Background
Hodgkinson was born in Tunstall, Staffordshire and was playing for his local side when he was spotted by a scout from Southern League Southampton.
Hodgkinson was born in Tunstall, Staffordshire and was playing for his local side when he was spotted by a scout from Southern League Southampton.
After a successful trial, he moved to the south coast in December 1895 making his debut for the "Saints" when he took over from George Marshall against Chatham at the Antelope Ground on 18 January 1896. Hodgkinson retained his place for the rest of the season, making seven appearances, scoring twice (both in a 5–0 defeat of New Brompton on 28 March) with finishing in third place. Saints" trainer, Bill Dawson, nicknamed him "Ironside", as his short cropped hair and rolled-up sleeves gave him a tough image, which he maintained throughout his time with the Saints.
Hodgkinson retained his place for the start of the next season, as Saints went through the season undefeated.
Hodgkinson and his fellow defenders only conceded 18 goals in 20 matches, as claimed the Southern League title for the first of six times over the next eight seasons. Hodgkinson missed the final five matches of the League season through injury, with local schoolmaster William Ponting replacing him.
In the close-season, recruited the experienced Bob Petrie and Hodgkinson was released, joining fellow Southern League team, New Brompton.