George Heslop dies, 66

September 18, 2006

CITY fans are today mourning the loss of their former central defender George Heslop.

The Wallsend-born star passed away over the weekend in St Anne's after a short illness. He was 66.

Bought from Everton for é20,000 by Joe Mercer in 1965, Heslop was a vital member of the 1967-68 First Division championship winning side, playing 41 matches that season.

He went on to win League Cup and European Cup-Winners medals in a career that saw him play almost 200 times for City.

Vintage

George, who spent a season at Bury, was a rare goalscorer managing only one in the league, a strike that will be remembered by City fans of a certain vintage coming as it did in a 3-1 victory over United at Old Trafford in the title-winning season.

After leaving the game, Heslop was the landlord of three well known pubs - the Royal George Hotel off Piccadilly Gardens, the Carter's Arms in Wilmslow and the City Gates.

After moving to Blackpool, he became a social worker and retired only last year.

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the realist, in the real world (18/09/2006 at 11:03)

great name from the good old days - have u read this Distin, Heslop worked til he was 65 as a social worker before getting the chance to put his feet up. Probably not the sort of bloke to turn down 40 grand a week like you then. Oh, and a decent centre half as well, so thats another thing you don't have in common.

GL, Ellenbrook, M28 (18/09/2006 at 11:19)

RIP in peace George. My Dad's the same age and always spoke very highly of you played for The Blues.

Phil, Sheffield (18/09/2006 at 11:20)

He was player before my time, but George Heslop was a great servant to City. Thanks. Rest in peace George.

Ian, Anglesey (18/09/2006 at 11:30)

You know when you refer to Bell, Lee Summerbee, in the same breath it was always Doyle Heslop Oakes. Unlucky not to have played for England. RIP George

steve, manchester (18/09/2006 at 11:34)

so sad to hear of his passing on. remember as a 10 year old watching george playing in a derby match against best,our george nicked the ball away just as best was about to shoot making an air shot that had the whole ground in stitches.rip george you were part of the best city team in history,my thoughts go to his family

Oxford Blue, Oxon (18/09/2006 at 11:48)

God rest his soul. Thoughts are with his family. He was an ever present in my subbuteo team in the 1970s.

TRUE BLUE, MIDDLESBROUGH (18/09/2006 at 11:50)

I too had the privaledge to see him play and a more honest and pleasant man puts these modern prima donas to shame.Thanks for the memories George R.I.P.

Worthy, The Cedar Room (18/09/2006 at 11:51)

The Realist, my sentiments entirely. RIP George.

eddie sparrow, reddish (18/09/2006 at 11:59)

I was lucky enough to see the great city side of the late sixties and it was team that apart from the legends bell,lee summerbee and i never understood why young was not on that list,needed players like george heslop he was a rock and will be sadly missed,my dad took me and he never let me forget his hero big george,rest in peace.

Rob, Cheadle Hulme (18/09/2006 at 12:05)

George , thank you so much for so much. You were a player that could be relied on week in week out and you were a true gentleman. a TRUE City legend.

Bill the Blue, Wythenshawe (18/09/2006 at 12:50)

Oh for a George Heslop in the middle of the defence now. A great centre half in a great team. Truly a unsung hero. RIP George.

Ray, Bristol (18/09/2006 at 12:50)

Sincerest condolences to Georges family.

Edski Vega, Midlands (18/09/2006 at 12:57)

Never knew him but sounds like a decent down to earth bloke.

bluemoonie, droylsden (18/09/2006 at 13:16)

so sorry to hear about the death of george heslop.oh for a player of his calibre in the current team he was a true professional. my thoughts are with his family.
R.I.P

BB, Manchester (18/09/2006 at 13:27)

RIP George.
Shame that the City people have put nothing about him on their website.

mark, bluefield (18/09/2006 at 13:36)

R.i.p. George. I hope this current bunch of wasters who are representing city at present had half of your commitment and desire. One of city's best ever defenders.

R, Chorlton (18/09/2006 at 13:49)

Absolutely gutted. One of my heroes and the very first person to give me their autograph. I can still remember saying "Thank you Mr Heslop" and looking up at this giant figure. Thanks for all the great times you gave us Blues.

Lee, Manchester (18/09/2006 at 14:23)

A vital member of our greatest squad of players ever to wear the Blue shirt. Still recall my dad telling me about this team which I sadly just missed, and I haven't seen City win anything of note since as Im only 35 years old. That says more about the club than anything else.

RIP George, Joe Mercer will look after you up there - truly City till you died. Condolences to his family.

DB, Brighton (18/09/2006 at 14:31)

RIP
George unsung hero, plucked from reserve football at Everton to be a reliable key performer, with his balding hair if I remember, I was only 11 when he joined gave good service in a marvellous team

ted knott, droylsden (18/09/2006 at 14:36)

RIP George you gave us all great memories, not one of the more publicised stars but a great team man tireless reliable dedicated and full of passion. He was a member of a great side and only Dave Watson has actually bettered him since in recent times our defenders are a shadow of George.

exile, hong kong (18/09/2006 at 14:39)

1) RIP Mr Heslop, the old man spoke highly of you. I 've still got a cigarette sticker.
2) Real man in the real world, you're unreal.
3) 40 years on Mr Heslop would have been getting 40k a week and you would take a stupid payrise.

Big Mal's Fedora, Maine Rd (18/09/2006 at 15:00)

RIP George - Great player great man and the real inventor of the comb over cut ! Would like to know what George would've said to the current squad .... I can probably guess ! Watch out Bestie he's coming to bite your legs again ....

malc, oldham (18/09/2006 at 15:13)

Very sorry to hear of the death of George Heslop,he was a no frills centre half who was an excellant defender.I was at Old Trafford when he scored for City in the season we won the league.What happy days they were under the guidance of the wonderful Joe Mercer--rest in peace George.

ken, canada (18/09/2006 at 15:16)

im a red but remember him being a vital member of city's team of the 60's R.I.P.

Stubby, Glossop (18/09/2006 at 15:26)

Oh for a back line today like Book, Pardoe, Doyle, Heslop and Oakes first saw George has a Six year old in 1967 loved his no nonsense approach. RIP George.

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