Lot Essay
Manchester United won the Division 1 Championship this season with 60 points, Blackpool being runners-up on 49 points.
DENNIS VIOLLET
Dennis Viollet was born in Manchester on 20th September 1933. He joined Manchester United from Manchester Schools in 1949 and turned professional in September 1950. As a centre or inside-forward Viollet belied his slight appearance, lasting the hardest of games and the toughest of challenges. A player of grace and skill he was particularly good at retaining possession and delivering accurate passes. Viollet was also a genuine goalscorer and still holds the Manchester United League scoring record of 32 goals from 36 matches in season 1959-60, a feat that even United's current team find impossible to better.
Viollet was a survivor of the 'Munich Disaster' when he lost many of his team-mates on that fateful February night of 1958. He went on to play in the 1958 Cup Final when the whole nation wanted United to win. However, the disruption to the side proved too much and they were defeated by Bolton Wanderers 2-0. In January 1962 Viollet was signed by Stoke City for (25,000 where he teamed-up with the evergreen Stanley Matthews. These two provided Stoke with style and width and helped them to the Division 2 Championship in 1962-63. Viollet donned his travelling boots in May 1967 when he joined Baltimore Bays in the U.S.A for (10,000. In January 1969 he joined Witton Albion and then became Linfield player/manager in July of the same year. Thereafter there were periods as coach with Preston North End and Crewe Alexander before becoming manager of the latter in 1971. He later returned to the U.S.A. as manager/coach of the Washington Diplomats before resigning in June 1977.
Viollet played twice for England and made three appearances for The Football League.
The following seven lots were awarded to
DENNIS VIOLLET
(See also lots 127-128, 298-299 and 345)
A 9ct gold medal, the obverse inscribed The Football League, Champions Division 1, the reverse inscribed Season 1955-56, D. Viollet, Manchester United F.C., with ring suspension, in original fitted case
Details
A 9ct gold medal, the obverse inscribed The Football League, Champions Division 1, the reverse inscribed Season 1955-56, D. Viollet, Manchester United F.C., with ring suspension, in original fitted case
Manchester United won the Division 1 Championship this season with 60 points, Blackpool being runners-up on 49 points.