David Cochrane

Signed by Leeds at the tender age of 17, Cochrane's promising career was severely curtailed by World War 2. Having made his debut for Northern Ireland at just 18 years of age, he could have hoped for a great number of appearances for his country, but ended up with just a dozen to his name. One of the few players to survive the clear-out after relegation in 1947, he continued in the side as a regular until his retirement from the game, just two matches into the 1950-51 season.

Lloyd Cochrane says: Davy was my father's cousin and lived just a few doors down from him in Alexandra Gardens in Portadown. According to my late father he was a very private and quiet man. He lived in Leeds after retiring from football and sadly died approx. 2 years ago. I never actually met him. When he was playing at Portadown he played along with my Grandfather George Cochrane (Davy's Uncle) who was an Irish Junior international.

Frank Dynes says: Dear Lloyd, We have never met but you must be Dale,s son. I lived in Alexandra gardens as did your grandfather and your great uncles (Davy actually lived in Craigavon Avenue at the end of Alexandra Gardens. As a lad I saw Davy play for Portadown and for N.Ireland and enjoyed many kickabouts with him when he was home.Not so quiet Davy was up for a joke with the best of them. The funniest one we had was just after his lastinternational match we actually got him to play for our local team Marlborough Utd (see www.Portadown Photos )under a false name in a game in Eire. When his father Johnny found out he was ready to kill the lot of us. I suggest you get either Leeds or the IFA to supply you with a photo. Idid have some snaps but cannot find them. All th best and good luck with your site.