10 Facts About Neil Franklin

Cornelius "Neil" Franklin was an English footballer who played for Crewe Alexandra, Hull City, Stockport County and Stoke City as well as the England national team.

Neil Franklin converted to centre back due to the absence of Billy Mould and took his place of captain.

Neil Franklin thrived in his new-found position and his positioning and tackling ability was described by the press as 'perfection'.

Neil Franklin helped remove the stereotype of centre backs as being just stoppers as he was very comfortable on the ball and earned his first England cap in February 1945.

Neil Franklin didn't believe he could have a bad game and was the only one who didn't suffer with nerves.

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McGrory's campaign against him eventually led Neil Franklin to announcing his intentions to leave Stoke in the summer of 1949.

Neil Franklin declined a place in the England squad for the 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, saying that his wife was due to give birth in the summer and he was to spend time playing in Colombia for Independiente Santa Fe.

Robledo tempted Neil Franklin's Stoke teammate George Mountford to join him in Bogota.

On his return to England Neil Franklin faced the wrath of the Football Association and Stoke who suspended him indefinitely and then sold him to Hull City in February 1951 for £22,500.

In 1958 Neil Franklin emigrated to New Zealand to become player-manager at Wellington Town.