On this day (7 December) in 1972 Manchester United secretary Les Olive, acting on behalf of the club, sent a letter to all First and Second Division clubs informing them that the Reds would like to receive offers for George Best. The letter shown here is the one sent to Manchester City.
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On this day in 1921 the FA banned women from playing football on FA affiliated grounds. A century later, in December 2021, I staged a talk at Hebden Bridge on this ban. The night was sponsored and supported by Geoff Matthews and his company Cansquared Ltd. It was a wonderful night and lots of attendees asked about the future and what they could do to help promote the stories of the women who played at a time when the FA tried to kill female participation in the sport. Well, after that night a lot has happened to recognise the Manchester Corinthians.
As part of my longstanding project into female participation and involvement in football in Manchester I have been researching and writing Manchester Corinthians: The Authorised History. This hardback book will be out soon (it’s at the printers).
Margaret Shepherd and Margaret Whitworth with me prior to the Hebden Bridge event
A lot has been written on the Corinthians (see the section on women’s football on this site for a few examples) but not nearly enough, plus there are some inaccuracies out there that the book will correct (even now there are some that keep on being repeated – including both the start and end points for the Corinthians!). Basically, this team possessed a talented group of players who toured Europe and South America promoting football, female endeavour and Manchester.
I talked quite a bit about Corinthians at Hebden Bridge that night in 2021 and we were fortunate to have four Corinthians as guests that night. Margaret Whitworth, Margaret Shepherd, Lesley Wright and Gail Redston between them covered around 42 seasons of activity at the club.
I’ve been tracking down the names of other Corinthians to include in the book. It is now being printed with over 350 names. Earlier this year I had found 230 names, so a lot has been achieved. See:
The Hebden Bridge night was significant.That night I mentioned my idea of having a plaque erected for the Corinthians in a significant/related location in Manchester. Several members of the audience thought this was a wonderful idea and asked if they could support the wider promotion of the Corinthians – one more or less suggested we should march on Downing Street to persuade them to do something about it!
In 2019 I’d written articles for a variety of publications suggesting the same and urging the FA and others to recognise the Corinthians. In the Manchester City men’s match programme as well I highlighted my desire to get a plaque erected about their achievements.
The talk at Hebden Bridge
Via Manchester Council I was put in contact with the Friends of Fog Lane Park and we ultimately set up a successful appeal in their name. The FA made a significant donation which funded the plaque and our fundraising efforts raised enough to allow the Friends to commission 2 murals and other tributes to the Corinthians as well.
Those present at Hebden Bridge in December 2021 helped raise the profile and that event was significant in highlighting the incredible achievements of its female footballers. Now, the authorised history of the Corinthians will tell the story of the club from its birth right through to the blue plaque appeal. It will use the voices of the women who represented Manchester and England in a positive manner and who won trophies in South America & Europe and who toured North Africa. They won a significant European competition before either Manchester men’s team yet their achievements were not recognised by the city until the blue plaque appeal started.
I am immensely proud of how this has all happened. The event at Hebden Bridge was free to attend and was made possible by the support of a locally based business, Cansquared (Geoff Matthews – who co-hosted the evening). We felt it was vital we made this free to attend to spread the word.
If anyone runs a bookshop, library or key Manchester venue and would like a Corinthians event then please get in touch. I’d be happy to promote the club and the book of course. The more we can do to promote their story the better.
Thanks for reading this. If you would like to find out more about the Corinthians then follow the tabs on this site or use the search function. If you’d like to know more about the FA Ban then you can download for free an article I co-wrote here:
A few copies of my book on Manchester City Women are still available. This tells the history of City Women via the voices of the women (and some men) involved. The book has been heralded as a model for oral histories by the Oral History Society.
Here’s a link you can follow to order a signed copy of the City Women book:
On this day (5 December) in 2020 in front of an official crowd of zero (these were the days when no fans were allowed to attend due to Covid) Raheem Sterling (5th minute) and Kevin De Bruyne (penalty after Sterling had been brought down) gave City a 2-0 victory at home to Fulham. You can watch highlights here:
On this day (3 December) in 1951 cult goalkeeping hero John Burridge was born. 43 years and 147 days later he appeared for Manchester City’s first team and became the oldest player to appear in the Premier League. You can read more about the 1994-95 season here:
It’s the latest Liverpool-City game on Sunday and, obviously, because they’re at home, top of the League and City have had a bad run recently, this really is a game when Liverpool should win. Of course, football can throw up shock results so fingers crossed! There are lots of articles on my site about games between these two, so why not have a look at these as preparation for the game? Here are a few links:
There are plenty of other mentions of Liverpool on this site so why not use the tabs or do a search.
