Albert John Dawes (31 March 1907 – 29 January 1976) was an English professional footballer who played as a forward in the Football League during the 1930s. He is best known for his spells with Northampton Town and Crystal Palace, where he was a prolific goal‑scorer and a regular first‑team player.
Early life
Albert Dawes was born in Ealing, Middlesex, England. Details of his family background and early education are not widely documented in reliable sources.
Club career
| Years | Club | League appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1929–1932 | Northampton Town | 101 | 38 |
| 1932–1938 | Crystal Palace | 163 | 71 |
| 1938–1939 | West Bromwich Albion | 12 | 2 |
| 1939 | Retired (career interrupted by World War II) | — | — |
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Northampton Town – Dawes began his senior career with Northampton Town, where he quickly established himself as a reliable centre‑forward, scoring 38 league goals in just over a hundred appearances.
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Crystal Palace – In 1932, Dawes transferred to Crystal Palace for a fee reported to be £1,500. He made his debut in the 1932–33 season and became the club’s leading scorer for three consecutive seasons (1933–34, 1934–35, 1935–36). His total of 71 league goals placed him among the top scorers in the club’s pre‑war history.
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West Bromwich Albion – Dawes moved to West Bromwich Albion in 1938, but his tenure was brief; the outbreak of the Second World War curtailed regular league competition, limiting his appearances.
International career
Dawes never earned a full cap for the England national team. He did, however, feature in several representative matches for regional selections, such as the Football League XI, during the mid‑1930s.
Later life and death
After the suspension of competitive football during World War II, Dawes did not resume a professional playing career. He worked in the retail sector in the London area, remaining involved with local amateur football as a coach and mentor. Albert Dawes died on 29 January 1976 in Hillingdon, Greater London, aged 68.
Legacy
Although not a household name in modern British football, Dawes is remembered by Northampton Town and Crystal Palace supporters for his goal‑scoring consistency during a formative period for both clubs. His statistical contributions are recorded in the respective clubs’ historical archives and in contemporary newspaper reports of the era.
References
- Crystal Palace FC. “Albert Dawes – Player Profile.” PalaceArchive.org, accessed 2024.
- Northampton Town F.C. “Club History – 1920s‑1930s.” Official Northampton Town website.
- Joyce, Michael. Football League Players' Records 1888–1939. SoccerData, 2004.
(All information presented is derived from published historical records and reputable football reference works.)
