Herbert Burgess English footballer Date of Birth: 25.02.1883 Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Football Beginnings
2. Manchester City and the Bribery Scandal
3. Joining Manchester United
4. International Career and Retirement
5. Coaching Career

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Herbert Burgess was born on February 25, 1883, in Openshaw, Manchester. He worked as a blacksmith while playing football for amateur clubs such as Gordon St. Francis, Openshaw United, Edge Lane, and Moss Side. He unsuccessfully tried out for Manchester City before signing his first professional contract with Glossop North End in 1900.

Manchester City and the Bribery Scandal

In 1903, despite having previously rejected Burgess, Manchester City purchased his contract for £250. He quickly became a key defender for the club, helping them win their first FA Cup in 1904. However, the following season saw a bribery scandal involving City players, including Burgess. This led to their disqualification until 1907 and the auctioning of their contracts.

Joining Manchester United

Burgess and four other City players were acquired by Manchester United. They finally made their debut for the club in 1907, playing a role in United's first league title victory in 1908. Burgess also helped establish the Football Players' Union in the wake of Thomas Blackstock's tragic death.

International Career and Retirement

Burgess represented England four times between 1904 and 1906. He retired from playing in 1910 due to a knee injury but later resumed his career in Norway and Hungary.

Coaching Career

Burgess began his coaching career with MTK Budapest in 1921. He later moved to Italy, where he spent four seasons with Padova and was considered one of the top coaches in the country. In 1924, he joined the Italy national team staff for the Olympics in Paris.