Stanley Matthews

Sir Stanley Matthews (February 1 1915 - February 23 2002) was a football player of genius and one of the greats of the English game. A natural right-winger, he showed early promise and played for England schoolboys against Wales. He signed professional terms with Stoke City F.C in 1932. His international debut came in 1934, scoring in the England side which beat Wales 4-0. In 1937 he scored a hat-trick in a game against Czechoslovakia.

The war interrupted his career, during which time he was in the RAF stationed near Blackpool. After a falling out with Stoke, he transferred to join Blackpool F.C.

He played his final England game in 1957; to this day he remains the oldest player to have played in an England shirt.

In 1961 (aged 46) he rejoined Stoke City. He hung up his boots just after his 50th birthday.