Background
Deakin was born in Altofts, Yorkshire.
Deakin was born in Altofts, Yorkshire.
He joined Bradford City from Altofts WRC in October 1936, scoring on his debut in a 2–2 draw with Aston Villa. He played in just three more league games that season, scoring one more goal, as the club was relegated from the Second Division. But for each of the following two seasons he was the club"s top goal-scorer.
In 1937-1938 he scored 20 goals from 30 league games and six goals in as many games, which included four in the club"s record cup victory, 11–3 over Walker Celtic.
The following season his 23 goals came from 28 games. He retired during the Second World War with an impressive record of 51 goals from 68 league and cup games.