George Bradley (1938/39 to 1946/47)

Left-half-back George Bradley was signed to strengthen the Central League team. United had been scouting him for a while after seeing him play in a representative match and he was thought by some to be the Northern Section’s best half-back prospect for some time.

George had been playing for Maltby Hall Old Boys up until just over a year ago and had made 15 appearances last season for Rotherham. During 1938/39 he had played in every game, maintaining a consistently good performance.

Bradley possessed a sound knowledge of tactics, was strong and noted for persistently clever tackling.

With both Jimmy Gordon and Jimmy Woodburn injured he was given his debut at Blackburn a couple of weeks after signing, having played only two central league games.

He was asked to play on the right, but during the game he got back into his own position at left-half when he swapped positions with Duggie Wright. Although George did not look ready for the first-team, he was let down by a lack of cover and played a bold game when was moved over.

The War intervened and he joined the RAF whilst guesting for a number of clubs and making 20 appearances for the Magpies.

Once the League recommenced in 1946/47 he had Duggie Wright and Jimmy Woodburn ahead of him he was allowed to leave. A number of clubs were interested and at one time it was thought he would join Arsenal, before eventually moving to East London.

George was the nephew of former Stoke, Liverpool and Reading player Jimmy Bradley.