United Through Time looks at Harry Stafford – the saviour of Manchester United. A player, captain and then director, Stafford saved the club from bankruptcy in 1901 and 1902 before falling on his sword to stop the FA crippling Man United in 1904.

This is the story of a railwayman, a son of a hatter, a pub landlord, a hotel owner, a distinguished full-back, a disgraced footballer, the saviour of a club. This is a man who is not remembered through a statue outside Old Trafford but who, along with his St Bernard dog, is responsible for the very existence of Manchester United.

This is the story of Harry Stafford, an Edwardian man who wore a white top hat and loved the spotlight but who, having told everyone he was headed to Australia, boarded a boat to the USA in 1911.

United Through Time is the new podcast delving into Manchester United’s long and famous history. Going in chronological order, United Through Time will focus on the most important individuals at the club since Manchester United was founded as Newton Heath in 1878.

Hosted by Harry Robinson, two guests are heard on this episode as United Through Time covers the themes of railway towns, British emigration, working-class unemployment, the Great Depression and much more as well as the more general football stuff.

Guest One: Ean Gardiner is the author of ‘Harry Stafford – Manchester United’s First Captain Marvel’. This book is the story of Harry Stafford’s life. Without it, that story would be a

completely different tale. Ean’s decade-long research has been utterly invaluable and without his work, this podcast would be nothing. The book is a must-read. You can buy it on Amazon, eBay and from Empire Publications.

Guest Two: Gary James is one of the definitive authorities on Manchester’s football history. He’s an honorary research fellow at De Montfort University and has written a number of books and will have a new one coming out next year on the city’s football history up until 1919. It will be a must-read.

If you enjoy the episode, please take the time to leave us a review on iTunes. You can even do it while you’re listening! You can also follow us on Twitter at @UtdThroughTime or check out our website at unitedthroughtime.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.