Walter Bettridge (26 October 1886 – 23 December 1931) was an English professional footballer who made over 220 appearances for Chelsea in the Football League. He was a "lightweight" right back who was "fearless in stopping forwards".
Club career A right back, Bettridge began his career with local non-League clubs Oakthorpe Albion, Measham United, Worksop Town and Burton United. He transferred to First Division club Chelsea in 1909 and was a part of the club's 1911–12 Second Division promotion-winning and 1915 FA Cup final-losing squads. Either side of the First World War, Bettridge made 255 appearances for the club. In June 1922, aged 36, he joined Gillingham of the Third Division South, where he spent one season, before finishing his career with Peterborough & Fletton United.
Personal life In January 1916, during the First World War, Bettridge enlisted in as an air mechanic in the Royal Flying Corps. He trained as a fitter and attained the rank of air mechanic 1st class. After serving in both the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force at the Royal Aircraft Factory, Bettridge was demobilized in 1919. He died in December 1931, aged 45.
Career statistics +Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsChelsea1909–10First Division180202001910–11Second Division370604301911–12Second Division260202801912–13First Division330103401913–14First Division160101701914–15First Division250803301919–20First Division410504601920–21First Division28060340Total22403102550Gillingham1922–23Third Division South19000190Career total24303102740
Honours Chelsea Football League Second Division second-place promotion: 1911–12 FA Cup runner-up: 1914–15
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