Background
Dawson was born in Cliviger, Burnley, Lancashire and signed his first professional contract with Burnley in February 1907 after coming to their attention playing for Portsmouth Rovers.
Dawson was born in Cliviger, Burnley, Lancashire and signed his first professional contract with Burnley in February 1907 after coming to their attention playing for Portsmouth Rovers.
Dawson is most notable for holding the record of having played the most ever league games for Burnley. The day before the game, he told manager John Haworth that he didn"t think he would make it to the end of the game. As there were no substitutes in those days, that would have left Burnley without a goalkeeper.
In his time at Burnley, Dawson played well over 700 first team games.
Dawson also played twice for the England national football team, making his debut on 22 October 1921 in the 1–1 draw with Ireland. After retiring from professional football he joined the coaching staff at Turf Moor, and played as a batsman in the Lancashire League for Burnley Cricket Club.