Tag Archives: Alec Thurlow

Trautmann’s Debut

On this day (November 26) in 1949 Bert Trautmann played his first Maine Road League game. Trautmann’s debut had come a week earlier at Bolton. Here’s a 1400 word article on Trautmann’s arrival, the proposed boycotts and the general situation at Maine Road that led to the gamble on playing the former Prisoner of War.

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A Goalkeeper Signs

On this day (26 September) in 1946 goalkeeper Alec Thurlow signed for Manchester City with the hope that the young ‘keeper would be a permanent replacement for Frank Swift.  Sadly, Alec was forced to retire from the game in 1950 through tuberculosis. He went on to have major surgery with seven ribs removed.  He also had a collapsed lung.  Alec died in a sanatorium at the age of 34 in 1956. You can read more on Thurlow here:

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Swift Return

On this day (20 August) in 1949 Frank Swift was talked out of retirement following health problems with Manchester City ‘keeper Alec Thurlow.  Swift’s return match ended in a 3-3 draw at home to Aston Villa, watched by 43,196.  Here for subscribers is a profile of Alec Thurlow (Unfortunately, it’s a sad story!):

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