6'1"  12st.4lb.
b. Worksop 16 December 1937

 

Debut  19 August 1967 (29y 246d) Final Game 27 December 1969 (32y 11d)
First Goal 6 September 1967 Final Goal 5 April 1969
CAREER: Worksop BC;Huddersfield Town Jan'55 (ground Sep'53)[332-17];Blackburn Rovers Jun'67 (£19,000);Stockport County Jan'70 (loan) Mar'70[52]; Great Harwood Jul'71;Drogheda (RoI) Feb'73.

FL        72 + 1 apps    3 gls     - 1 wdn                              2 ns    2 og
FAC       5 apps
FLC        6 apps                        - 2 wdn
Total   83 + 1 apps    3 gls     - 3 wdn   + 2m -216m      2 ns    2 og
Penalty record  T 1 Sv 1
Sent off 1 technical sending off
LC       2 apps
 

The powerful, raw boned sandy haired centre half was brought to Ewood because although the defensive pairing of Clayton and Sharples was effective they lacked height. Abrasive and whole hearted he was at his best when strong limbs and courage were the requisites but up against skillful or speedy opponents he struggled. Made club captain he became a focus for those disappointed at the club's lack of progress and will be forever remembered for a ludicrously bad penalty, taken from the longest run seen at Ewood and hit with probably the least venom. Even worse he was allowed to take it again because of an infringement and replicated the movement perfectly. Well respected as a coach he worked with Bradford City and Middlesbrough and later managed Horden Colliery Welfare. His son Matthew and grandson Luke were both goalkeepers with Middlesbrough.