Ellam: Roy

1972-1974 (Player Details)

Centre Half

Born: Hemsworth: 13-01-1943

Debut v Chelsea (a): 13-08-1972

6’0” 12st 6lb (1973)

He played for South Elmsall Boys, was rejected after trials by Queens Park Rangers and joined Bradford City as an amateur in August 1959 from Robin Hood Athletic. Turning professional in May 1961, he gave the Paraders distinguished service, chalking up twelve goals in one hundred and forty-nine appearances, before moving to Huddersfield Town in January 1966, where he formed a fine partnership with Trevor Cherry. Ellam collected a Division Two Championship Medal in 1969-70 and in June 1972 Cherry joined Leeds with Ellam, who had scored ten goals in two hundred and twenty-four appearances for the Terriers, soon following in August 1972 for £35,000. Don Revie bought Ellam as a possible replacement for Jack Charlton, but a return to form by the veteran Charlton and the emergence of Gordon McQueen left him in the cold. He rejoined Huddersfield Town in July 1974 and in April 1975 he was given a free transfer and went to play in the NASL, with Philadelphia Atoms and Washington Diplomats. He later joined Non-League Mossley, where he scored twice in eighty-three appearances, and later Gainsborough Trinity, whom he managed for a spell. After retiring from the game, he became a compost salesman and then the landlord of the Nelson Inn, Thornton Lees, near Huddersfield. He now runs his daughter’s fitness centre.