Alan Dodd

Dodd was born in Stoke-on-Trent and grew up 'addicted' to football, taking a ball wherever he went. He progressed through the Stoke-on-Trent Schools team and joined the club he grew up supporting – Stoke City – ahead of several interested clubs; he signed as an apprentice in April 1968, and turned professional in October 1969. He was signed by chief scout Cliff Birks and played for the reserves at centre-half but made his first-team debut in midfield due to a large number of injuries to first-team players. Early in 1973–74, Alan Bloor's injury handed Dodd an extended run in the side. He took his chance with ease, putting in some impressive performances, and on Bloor's return manager Tony Waddington was unable to drop Dodd so moved him to right-back. He was a very versatile player and occupied all outfield positions bar centre-forward during his time at Stoke. His performances for Stoke alongside Denis Smith in 1974–75 propelled Dodd into the international scene. He made six appearances for the England under-23 team. Stoke missed out on the title and after major damage to the Victoria Ground after a severe storm, Stoke were relegated to the Second Division in 1976–77. From 10 January 1976 to April 1978, Dodd made 102 consecutive appearances, which was ended when new manager Alan Durban brought in Manchester City's Mike Doyle. Durban reasoned that Second Division football required a more physical approach. Durban's decision irked Dodd, who said: "It took the fun out of the…

These statistics are incomplete. Source:

Individual

Stoke City F.C. Player of the Year: 1979–80 Wolverhampton Wanderers Player of the Year: 1983–84 Stoke City

Football League Second Division third-place promotion: 1978–79 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Football League Second Division second-place promotion: 1982–83 IF Elfsborg

Swedish football Division 2 Södra: 1985 GAIS

Swedish football Division 1 Södra: 1987