George Berry

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Berry was born in Rostrup, Germany. His father was a serviceman from Jamaica while his mother was Welsh. The Berry family moved to Blackpool, England soon after his birth. Whilst living in Blackpool Berry started playing football and played for the same youth club as the nephew of former Liverpool player Alun Evans who after watching Berry, Evans recommended him for a trial at Wolverhampton Wanderers. His trial was successful and they offered him a contract, Berry could not wait to leave school and signed the day after completing his 'O' levels in 1973. He turned professional on his 18th birthday and made his debut away at Chelsea on 7 May 1977. In 1979, he played in a benefit match for West Bromwich Albion player Len Cantello, that saw a team of white players play against a team of black players. Berry became first choice throughout the next few years, winning the fans' player of the year award in 1979 and the 1980 League Cup, when Wolves beat reigning European champions Nottingham Forest 1–0 at Wembley. The club suffered relegation though in 1981–82 and Berry joined Stoke City.

Stoke City

Berry joined Stoke City on a free transfer in July 1982 joining up with Richie Barker who had previously worked as assistant manager at Wolves. Berry was a good header of the ball and while he lacked technical skill he made up for it with his determination and commitment which combined with his distinctive afro style haircut (copied from the…

Berry played international football for Wales on five occasions, debuting on 2 May 1979 in a 2–0 defeat to West Germany in the Euro 1980 qualifiers. His last Wales appearance came on 23 February 1983 in a 2–1 Home Championship defeat to England.

Club

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International

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Wolverhampton Wanderers

Football League Cup: 1979–80