Huddersfield Town's 1952–53 campaign was Town's first season back in the
2nd Division since the
1919–20 season. Under the leadership of
Andy Beattie, Town returned to the
top flight
Top Flight (April 15, 1929 – 1949) was an American U.S. Hall of Fame Thoroughbred racehorse. She was the leading American filly of her generation at two and three years of age.
Background
Bred in Kentucky by the very prominent horseman Harry ...
at the first attempt. They finished in 2nd place behind
Sheffield United by 2 points, with 58 points. The main reasons for Town's success during the season were the 45 goals between
Jimmy Glazzard
Jim Glazzard (23 April 1923, in Normanton, Yorkshire – 1995) was a professional footballer, who spent most of his career at Huddersfield Town, where he became a fans' favourite. After playing as an amateur for Altofts Colliery he signed for ...
and
Vic Metcalfe
Victor Metcalfe (3 February 1922 – 6 April 2003) was a professional footballer who was born in Barrow-in-Furness where his father played rugby league for Barrow.
Life and career
Metcalfe was though a product of West Riding schools football ...
. Also, 7 of Town's players (
Jack Wheeler,
Ron Staniforth
Ronald Staniforth (13 April 1924 – 5 October 1988) was an English footballer, described as a tall, cultured full-back. His attacking excursions down the right wing sometimes caused concern to his team's supporters but probably more to his oppon ...
,
Laurie Kelly,
Bill McGarry
William Harry McGarry (10 June 1927 – 15 March 2005) was an England international association footballer and manager who spent 40 years in the professional game. He had a reputation for toughness, both as a player and as a manager.
A right- ...
,
Don McEvoy,
Len Quested
Wilfred Leonard "Len" Quested (9 January 1925 – 20 August 2012) was an English footballer. Quested played one match for England B as well as being selected as a travelling reserve for a Full International for England. He played two unofficial ...
and
Vic Metcalfe
Victor Metcalfe (3 February 1922 – 6 April 2003) was a professional footballer who was born in Barrow-in-Furness where his father played rugby league for Barrow.
Life and career
Metcalfe was though a product of West Riding schools football ...
) played every game in the season, while
Jimmy Glazzard
Jim Glazzard (23 April 1923, in Normanton, Yorkshire – 1995) was a professional footballer, who spent most of his career at Huddersfield Town, where he became a fans' favourite. After playing as an amateur for Altofts Colliery he signed for ...
missed just the last game of the season.
Squad at the start of the season
Review
Andy Beattie's first full season in charge of the Terriers had one simple objective – return Town to the
top flight
Top Flight (April 15, 1929 – 1949) was an American U.S. Hall of Fame Thoroughbred racehorse. She was the leading American filly of her generation at two and three years of age.
Background
Bred in Kentucky by the very prominent horseman Harry ...
as soon as possible. The start of the season saw Town go on a 10-match unbeaten run, abruptly ended by a defeat at home to
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest Football Club is an association football club based in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, England. Nottingham Forest was founded in 1865 and have been playing their home games at the City Ground, on the banks of the River Tren ...
in early October. This was then followed by 5 consecutive wins, followed swiftly by 2 consecutive losses to
Leicester City and
West Ham United. Town's form continued to improve with Town only losing 5 more matches between December and the end of the season on 1 May.
The main reason for Town's success was their defence which remained unchanged all season. The 6-man defence of
Jack Wheeler in goal, protected by
Ron Staniforth
Ronald Staniforth (13 April 1924 – 5 October 1988) was an English footballer, described as a tall, cultured full-back. His attacking excursions down the right wing sometimes caused concern to his team's supporters but probably more to his oppon ...
,
Laurie Kelly,
Bill McGarry
William Harry McGarry (10 June 1927 – 15 March 2005) was an England international association footballer and manager who spent 40 years in the professional game. He had a reputation for toughness, both as a player and as a manager.
A right- ...
,
Don McEvoy and
Len Quested
Wilfred Leonard "Len" Quested (9 January 1925 – 20 August 2012) was an English footballer. Quested played one match for England B as well as being selected as a travelling reserve for a Full International for England. He played two unofficial ...
only let in 33 league goals all season, 22 less than champions
Sheffield United.
Vic Metcalfe
Victor Metcalfe (3 February 1922 – 6 April 2003) was a professional footballer who was born in Barrow-in-Furness where his father played rugby league for Barrow.
Life and career
Metcalfe was though a product of West Riding schools football ...
played every game as well, while 30-goal
Jimmy Glazzard
Jim Glazzard (23 April 1923, in Normanton, Yorkshire – 1995) was a professional footballer, who spent most of his career at Huddersfield Town, where he became a fans' favourite. After playing as an amateur for Altofts Colliery he signed for ...
just missed the final game against
Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth Argyle Football Club is a professional football club based in the city of Plymouth, Devon, England. As of the 2021–22 season, the team are competing in League One, the third tier of English football. They have played at Home Park, ...
. His replacement,
Roy Shiner, scored a hat-trick in a 4–0 win, which cemented Town's second-place finish and guaranteed their return to Division 1 after one season out.
Squad at the end of the season
Results
Division Two
FA Cup
Appearances and goals
{{DEFAULTSORT:1952-53 Huddersfield Town A.F.C. season
Huddersfield Town A.F.C. seasons
Huddersfield Town