Langford Len Image 1 Manchester City 1931

Description

Alfreton, Derbyshire born goalkeeper Len Langford started his football career with junior club Attercliffe Victory in 1922 and played for Rossington Colliery in 1923, before joining First Division Nottingham Forest as understudy to Alfred Bennett and Sam Hardy. He made his Football League debut against Sheffield United in February 1925, making 2 appearances as Forest were relegated, and in the Second Division Langford made the gloves his own, missing two matches in the next two seasons, being ever present as they finished fifth in the Second Division in 1926-27. Losing his place to Arthur Dexter in October 1927, he regained it during 1928-29 but had once again lost his place by November 1929.

In the summer of 1930 he was signed by First Division Manchester City after 144 appearances for Forest, and he dominated the goalkeeping gloves for three seasons, being in goal for both the 1932 FA Cup semi final which City narrowly lost to Arsenal at Villa Park, and a year later the 1933 FA Cup Final when City lost 3-0 to Everton at Wembley. In December 1933 he lost his place to a young teenage goalkeeper named Frank Swift, and never played again for Manchester City after 125 appearances, joining Manchester United in the summer of 1934. He made 15 appearances for The Red Devils before retiring in 1936.

Langford also boxed professionally. without having an inspiring record.