your comments
Christopher William-Meredith Driver
Billy Meredith is my great-grandad! Winnifred was a great women and I truly miss her.
Wed Sep 10 10:41:55 2008
Chris Miller, Deptford (originally Llanhilleth)
Billy Meredith is one of Wales's all-time greatest footballers and would be in the all-time best Welsh team as listed below:-
1. Kelsey (Arsenal)
2: Barnes (Arsenal)
3: Sherwood (Cardiff City)
4: Keanor (Cardiff City)Captain
5: Charles J (Juventus)
6: Charles M (Swansea Town)
7: Meredith (Manchester United)
8: Tapscott (Arsenal)
9: Ford (Aston Villa)
10: Allchurch I (Swansea Town)
11: Jones C (Tottenham Hotspurs)
With the above team and a decent set of reserves, Wales would have won the World Cup.
Tue Sep 2 15:14:01 2008
Denzyl Bright - Stoke-on-Trent
My great grandfather Thomas Evans, born in Chirk, then moved into Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, was the first cousin of William Meredith and when Man City or Man Utd played Stoke City Billy and his friends would stay at 2 Clarence Street, Fenton, over night. Billy gave my great grandad a signed photo (3ft by 3ft) with him and all of his caps, medals and cups and it is still in the family. As soon as you go on to his website the picture you see first is the one in the family.
Mon Jun 2 09:37:12 2008
Kim Whittenbury from Watford
Hi all, I have been doing my faily tree for years. I am related to Billy Meredith through his wife Jane Cheney. If anyone would like to get in touch and swap info, please contact me.
Mon Feb 25 08:33:30 2008
Matthew Clarke, Manchester
I have done more research and found out that my grandma on my dad's side of the family her mum (my great gran) her surname was Love and that Billy was somehow related in the direct blood line to her but my god is it hard to find stuff out. Think from what I can gather he was her grandad or something like that but not too sure. She was Welsh but moved to Staylbridge, Manchester. Anyone know of any simlar stuff?
Mon Feb 18 10:00:42 2008
Simon from Manchester
Hi everyone, I didn't know there was that many people who remember Billy Meredith. My dad has told me for years that Billy was my great great uncle and I'm just trying to find out.
Sun Dec 2 16:21:04 2007
Craig Hughes, Gloucester
I've been researching my family history for about 8 months now and with the help of my grandad we have found a strong conection between the Hughes and Meredith family. My great great grandmother was a sister of Billy.
Mon Nov 26 09:09:59 2007
Gary James, author & MCFC Museum Manager
I have just noticed the comments on Meredith on this website and would be delighted to provide additional information on his career. Any relative interested in knowing more can contact me at MCFC. Recently Ian Pringle, Billy's grandson has donated a couple of caps to the MCFC museum, and a couple of years ago Winifred (Billy's daughter) attended our stadium for a special presentation. We at MCFC are immensely proud of Billy's contribution to Manchester (and Wales), and we are delighted that he spent so much time here at City. I am a little disappointed the BBC material focuses on his time at Utd - he actually spent considerably more time at City and was also a frequent and popular visitor to the Club in later life. He also won his first national trophy with us in 1899 and in 1904 he became the first Manchester captain to lift the FA Cup (he was also the goalscorer). Incidentally, we have cartoon strips, photos and footage of Billy in our museum, and one of my most recent books has the last known photo of Billy playing a first team game (he played his last competitive game at the age of 49 - a FA Cup semi-final)
Tue Sep 18 11:30:07 2007
John Brindle, Lincs
I remember Billy Meredith when I was a young schoolboy growing up in Withington, Manchester. He used to wait on the corner of Burton Road and Albert Road as it was called in those days waiting for the evening paper. He always had a toothpick in his mouth, and he used to always give us a bit of advice like try and kick the ball with both feet, a lesson some of today's pros should heed. If I remember his daughter Winifred used to manage the local dancehall, Withington baths which was converted for dancing in the winter - happy days.
Thu Jul 12 09:35:25 2007
janet aitken ne; Davis
My father George Edward Davis was the nephew of Billy Meredith. His mother Jane Davis ne; Jones was his aunt. I would love to hear from the family of Billy who was researching his past back in 1986ish and knew of our branch of the family living in Fallowfield, Manchester. Please contact me.
Wed Jul 11 08:59:57 2007
Charlotte Farnworth, Manchester
I am reserching my family history at the moment and know that Billy Meredith is related to my family via Jane Jones. Jane came from Wrexham and had about 8 sisters. But the history is very sketchy to say the least. We think that Billy married a Jones sister. If anyone can help me on this side of my family history I would be grateful.
