Background
Badger was born and brought up in the Tinsley Park area of Sheffield.
Badger was born and brought up in the Tinsley Park area of Sheffield.
Born in Tinsley Park, Sheffield he spent the majority of his career at Sheffield United before moving on to a shorter spell at Chesterfield where he finished his career.
Sheffield United
He was an England schoolboy international who served his apprenticeship at Bramall Lane, and progressed through the junior ranks at Sheffield United and Sheffield Boys, before making his league debut for the Blades against Leyton Orient at Bramall Lane on 26 April 1963. By the end of the 1963-1964 season he established himself as first choice at right back, replacing club stalwart Cec Coldwell and remained a regular there until 1975. His stylish full-back displays, meant it was not long before he took over as captain and, at the time, he was one of the youngest skippers in the league.
Badger was an ever present in the Division Two promotion winning side of season 1970-1971, and although he failed to find the Netto in that particular season, he will be best remembered for buccaneering runs and crosses from the right-wing and for his occasional thunderous shot from 25 yards or more.
In his time with United he made 457 league appearances with seven goals. Chesterfield
Badger left Bramall Lane soon after the arrival of new Blades manager Jimmy Sirrel being sold to Chesterfield on 1 January 1976.
He played for a further two seasons for the Spireites making 46 appearances before a series of knee injuries ended his career. Badger played seven times for England Youths, thirteen times for England U23s and for the Football League side.
Following his retirement Badger became a publican in the Chesterfield area.