Described as the first footballing superstar, he was a vital figure in United’s first five trophy triumphs – the Division One titles of 1908 and 1911, the FA Cup of 1909 and the Charity Shields of 1908 and 1911 – and also captained rivals Manchester City to their first-ever trophy, the 1904 FA Cup.

But among his many achievements, he remains our oldest ever player, a record he set 100 years ago to this day when making his final appearance for United at the age of 46 years and 281 days, on 7 May 1921.

To mark this anniversary, and to also welcome the imminent reopening of the Manchester United Museum on 21 May 2021, we look at the life of the ‘Welsh Wizard’ through several artefacts, while analysing what it was like to be a professional footballer in the early 1900s.

TEENAGE MINER

Born in a small coal-mining village near Chirk, North Wales, Meredith began his working career at the age of twelve, unhooking the tubs at the bottom of the main shaft of the Black Park Colliery. Having shown great football skills while still at school, young Billy joined his local football team as an amateur four years later. He continued to play for the side, consisting mainly of his fellow pit workers, until a miners’ strike forced the players to withdraw from the League. Eager to follow his passion, he joined Northwich Victoria, where he was soon spotted by one of Manchester City’s scouts.

Under his mother’s influence, who had little regard for football as a profession, Billy remained an amateur and continued to work in the mines for the first four years of his playing career. A strong believer that footballers should also have proper jobs, he argued that clubs should allow their players to seek employment outside of football.

WIZARD

Dubbed the ‘Welsh Wizard’ for his astonishing wing play and dribbling skills, Meredith is remembered for his staple toothpick, which he chewed while playing to help him concentrate. His winding runs down the wing, coupled with his pinpoint crosses, made him an exceptional talent and one of the most popular footballers of his generation.

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