The tale of Gentleman George - Newtown's FA Cup winner

His story is worth re-telling to the next generation of Newtown supporters for George led a life worthy of the silver screen.

Latham was born on New Year’s Day in 1881 in Newtown and was to become one of the greatest and lasting characters of Welsh football.

Like most men born in that era Latham’s football career was interrupted by outside forces – namely the second Boer War and latterly the outbreak of the Great War.

Following his return from serving his country in Africa the 21-year-old impressed for Liverpool and was rewarded with a professional contract in 1903.

Latham was patient and walked out at Anfield on April 8, 1905, for his Liverpool debut which ended in a 8-1 thrashing of Port Vale.

OTHER NEWS:

• Agricultural community mourns death of famous Powys farmer Tom Evans
• Work begins to transform former Powys workhouse into low carbon homes
• Powys paramedic who denies causing causing serious injury to biker set for trial

However, he was called on only occasionally over the next three years and departed Anfield in 1909 with 18 league games under his belt.

But Latham had earned a reputation as a solid wing half and made his international bow against Scotland in 1905.

Once again global events overtook Latham’s footballing ambitions and his career with Southport Central ground to a halt with the outbreak of the First World War.

Latham went on to become a captain in the 7th Battalion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, fighting on the Turkish front, and his bravery and leadership were recognised by the awarding of the Military Cross.

In the first battle of Gaza in 1917 Latham and his small platoon overcame strong Turkish opposition to gain ground, only to be ordered to withdraw when reports arrived that 7,000 Turkish re-inforcements were enroute.

Latham returned with the Fusiliers to retake the territory and earn his Military Cross.

Latham returned to Wales in 1919 and turned out for Cardiff City as both a player and trainer.

Within a few years the Newtown-born war hero had earned a reputation as a trainer of rare skill and was appointed manager of Great Britain’s team for the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.

Latham also acted as trainer to the Welsh national team alongside his role with Cardiff City and in 1927 the Bluebirds brought the FA Cup over the Severn Bridge for the first time in its history after a 1-0 victory over Arsenal.

Latham was keen to share the magic of the FA Cup with his hometown and led a parade around the Montgomeryshire town following the triumph.

Latham also arranged a fundraising match which saw proceeds donated to the Montgomery County Infirmary in Newtown where his mother had served as matron for many years.

Speaking in 2008, 86-year-old Newtonian, Jack Blayney, remembered the day the town welcomed Cardiff City and the local hero Latham. He said: “He was a well-built fellow. He was well liked and would get on with anyone.”

He added: “My father took me and my older brother to the celebrations.

“We shook hands with all of them and we actually drank from the cup.”

Despite a two-year stint with Chester City which saw the club win the Welsh Cup Latham’s heart belonged with Cardiff City and he made an emotional return to Ninian Park in 1934.

A bicycle accident forced Latham to return to his beloved Newtown and on July 9, 1939 the town mourned the passing of its most famous sporting son.

‘Gentlemen George’ Latham – after whom Newtown’s football ground is named – will long be remembered across Wales as the big-hearted Mid Walian and the behind-the-scenes brains behind Cardiff City’s finest ever hour.

George Latham and Harry Beadles.

One of Latham’s early signings at Cardiff City was fellow Newtonian and war veteran Harry Beadles.

Born in Newtown in 1897 the inside left served under Latham during the First World War and picked up the Serbian Gold Medal for gallantry in the line of duty.

Upon his return to peacetime Britain the 24-year-old Beadles settled in Merseyside and was immediately snapped up by Liverpool.

Despite struggling to hold down a starting berth Beadles still netted six goals in 17 appearances during a three year stint.

In 1924 Beadles joined fellow Newtonian Latham at Cardiff City and within a season the Bluebirds were in their first FA Cup Final.

However, Wembley was to prove bitter sweet on this occasion as Cardiff City slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Sheffield United in front of a massive crowd of 91,763.

Beadles left Ninian Park after just one season but his goal tally of 14 goals in 31 games ensured a transfer to Sheffield Wednesday as well as two international caps for Wales.

In 1926 Beadles signed for then professional Merseyside outfit Southport who earmarked Beadles as the ‘galactico’ of their side.

Beadles went on to smash all existing goal scoring records for the club in a golden three year spell which yielded 60 goals in 93 games.

He retired in 1930 but his goal scoring records remained unrivalled at Southport for a further 27 years. Beadles died aged 60 years old in 1958.