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United Through Time - Manchester United history podcast

Part One: Walter Crickmer

Season 1, Ep. 7

This is the breathtaking story of an old Manchester United manager. This is the story of the ravenously determined man who created the club's academy, who single-handedly dragged the club through a six-year global war, who set up United to be managed by an ambitious young scot named Matt Busby. This is a man who died in the Munich snow. This is Walter Crickmer's story.


In 1930, United had nothing. Supporters protested. The bank said, 'no more'. The directors didn't know what they were doing. Walter Crickmer dragged Manchester United back from debt to glory. But by the end of the decade, by which time Crickmer had started Manchester United's world-famous academy and become first team manager too, war had begun. In 1941, United had nothing once again. Kits, records, footballs and everything else was destroyed as a stray Nazi bomb struck Old Trafford. Crickmer single-handedly dragged United back to life. This Wigan-born football fanatic cared deeply for his club and worked tirelessly to ensure its success. When Matt Busby came, yet to be demobbed, he had a team ready for glory. All thanks to Walter Crickmer


He is the subject of Episode Seven of United Through Time and begins our first series: "The Inter-War Years".


Host Harry Robinson is joined on this episode of United Through Time by three guests:


Tony Park - author of Sons of United, @mrmujac on Twitter.


Jim White - author of Manchester United: The Biography, among other books, writer for The Telegraph and United We Stand. @jim1 on Twitter.


Alan Embling - nephew of former-United President James W. Gibson.


United Through Time is the podcast delving into the history of Manchester United with extensive original research, thorough interviews, and immersive documentaries. Going in chronological order, the podcast looks at the most influential individuals from Newton Heath to Manchester United.

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  • Part Two: Walter Crickmer

    46:05
    This is the breathtaking story of an old Manchester United manager. This is the story of the ravenously determined man who created the club's academy, who single-handedly dragged the club through a six-year global war, who set up United to be managed by an ambitious young scot named Matt Busby. This is a man who died in the Munich snow. This is Walter Crickmer's story.In 1930, United had nothing. Supporters protested. The bank said, 'no more'. The directors didn't know what they were doing. Walter Crickmer dragged Manchester United back from debt to glory. But by the end of the decade, by which time Crickmer had started Manchester United's world-famous academy and become first team manager too, war had begun. In 1941, United had nothing once again. Kits, records, footballs and everything else was destroyed as a stray Nazi bomb struck Old Trafford. Crickmer single-handedly dragged United back to life. This Wigan-born football fanatic cared deeply for his club and worked tirelessly to ensure its success. When Matt Busby came, yet to be demobbed, he had a team ready for glory. All thanks to Walter CrickmerHe is the subject of Episode Seven of United Through Time and begins our first series: "The Inter-War Years".Host Harry Robinson is joined on this episode of United Through Time by three guests:Tony Park - author of Sons of United, @mrmujac on Twitter.Jim White - author of Manchester United: The Biography, among other books, writer for The Telegraph and United We Stand. @jim1 on Twitter.Alan Embling - nephew of former-United President James W. Gibson.United Through Time is the podcast delving into the history of Manchester United with extensive original research, thorough interviews, and immersive documentaries. Going in chronological order, the podcast looks at the most influential individuals from Newton Heath to Manchester United.
  • What is United Through Time?

    00:37
    Not listened to United Through Time before? In 37 seconds, here's what you need to know.United Through Time is back for its second series in early 2021 with episodes on Walter Crickmer and James W. Gibson.
  • 6. Part Two: Billy Meredith

    01:42:43
    This is the story of football's first superstar. This is the story of a boy miner who became a global celebrity, the story of a man with as much skill as almost any footballer who came after him in the 20th-century, this is the story of a man who dedicated his life to the improvement of players' rights, this is the story of Billy Meredith.Billy Meredith is genuinely one of the greatest names in football. Almost a century after his final game for Manchester United and Wales, he is still regarded as one of the best players to feature for club and country.When Meredith made his final appearance for Manchester City (yeah we'll get onto that) he was only four months shy of his 50th (yes 50th!) birthday. In a career spanning across a quite ridiculous four decades, Meredith had won the FA Cup with both United and City, played more than 300 games for both clubs and had been banned for bribery.His career, and his career took up most of his life, is one filled with the most brilliant stories. He is the subject of Episode Six of United Through Time and concludes over first series: "The Formative Figures".
  • 6. Part One: Billy Meredith

