Bill Dodd was introduced to Derby County by his uncle, Sammy Crooks, a renowned England international and Derby’s chief scout. Initially an inside-forward, Dodd played in Derby’s Central League team at 16. At 17, Crooks signed him for Shrewsbury Town, where he was converted to full-back during an emergency. Dodd excelled in this position and earned a transfer for £2,000 in 1956.Called up during the Suez Crisis, Dodd played for Banbury Spencer while awaiting mobilization and continued with them after his return from Egypt. A tall, uncompromising defender, Dodd spent two seasons at Southport, partnering either Norrie McCredie or George Rankin.Occasionally tried as a forward, Dodd was reported in 1960 to be leading Llandudno’s attack. He later worked in telecommunications for the railway and died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 49.

Profile reproduced with Permission from:
The Sandgrounders: The Complete League History of Southport F. C., by Michael Braham and Geoff Wilde (Palatine Books, 1995). ISBN 978-1-874181-14-9