Past Players – B

 First name 
 Surname 
 Apps 
 Goals 
 Pen Picture 
Mark
Badman
56
1
Current Player
Danny
Bailey
6
0
Despite spending just a couple of months with City uncompromising midfielder Danny became a popular player at Twerton Park. A transfer deadline signing in March 2002 he played an important part in City’s successful battle against relegation that season. Released at the end of that campaign he played for Redbridge before surfacing at Weymouth the following year to repeat the trick and help the Terra’s retain their Premier Division status. Since then he has played for Leyton Pennant, Stanstead, Chippenham Town and Chesham United. A long professional career preceded his time with City where he made over 250 appearances for Torquay United, Exeter City and Fulham. He then did the rounds at a number of non-league clubs including Farnborough Town, Slough Town, Telford United, Forest Green Rovers (where he played in the 1999 FA Trophy Final at Wembley), Aylesbury United, Grays Athletic and Weston Super Mare.
Peter
Bailey
3
0
A young right-sided defender, Peter was a regular in City’s reserve side during the 1991-92 season. He made a single first team start that year in the 1-0 Somerset Premier Cup defeat at Radstock. Despite the reserve side being disbanded at the end of that season he was retained on non-contract forms. He spent most of the 1992-93 season on ‘loan’ with Western League side Frome Town, although he was recalled to made two further appearances in January, before leaving to join Clevedon Town in May.
Sam
Bailey
41
1
When central defender Sam was released from Bristol City’s Academy he was initially signed on a work experience deal but impressed sufficiently to earn a contract at the end of the 2003-04 season. Before the start of the next season, though, he was offered a scholarship in the US which he accepted. Was back with City, who had retained his registration, a couple of months later when this move did not work out. However, problems soon arose as the 19-year old missed the team coach to a match and was then involved in a dressing room incident. Finally he was released after head butting an opponent after the final whistle of a match and then failing to show for the next match. Signed for Chippenham almost immediately before moving onto Weston in the summer of 2005 and then Mangotsfield United 18 months later.
Steve
Bailey
5
0
Reserve team right sided player Steve made his first team debut as a substitute against Waterlooville in November 1988 and went on to make a further four appearances before being released at the end of that season.
Cliff
Baker
19
1
Cliff joined City in 1948 along with his brother Dennis, after a trial with Swindon Town. He had previously played Bristol Rovers at wing-half having begun his career at Coalpit Heath.
Dennis
Baker
61
7
Former Bristol Rovers player Dennis joined City in 1948 along with brother Cliff. Moved onto Ilfracombe Town for the 1950-51 season.
Mike
Baker
14
0
Mike was signed from Mangotsfield United during the opening months of the 1980-81 season.
Danny
Baldwin
6
0
Former Spurs and West Ham trainee Danny arrived at City after moving to this part of the country to begin a media course at the University of the West of England. The striker, who had also had a brief spell with Dagenham & Redbridge, made his debut against Northwich Victoria in December 1994 but only made a further 5 first team appearances. He played regularly for the reserves and was released at the end of the season.
Henry
Ball
10
0
A former international Henry played in the final game of the 1946-47 season having returned to England from Gibraltar, but after a handful of games the next season left the club.
Alan
Ballinger
11
1
Alan played for City during the 1974-75 and 1975-76 seasons.
????
Banfield
1
0
Made a single appearance for City in the first season after World War II.
Chris
Banks
259
5
One of the most talented defenders to ever pull on a City shirt, Chris made over 250 appearances in his five seasons at Twerton Park. He had played over 100 league games for Port Vale and Exeter City before surprisingly being released by the latter and snapped up by George Rooney in June 1989. Was player of the year that campaign and club captain for the following four seasons. Eventually left the club in July 1994 due to living in Staffordshire and joined Cheltenham Town in a £16000 joint deal with Martin Boyle. Went on to become a legend at Whadden Road as he captained the side from the Southern League to Football League. Injury forced his retirement in 2003 and he is now a physiotherapist with Stoke City.
Brian
Barker
4
3
Brian netted over 200 goals for Welton Rovers in the Western League before signing for City during the summer of 1962. He made his debut in October and scored twice in his first three starts, but seconds after netting against Falmouth in the FA Cup he broke his leg would which end his season. He returned the following season but after just one game and one goal he left to rejoin Welton Rovers,
Percy
Barley
44
0
Versatile Percy had spent five seasons at Twerton Park following World War II – having been paer of the side that lifted the League North Second Division title and West Cup during the conflict – mainly for the reserves, playing in every position apart from in goal, before an Admiralty posting saw him move to London.
H
Barnes
9
4
Played for City during the 1921-22 season.
Neil
Barnes
7
2
Neil signed for City during the summer of 1984-85.
????
Barnett
n/a
0
Played for City during the 1907-08 season.
Brian
Barnfield
4
1
Brian was brought in for the 1955-56 season, having previously played for Gloucester City, but only made four appearances before he was one of a number of players released due to financial problems at the club.
????
Barrett
18
0
Played for City during the 1908-09 season.
????
Bartlett
7
0
Played for City during the 1924-25 season.
