allan harper
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Impeccable said:
Happy birthday George, what a cracking record that is!
George Smith Aged 92
- Thread starter Impeccable
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Happy birthday George, what a cracking record that is!
Vienna_70
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gordondaviesmoustache said:
You would have to be around 70, I reckon.
oakiecokie
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Great story and great birthday wishes George.
gordondaviesmoustache
Well-Known Member
That's why I asked if PB had seen him.Vienna_70 said:
Four goals against United!
Has that ever been matched or beaten?
This man needs a bloody statue erecting immediately. Bloody, Larry, Curly and Mo (Best, Law and Charlton) have got one and none of them ever scored 4 goals in a game against City.
How could someone who scored 4 for City against United be going around under the radar?
Jesus, I tell you; That moron Rooney scored a shinny against City and they try to claim it's the best goal the Premier League has ever seen!
4 Goals for City against United
WOW!
Has that ever been matched or beaten?
This man needs a bloody statue erecting immediately. Bloody, Larry, Curly and Mo (Best, Law and Charlton) have got one and none of them ever scored 4 goals in a game against City.
How could someone who scored 4 for City against United be going around under the radar?
Jesus, I tell you; That moron Rooney scored a shinny against City and they try to claim it's the best goal the Premier League has ever seen!
4 Goals for City against United
WOW!
another generation
Well-Known Member
Am keen to ask my Dad, who is 87. Will try him in a few hours' time when he's back from hospital visiting.Vienna_70 said:
Edit: No memories from Dad of George. Then again, there's a lot he doesn't remember from back then!
1961_vintage
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Great thread - many happy returns George!
Ladybarn Blue .
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black mamba said:Hope you had a very happy birthday , George ...... great to hear that you are still around , and keeping a watchful eye on the club ..... keep smiling mate!
an MEN link from a year or two ago ...
<a class="postlink" href="http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_city/s/1407516_citys_oldest_player_george_smith_looking_forward_to_manchester_derby" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://menmedia.co.uk/manchesterevening ... ster_derby</a>
A lovely photo .
George ( my Dads name ) looks very "happy with his lot" .
Happy birthday mate , you where just before my time .
After football what happend next ?
citytill1die84
Well-Known Member
MaineRoadBlue said:
Dzeko should of had 4 in the sick swan.
Anyway happy birthday George.
Gary James
Well-Known Member
George's story is even more remarkable than his goalscoring feats. I have written quite a bit on George because his story is incredible and one that shows how badly treated footballers and soldiers were.
He should have played for England and been a true legend but he was the victim of what's now termed friendly fire in the war and was forced to tell a lie about his injury for years.
England came to see him play once and then realised he had an issue with his arm and made excuses. City forced him to have several trials when he came back from the war because they thought he wouldn't be able to play and his entire career was in the balance.
To explain more here's a profile I wrote on him for the last programme at Maine Road (May 2003) after interviewing him. I've included more in some of my other books and articles since, but this will give a good feel for how remarkable his life has been.
George's story is a prime example of how we as fans and City as a football club needs to understand and respect its history. We should celebrate these stories and highlight them because this all helps make up the wonderful fabric of our club and our heroes. George is a true hero.
***
GEORGE SMITH by Gary James
Born on 7th February 1921 George Smith is City’s oldest first team player and his City career is a remarkable story of bravery and endeavour. He joined the Blues in 1938 from Salford Adelphi and quickly proved in the A team his worth as an inside-forward but then war broke out and naturally the world changed considerably for all young, fit, agile men.
Inevitably he joined the armed forces but before he left Manchester he did manage to make two first team appearances in the war league. Both games were score draws with Stockport (the first ended 6-6 on 2nd December 1939!).
Then active service took over and Smith went on to serve in Africa. There was nothing unusual about young men serving overseas, however Smith’s life changed significantly when he was under attack from a plane. A bullet entered his right arm above his elbow, travelled down his arm, past his elbow and came out again after travelling a good six or so inches through his arm. Inevitably, Smith was in a great deal of pain, but the most shocking aspect of all of this is that the plane that shot at him was actually from the South African Air Force. This meant that Smith was on the receiving end of what would in the 21st century be described as ‘friendly fire’.
