George Kay was born in Manchester on 21st September 1891. A centre-half he played for Eccles before signing for Bolton Wanderers in 1910. Kenny Davenport, who discovered Kay, claimed that "Kay was as strong as I've seen a lad of his years. Nothing passed him. He's a big chap, but fast and bright." Kay only played in three first-team games until he joined the Royal Garrison Artillery on the outbreak of the First World War. During the conflict Kay played friendly games for several league clubs including West Ham United. Kay was eventually sent to the Western Front and was both wounded and gassed. In 1917 Kay, who had been promoted to the rank of sergeant, was sent back to England suffering from shellshock. Kay joined West Ham United in 1919 for a fee of £100. He made his debut for the Second Division side against Barnsley on 8th September 1919. Kay joined a team that included Syd Puddefoot, Jimmy Ruffell, Edward Hufton, George Kay, Billy Moore, Jack Tresadern, Vic Watson, Syd Bishop, Billy Brown, Dick Richards, Jack Young and Billy Henderson. Kay retained his place in the side and in 1922 Syd King decided to appoint him as captain of the side. West Ham United enjoyed a good FA Cup run in the 1922-23 season beating Hull City (3-2), Brighton & Hove Albion (1-0), Plymouth Argyle (2-0), Southampton (1-0) and Derby County (5-2) to reach the final against Bolton Wanderers. The final took place at Wembley Stadium, only four days after the stadium had been completed. The stadium had a capacity of 125,000 and so the Football Association did not consider making it an all-ticket match. After all, both teams only had an average attendance of around 20,000 for league games. However, it was rare for a club from London to make the final of the FA Cup and supporters of other clubs in the city saw it as a North v South game. It is estimated that 300,000 people attempted to get into the ground. Over a thousand people were injured getting in and out of the stadium. http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/WHkayeG.htm