????
Bartlett
1
0
Played for City in the final season before World War I.
Neal
Bartlett
4
1
Arriving at Twerton at the beginning of the 2001-02 season Neal scored a controversial winner (he punched the ball into the net) on his debut against Cambridge City but this was as good as it got for the Southampton born striker. As a serving solider he had to balance his army responsibilities with football and the former won the battle. Made 8 appearances for his home town team and also played professionally for Hereford United, and in the Southern League with Bashley and Newport AFC.
FJ
Bartley
25
1
A player who was signed in 1908 as City lined-up for their first ever season as a Western League club.
Phil
Barton
140
7
Liverpool born midfielder Phil joined City as an 18-year old in September 1982 and soon progressed from the reserves to the first team. Spent the next five seasons at Twerton Park but increasingly suffered from knee problems and was finally forced to retire from the game in January 1987. However, after 18 months away from football he returned to Bath only to fall out with manager Les Alderman four months later. Was back before the end of that season but eventually a move to Scotland brought his City career to a close. Began his career as a trainee with Everton and Blackburn Rovers.
Ricky
Bascombe
2
1
Winger Ricky joined City on loan from Crystal Palace during the 1973-74 season, scoring once in a couple of appearances. The 19-year old also played a single game for Wimbledon that season.
Paul
Bastock
1
0
Goalkeeper Paul made a single appearance for City during a very brief loan spell from Cambridge United during the early part of the 1988-89 season. That match was a 1-1 draw against VS Rugby. Returned to Twerton Park with Fisher Athletic a couple of years later to produce a stunning man-of-the-match performance before joining Boston United in 1992. Spent 12 years at York Street, playing a club record 624 games, before briefly joining Dagenham & Redbridge in October 2004 and then St Albans City a month later. Is back with the Blue Square South club after a spell with Rushden & Diamonds.
Ted
Batchelor
48
0
Former Swindon Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers player Ted was one of a number of experienced signings made by new manager Paddy Sloan for the 1956-57 season.
Mark
Batters
5
0
Mark made his debut for City against Yeovil Town in the Somerset Premier Cup in October 1987 as a 17-year old YTS trainee. The young goalkeeper went on to make a further four first team appearances during the next two seasons and was a regular in the reserve side. Has since played for Chippenham Town, Frome Town and Westbury United.
Paul
Batty
42
4
Paul will be best remembered at Twerton Park for his wonder strike that helped City overcome Hereford United in the 1993-94 FA Cup after arriving from Yeovil at the start of that season. He had also tasted FA Cup success with the Glovers, a hat-trick against Torquay United in 1992 had earning him an appearance on Match of the Day (ironically alongside City manager Tony Ricketts), and before that he had played over 300 league games for Swindon Town, Chesterfield and Exeter City. Missed a number of games toward the end of the 1993-94 season due to a knee injury and decided he would not be up to another year in the Conference so joined Southern League side Salisbury.
Ray
Baverstock
2
0
Following his signature from Worcester City in the 1992 close season former Swindon Town defender Ray started the first two games of the 1992-93 campaign. He then decided he was not happy with the wage he was receiving and headed to Hellenic League Moreton Town. Went on to play for Gloucester City, Trowbridge Town and Forest Green before going into management with Cirencester Town and Swindon Supermarine. Prior to his short spell with City he had played over 250 games for Cheltenham Town.
????
Beake
1
0
Made a single appearance for City during the 1925-26 season.
Ian
Beare
1
0
Reserve team defender Ian signed after being released by Portsmouth at the end of the 1988-89 season and was occasionally named in the first team squad. Only made a single appearance, in the 1-0 defeat at Waterlooville, before moving on from Twerton Park.
Ian
Bearpark
79
0
With both goalkeepers injured Ian was signed from Exeter City in October 1962. The 23-year old had played for both Bristol clubs – though only making the first team with the Pirates – before joining the Grecians. After three seasons at Twerton Park he moved on to Weston Super Mare then Stonehouse.
Bradley
Beattie
4
1
Bradley was a youth team player who made a handful of appearances during the early months of the 1975-76 season, scoring once against Bridgwater Town in a Western Counties Floodlight League game. Prior to playing for City he had been part of Torquay United’s youth set-up, playing four times for the first team.
Mike
Beaven
14
3
Mike played for City during the 1958-59 season.
Michael
Beck
6
0
Michael made six appearances for City during the 1974-75 season.
Len
Beel
90
0
Goalkeeper Len had made a single Division 1 appearance for Birmingham City prior to joining City in July 1965. Before that he had spent a couple of seasons with Shrewsbury Town. He also played one first class cricket match for Somerset in the Sunday League against Warwickshire in June 1969, making 1 not out and going for 18 runs from his two overs. Spent two seasons at Twerton Park then joined Midlands League side Shifnal Town.
H
Beese
n/a
1
Played for City during the 1907-08 season.
J
Beese
24
0
Played for City during the 1908-09 season.
Ted
Beese
n/a
1
Played for City between 1907 and 1909.
A
Bell
3
0
Played for City during the 1927-28 season.
