1949
England beat Italy 2-0, the match being settled by a goal in a million from Billy Wright.
The Italian team outplay England for long periods and only keeper Bert Williams keeps them in the game with a string of five saves.
After 14 minutes, however, Jack Rowley fires a thunderbolt in that the Italian keeper hardly sees.
Then came Billy’s effort, his second goal for his country (and in 105 appearances he would only score one more!).
He lobbed the ball forward from just over the half way line, and a gust of wind took it beyond the grasping keeper and into the net! Billy was one of English football’s greats.
He was also the first football player in the world to earn 100 caps and, with Wolverhampton Wanderers, he lifted the FA Cup, the League Championship three times and was the 1952 Footballer of the Year.
He was awarded the CBE for services to football soon after his retirement in 1959 and lived to see a stand named after him at Molineux. Sadly, Billy had died before a statue of him was erected outside the ground.
1974
Ron Davies is to make his debut for Manchester United after completing an exchange deal that sees George Graham move the Portsmouth. Davies says of his move:
“This is like blood transfusion for me. Every time I went to Old Trafford with Southampton I wished I could play there every week.”
1964
The PFA meet today and committee member Roy Hartle of Bolton Wanderers says they will ask members to behave on the field.
“I believe it is the top-class players who should set an example to the youngsters and other players.”
1976
FIFA referee Tom Reynolds is told that he is relieved of officiating next Saturday at Portsmouth because he failed to hold up the yellow card when he cautioned players last Saturday.
Fulham sign Gerry Peyton, Burnley's goalkeeper, for £40,000 while Nottingham Forest sign Larry Lloyd for £60,000 from Coventry City.