Mon Jul 9 09:10:35 2007
John Simkin, Worthing
Billy Meredith is probably the best footballer that Britain has ever produced. He is often unfairly accused of being corrupt that led to him being suspended for playing in 1906. Meredith was set up because of his trade union activities. A former coalminer he was active in attempts to establish the Association Football Players Union (AFPU). He finally achieved this in 1907. Once again he was suspended by the FA but this time the whole of the Manchester United team threatened to go on strike and the FA backed down.You can read about this great man here: http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/MANCmeredith.htm
Thu Jul 5 15:59:54 2007
Ken Allanson, Windsor
I met Billy Meredith at his home in Manchester when he was in his eighties. My father in law, Charles Leslie Kingston, was his nephew and he took me to meet the great man. I had a long and interesting conversation with him. He was a strong character and was not reticent in giving his opinions on the "modern game". Some of his comments were: Stanley Mathews - a good player but not half as good as BM who scored more than 200 goals in his career. Penalties - In BM's day goalies were allowed to move so they usually charged forward as the kick was taken so he calmly lobbed them and rarely missed. Man City / Utd - Now preferred to watch City as they treated him as a VIP whereas he had to pay for his ticket at Utd. Drinking - Nothing in excess but always drank mild rather bitter. A fascinating character.
Fri Jun 15 09:55:55 2007
Kevin Allanson, Adelaide, South Australia
Billy Meredith was my Grandfather's Uncle (Charles Leslie Kington known as Leslie or Les). He told me how sometimes he would as a young lad go with Billy to practice his corner kicks. Grandad would lay his hankercheif in various spots around the goal mouth and Billy would aim to land the ball on there or as close to it as possible. His success rate used to impress Grandad even though he was not a huge football fan. Billy gave him one of his Welsh caps, which he then later passed down to my brother, as he is a bigger football fan than me. Grandad also told me how Billy woul d walk from work to the game, play 90 minutes, and then walk home, which he said was some distance - no flash cars in those days!
Mon Jun 4 08:56:34 2007
Pam Lennon, Manchester
My grandfather, his brother in law, Leslie Knighton (manager of Chelsea, Arsenal, Birmingham City...) used to drink with Billy in Longsight and Ardwick - probably when uncle Leslie worked at City as secretary I think.
Mon May 21 10:55:27 2007
Cliff Hughes from Uxbridge, ONTARIO
To Keith Wynne Jones from Chirk (born Chirk Green).The relationship between Meredith & Negus is; William (Billy)Meredith married my maternal grandmother's sister whose family name was Negus. Great grandfather Negus was born in Lincoln. His family was born in Keighly Yorkshire and Chirk Green.
Tue May 8 09:59:52 2007
Alf Dodd from Oswestry
Very interesting to read the comments above, as I believe I am possibly a first cousin of Billy Meredith, having been born close to Chirk, my father was Alfred Dodd who died about 1930. I would love to hear from anyone who thinks they may be related.
Wed Apr 18 14:06:16 2007
Heidi Whitaker
Oh my goodness... I got an email from my grandmother early today because I told her I was playing football for the school team and she said 'Fancy you playing football. DID YOU KNOW you had a great uncle who in the 1920 or 30s was an international footballer for Wales?' I thought I would have a better look for myself and I'm just quite amazed.
My family has been proud to be Welsh for ages and to know something like that has really made my day! Thanks grandmother.
Wed Jan 31 11:35:30 2007
Scott Reid, Stockport
After research about our family tree was done by my great uncle, Trevor Scott, several years ago, we discovered that Billy Meredith was my great grandma's first cousin! This has been a big inspiration to me as I am now, at the age of 17, persuing a career in football, and to know that a man in my family has not only played for the club that I love, Manchester United, but has also had a major impact on the development of British football is fantastic!
Wed Jan 24 08:55:00 2007
Tony Makara
Nicol Meredith, Great to see that you have such a comprehensive knowledge of your great-grandad's career. He was, of course, one of the greatest footballers in the world. Nicol have you ever considered trying to contact the Football Association of Wales or perhaps the football museum in Preston? It is plausable that considering Billy Meredith scored the winning goal in the 1904 FA cup final against Bolton that they might have some pictures at least. I have been through all my old football books and can only find one picture of your great-grandad as he poses with the FA along with the rest of the Man City side, above the picture it says:
"The Manchester City side that won the FA Cup in 1903-04. Seated in the centre is the captain and great Welsh right-winger Billy Meredith of Chirk"
I think it is interesting that when experts talk about the truly great footballers of all time they always, without exception, mention Billy Meredith. I am fortunate enough to have seen both Kenny Dalglish and George Best play live and when I hear Billy Meredith mentioned as being in the same league as those two then it makes me realise just what a legendary player he must have been. It's good to see that you have become a very knowledgable football fan Nicol, I hope you still support Liverpool!
Thu Jan 18 08:31:11 2007
Phil Jones
My dad was one of six air force soldiers who was asked to attend the wedding of Billy Meredith. I wonder if anyone could tell me when the wedding took place (and where ideally) and does anyone know where there may be photographs of the wedding? It's for my mum who is in her eighties and would love to see a piccie of dad in those days.
