WALL, George (1921)

Overview

Thought by many in the English game to be one of the great outside lefts of the pre-World War One period, he was very fast and tricky and was not afraid to cut inside and shoot for goal.

His career had started with Boldon Royal Rovers from the village of Boldon Colliery, near Sunderland where he was born on 20th February 1885. In the 1901 close season he joined Whitburn before a move to Jarrow came about in September 1903. The big time beckoned two months later when he signed for Barnsley.

The best of him was yet to be seen and this happened following him being transferred to Manchester United in April 1906 for the sum of £175. His time at Old Trafford brought him 98 League and Cup goals in his 316 appearances. He also won an FA Cup medal as United achieved their first ever FA Cup win.

In 1909 he was capped three times by England, his two goals against Scotland enabled them to clinch the Home International Championship. When the English FA arranged their first ever tour to South Africa, George was in the party. In all 23 games were played and the visitors won every one with George contributing 11 of the 143 goals scored, two hat tricks were among the 11. He played in all three Test matches on the tour. A further four caps were given to him and won two League Championship medals, in 1908 and 1911.

During World War One, he was with the Black Watch and attained the rank of sergeant. The war over his career continued with Oldham Athletic from March 1919 until he signed for Accies in June 1921. He spent only one term at Douglas Park where during his stay he showed many glimpses of his former abilities.

Signed for Rochdale on leaving Douglas Park in 1922. While there he recorded his 500th appearance in English and Scottish League fixtures. September 1923 he was passing on his help and experience with Ashton National and in season 1926-27 at the age of 41 he was turning out for Manchester Ship Canal FC where he was employed as a docker.

He was 5’7” and weighed 10sts 10lbs. At the time of his death in 1962 he was based in Manchester.

Debut on 17th August 1921 in a Scottish League match at home to Heart of Midlothian.

Scottish League 34 Appearances 6 Goals

Scottish Cup 1 Appearance

Accies Career

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