William George Leonard Graham
1925-2007

It is with great sadness that Doncaster Rovers Football Club learned of the passing of former player William George Leonard 'Len' Graham, who died on Sunday 30th September, aged 82.

Len is remembered as one of the greats at Doncaster Rovers - remaining the Club's most capped player at international level. Len was capped 14 times by Northern Ireland during his career.

Born in Belfast, Len started his career with Northern Irish side Brantwood FC. Rovers manager Peter Doherty then brought the defender to Belle Vue in September 1949. The press at the time were hopeful of the qualities that Graham would bring to the Rovers side, with the Yorkshire Post stating that 'the coming of Leonard Graham will help strengthen the defence. Leonard Graham has the ideal build for the job'.

Len Graham's first game for the Club was in the 3rd Division (North) at Belle Vue against Wrexham on 18th March 1950. Rovers won the game 2-0 in front of a 15,000 plus crowd.

Len Graham was a gifted player. During his time at Doncaster Rovers, he made a total of 332 appearances - scoring 3 goals. In November 1958, Graham transferred to Torquay United, where he made 20 appearances.

Len later retired from professional football, taking up a coaching role at Stoke City alongside manager Tony Waddington. Together, they played a part in the famous 'Matthews Revival' side of the early 1960s. After Stoke, Len joined Blackpool as first-team coach in 1967 before retiring from football completely in 1975.

Despite his career ending with the Rovers in 1958, Doncaster Rovers' results were always the first that Len Graham would look for every Saturday.

The thoughts of everyone associated with Doncaster Rovers Football Club are with Len's friends and family at this sad time.