Bill Sowden

Career Born in Gorton, Manchester, Sowden started his career with junior side Greenwood Victoria before joining Manchester City as an eighteen-year-old in April 1949, despite being a Manchester United supporter. He made his professional debut for City in August 1952 in the Manchester derby. In his next appearance for the club he scored twice against Tottenham Hotspur. He played in all of the last eight matches of the 1960–61 season for the struggling side, as Altrincham lost every match, before retiring from the game.

Personal life After retiring from full-time football Sowden ran the family's bakery business in Heaton Chapel, where he worked until his retirement. He died on 13 November 2010 in Stockport, Greater Manchester at the age of 79, after suffering from dementia in his later life.