He was lucky the bullet had only entered his arm, but he was desperately unlucky to have been fired at by servicemen fighting on the same side. George spent some time recovering in Africa before being able to return to Manchester.
Why the South African Air Force chose to shoot at him is a mystery and at the time was not investigated. In fact the whole incident was hushed up and George was encouraged not to talk about the specific events. When he eventually returned to Manchester few knew the truth of what happened and, as with so many injured men, it wasn’t a subject openly discussed. Even when the war was over the City football guide for 1945 simply stated: “Smith was one of the first casualties when he suffered a permanent injury to his hand sustained in manoeuvres somewhere in South Africa.”
The permanent injury still affects George today. Basically, ever since that terrible incident sixty years ago, George’s hand and fingers have been permanently rigid in a clasping fashion, while his arm has two large indentations where the bullet entered and exited his flesh. In addition, the path of the bullet down his arm is still clear.
Despite the injury, George determined to return to football, but even then he found difficulty with the City management. Initially, it was felt his injury may have prevented him from playing. Clearly, his arm would present some difficulties, but as a forward it was his feet and head that provided the main aspect of his play, not his arm, but the City management insisted on George performing a number of trials. He passed them all and on 26th August 1944 he celebrated his return to the first team with a hat-trick against Tranmere in the opening match of the new season. This was first appearance in the first team since 25th April 1942.
By the end of the war George was a key member of City’s side, although he remained a little self-conscious about his arm. Usually he would cover it up with either the sleeve of his shirt, a sock, or a glove, and for team photos and the like the arm was usually hidden either behind his back or carefully positioned behind another player.
Some supporters and reporters thought his arm had been amputated, while others wanted go ask but wouldn’t. Understandably, George wanted his football to do all the talking and when City faced United on 6th April 1946 he netted all four goals as the Blues trounced the Reds 4-1. The match was watched by over 62,000. Scoring four goals - three in seven minutes – made him the undisputed star of the game. George: “I wasn’t much of a drinker… I never went wild or anything… but beating United in that manner and by scoring four goals was a wonderful moment. I enjoyed the day and enjoyed most of the games against them during this period. It was nice for the landlords to put one over the tenants.”
The following season saw the return of League football and George was a key factor behind City’s promotion. George: “The season ended in June and on the last day Roy Clarke made his debut and I scored all five goals when we beat Newport County. It was another great day and I was given the match ball. I’ve still got it because something like that is special, but it didn’t matter so much that I scored five. It was good that we won. I ended the season as top scorer but promotion was the main aim.”
George continued to perform exceptionally well for the Blues over the following seasons. At one point he was on the verge of an England cap, and it is known that he had been mentioned by officials at the FA, however it seems his arm injury may have proved a factor. In the end, to the amazement of most Mancunians, George was not selected for his national side.
In October 1951 he moved on to Chesterfield (scoring 97 in 250 League appearances), and later was player-manager at Mossley and Hyde United. He also managed Prestwich Heys.
Today, George lives in the Manchester area and visits Maine Road whenever he gets chance. Considering the circumstances of the injury he sustained in the war he remains remarkably positive and upbeat about those days. He clearly loved his time at the club and his full story is a remarkable one.
Those fans who remember seeing George play remember him with great affection, but all supporters should understand of the difficulties he had to overcome before making his name as a star in City’s immediate post-war period.
He should have played for England and been a true legend but he was the victim of what's now termed friendly fire in the war and was forced to tell a lie about his injury for years.
England came to see him play once and then realised he had an issue with his arm and made excuses. City forced him to have several trials when he came back from the war because they thought he wouldn't be able to play and his entire career was in the balance.
To explain more here's a profile I wrote on him for the last programme at Maine Road (May 2003) after interviewing him. I've included more in some of my other books and articles since, but this will give a good feel for how remarkable his life has been.
George's story is a prime example of how we as fans and City as a football club needs to understand and respect its history. We should celebrate these stories and highlight them because this all helps make up the wonderful fabric of our club and our heroes. George is a true hero.
