Bagley Thomas Image 2 Bury 1935

Description

Birkenhead, Cheshire born outside right Tommy Bagley began his football career with Hinderton in 1928 and played for New Ferry Bible Class in 1929 and Planters of Birkenhead in 1930 before joining West Bromwich Albion as an amateur in February 1932, staying on their books for several months without making their first eleven. He played for Bromborough Port and moved to North Wales Combination club Bangor City later in 1932, from where he was signed by Second Division Bury in February 1933, making his Football League debut at Hull City in September 1933, scoring in a 3-1 defeat.

Described as “speedy”, he retained his place until December scoring 4 goals in 17 appearances in his debut season, but his opportunities were restricted in 1934-35 because of illness. However he established a regular place in The Shakers’ line up from the start of 1935-36 but fell out of favour in January 1936, after which he made only 8 further appearances for Bury before joining Bradford City in February 1937 after 7 goals in 57 appearances, but couldn’t help save them from relegation at the end of the season.

At Valley Parade he scored 5 goals in 38 appearances before he joined Stockport County in July 1938, and in 1938-39 he had the most productive season of his career, missing only two matches and scoring 14 goals in 45 matches. However he had played only one further match at the start of the 1939-40 season before it was abandoned due to the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939, which effectively ended his career. During the Second World War he served in the Army in North Africa and Italy.