Best Years Players A-B
For notes on how these details have been compiled see Players Lists for the Best Years 1950-67
Links: Best Years Players C-E Best Years Players F-H Best Years Players J-R Best Years Players S-Z
ADAMS Dennis Michael
Born Olney, Jan quarter 1931
Position FB
Seasons for BTFC 52-54
BTFC appearances 47 BTFC goals 0
To BTFC from Bedford Corinthians
From BTFC to St Neots
Other clubs before/after BTFC /Bedford North End
Notes First appeared in A team as amateur 52/3, signed pro 9/53. Released summer 55.
ADAMS Donald Frederick (Don)
Born Northampton, 15 Feb 31
Position CF
Seasons for BTFC 56
BTFC appearances 1 BTFC goals 1
To BTFC from Northampton
From BTFC to Headington
Other clubs before/after BTFC Chelsea (am)/ Rushden
Notes Pro at Northampton 5/51. To BTFC summer 56, but was in RAF near Oxford and requested move to Headington soon afterwards for ease of travelling. At Rushden by August 57, still there in 59/60. Became architect. Died 1993
ADAMS George
Born Falkirk, 16 Oct 26
Position W
Seasons for BTFC 51
BTFC appearances 7 BTFC goals 2
To BTFC from Bath
From BTFC to Crystal Palace
Other clubs before/after BTFC Brighton, Leyton Orient/Snowdown Colliery
Notes With Orient 49/50, Bath 50/1. To BTFC summer 51, released summer 52. Joined Palace ?52 but no first team appearances. With Snowdown in 53/4 but contract cancelled 1/54 (People 7/2/54) . Died 2011 (Hugman)
ADAMS Leslie ("Lou")
Born ?London, date n/k
Position IF
Seasons for BTFC (1) 66-69, (2)72, (3) 77
BTFC appearances (1) 145, (2) 25, (3) 32 BTFC goals (1) 58, (2) 8, (3) 16
To BTFC from (1)QPR, (2) Barnet, (3) Kempston
From BTFC to (1) Barnet, (2) Stevenage, (3) Preston Macedonia (Melbourne)
Other clubs before/after BTFC / Dunstable, Wellington (NZ), Atherstone, Hillingdon, Kempston (2nd spell), Barnet (2nd spell), Rushden, Wootton BC
Notes FL records show first registered as apprentice at QPR 8/64. Played in two games for BTFC as triallist end 66/7, signed permanently summer 67. Later BTFC spells 72-73 (from Barnet, early December 72, to end 72/3, then to Stevenage) and 77-78 (from Kempston 8/77, to Australia 1/78). Broke leg on debut for Preston Macedonia (who were managed by former BTFC reserve coach Bill Dumbell) and returned to England early 79, played briefly for Kempston again; then announced that he had re-signed for BTFC but was immediately injured and did not make another first team appearance. After a few reserve appearances at start of 79/80 signed for Barnet at end of 10/79. At Rushden by Jan 80, Wootton summer 80. Became manager at Kempston summer 84 in sucession to Alan Wright.
ADEY Arthur Lewis
Born Glasgow, 1 March 1930
Position IF
Seasons for BTFC 55
BTFC appearances 29 BTFC goals 15
To BTFC from Bradford PA
From BTFC to Worcester
Other clubs before/after BTFC Partick Avondale, Doncaster, Gillingham/Guildford, Chelmsford, Rugby, Kidderminster [triallist]
Notes To Doncaster from Scottish junior football 9/50, to Gillingham 7/54 (£1,000 fee), Bradford PA 10/54 ("four figure" fee). To BTFC summer 55, released end of season to Worcester but contract cancelled by mutual consent October 56, then to Guildford. To Chelmsford summer 57. With Rugby 59/60 but announced retirement due to cartilage operation. Attempted comeback as triallist at Kidderminster 60/1 was unsuccessful. Coached in Australia in 60s. Died Jan 1994 in Surrey.
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ALLEN Frederick J (Fred)
Born date and place n/k, but age 24 in 8/49
Position G
Seasons for BTFC 49-50
BTFC appearances 47 BTFC goals 0*
To BTFC from Coventry
From BTFC to ?
Other clubs before/after BTFC ?/?
