Howard Radford
William Howard Radford, known by his middle name Howard, is a former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper in The Football League for Bristol Rovers for eleven years between 1951 and 1962.
Radford, who was born in Abercynon, began his playing career in the nearby village of Penrhiwceiber. He was invited for a trial by Bristol Rovers in May 1951, and three months later he joined them on professional terms. He went on to make 244 League appearances for them before retiring from football in 1962.
Following his retirement he managed a number of public houses, firstly the Checkers in Old Market, then the Ring o' Bells in Coalpit Heath and the Bishop Lacey Inn in Chudleigh. Later on he worked as a steward in Chudleigh Conservative Club and as a security guard with British Aerospace.