Andy
Bell
11
4
Andy was a loan signing from Weymouth toward the end of the 1983-84 season. The Taunton-born striker had begun his career with his home town club before a brief spell in the league with Exeter City. He returned to non-league football with Yeovil Town, where he was top scorer in the 1982-83 season, then the Terras for £2500. After retiring he was briefly assistant manager alongside another former City loanee, Gerry Pearson, at Witney Town in 2000.
Edwin
Bell
53
0
Bristol-born Ted played for Western League side Welton Rovers before joining Exeter City in 1922. He only made one first team appearance for the Grecians then joined City for the 1923-24 season. He went on to play over 50 games in two seasons with the club.
Gordon
Bell
7
0
Goalkeeper Gordon made his debut for City whilst still a schoolboy during the early months of the 1981-82 season after first choice shot-stopper Chris Ogden had conceded 14 goals in three games. Apart from a short spell with Welton Rovers and a season at Trowbridge Town he remained with City for the next six years without making another first team appearance until October 1988. During this time he was a regular in the reserve side and incredibly did not miss a single game during the 1986-87 season, despite studying at Southampton University. Was eventually released late in 1988 when he moved to London to become a lawyer. Also made a single reserve outing for Southampton in 1986.
PR
Bellamy
n/a
0
Played for City during the 1903-04 season.
E
Bence
n/a
3
Played for City during the 1904-05 season.
Jimmy
Benefield
40
7
Right-sided midfielder Jimmy, nicknamed Frodo by City supporters due to his hobbit-like hair style, was a 2004 summer signing from Torquay United. Was a regular in the side during the first half of the season but his appearances became less frequent after this and it was no surprise when he was released in May. Had a short spell with Tooting & Mitcham United in August 2006 and was last reported playing for Montegnée in Belgium. Spent eight years with the Gulls having joined them as a 13-year old trainee, playing 35 first-team games during this time.
Frankie
Bennett
78
6
Experienced wide player Frankie spent two seasons at Twerton Park and became a firm fans favourite during that time with his 100% effort. However, regular injury problems saw him offered a reduced deal which he turned down in May 2004. Before joining City from Weston Super Mare in June 2002 Frankie had spent four years with Premiership side Southampton plus spells with Shrewsbury Town, Bristol Rovers and Exeter City. Also spent time at Forest Green Rovers, where he scored a hat-trick against City in an 2000-01 FA Cup tie, and Aberystwyth Town after beginning his career with Halesowen Town. Joined back up with former manager Alan Pridham at Brislington in August 2004.
Martin
Bennett
54
0
City signed goalkeeper Martin from Welton Rovers during the summer of 1979. Only missed a handful of games during the club’s first season in the Alliance Premier League.
Salvatore
Bibbo
45
0
Former Bournemouth and Sheffield United goalkeeper Sal joined City from Havant & Waterlooville in the summer of 2000. Had previously been a target of manager Paul Bodin, who he played alongside at Reading, the previous close season. The Basingstoke – where he made a single appearance during the 1992-93 season – born stopper only missed a handful of games during the 2000/01 season but announced in April he was unlikely to remain at Twerton Park the following campaign and was true to his word. Now back with Reading as goalkeeping coach.
W
Biggs
1
0
Played for City during the 1921-22 season.
Sid
Bird
70
22
Sid, a tricky winger and nephew of manager Ted Davis, impressed during the summer of 1927 to be offered a contract with the club. He soon began to attract the interest of league clubs with Bristol City and Huddersfield Town vying for his signature early in 1928. The Robins thought they had their man but £300 took him to Yorkshire in January, a deal that caused bad feeling between the Bristol club and City. Ironically he didn’t settle in the North and returned to City midway through the 1929-30 season. Also spent another brief spell with City during the 1933-34 season but spent the latter stages of his career with Thames and Shrewsbury Town.
Tony
Bird
46
16
Experienced striker Tony joined City in September 2005 following a brief spell with League of Wales side Cardiff Grange Quins. Began his career with hometown club Cardiff City, where he made over 100 appearances, before moving onto Barry Town. The 1996-97 season saw him score 42 goals in just 38 games which won him the European Golden Boot award! Went on to play for Swansea City, Kidderminster Harriers and Merthyr Tydfil, plus a spell in Ireland. Scored 16 goals during his single season with City but was released in May 2006. After a brief spell with Llanelli he joined Haverfordwest County then returned to Merthyr.
Dean
Birkby
76
25
A very talented striker capable of scoring wonder goals Dean first joined City in 1994. Scored 19 goals that season to claim the side’s top scorer title, including one of the best ever seen in a City shirt – an overhead kick against Southport. Unfortunately he failed to reproduce this form the next year and with the side struggling announced he was off to rivals Yeovil Town. Failed to make a real impact with the Glovers and over the next few years played for various local sides including Forest Green, Gloucester City and Clevedon Town. Briefly returned to City at the beginning of the 2002-03 season and will ever be remembered for his injury time winner against Chippenham.