Notes
ALLEN Albert Robert (Bob)
Born Bromley-by-Bow, 11 Oct 16
Position FB
Seasons for BTFC 51
BTFC appearances 45 BTFC goals 0
To BTFC from Colchester
From BTFC to [retired]
Other clubs before/after BTFC Tottenham (am), Leyton O (am),Leytonstone, Fulham, Doncaster, Brentford, Dartford,Northampton/
Notes England schools international. Retired summer 52 due to illness. Testimonial v Colchester 52/3. Became Education Welfare Officer for Redbridge Council. Died 1992.
ANDERSON Robert (Bobby)
Born ?Scotland, age 22 in 8/63
Position FB or WH
Seasons for BTFC 62-63
BTFC appearances 30 BTFC goals 0
To BTFC from Cowdenbeath
From BTFC to Cape Town City (SA)
Other clubs before/after BTFC Cowdenbeath, Tonbridge [loan]/Gloucester
Notes Loaned to Tonbridge by Cowdenbeath while on National Service. To BTFC summer 62 (with Tommy Kay). Emigrated to South Africa summer 64 (rejoined Reg Smith). Back in UK at Gloucester 8/70-unclear if any clubs betwen Cape Town and then.
ANDERSON Ronald James (Ron)
Born Gateshead, 3 July 22
Position FB
Seasons for BTFC 54
BTFC appearances 10 BTFC goals 0
To BTFC from Tonbridge
From BTFC to ?
Other clubs before/after BTFC Newcastle YMCA, Bury, C Palace/?
Notes To Bury 1939, Palace 1947. To BTFC summer 54, released the following summer. Died 1984. Son Geoff played for Birmingham, Mansfield, Lincoln, Brentford and Port Vale in 1960s.
ASHER Sidney James (Sid)
Born Portsmouth, 24 Dec 30
Position CF or IF
Seasons for BTFC 57
BTFC appearances 4 BTFC goals 0
To BTFC from Northampton
From BTFC to Guildford
Other clubs before/after BTFC Portsmouth,Gloucester (51/2), Hastings/Weymouth,Poole,Sittingbourne,Canterbury,Chelmsford,Trowbridge,Crawley.
Notes To Northampton from Hastings 11/56, to BTFC summer 57 but released soon afterwards because of travelling problems. Retired after Crawley in 64. Died 1994
AVIS Vernon Charles Sidney
Born Marylebone, 24 Oct 35
Position FB
Seasons for BTFC 61-66
BTFC appearances 179 BTFC goals 2
To BTFC from Brentford
From BTFC to Rushden
Other clubs before/after BTFC none
Notes Had played CF in Brentford's junior sides before switching to FB. To BTFC on free transfer summer 61 (with Bill Goundry and Denis Heath). Became trainer/ coach summer 66, made 2 emergency appearances 66/7, caretaker manager April 67, then played briefly for Rushden. Testimonial v International Club XI 66/7. Died 1996.
AYTON James (Jimmy)
Born Barrhead, 15 Oct 23
Position IF
Seasons for BTFC 52-53
BTFC appearances 49 BTFC goals 17
To BTFC from Shrewsbury
From BTFC to Nuneaton
Other clubs before/after BTFC Neilston Victoria, Third Lanark, Leicester/Stamford
Notes To Third Lanark from junior football summer 46, sold to Leicester 10/48 for fee variously quoted between £7,000 and £10,000, but appearances limited by injuries. To Shrewsbury summer 51, to BTFC summer 52. released to Nuneaton summer 53. In 1955 was said to be seriously ill and requiring sanitarium treatment. Died 1988.
BAILEY Raymond Reginald (Ray)
Born St Neots, 16 May 44
Position MF
Seasons for BTFC 62-65
BTFC appearances 82 BTFC goals 13
To BTFC from Queens' Works
From BTFC to Gillingham
Other clubs before/after BTFC Bedford BC/Northampton (loan), Romford, Hitchin, Dunstable, MK City, Wootton BC
Notes Debut in reserves 62/3, signed professional 64. To Gillingham summer 66, rejoining Basil Hayward. To Hitchin 74/5. Later PM at MK City (late 70s), at Wootton as player by 80/1. First class cricket as a fast bowler for Northants 64-73, and Minor Counties cricket for Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Later Northants CC and Northampton Town FC groundsman (1986-96).
