Ronnie Dunn

Born in Southall, London, Dunn served in the British Army in the Dorset Regiment, who he represented at football as an 18-year-old, joining Wealdstone in 1929. After featuring in a British Armed Forces game at Selhurst Park, Dunn was signed by Crystal Palace in 1931 to act as understudy to Billy Callender. Following Callender's suicide in 1932, Dunn took up the role of first-team goalkeeper at Palace, where he went on to make 175 appearances in all competitions between 1931 and 1937. Dunn joined newly formed Southern League side Colchester United in 1937. He played in Colchester's first ever competitive league game on 28 August 1937, making numerous saves despite being defeated 3–0 by Yeovil & Petters United at The Huish. In his first appearance at Colchester's home ground of Layer Road, prominent bugle and cornet player Dunn welcomed the players of both Colchester United and Bath City onto the pitch with a rendition of the post horn galop on 2 September 1937 for Colchester's first professional game at Layer Road. Dunn's introduction using the Post Horn Galop continued throughout the club's time at Layer Road, until 2008. His musical background also saw him as a member of the Crystal Palace Prize Band, in which he played the cornet. Later in the season, Crystal Palace manager Tom Bromilow brought his side to Layer Road for a friendly match in recognition of Dunn's services to the club. Colchester won the game 2–1, just two days after Dunn's father had died. Dunn helped…

Colchester United 1938 Southern League Cup winner All honours referenced by: