George Wilson (Scottish footballer)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
George W. Wilson (born 1884 in Lochgelly, Fife; died 2 June 1960 in Canada) was a Scottish professional international footballer, who spent the greatest part of his career with Newcastle United.
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[edit] Playing career
An outside left, Wilson began his career with a series of local Fife clubs, including then non-league Cowdenbeath. In 1904 he signed for First Division Heart of Midlothian, at that time struggling due to financial concerns. An economic restructuring in 1905 revitalised the club though, and Wilson was a regular in the side as Hearts finished 2nd in the league and won the Scottish Cup in 1905-06. He scored the winning goal in the final against holders Third Lanark, a tap-in in the 81st minutes after a Bobby Walker shot had been blocked.
Wilson moved south to England at that season's conclusion, sold to Everton in a £725 joint deal alongside his brother David. His stay on Merseyside was brief however and, after a short spell with Irish side Distillery, he joined Newcastle United for £1,600 in 1907, a then record transfer fee. Playing on the left wing he made 211 appearances and scored 33 goals for the Magpies, helping them to the English League title in the 1908-09 season and the FA Cup in 1910.
Wilson was nicknamed "Smiler" during his time on Tyneside, although this was a sarcastic epithet, as he was a rather dour character, matching the Scottish stereotype. He was small in height (5'6") but a big build meant that he was not easily pushed off the ball.
Wilson was a full Scottish international, making his debut for the national side in a 1-1 draw with Wales at Dens Park in 1904. He earned 6 caps in total, four while with Hearts, one each during his time at Everton and Newcastle. His final international appearance occurred in a 2-0 defeat by England in 1909.
The First World War interrupted the latter part of Wilson's career and from 1914 onward he played with East Fife then Raith Rovers back in his native Fife, as well as Lanarkshire side Albion Rovers. Wilson was also manager of Raith Rovers for a time, although he resigned this position and emigrated to Canada.
[edit] Honours
[edit] As a player
[edit] Sources
- Paul Joannou. A Complete Who's Who of Newcastle United.
- Paul Joannou, Tommy Canning and Patrick Canning. Haway The Lads, The Illustrated Story of Newcastle United.
[edit] External links
- Appearances at londonhearts.com
- Newcastle United profile