Steve
Birks
27
2
Initially signed on a month loan from Southport in November 1995 young midfielder Steve remained at Twerton Park for the rest of that season. Had been a YTS trainee with Bolton Wanderers before being released in 1992. Also had a spell in Scandinavia and on leaving City in the summer of 1995 he headed overseas again to Irish side Sligo Rovers. Moved on to Lancaster City in September 2001 and Workington after another overseas spell, this time in Holland.
????
Bishop
24
1
Played for City during the 1930-31 season.
Andy
Black
9
0
Former manager at Western League Frome Town Andy played at City for a short period in the late 1980’s. The midfielder was signed from Weston Super Mare by manager Les Alderman who he had played under previously at Trowbridge Town. Earned a run in the first team toward the end of the 1988-89 season but after featuring in the opening game of the following season found his opportunities limited and joined Stroud in August 1989. Went onto play for Mangotsfield United who he also managed before heading to Badgers Hill. Resigned from Frome in September 2005 but soon returned to the game in charge at Bitton, leading them to the 2008-09 Western League title.
Ian
Black
143
0
Goalkeeper Ian was a vital signing for City for their 1959-60 first ever Southern League title winning season, playing in every game. He had made a single appearance for Scotland during a long league career that saw him play for Aberdeen, Southampton and Fulham, where he made over 300 appearances. After three seasons at Twerton Park he moved on to Canterbury City.
Harry
Blacker
4
1
Harry played for City during the 1927-28 season.
C
Blackmore
n/a
0
Played for City during the 1907-08 season.
P H
Blackmore
32
2
A player who played 31 games during the 1927-28 season, scoring twice, then a single outing the following campaign.
Vic
Blackmore
24
0
Vic played 24 games for City during thee 1974-75 and 1975-76 seasons.
Bert
Blake
106
3
Bert spent three seasons with City while working as a schoolmaster, which meant he could rarely turn out for the side in midweek fixtures. He took over managing the reserve side in June 1938 but after struggling to attract players stepped down from the position, returning to playing with Trowbridge Town. Prior to this the centre-back had played for both Bristol sides plus Yeovil & Petters United.
Tom
Blake
1
0
Tom played for City during the 1912-13 season.
RS
Blencowe
2
1
A former Oxford University player who joined City when he moved to the area to teach during the early years of the 20th century.
Paul
Bodin
284
63
One of City’s recent true stars former Welsh international Paul arrived at Twerton Park in July 1985 following his release by Cardiff City. Despite playing in a variety of positions he was top scorer in 1986-87 and 1987-88 and it was no surprise when he switched back into league football with Newport County. A hugely successful career followed with Swindon Town, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and Reading, plus 23 caps for Wales. Returned to City in April 1998 as player manager, leading the side to two fourth place finishes before it all went a bit sour at the end of the 2000-01 season. Faced with a reduced budget and pay cut he resigned and has since been coaching at Swindon Town.
A
Bodman
n/a
0
Played for City during the 1901-02 season.
Alan
Bogie
1
0
Played for City during the 1949-50 season.
Tom
Bolland
20
0
Darlington-born winger spent one season with City in the early 1920’s having previously played for Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon Town.
Percy
Bolston
52
24
Percy made over 50 appearances for City, scoring 24 times, during his four seasons with the club between 1921 and 1925.
Tom
Bolton
30
14
Tom as signed on amateur forms from Reading in early 1952.
Len
Bond
34
0
Former Exeter City goalkeeper Len was signed from Weymouth for £2000 in October 1987 after long-serving no.1 Dave Mogg dislocated his shoulder. He was ever-present for the rest of the season but, after City were relegated, chose to switch to local rivals Yeovil Town during the summer. He now owns and runs a sportswear supply business based in Taunton.
Kim
Book
56
0
Kim is the brother of City legend Tony Book, who played a season for City in 1978-79. He had begun his football career with Frome Town in the mid-1960’s before joining Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic in July 1967. Failed to secure the no.1 shirt there and moved on to Northampton Town just over two years later. Made around 80 appearances for the Cobblers then a similar number for Doncaster Town when he joined them in late 1971. Dropped back into non-league football with Trowbridge Town and Yeovil Town ahead of switching to Twerton Park.
Tony
Book
387
12
One of the club’s true legends Tony began his City career with the Colts in the early 1950’s before going into National Service. Returned to the club to make his first team debut during the 1956-57 season, after a couple of seasons playing for Frome Town. He captained City to their first ever Southern League title in 1959-60 before following manager Malcolm Allison to Canada in 1964 then returning to England with Plymouth Argyle three months later for £1500. He made his league debut at the age of 30 then when Allison became assistant-manager of Manchester City in 1966 he joined up with him again, this time for £17000. He would be awarded player of the season in his first year at Maine Road then named captain for the 1967-68 season, leading the club to the 1st Division championship. The next season he would lift the FA Cup then a year later the European Cup Winners Cup and the domestic League Cup. He retired from playing in 1974, after becoming assistant manager at the club to Ron Saunders. When he was sacked less than six months later Book took over as manager and in 1976 won the League Cup. Was manager until 1979 when, fittingly, he was replaced by Malcolm Allison. Remained with the Citizens in various roles until 1997 but is still Honorary President of Manchester City and Life President of the Manchester City Official Supporters Club.
