Eric Bell: 1929-2012

[Lennon'sEleven]

Eric Bell, who scored in the 1953 'Matthews' final, passed away. He died peacefully, with his family, at Marion Lauder care home in Wythenshawe.

I have seen highlights from that game, of course, but I know there are a few on this forum who may have seen him play. He made over 100 appearances for the Trotters; his only club.

Rest in peace.

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[TANGODANCER]

Very sad. Eric had to play on injured because subs weren't allowed back then. Total hero when he scored and we thought it was in the bag. Trying to mark Mathews with a limping player was mission impossible and the main reason we lost. Eric was left half back and had no chance. Great loss to football. Part of a legendary side:

Hanson, Ball, Banks, Wheeler Barrass, Bell. Holden Moir, Lofthouse, Hassall and Langton.

R.I.P and commiserations to his family.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

A belated RIP from me too. A Wanderers hero who arguably deserves more attention.

[William the White]

The story always told me by my father was that he blamed himself for that Wembley defeat, went into depression, had a breakdown, left the Wanderers and simply disappeared, and for years no one knew where he was.

But, watch the grainy film of that cup final and, as Tango said, Bell is simply heroic, in tremendous pain, can hardly stand, never mind run, and manages to head Bolton's third goal.

RIP.

[bobo the clown]

The story always told me by my father was that he blamed himself for that Wembley defeat, went into depression, had a breakdown, left the Wanderers and simply disappeared, and for years no one knew where he was.

But, watch the grainy film of that cup final and, as Tango said, Bell is simply heroic, in tremendous pain, can hardly stand, never mind run, and manages to head Bolton's third goal.

RIP.

I didn't know this.

Bless him, poor beggear. He certainly didn't let anyone down & the only reason it became known as the 'Matthews Final' was due to the injury with which the man played on.

Without that we'd have won 3-1 if not more ... but it certainly wasn't his fault.

I hope he did recover from that feeling. RIP Eric.

[Bruce Rioja]

The story always told me by my father was that he blamed himself for that Wembley defeat, went into depression, had a breakdown

.

What a terribly sad tale. I've just watched the 53 highlights - the guy could hardly walk and still just wouldn't stop. Such a manful, selfless performance.

I hope he found peace within himself.

RIP.

[Gravedigger]

Eric Bell presented me with a winners certificate at Farnworth Baths, would have been around 1955. Lovely bloke and a proper legend. RIP.