George 'Geordie' Maddison

Born:

14.08.1902

Birthplace:

Little Hulton

Height:

6' 0"

Weight:

13st 6lb

Position:

Goalkeeper

Debut:

08.11.24 Stockport County (h) 3-0

Joined From:

Tottenham Hotspur (June 1924)

Left For:

Retired (1938)

Died:

18.05.1959

Honours:

(Hull City): Champions FL Div. 3 (N) 1932/33

Elected:

September 2000

Clubs:

Birtley FC Amateur
Tottenham Hotspur
HULL CITY

Profile:

'Geordie' Maddison was a big man, both in physique and reputation. His 456 appearances for the Tigers was a Club record at the time and still remains so for goalkeepers, although it is one he shares with Billy Bly. Maddison was good in the air and on the ground. He commanded his box and possessed tremendous co-ordination. He also had that one quality which all great keepers include in their CV's, the ability to differentiate between the ball to go for and the ball to leave. The prospect of Maddison rushing out to dive at a forward's feet was one not conducive to a prolonged playing career - for the forward. Very rarely did he come off second best in such confrontations.

His development as a legend amongst Tiger keepers was not without its trials and tribulations. His battles with Mercer and Gibson for the number 1 jersey meant that at times he was omitted from the team. His dry sense of humour though stood him in good stead and once re-established, he performed to a level of such high standard and consistency that it was only injury that would prevent him from taking the custodian's sweater.

He would patrol his area with the sanguine air of the Tiger. At times he gave the impression that his thoughts were elsewhere but, like the Tiger, he knew what was going on and was capable of reacting in an instant to any perceived threat to the security of his lair. The relationship he built with his defenders was one of mutual respect, provided it was clear that in the 18-yard box, it was Maddison who was in charge.

There have been many good keepers to emerge during the history of Hull City. Some of them have gone on to be great keepers. George Maddison was one of the greatest.