Gil Merrick

International career Merrick was capped 23 times by England. He made his debut against Ireland on 14 November 1951 at Wembley in the 1952 British Home Championship. He was first-choice goalkeeper for England in the 1954 World Cup, his last international appearance coming against Uruguay on 26 June 1954, as England were eliminated at the quarter-final stage. All of Merrick's caps were gained when Birmingham City were a Second Division club. He is perhaps best known for being the last line of defence against the Hungary side of Ferenc Puskás and Nándor Hidegkuti, the "Magnificent Magyars" who beat England 6–3 at Wembley in 1953 and 7–1 at the Nepstadion in 1954.

Merrick had two more spells in management, with non-league Bromsgrove Rovers and Atherstone Town.

Honours

As a player Birmingham City Football League South war league: 1945–46 Football League Second Division: 1947–48, 1954–55 FA Cup runner-up: 1955–56

As a manager Birmingham City Football League Cup: 1962–63 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup runner-up: 1960–61

Personal In April 2009, Birmingham City F.C. announced their intention of renaming one of the stands at their St Andrew's stadium in Merrick's honour. From the 2009–10 season, the Railway Stand would be known as the Gil Merrick Stand. In August 2009, Merrick was chosen by public vote as Birmingham City's representative on the Birmingham Walk of Stars. In October 2009, Merrick was the first inductee to the Birmingham City F.C. Hall of Fame.