Stan Cullis

Stanley Cullis was born in Ellesmere Port on 25th October 1916. A talented centre-half, he joined Bolton Wanderers as an amateur in 1932. At the age of 18 he signed as a professional for Wolverhampton Wanderers. He made his debut on 16th February 1935 against Huddersfield Town.

Cullis did not become a regular member of the first-team until the 1936-37 season. The following season he became captain of the side and led Wolves to 2nd place in the First Division of the Football League.

Cullis won his first international cap for England against Ireland on 23rd October, 1937.England won 5-1 and Cullis kept his place against Wales (2-0) and Czechoslovakia (5-4).

The England team that season included Sam Barkas, Eric Brook, Wilf Copping, Albert Geldard, Len Goulden, Stanley Matthews, John Morton, Willie Hall, Bert Sproston and Vic Woodley.

The following season Cullis played in the games against Scotland (0-1), France (4-2), FIFA (3-0), Norway (4-0) and Northern Ireland (7-0). Wolves also did well in the Football League finishing as runners-up to Everton in the 1938-39 season.

Wolves also enjoyed a good run in the FA Cup and beat Leicester City (5-1), Liverpool (4-1), Everton (2-0), Grimsby Town (5-0) to reach the final against Portsmouth at Wembley. Wolves lost the final 4-1.

Stan Cullis was knocked unconcious during a game against Everton in the 1938-39 season. He suffered severe concussion that required intensive medical care. His doctors warned him that another serious concussion could kill him.

Stanley Matthews claimed in his autobiography that Cullis was the best header of the ball in the Football League. Tommy Lawton argued that Cullis was "the greatest centre-half I have met". He added: "He had the resilience of a concrete wall, the speed of a whippet, and the footwork of a ballet dancer... He was a footballer, so he spiced his stopper role with some daring raids into enemy territory."

Stan Cullis was appointed captain for England's game against Romania on 24th May 1939. He was only 22 and was therefore the youngest player to obtain this honour. It was his 12th international cap. The England team that day included Wilf Copping, Len Goulden, Tommy Lawton, George Male, Frank Broome, Joe Mercer and Vic Woodley.

Stan Cullis with Sheffield United skipper Harry Hooper.

On Friday, 1st September, 1939, Adolf Hitler ordered the invasion of Poland. On Sunday 3rd September Neville Chamberlain declared war on Germany. The government immediately imposed a ban on the assembly of crowds and as a result the Football League competition was brought to an end. On 14th September, the government gave permission for football clubs to play friendly matches.

Cullis joined the British Army and like many professional footballers, he became a Physical Training Instructor, and did not see any action during the war. He played in 20 wartime internationals, including 10 as captain. He also played friendly games for Wolves, Aldershot, Fulham and Liverpool. In one game a tremendous shot hit him in the face. Once again he suffered from severe concussion and was on the danger list for five days.

Cullis continued to play for Wolves after the war but he was warned by a doctor that because of his previous head injuries, even heading a heavy leather football could prove fatal. Cullis, who had played 155 games for Wolves decided to retire from playing football.

England's half-back line of Cliff Britton, Stan Cullis and
Joe Mercer played for Aldershot during the war.

In June 1948 Cullis was appointed manager of Wolves. Cullis insisted that his team should play at a higher tempo than the opposition. He believed that this would pressure them into making mistakes during the game. For this strategy to work, the Wolves players had to be fitter than other clubs. Cullis introduced a new training regime that involved tackling commando-like assault courses. Each player was given specific targets. Minimum times were set for 100 yards, 220 yards, 440 yards, 880 yards, 1 mile and 3 miles. All the players had to be able to jump a height of 4 feet 9 inches. Cullis gave his players 18 months to reach these targets.

In his first season at the club, Cullis led Wolves to FA Cup victory over Leicester City. The following season Wolves finished in 2nd place in the First Division. Wolves finished 3rd in 1952-53 and won the title in 1953-54 season. He repeated the feat in the 1957-58 and 1958-59 seasons.

Wolves continued their good run finishing 2nd (1959-60), 3rd (1960-61) and 5th (1962-63). Cullis was surprisingly sacked in September 1964 after Wolves finished in 16th place in the league.

Cullis worked as a sales representative until being appointed manager of Birmingham City in December 1965. At the time the club was struggling in the Second Division. Cullis failed to get them promoted and in March 1970, he retired from football.

Stan Cullis died on 28th February 2001.