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Joe Hart pays tribute to Birmingham City goalkeeping legend Gil Merrick
Current glovesman aims to follow Blues hero's footsteps into England camp
9 Feb 2010 09:10:00
By Alan Dawson
Joe Hart was honoured to be involved in the Gil Merrick remembrance service that introduced Birmingham City's Sunday lunchtime clash with Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Merrick, 88, made more than 700 appearances for City from 1939 to 1960. He died on Thursday yet received rapturous applause from the St Andrew's crowd prior to kick-off at the weekend.
Hart, on loan to the Blues from Manchester City, laid a wreath in front of the Gil Merrick Stand, and told the official website of the Premier League that he would strive to emulate Merrick's career.
"He [Merrick] was a massive part of the club's history, playing for England as a Birmingham goalkeeper, which is something I aspire to do.
"It's a sad time but from what I understand he had a good life, 88 years, so it was a good memorial for him.
"It was special to be able to lay the wreath and give thanks for what he did for the club.
"I understand that he's got a lot of admirers, a lot of people think a lot of him, myself included, so it was nice to be a part of that," concluded Hart.
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Merrick, 88, made more than 700 appearances for City from 1939 to 1960. He died on Thursday yet received rapturous applause from the St Andrew's crowd prior to kick-off at the weekend.
Hart, on loan to the Blues from Manchester City, laid a wreath in front of the Gil Merrick Stand, and told the official website of the Premier League that he would strive to emulate Merrick's career.
"He [Merrick] was a massive part of the club's history, playing for England as a Birmingham goalkeeper, which is something I aspire to do.
"It's a sad time but from what I understand he had a good life, 88 years, so it was a good memorial for him.
"It was special to be able to lay the wreath and give thanks for what he did for the club.
"I understand that he's got a lot of admirers, a lot of people think a lot of him, myself included, so it was nice to be a part of that," concluded Hart.
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|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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