Tommy
Boore
36
0
Goalkeeper Tommy had been with Coventry City as an amateur before signing for City in July 1956. Missed a number of games during his one season at Twerton Park after breaking his arm. Left to join Calne Corinthians for the 1957-58 season.
????
Boots
1
0
Played for City during the 1929-30 season.
Gordon
Boseley
59
17
Gordon was a young inside-forward who had been on the books with Tottenham Hotspur before joining City in July 1957 from Gravesend.
Frank
Boswell
7
0
Formally on the books of Manchester United, Frank played a handful of games during the 1946-47 season.
????
Boulton
5
0
Played for City during the 1937-38 season.
Frank
Boulton
11
0
Goalkeeper Frank joined City during the summer of 1936. The 19-year old 6’1 shot-stopper had previously been a professional with Bristol City but moved to Twerton Park on a free transfer having rejected terms with the Robins. A series of impressive performances soon had scouts flocking to Twerton, including those from Arsenal, Manchester United and Birmingham City. And it was the Gunners who secured his signature in October 1936 for a sum believed to be around £1000. Even though £100 had to be paid to Bristol City it was a remarkable deal for a player who’d made just 11 appearances. Part of the deal saw Arsenal play Portsmouth in a friendly at Twerton Park that attracted over 11,000 fans. After two years at Highbury he joined Derby County, where he would spend three seasons – interrupted by World War II. In January 1946 he moved onto Swindon Town, playing nearly 100 games for the Robins. He ended his career with Crystal Palace then Bedford Town.
Richard
Bourne
169
20
Having started his career with Colchester central defender Richard made just four first team appearances before joining Ramsgate. He joined City toward the end of the 1975-76 season and spent three seasons at Twerton Park. A £10,000 transfer fee took him to Torquay United in 1979, where he spent three years, before moving along the south coast to Weymouth for an eight year spell.
????
Bowell
60
0
A goalkeeper signed from Lodge Hill during the early 1910’s. Was highly regarded and moved onto Weymouth during the summer of 1913.
Allen
Bowhay
3
0
Allen played three games for City during the 1971-72 season.
????
Boxall
2
0
Played for City during the 1936-37 season.
Bob
Boyd
2
0
Bob managed City during the first season in the Alliance Premier League, although he only lasted until March. The former Minehead boss made two playing appearances during his time at Twerton Park.
Jackie
Boyd
104
42
USA-born inside-right Jackie joined City from Bristol City in the summer of 1952. After two impressive seasons at Twerton Park he moved on to Weymouth.
Martin
Boyle
129
27
On the back of a 48-goal season with then Western League side Mangotsfield United, Martin signed for City in the summer of 1991. Whilst never this prolific at the higher level the ex-Bristol Rovers trainee and Trowbridge Town forward proved himself a reliable back-up for both Paul Randall and Paul Adcock. Turned down a new contract in the summer of 1993 and headed to Cheltenham Town alongside Chris Banks for a tribunal-decided fee of £6000. Never matched Banks’ success with the Robins and went onto play for Newport County, Forest Green Rovers and Salisbury before returning to Mangotsfield in 2000. Was playing for Brislington during the 2003-04 season.
Lew
Bradford
129
2
Lew was one of a number of signings made by new manager Eddie Hapgood before the 1950-51 season. The full-back from Trowbridge had made nearly 100 league outings for Newport County and Bradford Town. Left the club in 1953 when he returned to the Preston area.
????
Brain
1
0
Played for City during the 1921-22 season.
????
Brain
1
0
Played for City during the 1960-61 season.
Phil
Brake
37
7
Winger Phil joined City from Clevedon toward the end of the 1980-81 season. He was transfer-listed during the early stages of the 1982-83 season.
Mark
Branton
3
0
Youth team defender Mark made three first team appearances, two from the bench, including the 5-1 Southern League defeat at Histon in October 2004. Joined Melksham Town in June 2006.
George
Bratley
46
0
Centre-half George made over 100 league appearances with Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday before joining City in June 1935 from Gainsborough Trinity. He spent one season at Twerton Park before returning to the North and League football with Barrow, when he played another 80 or so games. Also played for Swindon Town and Tunbridge Wells Rangers, where he finished his career.
Len
Braund
n/a
3
A former Somerset and England cricketer, Len played for City during the 1902-03 season. An all-rounder he played 23 times for England and was one of the Wisden Cricketers of the year in 1902. He died in December 1955.
????
Bray
10
3
Scored three times in nine appearances for City during the 1923-24 season. Returned to the the club three years later to play one more match.
Ron
Bray
6
2
Ron played for City for a couple of seasons between 1947 and 1949.
Wayne
Bray
3
0
Bristol born midfielder Wayne spent a short spell with City during the 1984-85 season having been released by Bristol City. He had spent several seasons at Ashton Gate without even becoming a first-team regular and went on to play for Weston Super Mare and Weymouth.
Frank
Bricker
21
3
Frank was a Bradford-on-Avon born centre-forward who joined City in July 1924, having played for Crewe Alexandra and Macclesfield Town the previous season. He hurt himself on his debut and struggled with injuries for the rest of the season.
