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Bernard Radford

1908 – 1986

English footballer

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About Bernard Radford

Lived 1908 – 1986 (aged 78). Bernard Radford was a British association football player.

Bernard Radford (23 January 1908 – 2 October 1986) was an English professional footballer who played as a centre forward, and occasionally as an inside forward. Born in West Melton, West Riding of Yorkshire, Radford began his career in local league football with Wath Athletic, Wombwell and Darfield, before signing as a professional with Football League Third Division North side Nelson in December 1927. He made his League debut in the 0–1 defeat to Doncaster Rovers on 17 December, and scored his first three goals for Nelson on 7 January 1928 as the side beat Rochdale 6–3. Radford scored all four goals in the 4–0 victory against Wrexham on 11 February, becoming only the second Nelson player, after Jimmy Hampson, to achieve the feat in a League match.

Radford remained in goalscoring form going into the 1928–29 season, netting in the opening match of the campaign against Hartlepools United. He then scored four goals in three matches in September 1928, and had a tally of 14 by Christmas. On 16 February 1929, he scored the only goal of the game as Nelson beat Chesterfield 1–0, and scored twice the following match in the 2–7 defeat away at Barrow. Radford ended the season with 24 goals, taking his total at Nelson to 41 in 55 matches. He was signed by Football League First Division club Sheffield United in the summer of 1929, but found first-team opportunities limited there and only played 20 matches in two seasons, although he did score 7 goals for the side. Radford subsequently spent a season with Northampton Town, but played in the reserves for most of the campaign, making just eight league appearances. He was released in the summer of 1932 and later moved into amateur football, initially with the Royal Navy Depot in Chatham, Kent.

Radford stayed in southern England until his death in Basingstoke, Hampshire, on 2 October 1986 at the age of 78.

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Important facts

People in Bernard Radford's life

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Frequently asked questions

Who was Bernard Radford?

English footballer (1908-1986)

When was Bernard Radford born?

Bernard Radford was born on 23 January 1908 in West Melton.

When did Bernard Radford die?

Bernard Radford died on 2 October 1986 in Basingstoke.

What was Bernard Radford's occupation?

Bernard Radford was an association football player.

What nationality was Bernard Radford?

Bernard Radford was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Bernard Radford

· Wikidata: Q10517242

· DBpedia: Bernard Radford

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Bernard Radford. https://biography.guide/bernard-radford/

MLA: "Bernard Radford." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/bernard-radford/.

Chicago: "Bernard Radford." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/bernard-radford/.

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