Alan Hodgkinson

Infobox Football biography


playername = Alan Hodgkinson
fullname =
height = height|ft=5|in=9
nickname =
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1936|8|16
cityofbirth = Maltby
countryofbirth = England
dateofdeath =
cityofdeath =
countryofdeath =
position = Goalkeeper
youthyears =
youthclubs =
years = 1954 - 1971
clubs = Sheffield United
caps(goals) = 576 (0)
nationalyears = 1957 - 1960
nationalteam = England
nationalcaps(goals) = 005 (0)

Alan Hodgkinson MBE (born August 16 1936 in Maltby, England) is a former footballer who played in the position of goalkeeper. At just over 5 foot 9 inches, Alan was on the small side for a goalkeeper, but made up for the lack of inches by his perfect positional play.

He signed for Sheffield United from Worksop Town on August 1 1953, and made 675 first team (576 league) appearances for the Blades between 1953 and 1971, his first being a friendly game against Clyde on April 6, 1954.

Hodgkinson made his league début in Division One in a 2-1 away victory against Newcastle United on August 281954 but despite showing his undoubted potential, the presence of number one goalkeeper, Ted Burgin until 1957 and National Service limited his opportunities for the first team.

However, the arrival of Joe Mercer as manager established Hodgkinson's place as first-choice goalie in the side behind the defensive line of Cec Coldwell, Graham Shaw, Brian Richardson, Joe Shaw and Gerry Summers. In season 1966-67, he won the Sheffield United Supporters player of the year award. His brilliance and reliability made sure of his place until the signing of John Hope in 1971. His final appearance was, like his first, in a friendly, on January 231971 against Chesterfield.

Hodgkinson was also an England International at full and under-23 levels, making his debut for both during the 1956-57 season. His first full England cap came against Scotland in 1957 and he also played against Denmark, and Republic of Ireland (twice in World Cup qualifying games). He was in England's squad for the 1958 World Cup in Sweden but did not feature in any of their games.

Hodgkinson moved on to professional coaching and is credited in bringing Peter Schmiechel to Manchester United, Hodgkinson worked at the Red devils for 7 years before becoming Scotland National Goalkeeping coach here he tutored players such as Jim Leighton, Neil Sullivan and coaches Alex Penny [http://www.alexpenny.co.uk] , Steve Mcviegh.After a spell with Coventry City Hodgkinson Moved to Oxford United working with Jim Smith, Billy Turley and trialist Craig Johnson

He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2008 New Year Honours. [cite web|url=http://www.rivals.net/News/pgArticle.aspx?artid=2483_3011274|title=Former Gills Assistant Manager recognised in Queen's New Year Honours List|author=Alan Liptrott|accessdate=2008-01-02|date=2007-12-29|publisher=GillsConnect]

heffield United career

References