Stanley Dimbleby (27 November 1916 – 17 October 1992) was an English footballer who played at left-half for Hull City and Port Vale.
Career Hull City Dimbleby attracted the attention of Hull City while playing local football for his village team, South Killingholme, at the age of 18. He joined Hull City in August 1935 and spent much of the 1935–36 season with the reserves. He made his first-team debut at left half late in the campaign under newly reappointed manager David Menzies, with the club struggling near the bottom of the Second Division and facing relegation. Retained for the 1936–37 season, Dimbleby became a useful deputy across the half-back line. He made four starts at left half early in the season before moving to centre half for three matches in October 1936 in place of injured club captain and first-choice centre half Billy Tabram. Following Menzies' death in office in October 1936, the directors assumed responsibility for team selection, and Dimbleby started six matches over the Christmas and New Year period. However, after Ernest Blackburn was appointed manager in January 1937, Dimbleby soon returned to the reserves. He was given a free transfer at the end of the season.
Port Vale In June 1937, Dimbleby joined Third Division North club Port Vale in June 1937. He made his debut in a 2–1 win at near-rivals Crewe Alexandra on 18 September 1937, but suffered a knee injury in a reserve-team match in November. His attempted return on New Year's Day 1938 lasted only ten minutes before he was forced to withdraw, and a cartilage operation was recommended. He required a second operation in April, but was released by Port Vale the following month, bringing his playing career to a close with the finish of the 1937–38 season.
Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsHull City1935–36Second Division7000—701936–37Third Division North1300000130Total2000000200Port Vale1937–38Third Division North10001020Career total2100010220
References