Len Dunderdale Explained

Len Dunderdale
Fullname:William Leonard Dunderdale
Birth Date:6 February 1915
Birth Place:Willingham-by-Stow, England
Position:Centre forward
Death Place:Saxilby, England
Height:6 ft 0 in[1]
Years1:1933–1934
Caps1:?
Goals1:?
Years2:1934–1935
Clubs2:Sheffield Wednesday
Caps2:?
Goals2:?
Years3:1936–1938
Clubs3:Walsall
Caps3:32
Goals3:19
Years4:1938–1939
Clubs4:Watford
Caps4:30
Goals4:18
Years5:1939–1946
Clubs5:Leeds United
Caps5:?
Goals5:?
Years6:1946–1948
Clubs6:Watford
Caps6:44
Goals6:15
Years7:1948–1949
Caps7:?
Goals7:?

William Leonard Dunderdale (6 February 1915 – 11 January 1989) was an English association footballer who played as a centre forward.

Playing career

Born in Lincolnshire, Dunderdale started his career at Goole Town in the East Riding of Yorkshire. He joined Sheffield Wednesday as a 19-year-old amateur in March 1934, turning professional at the end of the season. After being released in June 1935, he joined Walsall the following year. During his first full season for the club, he scored seven goals in one reserve game. In his second, he scored a hat-trick in Walsall's 3–1 win over Watford on 23 October 1937. Dunderdale was sold to Watford in 1938, for a fee of £1,000. His spell at Vicarage Road was a short one; he played 33 games in all competitions, and ended up being the club's top scorer with 21 goals, including a hat-trick in his final game.

However, Dunderdale did not actually finish the season at Watford; in March 1939 the club accepted a £3,750 bid for his services from Leeds United. His competitive Leeds career was cut short by the Second World War. During this time he made wartime appearances for Grimsby Town, Mansfield Town, Lincoln City and Watford. After the war he returned to Watford, although he was less successful than before. He had put on considerable weight, and became unpopular with supporters, eventually being granted a free transfer in 1948. He joined Kent League outfit Sittingbourne for the 1948–49 season, before retiring as a player.

Later career

Following his retirement, Dunderdale fulfilled coaching and scouting roles at various clubs, including Berkhamsted Town, Sun Sports and Watford. He died in Saxilby, Lincolnshire on 11 January 1989, aged 73.

Notes and References

  1. News: Walsall. They like it. Return to Southern Section welcomed . Sunday Dispatch Football Guide . London . 23 August 1936 . xii . Newspapers.com.