Ron Stephens

DOB: 5th July 1926

Position: Full-back

Season of first appearance: 1949/50

Season of last appearance: 1949/50

Full Appearances: 1

Substitute: 0

Goals: 0

Also played for:

King's Lynn, Crystal Palace (0), Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells Rangers, Whyteleafe.

Player Profile:

Athletic 5' 11" tall defender born in Croydon who started his career with King's Lynn before being signed by Crystal Palace.

Ron spent two seasons with the Eagles and then joined Tonbridge in the summer of 1948.

He was one of four Palace players to join Tonbridge at that time and became the club's regular left-back during 1948/49, scoring with a 35-yard free-kick in Tonbridge's first ever match against Tunbridge Wells.

In November 1949, Ron joined Margate on a month's trial but played just once for the first-team, turning out at right-back in a 4-3 Kent League Cup win over Royal Marines Chatham at Hartsdown Park on 3.12.49. He then played some reserve team games before moving on.

Ron soon returned to King's Lynn where he became a very popular player.

He joined Tunbridge Wells Rangers for the 1954/55 campaign but on 2.5.55 made a brief return to King's Lynn to take part in a benefit match against a Fulham X1 the club had organised for him.

Ron was still with Tunbridge Wells during the 1957/58 season and later finished his career with Whyteleafe.

He worked as an engineer for the East Surrey Water Company and after retiring from football Ron played cricket and golf to a good standard.

He was married in 1948 and had three children as well as five grandchildren. Ron died in hospital on 15.4.13 at the age of 86.