***
GEORGE SMITH by Gary James
Born on 7th February 1921 George Smith is City’s oldest first team player and his City career is a remarkable story of bravery and endeavour. He joined the Blues in 1938 from Salford Adelphi and quickly proved in the A team his worth as an inside-forward but then war broke out and naturally the world changed considerably for all young, fit, agile men.
Inevitably he joined the armed forces but before he left Manchester he did manage to make two first team appearances in the war league. Both games were score draws with Stockport (the first ended 6-6 on 2nd December 1939!).
Then active service took over and Smith went on to serve in Africa. There was nothing unusual about young men serving overseas, however Smith’s life changed significantly when he was under attack from a plane. A bullet entered his right arm above his elbow, travelled down his arm, past his elbow and came out again after travelling a good six or so inches through his arm. Inevitably, Smith was in a great deal of pain, but the most shocking aspect of all of this is that the plane that shot at him was actually from the South African Air Force. This meant that Smith was on the receiving end of what would in the 21st century be described as ‘friendly fire’.
He was lucky the bullet had only entered his arm, but he was desperately unlucky to have been fired at by servicemen fighting on the same side. George spent some time recovering in Africa before being able to return to Manchester.
Why the South African Air Force chose to shoot at him is a mystery and at the time was not investigated. In fact the whole incident was hushed up and George was encouraged not to talk about the specific events. When he eventually returned to Manchester few knew the truth of what happened and, as with so many injured men, it wasn’t a subject openly discussed. Even when the war was over the City football guide for 1945 simply stated: “Smith was one of the first casualties when he suffered a permanent injury to his hand sustained in manoeuvres somewhere in South Africa.”
The permanent injury still affects George today. Basically, ever since that terrible incident sixty years ago, George’s hand and fingers have been permanently rigid in a clasping fashion, while his arm has two large indentations where the bullet entered and exited his flesh. In addition, the path of the bullet down his arm is still clear.
Despite the injury, George determined to return to football, but even then he found difficulty with the City management. Initially, it was felt his injury may have prevented him from playing. Clearly, his arm would present some difficulties, but as a forward it was his feet and head that provided the main aspect of his play, not his arm, but the City management insisted on George performing a number of trials. He passed them all and on 26th August 1944 he celebrated his return to the first team with a hat-trick against Tranmere in the opening match of the new season. This was first appearance in the first team since 25th April 1942.
By the end of the war George was a key member of City’s side, although he remained a little self-conscious about his arm. Usually he would cover it up with either the sleeve of his shirt, a sock, or a glove, and for team photos and the like the arm was usually hidden either behind his back or carefully positioned behind another player.
Some supporters and reporters thought his arm had been amputated, while others wanted go ask but wouldn’t. Understandably, George wanted his football to do all the talking and when City faced United on 6th April 1946 he netted all four goals as the Blues trounced the Reds 4-1. The match was watched by over 62,000. Scoring four goals - three in seven minutes – made him the undisputed star of the game. George: “I wasn’t much of a drinker… I never went wild or anything… but beating United in that manner and by scoring four goals was a wonderful moment. I enjoyed the day and enjoyed most of the games against them during this period. It was nice for the landlords to put one over the tenants.”
The following season saw the return of League football and George was a key factor behind City’s promotion. George: “The season ended in June and on the last day Roy Clarke made his debut and I scored all five goals when we beat Newport County. It was another great day and I was given the match ball. I’ve still got it because something like that is special, but it didn’t matter so much that I scored five. It was good that we won. I ended the season as top scorer but promotion was the main aim.”
George continued to perform exceptionally well for the Blues over the following seasons. At one point he was on the verge of an England cap, and it is known that he had been mentioned by officials at the FA, however it seems his arm injury may have proved a factor. In the end, to the amazement of most Mancunians, George was not selected for his national side.
In October 1951 he moved on to Chesterfield (scoring 97 in 250 League appearances), and later was player-manager at Mossley and Hyde United. He also managed Prestwich Heys.
