Graham Frederick Cross (born 15 November 1943 in Leicester) is a former professional footballer and cricketer. He is the record appearance holder for Leicester City, making 599 appearances for the club in all competitions.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Graham Frederick Cross | ||
| Date of birth | (1943-11-15) 15 November 1943 (age 78) | ||
| Place of birth | Leicester, England | ||
| Position(s) | Defender/Midfielder | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1960–1976 | Leicester City | 498 | (29) |
| 1975–1976 | → Chesterfield (loan) | 12 | (0) |
| 1976–1977 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 46 | (3) |
| 1977–1979 | Preston North End | 45 | (1) |
| 1978–1979 | Lincoln City | 19 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
He spent most of his career playing for Leicester City originally as an inside forward, then later as a centre-half and occasionally a right half. At Leicester he holds the record for the most appearances for the club with 599 between 1961 and 1975. He went on to join Brighton & Hove Albion and then Preston North End. He made the record number of appearances for the England Under 23 side but never made a full international appearance.
He also represented Leicestershire as a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-fast bowler between 1961 and 1977. In 83 first-class matches, he scored 2,079 runs (average 18.39), highest score 78 with eight fifties and 61 catches. He took 92 wickets (average 29.95), best bowling 4/28. In 51 ListA matches, he scored 701 runs (average 20.61), highest score 57* with three fifties and 17 catches. He took 63 wickets (average 20.23), best bowling 4/11.
Appearing irregularly because of his football commitments, Cross was nevertheless a good enough player to find a place in Ray Illingworth's successful county side of the late '70s. Cross's last appearance came when the side was stricken by illness in May 1977. A scratch side had to be assembled to play Hampshire at Grace Road in the B&H Cup. Showing his habitual adaptability, he kept wicket for the only time during his career.
Leicestershire County Cricket Club
1976–77 Football League Third Division PFA Team of the Year | |
|---|---|