15 Facts About Gerry Hitchens

Gerald Archibald Hitchens was an English footballer who played as a centre forward.

Gerry Hitchens was born in the village of Rawnsley, Staffordshire, near Cannock, and began his career as a coal miner.

Gerry Hitchens played in Shropshire with Highley Youth Club and Highley Miners Welfare between 1952 and 1953.

Gerry Hitchens appeared in a county cup final for the Miners at Aggborough, the home stadium of local club Kidderminster Harriers.

Gerry Hitchens's performance was being watched by the Harriers club secretary Ted Gamson, who went on to offer Hitchens a contract in September 1953.

Gerry Hitchens got off to a good start by scoring within three minutes of the kick-off when making his League debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers in April 1955.

Gerry Hitchens was then playing inside-forward but he subsequently took over the centre-forward berth and was top scorer in the subsequent two seasons.

Gerry Hitchens was Internazionale's top scorer with 16 goals in his first season.

Gerry Hitchens played for England in the 1962 World Cup in Chile, and won a total of seven caps, scoring five goals.

When chosen to appear for England in the World Cup, Gerry Hitchens became the first Englishman to represent his country while on the books of a foreign club.

However, when Alf Ramsey took over as England manager, Gerry Hitchens' international spell came to a halt, Ramsey preferring to pick home-based players.

Nevertheless, Gerry Hitchens stayed in Italy for nine years, playing for Torino, Atalanta and Cagliari.

Gerry Hitchens died playing in 1983 during a charity football match for a Mold-based firm of solicitors at Castell Alun sports ground in Hope.

Seconds after heading a cross over the bar, Gerry Hitchens collapsed and was taken to Wrexham General Hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.

Gerry Hitchens's ashes were interred in Holywell on 20 April 1983.