BAIN Alexander Edward (Alex)
Born Edinburgh, 22 Jan 36
Position CF
Seasons for BTFC 62-63
BTFC appearances 6 BTFC goals 1
To BTFC from Falkirk
From BTFC to ?
Other clubs before/after BTFC Cockenzie Star, Motherwell, Huddersfield, Chesterfield, Falkirk, Bournemouth, Poole /?
Notes. To Motherwell from junior football 7/54. To Huddersfield 8/57 (£2,500 fee) , to Chesterfield 2/60 (£2.500 fee,) to Falkirk 8/60 (£1,500 fee) , to Bournemouth 8/61 (alleged £5,000 fee??) , returned to Falkirk in 62/3. Triallist in friendly v Arbroath at end of 62/3, then signed permanently. Suspended for missing training early 63/4 and missed most of season. Died 2014.
BANHAM Roy
Born Nottingham, 30 Oct 36
Position CH or WH
Seasons for BTFC 62-63
BTFC appearances 56 BTFC goals 0
To BTFC from Peterborough
From BTFC to King's Lynn
Other clubs before/after BTFC Nottm Forest/Grantham, Spalding, Wisbech, March
Notes Pro forms for Forest Oct 53. To Peterborough 7/58, Div 4 Championship winner 60/1. To BTFC summer 62, to King's Lynn Jan 64, to Grantham summer 65. At Spalding by 68/9. To Wisbech summer 70. By March 72 was reported to be on Charlton's coaching staff, while working as a private detective! Later (by 75/6) was PM at March Town Utd.
BARON Kevin Michael Patrick
Born Preston, 19 July 26
Position IF
Seasons for BTFC 61
BTFC appearances 7 BTFC goals 2
To BTFC from Cambridge City
From BTFC to Maldon Town
Other clubs before/after BTFC Preston (amateur), Liverpool, Southend, Northampton, Gravesend, Wisbech, Aldershot/
Notes Signed pro for Liverpool 1945. Cup finalist's medal with them, 1950. Southend 1954, Northampton 1958. Aldershot 1960/1. To BTFC Nov 61, released summer 62. Became PM at Maldon, continued as manager after retiring. Died 1971.
BECKETT William P (Billy)
Born Dumbarton, age 28 in 8/57
Position W
Seasons for BTFC 58
BTFC appearances 1 BTFC goals 0
To BTFC from Chelmsford
From BTFC to Rugby
Other clubs before/after BTFC Renfrew Jnrs, Glasgow Rangers, Ashford (Kent), Cowdenbeath/?
Notes From junior football to Rangers by 51/2. At Ashford by start 54/5. With Cowdenbeath by 9/55 to end 56/7. With Chelmsford at start of 57/8 but suspended by them in Nov 57 after walking out over an accommodation dispute and returned to Scotland. To BTFC summer 58, released to Rugby summer 59. Died 2006.
BELL Joseph (Joe)
Born Sunderland, 28 July 24
Position FB
Seasons for BTFC 52
BTFC appearances 2 BTFC goals 0
To BTFC from Coventry
From BTFC to Hinckley
Other clubs before/after BTFC Sunderland, Stockton,Chesterfield/?
Notes Signed summer 52, released to Hinckley summer 53. Died 2007
BELLOTTI Derek Christopher
Born West Ham, 25 Dec 46
Position G
Seasons for BTFC 64-65
BTFC appearances 73 BTFC goals 0
To BTFC from QPR
From BTFC to Gillingham
Other clubs before/after BTFC /Charlton, Southend, Swansea, Maidstone, Margate (loan),St Blazey, Torquay, Bideford, Saltash, Newquay, Torrington.
Notes To BTFC summer 64. To Gillingham (following Basil Hayward) summer 66. Charlton 1970, Southend 12/71, Swansea summer 74. Son Ross played for Exeter. Now owns print and design business in Devon.
