George Trussell: Smiling Back

[anthony.brown]

From the Hertfordshire Express Saturday 25th October 1930

Express Pen Sketches

GEORGE TRUSSELL

'Smiler' should be the stage name of Richard George Trussell; for whether Hitchin are winning or losing, he smiles - a smile which frequently prompts Hitchin spectators to remark 'Still smiling, George'. This Pirton lad commenced playing for his village club at the age of 16, and it was not long before he was awarded Hitchin Hospital Cup and North Herts Benevolent Shield winner's medals and a Hitchin Hospital Cup runners-up medal. Realising his usefulness, he was snapped up by Hitchin in the Club's first season. Since then he has been left-back in nearly every first eleven match. 'Georgie' has a very strong kick and an equally hard head, he being able to head a ball no matter how heavy it is or how far it has travelled in its flight. Now and again he decides to take the ball up the field and have a shot at the opposition goal. These shots frequently give the opposing goalkeeper some trouble for they are strong and to the point. As his age is only 22 we expect to hear more of Trussell's progress in the local football world. He has youth and stamina on his side, and with the help of a trainer such as Alf Amos he should make an even more effective back than he is now.