Former Birmingham star Merrick dies

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Former Birmingham goalkeeper and manager Gil Merrick - who steered the club to their only major trophy - has died at the age of 88.

The former England player made a club record 551 appearances for Blues between 1939 and 1960.

He then took charge of City and led them to a League Cup final success against local rivals Aston Villa in 1963.

Sparkhill-born Merrick made his debut as an 18-year-old apprentice and went on to represent England 23 times including in the 1954 World Cup.

Merrick's contribution to City was recognised last year when the former Railway End Stand at St Andrew's was renamed the Gil Merrick Stand in his honour.

He was also the first player to be inducted into the club's Legend's XI in late 2009.

And Merrick received a further accolade after supporters voted him their choice to represent the club on the Broad Street Walk of Stars in Birmingham city centre.

The club and its supporters will be commemorating Merrick's life at Sunday's Barclays Premier League game against Wolves at St. Andrew's.