Mon Jan 15 09:14:24 2007
Dave Rowlands, Newtown, Mid Wales
I'm told that I am related to the great Billy Meredith. He was a relation on my late grandmother's side (Margaret Williams), but not sure what the connection is? I've got a signed photo of him in the house somewhere. I'm looking to research the famiy connection, anybody got any clues!?Please contact me
Mon Nov 20 11:47:28 2006
Nicol Meredith
Billy Meredith is my greatgrandad x3. I'm related from my dad's side. the last i heard all billys caps, shirts, trophys were all passed down to my gradma Dorothy as my great gandparent passed away who were Owen and Helen. the caps were worth quite a bit and Manchester Utd are still trying to get hold of them. owen brought the Meredith Name, owen dad samual also played football for everton but ended his career as he damaged his leg in a train accident. samual was billys grandson. Thats all i know folks. good to see the Meredith name is still goin.
Mon Oct 30 09:47:30 2006
Elaine Jordan, Stockport
Billy Meredith was my great uncle. He was married to my grandmother's sister. I believe we did meet but I have no recollection of it. I remember his daughter Winifred quite well, she was my mother's cousin.
My mother expressed many fond memories of her 'uncle Bill' but sadly she has now passed away.
Wed Oct 25 12:02:42 2006
Keith Wynne Jones from Chirk
I came home from school in Chirk Boys in the 1940s to tell my Mam I'd heard of this famous footballer Billy Meredith from Chirk Green. Yes, she said, he's related to us but didn't say how. I was born in Chirk Green and have tried to find the connection with the Merediths/Negus without success.
Thu Oct 12 08:12:59 2006
Matthew Clarke, Manchester
I also am told I am related to Billy Meredith, my grandmother told me he was her great grand father but we are all from Manchester (Stalybridge), anybody know if or how this is possible? I know he played for Man U and city but where was he based when doing this? Anybody got any history or know where he lived at that time?
Thu Aug 3 10:07:34 2006
clare allen from malvern
My Grandma was Winifred Elsie Meredith and her Father was Billy's brother John Henry. He married my Great Granma Emma Otter and they lived in and around the Warsop area in Nottinghamshire and had several children. The last remaining one being my Great aunt Lucy Meredith b.1918. My daughter carries on the family name being Amy Meredith Allen b.11.3.1997. As my husband is a staunch Leeds United fan I tend to keep quiet about any connections to Man.Utd!!
Tue Mar 14 13:12:17 2006
Robert Colwill
I know I am related to Billy MEREDITH I think I am a cousin 3 times removed I believe he was my great grandfathers brothers boy,my grandfather(who was named william meredith) was brought from rhayader mid wales to Dowlais by his grandfather,unfortunately family links are weak and I am not 100% sure I would love to find out please contact me.
Fri Feb 24 23:29:55 2006
Gary Meredith from Liverpool
Billy Meredith is my great great grandad my grandad used to tell me about him when i was younger but never told me he played for man city or man united as he was i liverpool fan. i have just purchased a book ( foofball wizard the Billy Meredith story) which is now giving me the real facts of this great man.
Sat Feb 18 13:35:10 2006
Bryan Ford, Congleton
My mother's family came from Audlem in Cheshire and it was known through family lore that Billy Meredith was related. On checking into our family history I found that my Great Grandmother was one Elizabeth Alice Meredith who married my Great Grandfather William Henry Ellerton of Audlem near Nantwich, Cheshire. I wonder if anyone knows of the relationship between Billy and Elizabeth Alice.
Sun Sep 25 12:06:18 2005
jess warrington from syston
billy meredith is my great great grandpa and my family are very proud to say this. my great grandma, winifred has recently passed away. we will always rember her. i loved her so much and i will really miss her. lots of love jess aged 13
Tue Apr 19 11:49:57 2005
Claire meredith Oswestry
I have been wandering for some time now, if my family is related to that of billy meredith, my father was a local lad, and football is in our blood!, each generation of lads in our family have shown fantastic footballing talents the latest being my 9 year old son,my husband and i have already been aproached by FA Oficials who have shown interest in his talent. it may just be a huge coincidence but it keeps my two sons confident in thinking they may have been related to such a great talented player!!
Thu Mar 31 23:25:14 2005
Stephen Lloyd, Wrexham
My Nanna's Dad was a cousin to Billy Meredith. And I have found it interesting learning about him and I have had my photograph taken with a painting of him in the Millennium Stadium.
Mon Oct 11 00:13:18 2004
Bill Evans
Billy Meredith was related to a friend of mine, and many years ago the famous man visited his family in Fron. He brought with him an autographed football to give to my friend who was just a small boy. Much to his parents' dismay he kicked the ball which went into Argoed Wood and was never seen again.
Thu Aug 12 10:31:55 2004
In an interview in 2002, daughter, Winnifred, 95, said
He was born and grew up in Chirk where he played football for the school team. I think his headmaster, Mr Thomas, was something to do with the FA. Although we moved away, he never really left Chirk in his mind. In fact, we used to go back there to live for a few weeks here and there when football finished for the season. We stayed at my Nain's. I remember going for walks and going fishing with him in Chirk. My father loved walking. He said it was the best exercise going. He was never any different. We didn't think he was a celebrity like they are today. We knew he was a very good player, but that was it. We weren't allowed to go to many matches because my father didn't think the football ground was the place for women. He couldn't get away with that today.
Thu Aug 12 10:31:20 2004
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Regarded as Wales' first football superstar.
