Graham Cross

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.

Graham Cross
Personal information
Full name Graham Frederick Cross
Date of birth (1943-11-15) 15 November 1943
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)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

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.

Honours

As a player

Leicester City F.C.

Leicestershire County Cricket Club

Records

References
  1. "1971/72 Charity Shield". footballsite.co.uk. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
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