Cecil Blakemore


Cecil Blakemore sometimes known as Cyril Blakemore, was an English professional football inside forward who played in the Football League, most notably for Crystal Palace, Brentford and Norwich City. He also played for Bristol City and Swindon Town.

Career

Early years

An inside forward, Blakemore began his career as an amateur in non-league football in his native West Midlands, playing for Heath Villa, Redditch, Stourbridge and Fairfield Villa. He had a spell with First Division club Aston Villa during the 1921–22 season, but did not make a first team appearance.

Crystal Palace

Blakemore got his second chance at league football when he signed for Second Division club Crystal Palace in December 1922. He had a slow start to life at Selhurst Park, making just 24 appearances during the 1922–23 and 1923–24 seasons, though he managed five goals in his 12 appearances during 1923–24. Blakemore broke into the team during the 1924–25 season, making 24 appearances and scoring 12 goals in a disastrous season which saw the Eagles relegated to the Third Division South. He was a near ever-present for two seasons in the Third Division South, scoring 36 goals as Palace pushed for promotion back to the Second Division. Blakemore departed Palace in May 1927, having made 141 appearances and scored 56 goals during five years with the club.

Bristol City

Blakemore moved back up to the Second Division to sign for Bristol City in May 1927. He failed to hold down a regular place in the team, but still managed 20 goals in 42 appearances before departing Ashton Gate in May 1929.

Brentford

Blakemore and Bristol City teammate Jackie Foster signed for Third Division South club Brentford on 2 May 1929. He quickly established himself in the team, scoring 15 goals in 43 appearances during the 1929–30 season, a campaign in which the Bees set a record of 21 home wins. Blakemore made another 40 appearances the following year, scoring 13 goals, before leaving Brentford in May 1931. Blakemore scored 28 goals in 83 games during two seasons at Griffin Park.

Norwich City

Blakemore moved to Third Division South club Norwich City in May 1931. He made 70 appearances over the course of two seasons, as the Canaries pushed for promotion to the Second Division.

Swindon Town

At age 35, Blakemore was brought in by manager Ted Vizard to replace Third Division South club Swindon Town's record goalscorer Harry Morris in 1933. He scored eight goals in 27 appearances before being released at the end of the 1933–34 season.

Brierley Hill Alliance

Blakemore saw out his career with a spell at Birmingham & District League club Brierley Hill Alliance.

Career statistics