Man United awards two Championship medals to goalkeeper David Gaskell more than 50 YEARS after they were won after EFL lowered minimum appearance criteria
- Gaskell is one of up to 18 former United players to receive medals
- The criteria have been lowered from a minimum of 14 appearances to five
- Now 82, he became United’s youngest-ever goalkeeper in 1956 at the age of 16
Manchester United have awarded two Championship medals to former goalkeeper David Gaskell – more than half a century after they were won.
Gaskell is one of up to 18 former United players who could receive missing medals after the EFL lowered the criteria from a minimum of 14 appearances to five.
Gaskell became the club’s youngest-ever goalkeeper when he made his debut at the age of 16 years and 19 days in the 1956 FA Charity Shield against Manchester City.
He also played in the 1963 FA Cup Final against Leicester City, making a total of 119 first-team appearances over 13 years at Old Trafford.
The 82-year-old was awarded the medals for the title-winning 1964-65 and 1966-67 seasons at his home in Wrexham on Monday.
Manchester United presented two Championship medals to former goalkeeper David Gaskell (centre) – Mickey Thomas (left) and Alex Stepney (right) were also in attendance
The EFL has lowered their criteria for the minimum number of appearances to earn a medal
Former United goalkeeper Alex Stepney, a Gaskell teammate, was on hand to give the presentation, along with another United favorite Mickey Thomas who was an apprentice at Wrexham when Gaskell played for the Welsh club.
Stepney said: ‘It was a real privilege to be here with David when he received his medals. Any team that wins a title, especially in the time when we played 42 league games, needs a strong team.
“Players like David, who provided great cover for me during his later years at the club, were crucial to our success.”
Thomas added, “I owe David so much. He was a mentor to me at Wrexham, where I polished his boots as an apprentice. David gave me the knowledge needed to succeed in football. It means a lot to me to be here with him today and help present his medals.”
United great Mickey Thomas said he owes Gaskell ‘so much’ for helping him in his career
United have worked with the EFL to identify 17 more players who are entitled to retroactive medals. They include Harry McShane, Jack Crompton, Fred Goodwin, Albert Scanlon, Maurice Setters, Geoff Bent, Colin Webster, David Sadler, Shay Brennan, John Connelly, Jimmy Ryan, Jim Holton, Arnie Sidebottom and Mick Martin.
The players – or their next of kin – will receive their medals at ceremonies at Old Trafford or at home over the summer and next season.
United chief executive Richard Arnold said: “We are delighted to be presenting these medals to David today in recognition of his significant contribution to two great title-winning teams, and look forward to presenting more in the coming weeks.
“It’s fantastic to see these players who missed out on medals all those years ago get the recognition they deserve, and we appreciate the EFL’s support in making this happen.”