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Dennis Grainger joined Leeds just after World War 2, and was a
regular in the side that had such a traumatic time heading for
relegation in the 1946-47 season. He moved on halfway through the
following season to Wrexham, then Oldham before dropping down to
non-league football with Bangor in 1952.
His cousin Colin also played for Leeds in the early 1960s, his
brother Jack appeared for Barnsley and Southport and another cousin
- Eddie Holliday - was an England international.
Robin Grainger says: Dennis was my dad - died 1986.
He was a wonderful man who was an inspiration to me both as a Father
and a sport.
He left football and started at the bottom rung of the ladder in the
drilling industry and ended up running his own company before
emplyment at Cementation.
He took a Public House in 1970 at Inkersall, Staveley, Chesterfield in
1970 (the Double Top Inn) when I was 10 and left in 1982 after a
couple of bad strokes.
His anecdotes of the game were varied and remarkable (some are not for
publication!)but never boastful.
He guested for numerous teams during the war and Millwall was a side
he played for most in League South (he also guested for Sheffield
United, Doncaster Rovers, Rotherham United, Lincoln City, Walsall and
the odd game for Southport).
Jack - his brother - took him to Southport at 15 and he made his debut
in 39/40 just before the outbreak of war (which was expunged
unfortunately). He represented the RAF and the FA and included
amondst his assosiates the likes of Raich Carter, Bill Shankley and
Stanley Mathews - his major friend being George Hardwick whom he later
played for at Oldham Athletic.
It's lovely to see his name here and I hope it assists your
page.
He took his cousin Colin to Wrexham as a lad (he boarded with Dennis
and his first wife) and Colin went on to earn 7 England caps which
included a 2 goal debut for England against Brazil at Wembley in
1956. Jack - dads brother - played all his career at Southport even
though he was offered the opportunity to sign for Preston and Arsenal
amongst others (apparently my Grandad told him 'you've made your bed
so you must lie in it ' when his first wife refused to move from
Southport and so he left the marital home!). Colins brother, Jack
(Johnny), also played football (Rotherham his major club and Lincoln
for 1 season) and gained an England 'B' cap against Scotland (I think
1954).
Edwin Holliday (another first cousin) also played - for Middlesborough
and Sheffield Wednesday) and won 3 England caps.
Colin and Jack's brother - Horace - was on the books of Burnley and
Chesterfield in the 50's but never made a first team appearance and
ended up turning his attention to Rugby League with one of the Hull
teams I believe.
I hope this has helped fill in the life of one of Leeds United's
players - all of whom deserve a place in the clubs history.
luke grainger says: dennis was my idol as well as my great uncle he
played football like thierry henry back in is days
Jean Kitchin says: Dennis Grainger was my uncle. His brother, Jack,
who Robin (my cousin who I have not seen for many years)mentions above
was my Dad who sadly died in 1976. Have to say that some of the
comments on the site re. my Dad are a bit confused but as this is
Leeds site basically it does not matter. I was not fortunate enough to
see either Dennis or my Dad play. I do remember Dad's cousin Colin
(again mentioned by Robin) play and also remember him performing at
the Liverpool Empire when he decided to give up football for a singing
career.
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