Chick Musson Explained

Chick Musson
Birth Name:Walter Urban Musson
Birth Date:8 October 1920
Birth Place:Kilburn, England
Death Place:Loughborough, England
Height:5feet
Position:Wing half
Youthyears1:19xx–1936
Youthclubs1:Holbrook St. Michael's
Youthyears2:1936–1942
Youthclubs2:Derby County
Years1:1942–1954
Clubs1:Derby County
Caps1:246
Goals1:0
Years2:1954–1955
Clubs2:Loughborough Brush
Manageryears1:1954–1955
Managerclubs1:Loughborough Brush

Walter Urban "Chick" Musson (8 October 1920 – 22 April 1955) was an English professional footballer who played as a wing half, most notably for Derby County. He later became player-manager of Loughborough Brush before his death in 1955.

Career

Derby County

Born in Kilburn, Musson played non-league football for Holbrook St. Michael's, before signing with Derby County as an amateur in March 1936, aged 15. He became a first-team regular following his senior debut in 1942, and during his time was unchallenged in his role of left-half. In 1951, he succeeded Tim Ward as club captain, following the former's move to Barnsley,[1] however suffered an injury that same year in a tour game against Holland, which kept him out of the team for most of the season.[2] He later lost the captaincy after the first four games of the 1953–54 season.[3]

He would spend eight seasons in the Football League with Derby County, where he made 246 appearances.[4] During his time at the club, Musson received two benefit matches, in 1950 and 1953 respectively, the latter earning him £750.[3]

Loughborough Brush

After leaving Derby in June 1954, he became player-manager of Loughborough Brush, making his debut the following August against Bedworth Town.[5]

Personal life

He was a regular member of the Derby County cricket team, as well as playing in Border League games.[3]

The Evening Telegraph reported on 14 April 1955 that Musson had been admitted to Loughborough General Hospital with a blood complaint.[6] He later died on 22 April 1955 from a serious kidney condition. He was survived by his wife and two children.[7] Several members of the 1946 FA Cup Final team attended the funeral on 26 April, two of whom were pallbearers. Over 200 people were at the church, while crowds gathered outside.[8] He became the first player of the cup final team to die.[9]

Notes and References

  1. News: F.P. Sporting Gallery: Chick Musson . Football Post . 3 . 28 April 1951.
  2. News: Musson back after long absence . Football Post . 8 . 20 December 1952.
  3. News: Musson's Second Benefit . Evening Post . Nottingham . 3 . 5 October 1953.
  4. Web site: Profile. Post War English & Scottish Football League A - Z Player's Transfer Database.
  5. News: Debut for Brush . Leicester Evening Mail . 9 . 19 August 1954.
  6. News: Sports Briefs: Musson admitted to hospital . Evening Telegraph . Derby . 74 . 14 April 1955.
  7. News: 'Chick' Musson dies at 34 . Manchester Evening News . 1 . 22 April 1955.
  8. News: Funeral of Mr 'Chick' Musson: Coffin carried by footballers . Evening Telegraph . Derby . 30 . 27 April 1955.
  9. Web site: The night I saw Derby County legends Raich Carter and Peter Doherty grace Baseball Ground pitch . Anton Rippon . Derby Telegraph . 8 October 2017 . 16 February 2024.