in 1932. Hodgson twice helped Lancashire to win the County Championship, in 1928 and 1930, although his football career clearly took priority, as he didn't play a single game of cricket in April or September (and only one Second XI match in August) throughout his time at Old Trafford. Football management career After the war Hodgson went into management, taking over the reins at Third Division South outfit Port Vale in October 1946. He was manager when the Valiants moved from the Old Recreation Ground to their new home of Vale Park in 1950. Unfortunately most of the money the club raised went towards the new ground, leaving Hodgson unable to spend money in the transfer market. This included the £12,000 he got for right-half Bill McGarry, and the £20,000 he got from the sale of striker Ronnie Allen. Hodgson managed Port Vale in 222 matches, winning 84, drawing 54 and losing 84. He was greatly respected both for his pre-war sporting career and also for encouraging young footballers in North Staffordshire. He had a reputation for having the ability to spot talented players and was not afraid to blood them in the league, and was also a good motivator. Following the resignation of Liverpool manager George Kay in January 1951 due to health reasons, Hodgson was among the hopefuls who were interviewed for the manager's job at Anfield. Don Welsh was eventually appointed, while Hodgson was admitted to hospital a couple of months later but his "throat complaint" was deemed inoperable. He returned to his home in Burslem after a month in hospital and a few days later, with a promising managerial career still in its infancy, he died of cancer on 14 June 1951, at the age of just 47. Port Vale legend Roy Sproson had Hodgson as his first boss: "Gordon Hodgson was a fair chap. He would give you a rollicking one minute and then it would be forgotten. Everybody liked him and his loss was so sad." His benefit match was held against Port Vale's local rivals Stoke City on 1 October 1951, Vale lost the game 2–1. £383 was raised for his dependants. Career statistics Club International Managerial See also List of English football first tier top scorers List of England international footballers born outside England List of English cricket and football players References External links Liverpool FC - Player Profile Leeds United Player