THE Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) has finalised the details for the eagerly-anticipated unveiling of a plaque in honour of legendary Ellesmere Port-born footballer Joe Mercer.
The blue plaque for the former England, Everton and Arsenal star, who enjoyed a trophy-laden playing career before managing Manchester City to both domestic and European success, will be unveiled at the front of the town's Civic Hall at 1.30pm on Thursday, November 18.
Football writer Mark Metcalf has worked in conjunction with the PFA to honour Mercer.
He has been involved in a number of similar projects, including a plaque being unveiled at Cambridge Road Primary School for another Ellesmere Port footballing legend, Stan Cullis.
Mercer's granddaughter Susan Lea, who said she is "honoured" that a plaque is being erected for her grandfather, will be in attendance on the day.
She will be joined by Everton legends Peter Reid and Graeme Sharp, who is representing the Goodison Park club, former Manchester City star Mike Summerbee, who was signed by Mercer, and Arsenal representative Mark Brindle.
Author Gary James, who wrote the authorised biography of Mercer, Ellesmere Port Mayor, councillor Lisa Denson, and both Darryl Pickering and Rob Gandy from Cambridge Road Primary School will also be attending.
Joe Mercer during a visit to Cambridge Road Primary School, Ellesmere Port, in 1950.
The PFA website states: "Everyone who would like to help celebrate the remarkable life of Joe Mercer is invited to join football legend Peter Reid when he unveils a PFA plaque at the Ellesmere Port Civic Hall at 1.30pm on Thursday 18 November to one of football’s greats."
Joe Mercer was born in Ellesmere Port on August 9, 1914.
He won the league title as a player with Everton and twice with Arsenal, where he was also captain of the FA Cup winning team in 1950 – a season in which he was voted Player of the Season by the Football Writers’ Association.
Mercer, a half-back, made five full and 27 war-time/victory appearances for England and captained his country.
One of his international team mates was Stan Cullis.
Mercer, who during WWII was a physical training instructor, played his final league match at the age of 39 before becoming a manager at Sheffield United in 1955.
In 1960 he helped Aston Villa to return to Division One and in 1960-61 his side won the League Cup.
As manager of Manchester City, from 1965 to 1971, he enjoyed great success winning the Second and First Division titles, the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup-Winners’ Cup.
In June 1972, Mercer became general manager at Coventry City. In the summer of 1974, Mercer temporarily took charge of the England national team for six matches.
Mercer died in Hoylake in 1990 on his 76th birthday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here