Trevor Hockey

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Trevor Hockey (born May 1, 1943 in Keighley, Yorkshire – April 2, 1987) was a professional football player. His professional career spanned 16 years, seven clubs and almost 600 appearances.

Born in Keighley, Hockey turned professional with Bradford City in May 1960. He left Valley Parade for Nottingham Forest in November 1961 but after just two years at the City Ground; Hockey was on the move again, this time to Newcastle United where he collected a Second Division winners medal in 1965.

Now transformed from a winger into a central midfielder, Hockey joined Birmingham City in November 1965 in a £25,000 deal. He went on to make 231 appearances for the Blues scoring 13 goals. He was also the club captain when he was transferred to Sheffield United for £40,000 in January 1971.

He made his debut in a 2-1 away victory against Oxford United and, following instructions "to battle, to win the ball, and give it to Currie" he instantly became a Bramall Lane cult figure on the pitch with his beatle-style haircut, beard and tough tackling. He played a large part in ensuring that United was promoted that year, including the scoring first goal in a 2-0 win, against Millwall on April 13, sat down after colliding with the goalkeeper.

His United career virtually ended with a broken leg against Manchester City on February 12, 1972. Struggling to regain his place in the first team, he made his final appearance on December 30 before Norwich City secured his services in February 1973, swapping him for Scottish striker Jim Bone.

However, after just six months with The Canaries, Hockey was back playing his football in Birmingham, this time for Aston Villa. After just a year at Villa Park he was on the move again, this time returning to his first club Bradford City.

In March 1976 Hockey became player-manager at Athlone Town before taking his footballing talents across the pond and a spell with San Diego Jaws in the North American Soccer League. Hockey returned to England the following year and took on the managers role at non-league Stalybridge Celtic before another spell in the States as coach with both San Jose Earthquakes and Los Angeles Quicksilvers.

In a distinguished career Hockey won 9 international caps for Wales. He died of a heart attack shortly after taking part in a five-a-side tournament in Keighley on 2nd April 1987, aged 43.