Gil Merrick 1922-2010 – A tribute

It with great sadness that we have to report the passing of Gil Merrick who died on Thursday aged 88. Gil made over 700 appearances for Blues after signing pro forms in 1939. Gil’s last appearance was in 1959 in the Fairs Cup semi-final against Union St Gillois. This was Gil’s second Fairs Cup semi-final and had played more European ties than any other British goalkeeper. He was between the sticks for the 1956 FA cup final and featured in most games of the 1946 Football League south Championship. The man was a true Brummie and won 23 caps for England which was a record at the time. Gil played in all England’s games at the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland.

I was fortunate to meet Gil as my father had played a season for Blues during wartime and we lived in the same road. Gil was always happy to attend functions and present prizes.  I was also privileged to play cricket against him in the old Wednesday League. The S & U team which he played for also featured ex Blues men Wilson Jones and Cyril Trigg.

After retirement from playing, Gil was given the manager’s hot seat.  He saw Blues through to a second Fairs Cup Final in 1961 and in 1963 won the F.L Cup beating the Villagers in a two leg Final.

Blues league form was never great under Gil and he was dismissed in 1964. This hurt Gil and he swore never to set foot inside St Andrew’s again. There was a great deal of affection for Gil and 40 odd years after he left the Blues Historical society persuaded him to return for  a Gil Merrick evening to celebrate his 80th birthday.

Many of the players whom he played with and managed were there to play tribute and throughout the evening none of the bitterness he may of felt was evident. He did disclose that he had agreed to come only if ‘That bloody Scotsman didn’t sing’. He of course meant Alex Govan who brought the anthem ‘Keep right on’ to the Club. Although Alex agreed the rest of the Blues fans and players gathered there could not resist bursting into song.

Last season Gil was present at St Andrews as the Railway Stand was re-named the Gil Merrick Stand. Happily he was there to see that.  Blues were fortunate to have had the services of one of England’s greatest goalkeepers. Our prayers go out to his family and friends. They and we fans have suffered a great loss.

By Alan Watton

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