    01:03:37
    This is the story of football's first superstar. This is the story of a boy miner who became a global celebrity, the story of a man with as much skill as almost any footballer who came after him in the 20th-century, this is the story of a man who dedicated his life to the improvement of players' rights, this is the story of Billy Meredith.Billy Meredith is genuinely one of the greatest names in football. Almost a century after his final game for Manchester United and Wales, he is still regarded as one of the best players to feature for club and country.When Meredith made his final appearance for Manchester City (yeah we'll get onto that) he was only four months shy of his 50th (yes 50th!) birthday. In a career spanning across a quite ridiculous four decades, Meredith had won the FA Cup with both United and City, played more than 300 games for both clubs and had been banned for bribery.His career, and his career took up most of his life, is one filled with the most brilliant stories. He is the subject of Episode Six of United Through Time and concludes over first series: "The Formative Figures".
  • 5. Part Three: Charlie Roberts

    54:13
    United Through Time looks at Charlie Roberts - the first Manchester United captain to lift a league title.The Darlington-born centre half-back was a footballing pioneer. His style of play on the pitch paved the way for future generations and a new tactical system in football. Off the pitch, he was a key member in the creation of the Players' Union, the predecessor to the PFA.Charlie's impact on football is perhaps greater than any of the other figures to be discussed on this podcast so far. This is his story for United Through Time, the new podcast delving into Manchester United’s long and famous history. Going in chronological order, United Through Time will focus on the most important individuals at the club since Manchester United was founded as Newton Heath in 1878.Hosted by Harry Robinson, five guests are heard on this episode as United Through Time covers far more than just football.Guest One: Ted Roberts - the grandson of Charlie Roberts.Guest Two: Paddy Barclay - the esteemed Scottish author and football journalist who acted as biographer for Sir Matt Busby, Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho.Guest Three: Gary James - one of the definitive authorities on Manchester’s football history. His latest book 'The Emergence of Footballing Cultures in Manchester: 1840-1919' is a groundbreaking piece of work published by Manchester University Press. It's available to buy now and is a must-read.Guest Four: Richard Butler - a football journalist who started a campaign in 2015 to get greater recognition for Charlie in his hometown of Darlington.If you enjoy the episode, please take the time to leave us a review on iTunes. You can even do it while you’re listening! You can also follow us on Twitter at @UtdThroughTime or check out our website at unitedthroughtime.comMusic creditsFunkorama by Kevin MacLeodLink: [https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama](https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama)License: [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Whimsy Groove by Kevin MacLeodLink: [https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4623-whimsy-groove](https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4623-whimsy-groove)License: [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Piano Between by Kevin MacLeodLink: [https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4212-piano-between](https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4212-piano-between)License: [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)I Knew a Guy by Kevin MacLeodLink: [https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3895-i-knew-a-guy](https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3895-i-knew-a-guy)License: [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Immersed by Kevin MacLeodLink: [https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3900-immersed](https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3900-immersed)License: [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Modern Jazz Samba by Kevin MacLeodLink: [https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4063-modern-jazz-samba](https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4063-modern-jazz-samba)License: [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Others:Leveled UpPictures of the Floating World - Waves
  • 5. Part Two: Charlie Roberts

    52:36
    United Through Time looks at Charlie Roberts - the first Manchester United captain to lift a league title.The Darlington-born centre half-back was a footballing pioneer. His style of play on the pitch paved the way for future generations and a new tactical system in football. Off the pitch, he was a key member in the creation of the Players' Union, the predecessor to the PFA.Charlie's impact on football is perhaps greater than any of the other figures to be discussed on this podcast so far. This is his story for United Through Time, the new podcast delving into Manchester United’s long and famous history. Going in chronological order, United Through Time will focus on the most important individuals at the club since Manchester United was founded as Newton Heath in 1878.Hosted by Harry Robinson, five guests are heard on this episode as United Through Time covers far more than just football. It’s a three-part episode with each part lasting around 50 minutes.Guest One: Ted Roberts – the grandson of Charlie Roberts.Guest Two: Paddy Barclay – the esteemed Scottish author and football journalist who acted as biographer for Sir Matt Busby, Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho.Guest Three: Gary James – one of the definitive authorities on Manchester’s football history. His latest book ‘The Emergence of Footballing Cultures in Manchester: 1840-1919’ is a groundbreaking piece of work published by Manchester University Press. It’s available to buy now and is a must-read.Guest Four: Mark Metcalf – the esteemed football history author who wrote ‘Manchester United 1907-1911, the First Halcyon Years’. You can buy it from Amazon here.Guest Five: Richard Butler – a football journalist who started a campaign in 2015 to get greater recognition for Charlie in his hometown of Darlington.If you enjoy the episode, please take the time to leave us a review on iTunes. You can even do it while you’re listening! You can also follow us on Twitter at @UtdThroughTime or check out our website at unitedthroughtime.comMusic CreditsFrom Chad Crouch: Shipping LanesLoopster by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4991-loopster License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Chill Wave by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3498-chill-wave License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Groove Grove by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3831-groove-grove License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/From ben sound:The Jazz Piano“Songs From the Vault” Fullest Self Slow Moving Landslides Recorded at WISTIA HQ in Cambridge, MA Written, arranged and performed by Dan Mills Engineered, mixed, and mastered by Dan Mills Album art by Michelle Fine
  • 5. Part One: Charlie Roberts

