Don Dearson

Background

Dearson was born in Ynysybwl, Glamorgan.

Career

He began his football career as an inside forward with Barry and moved to First Division Birmingham in 1934. By 1936-1937 he had established himself as a first-team player. In the last full season played before the Second World War, he moved to half-back.

A qualified electrical engineer, he was in a reserved occupation during the war, and was available to represent his country in 15 wartime and victory international matches.

Chosen to play against England at Birmingham"s home ground, Street Andrew"s, in 1941, Dearson missed a penalty. Wales lost 2–1. He also made 166 appearances for Birmingham in wartime football, including helping the club to the championship of the 1945-1946 Football League South.

By the time the Football League proper resumed after the war, Dearson was past his best. He played another half-season for Birmingham as a full back before moving to Second Division Coventry City and then to Walsall of the Third Division South, before finally giving up League football at the age of 37.

He still played another couple of years of non-league football with Birmingham Combination side Nuneaton Borough and Bilston.

After retiring from the game he worked for Bachelor of Scientific Agriculture and British Leyland, and died in Sheldon, Birmingham at the age of 76. with Birmingham City.

Achievements

• With Birmingham City Football League South champions 1946.

Connections

colleague:

Wilson Jones