Donald Duckett

DuckettpostcardBorn Thornton in 1894, Donald spent ten happy years at his hometown club, after joining City from local football in April 1914.

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Donald in action against Chelsea

He made 165 appearances for the Paraders and captained the team throughout the ups and downs of the 1920s.

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An extract from Donald's last contract with City - it reads:

13. In the event of the said player being prevented from playing football on account of any accident whilst riding a motor vehicle for pleasure, the club shall withhold payment of wages during the period of icapacity -

...a clause which is probably not included in those of today's players!

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Donald's playing cards

A pack was presumably given to each player by the club. Well, what else does a player do on those long coach journeys?

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A later newspaper cutting illustrates just how highly Donald was appreciated. It reads:

This old servant of the Bradford City Club, who hails from the hill top of Mountain, is playing as well and enthusiastically as ever at half back.

Donald’s long association with the club ended in December 1924 when he made the short journey to Halifax Town. After regaining the form that had made him a popular figure at Valley Parade, Donald returned to Bradford when he signed for Park Avenue in November 1927.

He retired in March 1929 and became a successful businessman. His family remain in Bradford to this day and are keen City fans.

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