Norman Kirkman

Norman Kirkman (6 June 1920 – 17 November 1995) was an English footballer who played as a full-back for various clubs in the Football League in the 1940s and 1950s, before a brief career as a manager.

Football career

Playing career Kirkman was born in Bolton and attended Folds Road School. His football career started when he joined Burnley in May 1939, but his professional career was immediately interrupted by the Second World War. before moving up to the Second Division when he joined Chesterfield in November 1947.

In July 1950, he was signed by another Second Division side, Southampton, for "a four figure fee". In the following season, Kirkman made only seven further appearances, with the teenaged Peter Sillett being the first-choice at left-back.

In March 1952, Kirkman was "persuaded" to move to Exeter City in a player-manager role, with George Roughton moving in the opposite direction to replace Sid Cann, who had been "relieved of his duties" in December, following a falling-out with the board of directors. although he did return to management briefly in 1965 with Northwich Victoria. He also became a scout for various clubs, including Southampton, Newcastle United, Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stoke City and Carlisle United.