Bobby Crawford

Along with Lem Newcomb and Tommy Frame he was one of three experienced ball-playing half-backs signed by Gordon Hunt in 1936. Appointed club captain he helped to lay the foundations of a new side which played attractive football. In his early days he worked down the pit at Glespin. At Preston he played 392 League games and during a run of seven seasons missed only one match. An attacking wing-half he was once tried by Preston at centre-forward and scored four goals against Stoke. He had a run of 234 League games in succession for Preston and Blackpool and went on to complete 500 League appearances — the first Southport player to do so. A high commendation from a critic of the time read, “Skilful in trapping the ball, quick and resourceful passer, fearless tackler and enthusiastic.” After retiring from football he opened a hardware business in Preston and did some scouting for Liverpool. On the day he died his son Bruce was playing wing-half for Tranmere at Haig Avenue.

Southport Playing Stats

First Team

	Heritage Qualifying				League Only				Cup Only				Other Only				All
Season
1936/1937	46	(0)	46	2	37	(0)	37	1	10	(0)	10	1	0	(0)	0	0	47	(0)	47	2
1937/1938	11	(0)	11	0	10	(0)	10	0	2	(0)	2	0	0	(0)	0	0	12	(0)	12	0
Total	57	(0)	57	2	47	(0)	47	1	12	(0)	12	1	0	(0)	0	0	59	(0)	59	2

Transfers

• Player Pictures

Relaxation prior to the Bristol Rovers Cup Tie – 9/12/1936

15th November 2020 Guest Author

• Player Pictures

1936/37 Pre-Season Training Photos

7th August 2020 Guest Author

Pictures

Bobby Crawford