Steve
Bridges
12
0
Another product of City’s excellent youth set-up local born teenager Steve was one of five reserve players offered a full contract at the start of the 2003-4 season. Made his debut as a substitute against Dorchester Town in August and went on to make 12 appearances. The strong left-sided midfielder joined Frome Town in December 2003 on loan before moving onto Paulton Rovers in March.
Laurie
Briggs
1
0
Blink and you’d have missed former Tranmere Rovers and Scarborough full-back Lawrie’s (possibly spelt Laurie) City career. He played the last 29 minutes of the Dr Martens Cup defeat at Weymouth in January 2004 and that was that. Reported to have signed for Forest Green Rovers on non-contract terms in February 2004 before moving onto Clevedon Town.
Josh
Brigham
3
0
Teenage full-back Josh was a member of City’s very successful youth team and made three first team appearances during his time at Twerton Park, including his debut in the Somerset Premier Cup defeat at Brislington. Was offered a chance to remain with City but after a brief spell pre-season at Chippenham Town joined Western League Melksham Town.
????
Bright
1
0
Played for City in the final season before World War II.
Jas
Bright
3
0
Regular reserve team midfielder Jas (or possibly Jaz) made three first team appearances during the 2000-01 season, two in the Dr Martens Cup against Witney Town and Newport County and one in the Somerset Premier Cup versus Clevedon Town, in line with manager Paul Bodin’s policy of playing weakened side’s in these competitions. Joined Welton Rovers in August 2005.
Jack
Britnell
43
0
Full-back Jack joined City during the 1948-49 season from West Bromwich Albion.
Harry
Brittain
133
30
Forward Harry spent four seasons with City before joining Hanham Athletic in 1928.
Charlie
Brittan
118
77
Forward Charlie was signed from Newport County, where he had been a prolific scorer, during the 1928 close season and would net an incredible 46 goals from 45 games the following season. After three seasons at Twerton Park he returned to Newport.
Martyn
Britten
2
0
Winger Martyn joined City on loan from Reading during the 1978-79 season. Bristol-born he had begun his career with Rovers before joining the Royals in August 1977. Was never a first choice for either side and only made a couple of appearances during his time at Twerton Park. Played for Taunton Town after leaving Reading.
????
Britton
8
0
Played for City during the 1937-38 season.
Martin
Broad
3
0
Martin made three appearances for City during the 1971-72 season.
Brian
Bronson
1
0
Brian played a single game for City during the 1968-69 season.
????
Brooks
2
0
Played for City during the 1925-26 season.
????
Brooks
1
0
Played for City during the 1912-13 season.
I
Brooks
1
0
Played for City during the 1949-50 season.
Mike
Brooks
19
0
Midfielder Mike joined City during the early stages of the 1996-97 season from Western League Larkhall Athletic in an exchange deal with Jay Cleverley heading the other way. The former University international player, who also played for Worthing and Littlehampton, was never a regular in City’s relegation destined side and was released at the end of the season.
Nicky
Brooks
140
17
Tough-tackling midfielder Nicky won Western League championship medals with both Mangotsfield United and Clevedon Town before joining City early in the 1993-94 season. Went on to become one of the most popular players and captains at Twerton Park in the nineties with his 100% approach. Unfortunately it was this total commitment that lead to a number of serious injuries that eventually ended his City career. Made his final appearance at Cambridge City in April 1998 before a knee injury sidelined him for 18 months. Was given the chance to prove his fitness during the 1999 pre-season campaign but in the end joined Newport County after a loan spell with Brislington. Was deservedly awarded a benefit match in August 2000 against Southampton.
Les
Broom
3
0
Les made three appearances for City over two seasons between 1949 and 1951. His son Glyn also played for City.
Glyn
Broom
109
5
Twerton boy Glyn began his career with Swindon Town, but after failing to break into their first team he joined his home town club in 1975. He played for City for six seasons but two cartilage operations limited his appearances. He moved onto Yeovil Town in 1979 for £2000, before retiring at the age of 28.
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Brown
1
0
Played for City during the 1925-26 season.
A
Brown
n/a
0
Played for City during the 1907-08 season.
Bert
Brown
34
2
Former Crystal Palace wing-half Bert joined City in the 1960 close season.
Bill
Brown
35
13
Bill played 35 times, netting 13 goals, during the 1937-38 season.
Bobby
Brown
112
4
Bobby was a midfielder who started his career with Bristol Rovers, where he spent four seasons between 1968 and 1971, punctuated by a loan spell at Newport County in March 1970. Eventually dropped into non-league football, initially with Weymouth then Yeovil Town. Briefly returned to league football with Hereford United in 1974, with adding to his appearance total, before returning to Weymouth. Moved on to Minehead from where he joined City in December 1978. He spent three seasons at Twerton Park, captaining the side and playing over 100 times, then went on to play for Gloucester City, Forest Green Rovers and Yate Town.
Fred
Brown
1
0
Fred was signed from Torquay United during the 1947-48 season but only made a single appearance.
H
Brown
n/a
0
Played for City during the 1903-04 season.
