sub-suits which could have your company details/logo printed on the front and rear.
All sponsors will be included in the club website 'Town Pages' business directory for the dureation of the 2011-12 season.
For more information contact John McKiernan on 07976 059 404 or see the contacts page.
St Helens Town Hall of Fame: Bert Trautmann
October 7th 2009 saw the 60th anniversary of the transfer of Town legend Bert Trautmann to Manchester City (Bert pictured opposite). Now in his 87th year, Bernhard Carl Trautmann was born in Walle, near Bremen, Germany on 22nd October 1923 and upon leaving school, he became an apprentice motor mechanic.
He joined the Luftwaffe in 1941 as a radio operator, eventually becoming a paratrooper, winning 5 medals, including an Iron Cross (First Class) on the Eastern Front, but having transferred to the Western Front, was captured by the British in 1944, seeing out the remainder of the War in prison camps in Northwich and Ashton-in-Makerfield. Whilst at Ashton, he played in football matches, initially as an outfield player, but following an injury, went in goal, where his all-round athletic abilities allowed his career to blossom.
In 1948, having declined an offer of repatriation, he began playing for St. Helens Town and quickly earned a reputation as a goalkeeper of rare talent, attracting interest from several Football League clubs. His brief career with Town began with a home game against South Liverpool in the Liverpool County Combination on 28th August 1948. On his third appearance, it was reported that very sportingly the Skelmersdale supporters gave Trautmann a wonderful reception.
Later in the year, the club secretary, John Friar, proclaimed in his programme notes To put your minds at rest again, I am pleased to inform you that B. Trautmann is Not leaving Sutton. As I have told you before, his whole interests are in the Town Club and he is more than happy with us. But he has been granted leave to visit his parents. He will be going early in the New Year and we shall lose his services for a matter of three matches.
Such was the towns affection for Bert that they sent him on his way with a large food hamper and a considerable sum of cash, which was an overwhelming gesture of kindness not lost on Bert and, indeed, his family at such a difficult time in Germanys history.
On Berts return, he assisted Town to success in the George Mahon Cup competition, his and the clubs first trophy. Runcorn were beaten in the final at Prescot before a crowd of 9000.
As the 1949/50 season opened, with Town in the Lancashire Combination, Second Division, the pressures on St. Helens to part with their star player became ever stronger and a transfer to Manchester City was agreed, but deferred until Towns elimination from the FA Cup. That occurred on 1st October 1949 when Town lost 0-3 to Bangor City and the transfer was completed the following Thursday. Bert had played 43 games for St. Helens Town, but he returned on three subsequent occasions, twice for friendly matches with Manchester City and once to marry the secretarys daughter!
Berts debut for City came in a game with Bolton Wanderers on 15th October. There were mass protests over his signing by the citizens of Manchester, who had suffered so much at the hands of the Germans in the War. However, the affable keeper did not take long to win over the hearts of the City fans and any hostility soon melted away. He went on to make 508 League appearances for the Maine Road club in a 15-year career, culminating in a testimonial game which attracted a crowd of over 47,000.
The game for which Bert is best remembered is the 1956 FA Cup Final against Birmingham City. The Sky Blues won 3-1, but Bert broke his neck when caught by a stray boot and bravely played on for the remaining fifteen minutes. The extent of his injury was only confirmed some days later. Honours continued to flow for Bert, selected twice for The Football League and he was the worthy recipient of the FAs Footballer of the Year Trophy in 1956.