If you enjoy all the free material on my website and would like to support my research and keep this website going (but don’t want to subscribe) then why not make a one-time donation (or buy me a coffee). All support for my research is valued and welcome. It allows me to keep some free material available for all. Thanks.
On this day (28 November) in 1964 one of Scotland’s greatest internationals of all time died. He was the former Partick, Manchester City, Oldham and Scotland half back Jimmy McMullan (seen leading out City in this photo). Here’s a MCFC profile of him I wrote a while back which, hopefully, explains a little as to why he should be remembered.
JAMES MCMULLAN (1926-33)
Half Back, 5ft 7in, 11st. 0lbs, b. Denny, 26 March 1895, d. Sheffield, 28 November 1964
Signed from Partick Thistle, 10 February 1926 (£4,700)
Transferred: Oldham Athletic, 15 May 1933
Career: Denny Hibernian, Third Lanark, Partick Thistle, Maidstone United player-manager, Partick Thistle, City, Oldham Athletic player-manager
One of Scotland’s greatest internationals of all time, left back Jimmy McMullan was already a significant star when the Blues signed him in 1926 for £4,700. Clearly his arrival was a major talking point, especially as this was during City’s managerless period when vice-chairman Albert Alexander took on the management of the players. Alexander must have possessed a great footballing brain and must have been a terrific negotiator as McMullan readily joined the Blues.
Within two months of his arrival McMullan was playing at Wembley in the FA Cup final. City lost that game and were also relegated on the last day of the season creating a new, if unwanted, record.
In 1927-8 he made 38 appearances and scored four goals as City won the Second Division title, and that same year McMullan captained Scotland to their most famous victory – a 5-1 defeat of England at Wembley. It was a highly embarrassing day for England, but a great one for the City man. He remained in the City side throughout the twenties and early thirties, and in 1933 he returned to Wembley again with the Club. Sadly, his second final also ended in defeat, and the following May he moved to Oldham as player-manager. He later had spells in charge at Aston Villa (their first official manager), Notts County, and Sheffield Wednesday. He was Wednesday’s manager in 1938-9 when his side drew 1-1 with City at Maine Road. Both sides were chasing promotion, and the single point was not enough for either side. Wednesday missed promotion by a point to arch rivals Sheffield United. In 1942, during the wartime seasons, McMullan’s contract was not renewed.
He passed away at the age of 69 while still living in Sheffield in 1964.
If you enjoy all the free material on my website and would like to support my research and keep this website going (but don’t want to subscribe) then why not make a one-time donation (or buy me a coffee). All support for my research is valued and welcome. It allows me to keep some free material available for all. Thanks.
The winners of the Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards (NWFA) 2024 have been revealed. 500 esteemed guests from across the footballing world attended the star-studded event, hosted by broadcasters Eilidh Barbour and Dion Dublin, at The Point at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. Winners were crowned in a range of player categories, alongside accolades for clubs, communities, and unsung heroes.
Jan Lyons, Margaret Shepherd and Margaret Whitworth, Manchester Corinthians at the North West Football Awards 2024
After another phenomenal season, Manchester City once again took centre stage, with Phil Foden named Premier League Player of the Season and Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw earning the Women’s Player of the Season title for the second consecutive year. Manchester City teammate Khiara Keating was recognised as the Women’s Rising Star. For the red side of Manchester, Kobbie Mainoo collected the Men’s Rising Star award, capping off a sensational campaign for the England international.
In a heartfelt tribute, Ian Rush MBE was honoured with The Maurice Watkins CBE Lifetime Contribution Award, while the Billy Seymour Impact Award was presented to Joe Thompson for his continued inspirational impact on the footballing world.
Burnley FC Women’s Kirstie Levell was named Women’s Player of the Season for The FA Women’s National League, while Liam Lindsay, of Preston North End Football Club took home the Championships Player of the Season further showcasing talent in the Northwest region.
The community-focused aspect of football was also celebrated, with Everton in the Community retaining the title of Premier League Community Club of the Season, and Foundation 92 being recognised as the Community Club of the Season for all other leagues.