    58:21
    United Through Time looks at Charlie Roberts - the first Manchester United captain to lift a league title.The Darlington-born centre half-back was a footballing pioneer. His style of play on the pitch paved the way for future generations and a new tactical system in football. Off the pitch, he was a key member in the creation of the Players' Union, the predecessor to the PFA.Charlie's impact on football is perhaps greater than any of the other figures to be discussed on this podcast so far. This is his story for United Through Time, the new podcast delving into Manchester United’s long and famous history. Going in chronological order, United Through Time will focus on the most important individuals at the club since Manchester United was founded as Newton Heath in 1878.Hosted by Harry Robinson, five guests are heard on this episode as United Through Time covers far more than just football. It’s a three-part episode with each part lasting around 50 minutes.Guest One: Ted Roberts – the grandson of Charlie Roberts.Guest Two: Paddy Barclay – the esteemed Scottish author and football journalist who acted as biographer for Sir Matt Busby, Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho.Guest Three: Gary James – one of the definitive authorities on Manchester’s football history. His latest book ‘The Emergence of Footballing Cultures in Manchester: 1840-1919’ is a groundbreaking piece of work published by Manchester University Press. It’s available to buy now and is a must-read.Guest Four: Mark Metcalf – the esteemed football history author who wrote ‘Manchester United 1907-1911, the First Halcyon Years’. You can buy it from Amazon here.Guest Five: Richard Butler – a football journalist who started a campaign in 2015 to get greater recognition for Charlie in his hometown of Darlington.Iff you enjoy the episode, please take the time to leave us a review on iTunes. You can even do it while you’re listening! You can also follow us on Twitter at @UtdThroughTime or check out our website at unitedthroughtime.com---Music credits“Songs From the Vault”Back and SidesFullest SelfLittle WolfRecorded at WISTIA HQ in Cambridge, MAWritten, arranged and performed by Dan MillsEngineered, mixed, and mastered by Dan MillsAlbum art by Michelle Fine“Sidecar Sessions”MerluzzoInterlaken CrossroadRecorded at Wistia HQ in Cambridge, MassachusettsWritten and arranged by Dan MillsPerformed by Dan MillsEngineered and mixed by Dan MillsMastered by Rob MurrayAlbum art by Billy WoodwardMusic from Ben soundAll ThatThe Jazz PianoOthers:Leveled upThree Kinds of SunSunrise Drive
  • 4. Part Three: Ernest Mangnall

    41:53
    United Through Time looks at Ernest Mangnall – Manchester United's first great manager.Mangnall was a Bolton-born club secretary who placed heavy emphasis on fitness and personality. His knowledge of the game allowed him to bring together some of the finest footballers in the countryWith those talented players, Mangnall led United to their first league title in 1908 and first FA Cup in 1909. In between the two, he took his team to Europe as one of the first professional sides to complete an overseas tour.This is the story of a well-educated fitness fanatic who had a fancy for cigars and wore a straw boater hat. This is the man who remains one of only three managers to win England’s top flight with Manchester United.Part One focused on Mangnall's early life, how he joined United, earning promotion for the Reds and then winning a first league title.Part Two delved into how Mangnall guided United to their first European tour and then to the 1909 FA Cup.Part Three highlights Mangnall's twilight years as United boss, winning a second league title and another Charity Shield before dramatically leaving the club to go and join the local rivals, Manchester City.United Through Time is the new podcast delving into Manchester United’s long and famous history. Going in chronological order, United Through Time will focus on the most important individuals at the club since Manchester United was founded as Newton Heath in 1878.Hosted by Harry Robinson, three guests are heard on this episode as United Through Time covers much more than just football.Guest One: Paddy Barclay - the esteemed Scottish author and football journalist who can now be heard twice a week on Love Sport Radio.Guest Two: Ean Gardiner is the author of ‘Harry Stafford – Manchester United’s First Captain Marvel’. This book is the story of Harry Stafford’s life. The book is a must-read. You can buy it on Amazon, eBay and from Empire Publications.Guest Three: Gary James is one of the definitive authorities on Manchester’s football history. He’s an honorary research fellow at De Montfort University and has written a number of books and will have a new one coming out next year on the city’s football history up until 1919. It will be a must-read.If you enjoy the episode, please take the time to leave us a review on iTunes. You can even do it while you’re listening! You can also follow us on Twitter at @UtdThroughTime or check out our website at unitedthroughtime.comCopyrightSound effects are property of the BBCMusic via bensound.com and