Background
Sandford was born in Handsworth, Birmingham.
Sandford was born in Handsworth, Birmingham.
During his professional career he represented West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United. As a youth he played football for Tantany Athletic, Overend Wesley, Birmingham Carriage Works F.C. and Smethwick Highfield. Sandford turned professional in May 1930 and scored on his senior debut in November of the same year when Albion beat Preston North End 3–2 in a Division Two match.
He joined Sheffield United for £1500 in 1939, before finishing his career with Morris Commercial F.C., retiring in May 1943.
He died in Great Barr in May 1995.
During his first season, he was part of the Albion side that won promotion to the First Division and that also beat Birmingham 2–1 in the 1931 FA Cup Final. In November 1932 he won his only England cap, in a 0–0 draw with Wales at Wrexham. Sandford scored in the 1935 FA Cup Final, but West Bromwich Albion lost the match 4–2 to Sheffield Wednesday.
