Les Bywater

Les Bywater

Lichfield born Les guested for Luton Town during the war and when a new goalkeeper was needed to replace George Duke early in 1946/47 the Hatters picked up the agile shotstopper for a nominal fee from Huddersfield.

Les would probably have remained first choice goalkeeper for some time but the Hatters were given the chance to sign England amateur international Bernard Streten and his days at Kenilworth Road were numbered.

After playing briefly for Rochdale, Les remained in the Manchester area until his death in 1998.

The goalkeeping gene continued to run in the family as grandson Steve played in the Football League for Derby amongst others.