Kenneth Hardwick (6 January 1924 – 4 June 1977) was an English footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Doncaster Rovers, Scunthorpe United and Barrow.

Ken Hardwick
Personal information
Full name Kenneth Hardwick
Date of birth (1924-01-06)6 January 1924
Place of birth West Auckland, England
Date of death 4 June 1977(1977-06-04) (aged 53)
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
–1945 Rossington Colliery
1945–1957 Doncaster Rovers 308 (0)
1957–1960 Scunthorpe United 96 (0)
1960 Barrow 12 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Playing career

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Hardwick first played for Rovers during the war, 26 games in total.[1] From his league debut against Nottingham Forest on 26 December 1947,[1] Hardwick became Rovers first choice keeper. That season Rovers were relegated from The Second Division but in the 1949−50 season they stormed the Third Division North and gained promotion back to League Division 2 where he spent the rest of his time with them.[citation needed]

With the legendary Harry Gregg as his understudy for four seasons,[1] this was a golden period for Doncasters keepers.[citation needed]

In 1955, at the age of 30, Hardwick was invited to an England Under-23 trial. The FA withdrew the invitation once the error was realised.[2]

After Harry Gregg took over his position at Doncaster, he moved first to Scunthorpe, then ended his playing days at Barrow.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Ken Hardwick profile". doncasterrovers.co.uk. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  2. ^ a b "Quirky Facts". Between the Sticks. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
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