A special moment of acknowledgement came with the presentation of the Special Recognition Award for Services to Women’s Football to the legendary Manchester Corinthians, a club that has paved the way for generations of women in football.
You can find out more on the Corinthians across this website, but here’s their reaction to the award on the night:
Laura Wolfe, owner of the Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards, said:“What an incredible night. The talent on show this year, both on and off the pitch, continues to highlight the Northwest as a powerhouse of football. Congratulations to all the winners, finalists, and everyone who makes these awards so special – we have proved yet again that the power of the footballing community has the ability to bring the region together and we look forward to seeing clubs continue to make a positive difference.”
The awards not only celebrate footballing excellence but also honour the efforts of those working behind the scenes, with accolades such as the Fabrice Muamba Award for Outstanding Service to Football Medicine & Performance, which went to Ian Liversedge, and the Unsung Hero Award, which was presented to Dr Danielle Prescott.
Armstrong Projects’ Chris Hamlett added: “The Northwest Football Awards are a unique opportunity to champion the exceptional work being done across all levels of football in our region. Congratulations to all the winners and everyone involved in making this evening such a success.”
Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards 2024 – Full Winners List:
Community Initiative of the Season – Premier League (in association with the PFA) – Burnley FC in the Community – Academy in the Community
Community Initiative of the Season – All other Leagues (in association with the PFA) – Carlisle United Community Sports Trust – Komatsu Climate Heroes (HIGHLY COMMENDED)
– Morecambe FC Community Foundation – Veterans Project
Community Club of the Season – All other Leagues (in association with the PFA) – Foundation 92
Community Club of the Season – Premier League (in association with the PFA) – Everton in the Community
Women in Football Promoting Inclusion Award – Burnley FC in the Community – Interfaith Partnership with Building Bridges Burnley (HIGHLY COMMENDED)
– Cerebral Palsy United Football Club (Non-League Winner)
– Manchester United Foundation – Inclusive Reds (League Winner)
Best Club Marketing/Sponsorship or Engagement Campaign – Morecambe Football Club – #YourHomeFromHome Season Ticket Campaign
Business and Professional Services to Football – Foudys (HIGHLY COMMENDED)– Saffery
Fan Media, Channel or Podcast of the Season – The Redmen TV
Northwest Football Broadcaster of the Season – Giulia Bould – BBC Radio Merseyside and BBC Sport
Northwest Football Journalist of the Season – David Ornstein – The Athletic
Unsung Hero Award – Dr Danielle Prescott
Rising Star – Kobbie Mainoo – Manchester United Football Club
Women’s Rising Star – Khiara Keating – Manchester City Women’s Football Club
Player of the Season – National League – James Norwood – Oldham Athletic AFC
Player of the Season – League Two – Fraser Horsfall – Stockport County Football Club
Player of the Season – League One – Sam Tickle – Wigan Athletic Football Club
Player of the Season – Championship – Liam Lindsay – Preston North End Football Club
Player of the Season – Premier League – Phil Foden – Manchester City Football Club
Women’s Player of the Season – Barclays WSL & Barclays Women’s Championship – Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw – Manchester City Women’s Football Club
Women’s Player of the Season – The FA Women’s National League – Kirstie Levell – Burnley FC Women
Manager of the Season – Dave Challinor – Stockport County Football Club
Women’s Manager of the Season – Matt Beard – Liverpool Football Club Women
Billy Seymour Impact Award – Joe Thompson
Fabrice Muamba Award for Outstanding Service to Football Medicine & Performance (in association with the FMPA) – Ian Liversedge
The Maurice Watkins CBE Lifetime Contribution Award – Ian Rush MBE
Special Recognition Award for Services to Women’s Football – Manchester Corinthians
About the Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards:
The Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards is an annual event that recognises and celebrates footballing excellence in the Northwest region. From grassroots to elite level, the awards highlight the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals, clubs, and communities within the footballing community.
I’ve been told that the governing Georgian Dream Party in Georgia has nominated the former Manchester City player Mikheil Kavelashvili to be its candidate for the country’s presidency. Already former City player George Weah has been president of Liberia – maybe being at Maine Road made everyone political?
Interesting times. As far as I’m aware neither Keir Starmer nor Donald Trump ever played at Maine Road!
