Chris Leonard facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Christopher Leonard | ||
| Date of birth | 11 July 1927 | ||
| Place of birth | Jarrow, England | ||
| Date of death | 1987 (aged 59–60) | ||
| Place of death | Wearhead, County Durham, England | ||
| Playing position | Centre half | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| – | South Shields | ||
| 1952–1954 | Darlington | 26 | (0) |
|
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Christopher Leonard was an English footballer born on July 11, 1927, in Jarrow, England. He was known for playing as a 'centre half', which is a type of defender in football. He made 26 appearances in the Football League for Darlington F.C. during the 1950s. Before that, he also played for South Shields F.C. in non-league football. Chris Leonard passed away in 1987 in Wearhead, County Durham.
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Chris Leonard's Football Journey
Christopher Leonard, often called Chris, had a football career that spanned several years in the 1950s. He played for two main clubs: South Shields and Darlington F.C. His role on the field was a defender, specifically a centre half.
Playing for South Shields
Before joining a team in the Football League, Chris Leonard played for South Shields. This club was part of what is known as 'non-league football'.
What is Non-League Football?
Non-league football refers to football clubs that play outside of the top professional leagues in a country. In England, this means teams that are not part of the Premier League or the English Football League (EFL). These leagues are still very competitive, and many talented players start their careers there before moving to bigger clubs.
Time at Darlington F.C.
Chris Leonard joined Darlington in 1952. This was a big step for him as Darlington was a team in the Football League. He played for them until 1954. During his time with Darlington, he played in 26 matches.
What is The Football League?
The Football League is a historic competition for professional football clubs in England. It was the main professional league before the Premier League was created. Playing in the Football League meant Chris was competing at a high level against other professional teams.
His Position: Centre Half
Chris Leonard played as a 'centre half'. This position is very important in football.
What Does a Centre Half Do?
A centre half is a defensive player. Their main job is to stop the opposing team from scoring goals. They usually play in the middle of the defence, helping to protect the goal. They need to be strong, good at tackling, and able to read the game well to intercept passes and clear the ball away from danger.
Later Life
After his football career, Chris Leonard lived until 1987. He passed away at the age of 59 or 60 in Wearhead, a village in County Durham, England.
