William Kenneth 'Ken' Hodgkisson

We are saddened to learn that former West Bromwich Albion, Walsall, Worcester City and Dudley Town inside forward Ken Hodgkisson has passed away, at the age of 85.

William Kenneth Hodgkisson was born in West Bromwich on Tuesday, 12th March 1933. He began his career at his hometown club, where he would rise through the ranks to turn professional in 1950. Ken struggled to secure regular first-team football with the Baggies and would leave to join Walsall in December 1955.

Ken's time with the Saddlers was far more productive and he would quickly formed a forward partnership with Tony Richards and the pair were instrumental in helping the Saddlers win the Fourth Division title during the 1959/60 season and achieve a second promotion to the Second Division the following year.

Following eleven years and over 350 appearances Ken left Fellows Park and joined Worcester City. His time with the Blues was brief as he soon left the club to join Dudley Town the following year. He would eventually be named manager of Dudley before ultimately departing in 1971.

In 1975, Hodgkisson returned to West Bromwich Albion as a coach. He would go on to be appointed youth team manager in 1981, a role which he remained in until 1985.

We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Ken's family, including his wife and daughters Debbie, Melanie, Allison, his long list of friends and fans during this sad time.

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By Bescot Banter at 5:21 pm on Thursday, 10 May 2018