Career
Born in Stockton-on-Tees, Thwaites first appeared in Birmingham City"s first team as a 16-year-old in September 1961. He turned professional in May 1962 and played several games in the First Division at the start of the 1962-1963 season while Bertie Auld was injured. However he never became a regular first-team player, and suffered badly from nerves while playing.
His last appearance for the first team came in the 1971-1972 season, and he retired from professional football in 1972 at the relatively young age of 27.
He then worked for Rover car manufacturers in Birmingham during the 70s, later moving to Blackpool, where he subsequently became a hospital porter. A minute"s silence was held for Thwaites on 1 August 2015 before Birmingham City"s friendly game against Leicester City at Street Andrew"son