BENNING Michael David (Mike)
Born Croxley Green, Herts, 3 Feb 38
Position W
Seasons for BTFC 64-66
BTFC appearances 159 BTFC goals 8
To BTFC from Cambridge City
From BTFC to Hatfield
Other clubs before/after BTFC Croxley Boys' Club, Luton (am), Watford/Dunstable, Tudor Corinthians(Herts)
Notes Divison 4 promotion medal with Watford, 59/60. SL championship medal at Cambridge City 62/3. Later managed Tudor Corinthians. Son Paul played for Peterborough, 1987
BICKNELL Charles (Charlie)
Born Pye Bridge, 6 Nov 05
Position FB
Seasons for BTFC 48-50
BTFC appearances 45 BTFC goals 4
To BTFC from West Ham
From BTFC to [retired]
Other clubs before/after BTFC New Tupton Ivanhoe,Chesterfield, Bradford City/
Notes Player-coach BTFC 48-50, first team trainer 51-55, assistant manager 57-59. Retired from playing end 48/9 but made occasional emergency appearances for reserves and one for first team Nov 50. Died 1994.
For a detailed biography go to Managers in the Best Years
BINES Henry Mervyn (Mel)
Born Cardiff, 17 April 30
Position FB
Seasons for BTFC 54
BTFC appearances 2 BTFC goals 0
To BTFC from Swindon
From BTFC to ?
Other clubs before/after BTFC Cardiff (am)/?
Notes Joined Swindon on completion of national service. Left Bedford to take up full-time job in manufacturing in Swindon. Died 1979. (Hugman gives name as MELVIN)
BLACKLOCK Robert (Bobby)
Born date and place n/k
Position W
Seasons for BTFC 53-54
BTFC appearances 6 BTFC goals 0
To BTFC from ?
From BTFC to Hitchin
Other clubs before/after BTFC ?/?
Notes Amateur serving at RAF Henlow. Reserve debut Feb 54. To Hitchin autumn 1954
BLAKE John
Born date and place n/k
Position WH
Seasons for BTFC 66
BTFC appearances 5 BTFC goals 0
To BTFC from Hastings
From BTFC to Brentwood
Other clubs before/after BTFC Watford (am), QPR/?
Notes With QPR at start of 65/6 (played v BTFC in pre-season friendly 8/65). To Hastings later in season, to BTFC summer 66, released summer 67.
BOLTON Terence J (Terry)
Born Lambeth, April quarter 38
Position W
Seasons for BTFC 60
BTFC appearances 1 BTFC goals 0
To BTFC from Man Utd
From BTFC to ?
Other clubs before/after BTFC ?/?
Notes First registered at Man Utd 8/59. Transfer listed for £250 by them 59/60. By 61/2 a forward of that name was playing for Laburnum House FC in West London Sunday football-?same man?
BOULTON Frank Preece
Born Chipping Sodbury, 12 Aug 17
Position G
Seasons for BTFC 50-53
BTFC appearances 40 BTFC goals 0
To BTFC from Crystal Palace
From BTFC to [?retired]
Other clubs before/after BTFC Yate Town, Bristol C, Bath, Arsenal, Derby, Swindon/
Notes Sold to Arsenal by Bath in Oct 1936 for £1000 fee. Transferred from Arsenal to Derby in 1938 but guested for Arsenal during WW2. Had been on trial at Palace during Ronnie Rooke's last few weeks as manager there, but released when he was sacked. Was butcher in Swindon while with BTFC. Thought to have retired after his release in summer 1954. Died 1987.
BOWIE James Duncan (Jimmy)
Born Aberdeen, 9 August 24
Position W or IF
Seasons for BTFC 55-56
BTFC appearances 42 BTFC goals 14
To BTFC from Watford
From BTFC to Headington
Other clubs before/after BTFC Parkvale Jnrs, Chelsea, Fulham, Brentford/Fulham, March, Wisbech
Notes Guested for Middlesbrough in WW2. Transferred from Chelsea to Fulham for £20K (and player exchange) in January 1951. To BTFC for about £500 Jan 56. To Headington Feb 57. Second spell at Fulham (57/8) was as reserve player-coach. To March summer 58, Wisbech 1/59, where his career was soon afterwards ended by a broken leg. Later manager at Trowbridge, where he became a publican. Also kept pubs at Northwood and Great Wakering near Southend. Died 2000
BOYLE Cwnan ("Jock")
Born date and place n/k
Position CH
Seasons for BTFC 53 [earlier spell 46/7 to 48/9]
BTFC appearances 104 BTFC goals 1
To BTFC from St Neots
From BTFC to ?
