George Wilson

George Wilson (14 January 1892 – 25 November 1961) was an English footballer who played in his club career at Blackpool and Sheffield Wednesday between 1912 and 1925. He made twelve appearances for England, seven as captain.

Career Wilson was born in Kirkham, Lancashire, and after playing schoolboy football in both Blackpool and Preston, he joined Fleetwood and then Morecambe, playing in the West Lancashire League. He was spotted by a third Fylde Coast club, Blackpool, and signed for the Bloomfield Road outfit in early 1912, making his debut on 27 January in a home victory over Fulham.

After starting his first two games as a forward, In his final season at Blackpool, 1919–20, he made 22 League appearances and scored one goal – in the opening game of the season, a 4–2 victory over Leeds City at Bloomfield Road. He retained his place for the next three matches, and was appointed captain for the match against Northern Ireland on 22 October 1921, which ended in a 1–1 draw.

He was unavailable for the next England match, and his place in the side, and his role as captain, was taken by Max Woosnam who thus gained his solitary England cap. Over the next few matches, Wilson shared the captaincy with Arthur Grimsdell and Charlie Buchan. He was appointed captain for a friendly match against Belgium played at The Arsenal Stadium on 19 March 1923 which ended in a 6–1 victory, with Kenneth Hegan scoring England's first two goals on his debut.

He continued to captain England until his final match against France on 17 May 1924. The match ended in a 3–1 victory, with England's goals coming from Vivian Gibbins (two) and Harry Storer. France's consolation goal was scored by Jules Dewaquez. In his England career, Wilson played twelve matches, seven as captain, with a record of four victories, four draws and four defeats.

He continued to play for Wednesday until July 1925, playing a total of 197 games in all competitions for the club, he then returned to Lancashire joining Nelson for a fee of £2,000. He gave good service to the Third Division North club over five years, before retiring from playing in the summer of 1930.

After retirement, he returned to Blackpool, where he became a licensee for thirty years until he retired in May 1961. He died six months later on 25 November 1961, aged 69.