Keith
Brown
394
44
In two spells, broken by two years at Cheltenham, Keith made nearly 400 appearances and scored 44 goals. He arrived at Twerton Park in January 1981 as a striker but was soon converted into a hard-working midfielder by manager Stuart Taylor. This move worked perfectly and the former Bristol Rovers player was soon a regular at the heart of City’s team. Citing a lack of ambition within the club he joined Cheltenham Town for £5000 in the 1986 close season but after making 99 appearances for the Robins he was back at City in an exchange deal with Mickey Tanner. Four more successful seasons followed before a knee injury forced him into retirement in May 1993. He was deservedly awarded a testimonial game against Crystal Palace in July 1993. Moved into management with Western League side Bitton but was sacked in September 2004.
Ken
Brown
24
9
Ken was a striker who scored 75 goals in 178 games for Yeovil Town before joining City for £1500 in February 1977. He netted nine times in his first season at Twerton Park. An injury suffered early the following season sidelined him for a couple of months and he only made a hadful further appearances.
Richard
Brown
4
0
Young attacking wide player Richard joined City during the summer of 1986 and scored on his debut for the reserves. Was a regular for the second XI but other than a handful of substitute appearances, all during his first season at the club, failed to make the step up to the first team. Eventually joined up with former reserve team boss Martin Wheeler at Mangotsfield United.
John
Browne
119
31
Former Aston Villa player John initially turned out for City as a guest player at the end of World War II before signing permanently in 1945. He returned to Villa before the end of that season after being demobbed but returned to Twerton Park in early in 1947. Left permanently to take up a player-coaching role with Ramsgate in late 1948.
George
Bruzas
36
1
A winger who had two spells with City, playing for Yeovil in-between.
Owen
Bryan
2
1
Reserve team striker Owen made two substitute appearances for the first team against Witney Town in the Dr Martens Cup, where he scored City’s third goal, and Clevedon Town in the Somerset Cup the following season. Went on to play for Chippenham Town and now with Melksham Town.
????
Bryant
1
0
Played for City during the 1913-14 season.
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Bryant
1
0
Played for City during the 1925-26 season.
????
Bryant
1
0
Played for City during the 1946-47 season.
????
Bryant
n/a
1
Played for City for a couple of season in the early years of the 20th century.
Chris
Bryant
4
0
Chris made a handful of appearances for City after joining from Welton Rovers in July 1972.
Derek
Bryant
44
10
Derek was a striker signed from Cheltenham Town in the early stages of the 1978-79 season.
Mark
Bryant
80
0
Mark was first on City’s books as a 16-year old where he made a handful of reserve appearances. Following this he played for Brislington and Chippenham Town before a scholarship saw him head to the United States where he spent the next four and half years. On his return to England the 26-year old had a trial with QPR but ended up with League of Wales side Aberystwyth. Followed manager Frank Gregan to Weston SM in December 2001 and was set to return to America the following July before City signed him as cover for Mark Hervin. Took advantage of a injury to Hervin to claim the No.1 jersey for the next season and a half. The arrival of new manager Gary Owers saw him surplus to requirements and he was handed a free transfer. Briefly returned to City during the early part of the 205-06 season.
Trevor
Bryson
4
0
Young striker Trevor joined City from Brighton & Hove Albion during the latter stages of the 1972-73 season but only made four appearances without scoring.
????
Buck
8
0
Played for City during the 1911-12 season.
Ted
Buckley
35
28
A centre-forward previously with Bristol Rovers – he also had spells with Sunderland and Wolverhampton Wanderers prior to this – Ted signed for City during the opening months of the 1936-37 season. He was the top scorer for the club that season but moved onto Tranmere Rovers at its completion, after a trial with Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic.
W
Buckley
9
3
Played for City during the 1913-14 season.
Herbert
Budd
12
8
Herbert had previously played for Torquay United, Exeter City and Kettering Town, after beginning his career with Hanham Athletic, before signing for City during the summer of 1930. A centre-forward he had scored 46 goals for Kettering the previous season. Mainly played for the reserves were he netted an astonishing 63 goals, adding another eight from just 12 games when required by the first team. He left at the end of the 1930-31 season, after failing to get a regular first team spot.
????
Bull
n/a
1
Played for City during the 1909-10 season.
Liam
Bull
6
0
A product of City’s youth set-up promising young goalkeeper Liam made half a dozen first team appearances before a falling out with manager Alan Pridham saw him join Swindon Supermarine at the end of 2001. Represented England schoolboys and Under 19’s and had a trial with Premiership side Bolton Wanderers whilst at City. Also played for Chippenham Town and Team Bath after leaving City before playing for Lynn University Fighting Knights team in the USA. Was playing for Taunton Town more recently.
????
Bullock
n/a
0
Played for City during the 1903-04 season.
Nick
Bunyard
2
0
Centre-back Nick was another product of City’s youth team and made two substitute appearances for the first team during the 2000-01 season. On leaving Twerton Park went on to play for Lymington & New Milton, Tiverton Town and Frome Town. Joined Conference side Forest Green Rovers in November 2003 but was soon on the move again to Paulton Rovers. Joined Chippenham late in the 2004-05 season.
