Gil Merrick wins BCFC vote to secure himself a Broad Street Walk of Star
A fortnight ago the Broad Street Business Improvement District launched a public vote to decide which Birmingham City FC legend would receive a coveted Walk of Star honour on Birmingham’s Broad Street.
Eight great players were nominated by the club and nine days of public voting on the Walk of Stars website was held.
Today we are delighted to announce that the winner of the public vote, with a 100 vote lead is Gil Merrick.
Blues legend Gil said: “I am extremely happy and honoured to have been chosen to be represented by one of the Walk of Stars. First Birmingham City Football Club decided to name a stand after me and now this. I’m almost speechless!
“It’s a wonderful gesture from the supporters to choose me and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them very much.”
Goalkeeper Gil Merrick made his first team debut at the end of the 1939/40 season, whilst he was still an 18-year-old apprentice.
He went onto make a record 551 appearances over more than two decades between the posts and was a pivotal figure during the most successful period in Birmingham City’s history.
The 23-capped England international was on the losing side at Wembley in 1956 FA Cup final but, after hanging up his boots in 1960, he became the Blues manager and guided the club to their only major silverware to date with League Cup final success against Second City rivals Aston Villa in 1963.
Gil’s star will be presented to him in front of his fans on the pitch during the half time interval at this coming Saturdays Birmingham City FC v Stoke City game.
