One of only three amateurs to top the scoring charts of any Football League club since 1919, he led Southport’s attack with much distinction in the mid 50s.

As an England Youth International he registered a hat-trick against Ireland and was also capped by the full England amateur side on the dozen or more occasions, the first Southport born amateur international since Jack Rimmer.

He represented Great Britain in the 1956 Olympic games in Melbourne.

Having played regularly in Liverpool Reserves after his 2 years in the RAF, he made an immediate impact with Southport, scoring on his debut at Barrow and amassing 22 goals in all in 1955-56. His arrival coincided with a dramatic improvement in a clubs fortunes.

He scored a first-half hat-trick at Bradford to give Southport their first ever League win at Park Avenue and his best effort was 5 goals in Southport’s 6-1 win over Ashton United in the FA Cup.

Latterly his appearances became sporadic and he retired from League football in 1959.

A local school teacher throughout his career, first at Churchtown and later at Meols Cop, he was also a useful all-rounder for Southport and Birkdale Cricket Club, before turning to Golf.

He took too early retirement owing to knee problems, a legacy of his footballing days.