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Burchell
1
0
Played for City during the 1925-26 season.
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Burcher
28
0
A former Bristol City reserves defender that played for City during the 1912-13 season. A leg injury sustained during the First World War ended his football career.
Len
Burke
2
0
Played for City in the first season following World War II.
Jock
Burns
37
2
Jock spent five seasons with City between the wars, although he only made 37 first team appearances.
Lee
Burns
1
0
Former reserve team coach and manager Lee joined City in July 2001 from Chippenham Town where he captained the Wiltshire side to their FA Vase defeat in 2000. He played regularly for the second string team and made a single first team appearance against Mangotsfield United in the Somerset Premier Cup. He also spent a short spell with City as a 15 year old in 1982. Was recently appointed manager with Odd Down.
Mike
Burns
95
5
Midfielder Mike spent seven seasons with Minehead before joining City in July 1977. He was part of City Southern League Championship winning side in his first season with the club, and took over as caretaker manager the next season. Moved onto Melksham Town in May 1979, before joining Forest Green Rovers where he played in the 1982 FA Vase Final at Wembley Stadium.
Dave
Burnside
37
0
32-year old Dave was appointed City’s player-manager in May 1972 – the club’s fourth manager in just nine months – after a long and successful league career. The Bristol born midfielder started with the red half of his home city before joining West Bromwich Albion in February 1957. He spent six seasons at the Hawthorns – where he became famous for his ball juggling skills during half-time intervals – then moved to Southampton. Spells with Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Plymouth Argyle followed before a brief return to Ashton Gate then Colchester United during the 1971-72 season. His main achievement at City was changing their shirts to blue and white stripes (coincidentally the colours of West Brom) as he was sacked in January 1973. There followed spells at various clubs including coaching at Walsall and playing/coaching with Minehead, Bridgwater Town and Taunton Town. He began working for the FA in 1979 and four years later became England Youth coach, a position he held until 1997. He then returned to where he began at Ashton Gate his career as Director of Youth Football. He was also caretaker manager during the second half of the 1999-2000 season and more recently with Cheltenham Town as football co-ordinator.
Terry
Burt
258
7
Full-back Terry was one of ten former Welton Rovers players signed by the West Clewes ex-manager Arnold Rogers during the 1967 close season. Was one of the most successful, going on to play over 250 times for the club before being released at the end of the 1971-72 season.
Brian
Burton
31
4
Winger Brian had spent three years with Nottingham Forest between 1951 and 1954, although he only made a single first team appearance.He joined City for the 1955-56 season before going on to play for Grantham.
James
Burton
1
0
Played for City during the 1923-24 season.
Brian
Bush
4
0
Brian was a former Bristol Rovers winger who made a handful of appearances for City during the 1956-57 season. He had begun his career immediately after the Second World War with the red half of Bristol but failed to make a first team appearance for the Robins. After a brief spell with Soundwell he joined Rovers in October 1947 and spent eight years at Eastville, playing over 100 games. Joined Trowbridge Town after his short stint with City.
Carl
Bush
1
0
Another reserve team player who was given a brief taste of first team football under Paul Bodin during the 2000-01 season. This time it was at Newport County in the Dr Martens Cup. Carl went on to play for Corsham Town.
J
Bush
n/a
0
Joined City at the start of their second ever season in 1901 from Bristol Beaufort FC.
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Butler
1
0
Played for City during the 1938-39 season.
Charlie
Butler
1
0
Played for City during the 1923-24 season.
Chas
Butler
13
0
22-year old Charlie was an inside-right who previously played for Thames and Charlton Athletic before joining City during the 1931-32 close season. Made just 13 appearances before he headed off to Blackburn Rovers. Later in his career he played for New Brighton, Oldham Athletic, Tranmere Rovers, Tunbridge Wells Rangers, Cork City and South Liverpool.
Ernie
Butler
28
0
Ernie was a Box-born goalkeeper who was given a trial during the opening months of the 1937-38 season. He so impressed the watching committee that he was almost immediately given the no.1 jersey. Like Frank Boulton before him, he was soon attracting the attention of league sides, including Arsenal and Manchester United. He was eventually snapped up by Portsmouth for who he would go onto make over 200 appearances, winning two League Championships titles. Retired in 1956 after breaking a hand in a reserve team match.
Les
Butler
37
0
Former Gloucestershire sprint champion, Les joined City from Bristol Rovers in 1923.
Harold
Butt
88
21
Harold spent four seasons with City, where he was a regular goalscorer in the reserves, before joining Charlton Athletic in December 1933. He spent a couple of season at the Valley then moved on to Aldershot, Cheltenham Town and Bristol Rovers.
W
Butt
n/a
0
Spent two seasons with City between 1905 and 1907.
Terry
Buxton
1
0
As a youth team player Terry made a single first team appearance, before even playing for the reserves, toward the end of the 1972-73 season.
Gerry
Byrne
40
0
Glasgow born midfielder Gerry spent a season with City in 1982-83 having been with Cardiff City in the late 1970’s and Weymouth.