The Armistice Day Killing: The Death of Tommy Ball and the Life of the Man Who Shot Him

Tommy Ball, an English professional footballer, was murdered in 1923. His killer, George Stagg, was a former soldier and policeman who became his landlord and neighbor. Stagg escaped the death penalty by the intervention of the country's first Labour Home Secretary. The exact circumstances of the shooting were never legally established, but Colin Brown believes he may have the answers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd

The untold story of the tragic demise of the sole English professional footballer officially recognized as having been murdered is a captivating tale of ambition, fame, and tragedy. Rising from the humble beginnings of Durham pit village football, Tommy Ball, a pivotal member of Aston Villa's legendary 1923 all-star team, embarked on a remarkable journey that saw him play a pivotal role in the world's most renowned football squad. His exceptional skills and potential as a future England international earned him widespread recognition and admiration. However, his path took a dark turn when he crossed paths with George Stagg, a former soldier and policeman who would eventually become his landlord and neighbor. Their tumultuous relationship culminated in a fateful encounter on the evening of Armistice Day in 1923. Despite being sentenced to death in controversial circumstances, Stagg managed to evade the noose through the intervention of the country's first Labour Home Secretary. The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting remain shrouded in mystery, with the truth remaining elusive for nearly a century. However, in a remarkable turn of events, Colin Brown, a dedicated researcher, has embarked on a tireless quest to uncover the truth behind this enigmatic incident. Through meticulous analysis and extensive research, Brown believes he has finally unraveled the mysteries surrounding the shooting. His findings shed new light on the events that unfolded that fateful evening and provide a compelling account of what may have transpired. In this revised and expanded version of the story, we delve deeper into the lives of Tommy Ball and George Stagg, exploring their backgrounds, relationships, and the events leading up to the shooting. We also examine the legal proceedings and the political complexities that surrounded the case, shedding light on the societal and cultural context of the time. Through his tireless efforts, Colin Brown has brought the story of Tommy Ball's murder to life, offering a fresh perspective on a tragic chapter in football history. This revised and expanded version of the story is a testament to the power of research and dedication, and it serves as a reminder of the enduring impact that football can have on the lives of individuals and communities.

The untold story of the tragic demise of the sole English professional footballer officially recognized as having been murdered is a captivating tale of ambition, fame, and tragedy.

Rising from the humble beginnings of Durham pit village football, Tommy Ball, a pivotal member of Aston Villa's legendary 1923 all-star team, embarked on a remarkable journey that saw him play a pivotal role in the world's most renowned football squad.

His exceptional skills and potential as a future England international earned him widespread recognition and admiration.

However, his path took a dark turn when he crossed paths with George Stagg, a former soldier and policeman who would eventually become his landlord and neighbor.

Their tumultuous relationship culminated in a fateful encounter on the evening of Armistice Day in 1923.

Despite being sentenced to death in controversial circumstances, Stagg managed to evade the noose through the intervention of the country's first Labour Home Secretary.

The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting remain shrouded in mystery, with the truth remaining elusive for nearly a century.

However, in a remarkable turn of events, Colin Brown, a dedicated researcher, has embarked on a tireless quest to uncover the truth behind this enigmatic incident.

Through meticulous analysis and extensive research, Brown believes he has finally unraveled the mysteries surrounding the shooting.

His findings shed new light on the events that unfolded that fateful evening and provide a compelling account of what may have transpired.

In this revised and expanded version of the story, we delve deeper into the lives of Tommy Ball and George Stagg, exploring their backgrounds, relationships, and the events leading up to the shooting.

We also examine the legal proceedings and the political complexities that surrounded the case, shedding light on the societal and cultural context of the time.

Through his tireless efforts, Colin Brown has brought the story of Tommy Ball's murder to life, offering a fresh perspective on a tragic chapter in football history.

This revised and expanded version of the story is a testament to the power of research and dedication, and it serves as a reminder of the enduring impact that football can have on the lives of individuals and communities.

Dimension: 240 x 160 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801501071