7th February 1925
On this day in 1925, one of the most unusual player transfers in English football history took place. Albert Pape began the day as a player for Second Division Clapton Orient, now known as Leyton Orient, and travelled by train with his team-mates for a league match against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Prior to his departure from London, representatives of the two clubs had spoken on the phone and agreed in principle to Pape’s transfer from Orient to United for a fee of £1070.
Upon arrival at Manchester’s Piccadilly Station around mid-day, United manager John Chapman was present to negotiate terms with Pape. The terms were agreed, and the necessary paperwork was wired from the Manchester General Post Office to the Football League and the FA. Remarkably, about an hour before kick-off, Albert Pape was confirmed as a Manchester United player. In a twist of fate, he was expecting to play for Clapton Orient against Manchester United but instead turned out for Manchester United against Clapton Orient. Pape made an immediate impact by scoring a goal for his new club in their 4-2 victory over his former team.
7th February 1970
Fast forward to 1970, and another memorable event unfolded on this day in football history. George Best delivered a masterclass performance by scoring six goals in an FA Cup Fifth Round match at the County Ground, the home of Northampton Town. Manchester United triumphed in the match with an 8-2 victory. Best’s performance was so extraordinary that Northampton’s goalkeeper, Kim Book, later remarked, “Not even the Berlin Wall could have stopped Best that day.” Meanwhile, Ray Fairfax, who was tasked with marking Best, candidly admitted, “The closest I got to him was when we shook hands after the game.”
These events on 7th February highlight the unpredictable and thrilling nature of football, showcasing both the drama of player transfers and the brilliance of individual performances on the pitch.