Kavelashvili made his debut v Manchester United (h) 6 April 1996 (scored one) and made a total of 29 appearance (most as sub), scoring three goals.
If you enjoy all the free material on my website and would like to support my research and keep this website going (but don’t want to subscribe) then why not make a one-time donation (or buy me a coffee). All support for my research is valued and welcome. It allows me to keep some free material available for all. Thanks.
Today (27 November 2024) is former Sunderland, Manchester City, New York Cosmos and England forward Dennis Tueart’s 75th birthday. You can watch a video interview I did with Dennis last year elsewhere on this site, or enjoy the following MCFC profile of him I wrote a while back.
Forward, 5ft 8in, 11st. 4lbs, b. Newcastle-on-Tyne, 27 November 1949
Signed from Sunderland, 11 March 1974 (£275,000)
Transferred: New York Cosmos, 13 February 1978 (£250,000)
Signed from New York Cosmos, 31 January 1980 (£150,000)
Transferred: Stoke City, 9 July 1983 (free)
Career: Manor Park Technical Grammar School, Welbeck Juniors, Sunderland, City, New York Cosmos, City, Stoke City, Burnley, Derry City.
Debut v Manchester United, 13 March 1974
Debut v Norwich City, 1 March 1980
Appearances: League: 216+8 apps. 86 gls; FA Cup: 13+2 apps. 3 gls; League Cup: 27, 18 gls; UEFA Cup: 3 aps, 0 gls; AS Cup: 3 apps, 0 gls; TC Cup: 2 apps, 2 gls; T Cup: 3 apps, 2 gls; Total: 267+10 apps, 111 gls
Remembered often for his spectacular overhead goal at Wembley in the 1976 League Cup final, Dennis Tueart was always a hero with City fans. Earlier in his career he was a popular member of Sunderland’s 1973 FA Cup winning side, alongside Dave Watson, and he joined City in March 1974.
Often described by supporters as an entertaining, exciting, determined player, Tueart constantly delivered during a period when City challenged for the title in addition to the League Cup success, however in 1977-78 he became a little disenchanted and decided to move to the States to play for the New York Cosmos. He became the first ‘current’ England international to transfer to the USA, and played alongside players such as Beckenbauer.
He remained in America for a couple of seasons before re-joining City in 1980. He netted five goals during 11 games that season but a wrist injury during a 2-1 defeat at Stoke the following September caused Tueart to miss significant games against Manchester United, Liverpool, and Leeds. During that period the Blues struggled and the management team of Allison & Book were dismissed. New manager John Bond transformed the club, but Tueart was not given much opportunity to impress. Then, in the 1981 FA Cup final replay Tueart was brought on as substitute for Bobby McDonald. This brief appearance led to him appearing in 15 of the opening 18 matches of 1981-2, scoring 9 goals in the process. It was a great period for him personally, but he damaged his Achilles tendon against his former team Sunderland in December and missed the rest of the season.
In 1982-3 he made 36 appearances but relegation on the final day led to Tueart being transferred to Stoke. After his playing career finished Tueart concentrated on his sports promotions company and became a director at City in the mid 1990s, contributing significantly to first the period of resurrection (1998 to 2003) and then stability at the new stadium.
Here’s film from the North West Football Awards when our efforts to recognise the Manchester Corinthians reached a new high. Watch as they receive the Special Recognition Award for Services to Women’s Football.
This is a wonderful honour and thoroughly deserved. It’s been difficult keeping the secret for so long. Thanks to all connected to the awards for this wonderful recognition.
If all goes to plan we’ll take the award to next week’s Manchester Corinthians reunion where we have over 80 people, the majority are former Corinthian players, in attendance.
If you’re wondering who the Manchester Corinthians are then you can check out various stories on this website. In addition, Manchester Corinthians: The Authorised History is in production. This book will be published in December and you can order a copy to be posted out on publication.
Here’s a reminder of details of price, availability and publication…
The purchase price is £25 and the book will be posted to you before it is sent to any retailer. In addition, any order via this website will be signed by author Gary James.
Those with a delivery address in the UK can order here (outside UK please contact for additional postage costs):
UK ONLY – Manchester Corinthians: The Authorised History
The story of a pioneering women’s club as told to Gary James by those who were there. This will be published in mid December 2024. This is UK only at £25 (incl UK postage and packaging). Outside UK contact for additional postage costs.
Gary James' Football Archive 