A WHO`S WHO of MANCHESTER UNITED FC

GASKELL, JOHN DAVID:

Visitor  since July 1997.

PRINTED WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM...... "The United Alphabet" by Garth Dykes

ISBN 0 9514862 6 8
Goalkeeper 5ft 10" 12st 9lbs
b.Orrell, Lancs, 5th Oct 1940
Debut v Tottenham (h) 30/11/57
Career: Lamberhead School (Pemberton)
Wigan Schoolboys
Lancashire Schoolboys
UNITED am.  1955, pro.Oct 57 (Wigan Athletic loan cs68)
Wrexham June 1969- June 1972

Despite being brought up in Rugby League country, David Gaskell had a very successful soccer career which began with two seasons with Lancashire Schoolboys and five caps for England Schools.

He made his senior debut for UNITED in unusual circumstances, nineteen days after his 16th birthday. Having gone to Maine Road to watch the 1956 Charity Shield Final between UNITED and City, he was pitched into action when UNITED's, Ray Wood , suffered a hip injury which prevented his continuing in goal. It must have been a great thrill for the young goalkeeper, particularly as he was able to help UNITED to win the match by 1-0.

Some twelve months later he had a less happy experience when he made his league debut against Tottenham; Bobby Smith, Spurs' powerful centre forward, slamming in a first half hat-trick!. Throughout his career at OT Gaskell, who was an extrovert crowd- pleasing goalkeeper with excellent reflexes, faced stiff competition, notably from Harry Gregg and Ray Wood and, perhaps something was missing from his make up, was never an automatic choice for the first team.

In 1962-3 season he was introduced into the team for the FA Cup Semi-Final against Southampton, after Gregg had played in all the earlier rounds. Gaskell rather controversially, held his place in for the final and collected a winners medal as UNITED beat Leicester City by 3-1 at Wembley.

After a spell of non-league football and a few games with Orrell Rugby Club, he joined Wrexham, making exactly 100 league and cup appearances in a 3 year stay. He later had coaching appointments in South Africa and Kuwait.

Appearances: FL         96 - 0 g
                         FAC       16 - 0 g
                         FLC         1 - 0 g
                         EUR         5 - 0g
Total:   118 apps 0 goals

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t.b.cont Pt 29 Colin Gibson 85-90

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