Tricky Woo Posted November 27, 2019 Report Share Posted November 27, 2019 Thanks for this guys - 'WEDLOCK - The First Hero of Bristol City' (362 pages - 362 League appearances for Bristol City!) "Fascinating and an enthralling read for any City fan... the book is full of captivating stories from an era unrecognisable today... Great for both young and old City supporters..." FULL BOOK REVIEW by O.T.I.B. ("One Team in Bristol" Fanzine) "For many City fans the name Wedlock is associated with the name of a stand or pub, but the story of Billy Wedlock, City's most capped England player maybe to a degree, has been overlooked. Not any more, with the release of a superb book by D P Hurley. When we think of City heroes the talk usually turns to John Atyeo, maybe because his time was relatively recent, but the story of the 5'4" centre-half born and bred in Bedminster, is fascinating and an enthralling read for any City fan. Billy was from a mining family and one of 10 children, he was also a tanner and a stonemason in the days when a player's salary wasn't sufficient enough. He was arguably the most famous City player in the club's history. This engrossing book about the rise of a City hero around the turn of the century details his career and home life from his early days playing for Masonic Rovers following his route to Ashton Gate, his England career, and final last game for his beloved City. It was by no means all straightforward, personal sadness to extreme joy and achievement are recalled in gripping detail. Some of the stories feel as if you were actually there at the time, like when his front door knocked and City director Frank Bacon excitedly told him he'd been selected for the England trials the next day in Sheffield. Travel was not easy in those days and the only train would arrive just in time for him to play. However the train was delayed meaning Billy had to get off fully kitted out in strip and boots, hastily running along the platform to meet with a journalist who was one of the few who knew what he looked like, collected him and drove at high speed to the ground. He only made it as the team were having a team photo on the pitch! The book also looks at the rise of the Bristol Babes, the FA Cup Final with a nerve- racking story about the last-kick penalty that managed City to force a replay in the semi's. City nearly won the Division One title too, but due to Wedlock playing for England and no breaks for international games, his absence resulted in City losing two games, it was costly as City came 2nd only 3 points behind eventual winners Newcastle. The book is full of captivating stories from an era unrecognisable today. On Wedlock's retirement he became a pub landlord taking over at the Star Inn which latterly became The Wedlock's, overlooking the entrance to Ashton Gate. Billy used to stand in the doorway watching the comings and goings at the club. I think he would be pleased the way things turned out. Maybe a statue for Billy Wedlock is much-needed. Great for both young and old City supporters and also a great Christmas gift. For details on how to get a copy go to the website" - billywedlockonline.co.uk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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