George Spruce

George Spruce (3 April 1923 – 14 October 1998) was an English professional footballer who played as a defender in The Football League for three clubs.

George Spruce
Personal information
Full name David George Spruce
Date of birth 3 April 1923
Place of birth Chester, England
Date of death 14 October 1998(1998-10-14) (aged 75)
Place of death Chester, England
Position(s) Defender
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1948–1952 Wrexham 135 (3)
1952–1958 Barnsley 149 (0)
1958–1961 Chester 63 (0)
1961–? Runcorn
Prestatyn Town
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Playing career

Spruce was born in Chester and was invited for trials with Bolton Wanderers in August 1939 while playing local football in Chester, but the outbreak of war ended his hopes of joining the club.[1] He finally got his chance in professional football in October 1948 when he joined Wrexham from Chester-based side Heath Rangers and played regularly before moving to Football League Second Division side Barnsley in May 1952. His spell at Wrexham overlapped with his younger brother Phil's time at the club, for whom he played from 1950 to 1956.

Although Barnsley were relegated in George's first season at the club, he was a regular part of the side when they topped Division Three North in 1954–55. He remained at Oakwell for two years before joining hometown club Chester in July 1958. At 35 he was one of Chester's oldest debutants when he played for the club for the first time against York City three months later.[1] Spruce scored an own goal in the final minute in a 2–2 draw but went on to make 63 appearances for the club over the next three years.[1]

Chester was to be Spruce's last league club and he played for Runcorn and Prestatyn before hanging up his boots.[1] He was employed by the gas board and then worked as a taxicab driver.[1]

Honours

Wrexham

Barnsley

References
  1. Chas Sumner (1999). Chester City Official Review of the Season: 1998/99. p. 91. ISBN 0-9537255-0-2.
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