15 Facts About Gordon Staniforth

Gordon Staniforth was born on 23 March 1957 and is an English football coach and former player.

Gordon Staniforth played in the Football League for Hull City, York City, Carlisle United, Plymouth Argyle and Newport County.

From November 2013 to October 2014 Staniforth was head coach of FA WSL 2 club Doncaster Rovers Belles.

Gordon Staniforth began his career as an apprentice with Hull City and he signed a professional contract with the club in April 1974.

Gordon Staniforth scored 33 times in 128 league games, becoming Clubman of the Year in consecutive seasons, the first player to ever do so.

Gordon Staniforth returned to York in October 1987 on non-contract terms to end his professional career.

Gordon Staniforth finished his career in non-League football with North Ferriby United, whom he signed for in July 1988 and departed in September 1989.

Gordon Staniforth was appointed youth coach at Leeds United in October 1997 before being sacked in May 1998 after just seven months of a three-year contract.

Gordon Staniforth then worked as co-ordinator of York College's Football Development Centre, alongside former York City goalkeeper Andy Leaning.

On 6 November 2013 Gordon Staniforth was announced as FA WSL club Doncaster Rovers Belles's new head coach.

Gordon Staniforth led the team to five straight wins in his first five league games in charge and the Belles lost only one league match all season but finished behind Sunderland.

Gordon Staniforth was a professional with Sheffield Wednesday, but never played a competitive first team game.

Gordon Staniforth was however a first team substitute on six occasions, including games against Manchester United and Arsenal.

Gordon Staniforth died in York on the night of 20 August 2001, aged 20, having collapsed in the street after complaining of headaches.

Gordon Staniforth's daughter, Lucy Staniforth, plays in the FA WSL for Aston Villa and is an England international who featured in the 2019 Women's World Cup in France.