Other clubs before/after BTFC St Mirren/[retired]
Notes Regular first team player for BTFC from 46/7 to 48/9-had retired after being player-coach at St Neots but returned to help reserves and made one emergency first team appearance 53/4
BRANDHAM Royston (Roy)
Born Luton, 5 Aug 29
Position CF
Seasons for BTFC 55
BTFC appearances 6 BTFC goals 3
To BTFC from Vauxhall Motors
From BTFC to Dunstable
Other clubs before/after BTFC ?/Bletchley Town
Notes Amateur, Beds county capped, turned pro on joining BTFC summer 55. To Dunstable summer 56, at Bletchley by 61/2. Died 1996. ??related to Jimmy Brandham, pre-war BTFC player.
BRITTAN Colin
Born Bristol, 27 June 27
Position WH
Seasons for BTFC 58-60
BTFC appearances 95 BTFC goals 2
To BTFC from Tottenham
From BTFC to Tunbridge Wells
Other clubs before/after BTFC Bristol North Old Boys/[retired]
Notes Signed pro for Spurs 1948. Signed along with Len Duquemin in Nov 1958 for an alleged £2,000. Returned to Bristol area after retiring from Tunbridge Wells. Died 2013(see obituary at http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/obituary-colin-brittan-150413/)
BRITTEN Joseph (Joe)
Joe Britten (right) in action for the Eaglets v Biggleswade in 1954/5.
Born date and place n/k
Position 53
Seasons for BTFC 53
BTFC appearances 7 BTFC goals 1
To BTFC from Eynesbury
From BTFC to Eynesbury
Other clubs before/after BTFC Potton, Hitchin/Potton, St Neots
Notes Amateur, at least two spells at Potton
BROWN William Frederick Thomas (Bill)
Born Croydon, 7 Feb 43
Position CF
Seasons for BTFC (1) 65, (2) 69
BTFC appearances (1) 42, (2) 12 BTFC goals (1) 17, (2) 0
To BTFC from (1) Chelmsford, (2) Margate
From BTFC to (1) Gillingham, (2) Dunstable
Other clubs before/after BTFC Southampton,Charlton,Romford (before first spell), Portsmouth, Brentford (after first spell), Ford Utd, Hornchurch (after second spell)
Notes First signed summer 65, to Gillingham February 66 for about £2000. Second brief spell with club from Feb 70 to end of 69/70.
BULL Michael Frederick (Micky)
Born Twickenham, 3 April 30
Position W
Seasons for BTFC 56-59
BTFC appearances 189 BTFC goals 51
To BTFC from Hastings
From BTFC to Hastings
Other clubs before/after BTFC Brentford, Swindon/Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Chatham.
Notes Signed pro for Brentford 1948, Swindon 1953, Hastings 55. To BTFC summer 56, rejoined Tim Kelly (with Len Duquemin) at Hastings summer 60. Tonbridge summer 61, Tunbridge Wells by 10/62, Chatham ?summer 63, released 9/64. Died 2011.
BUMSTEAD Charles Henry (Charlie)
Born Croydon, 8 Jan 22
Position G
Seasons for BTFC 53-54
BTFC appearances 87 BTFC goals 0
To BTFC from Dover
From BTFC to ?
Other clubs before/after BTFC Millwall, C Palace/?
Notes With Millwall 46-48, to Palace summer 48, to Dover November 51. To BTFC summer 53 (rejoining Ronnie Rooke, his former Palace manager). Released summer 55. Had retired by 57/8 when he was youth team coach at Millwall. Died May 1974 .
BUTLER William (Billy)
Born Portsmouth, 13 Aug 28
Position FB
Seasons for BTFC 50-52
BTFC appearances 32 BTFC goals 0
To BTFC from Aldershot
From BTFC to ?
Other clubs before/after BTFC Portsmouth/?
Notes One of Ronnie Rooke's first signings in late 50/1, released summer 53. Died 2006.
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