Career
Ralph Burkinshaw had guested for a number of South Yorkshire clubs during First World War football, before starting his full career at South Shields in 1919. He played just two games at South Shields during the club"s first season in Division Two before having brief spells at Northampton Town and Gainsborough Trinity. In November 1920 he signed for Bury where he spent nearly five years, including 13 games in Division One during his 1924-1925 benefit season.
In July 1925 he signed for as an inside forward although he spent much of his Bradford career as a right half.
He signed for in July 1930, winning a Welsh Cup in his first season and later served as assistant manager. He left to finish his career in non-league, with first Scarborough, then Mexborough Athletic and finally Denaby United.
He was also a useful batsman in Yorkshire league cricket. Burkinshaw died in June 1951.