Today, George lives in the Manchester area and visits Maine Road whenever he gets chance. Considering the circumstances of the injury he sustained in the war he remains remarkably positive and upbeat about those days. He clearly loved his time at the club and his full story is a remarkable one.
Those fans who remember seeing George play remember him with great affection, but all supporters should understand of the difficulties he had to overcome before making his name as a star in City’s immediate post-war period.
Blue2112
Well-Known Member
I had the pleasure of meeting George Smith at Gary's 'Manchester The Greatest City' book launch above the City store many years ago now. George signed the book along with other City legends and also Norah Mercer and it's little things like this that make me proud to be a blue that no amount of trophies can ever surpass. The family of Manchester City is something extraordinaire and cannot be put into words. True greats that have played their part in making this club today.
Gary James
Well-Known Member
Blue2112 said:
That would have been Farewell To Maine Road in 2003. I'd interviewed George the previous season for the book and he came with his son. I'm always very grateful when any of the people I've interviewed come along. It's really appreciated.
I think it's very important to capture their stories and to preserve them for future generations. It's amazing how many people we've lost over the years (some quite famous) who were never interviewed in depth about their City careers. I've tried to capture as many as I can but it's not easy to do.
There are plenty I would have liked to have interviewed as well but just didn't get chance (including Joe Hayes & Don Revie).
Blue2112
Well-Known Member
Gary James said:
Yes sorry Gary your correct it was 'Farewell To Maine Road' and it was another great night with City legends. Bloody ell was it really 2003 thats now ten years ago and I can recall it like it happened yesterday....Josh.
Gary James
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There's a bit of film of George playing for City (and scoring twice) here: <a class="postlink" href="http://www.britishpathe.com/video/football-starts-in-cricket-weather-1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.britishpathe.com/video/footb ... -weather-1</a>
JOGAMIGMOG
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George used to live three doors away from me in Prestwich. I was honoured to pop into his house a few years ago and he signed my copy of Gary's 'Manchester The Greatest City' book and told me of his four goals at the Swamp. Sadly, George's wife died a few years ago and he now lives in a nursing home close by. He's a great guy and because of him living in our street for many years, the old lady who lives opposite me is a true Blue and always wishes me luck when she sees me setting off to the match. Happy (belated) Birthday, George.
25193830nolan
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Hi everyone. This is George Smith's grandson. I would like to thank you all for your kind messages of support. It is really humbling to see that so many people take an interest in his career and what he achieved at city. My dad (Ian George smith) made it his main aim to get grandpa the recognition that we think he deserves, however sadly my dad passed away in January 2012 so I would like to try and finish the job that he started. I don't really know where to start as to who to contact etc so I would accept any help or advice off anyone. A few people have asked if he has any of his old boots or balls. He has quite abit of memorabilia from his playing days including his boots, programmes and medals. He did have the ball with which he scored all for goals with against united, however my family donated it to the club to display in the museum. We tried to trace it when the club moved from Maine road to the etihad but was told that it must have been misplaced during the move. Obviously we were very angry at that revelation.
Again I would like to thank you for your support. George is still an avid blue.
Again I would like to thank you for your support. George is still an avid blue.
Gary James
Well-Known Member
25193830nolan said:
I've sent you a PM. Hope it helps. So sorry to hear about your father (was that Ian - he helped me a great deal when I interviewed George). Ian was a lovely man and a great help. My thoughts are with you and the family.
In terms of memorabilia - you should speak with the National Football Museum. They have a great collection, well looked after and would be interested I'm sure. In terms of the ball - I didn't know George had the United ball (if I've said that it was a mistake - I meant Newport ball) but do know that he had the Newport ball (from when he scored 5 goals).
The only time I ever saw the Newport ball was towards the end of the 2002-03 season when I met Ian & George at your grandparents home. I always wanted to have it on display at the MCFC museum which I was setting up in 2003 but the Newport ball never came into the collection. I discussed it several times with Ian before and after the museum opened at Christmas 2003 but for various reasons it never happened. I used a photo of George with the Newport ball taken at his house in the final match programme at Maine Rd (I wrote a long feature on George for the programme V Southampton, 2013).