Alphonso Ainsworth (31 July 1913 – 25 April 1975) was an English professional footballer, who played as an inside forward. Born in Manchester, he played for Manchester United, New Brighton and Congleton Town, as well as a number of clubs in Lancashire during the Second World War.

Alf Ainsworth
Personal information
Full name Alphonso Ainsworth
Date of birth (1913-07-31)31 July 1913
Place of birth Manchester, England
Date of death 25 April 1975(1975-04-25) (aged 61)
Place of death Rochdale, England
Height 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Position(s) Inside forward
Youth career
?–1933 Ashton United
1933–1934 Manchester United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1934–1935 Manchester United 2 (0)
1935–1939 New Brighton 150 (39)
1939–1940Accrington Stanley (guest) 4 (1)
1944Bury (guest) 3 (2)
1940–1942Rochdale (guest) 5 (1)
1944–1945Rochdale (guest) 7 (0)
1942Southport (guest) 1 (0)
1942–1944Oldham Athletic (guest) 27 (3)
1946–1947 New Brighton 28 (9)
1947–1948 Congleton Town 14 (5)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Career

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Pre-war

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Ainsworth began his career at Ashton United in the Cheshire County League, but signed for Manchester United as an amateur in 1933. On 13 February 1934, he signed his first professional contract with the club, and made his debut in a home game against Bury on 3 March 1934. However, he only made one more appearance for the club, and joined New Brighton in September 1935, making 150 pre-war appearances and scoring 39 goals for the club.

Wartime

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After World War II broke out in 1939, Ainsworth played for a number of clubs in the wartime leagues. His first wartime club was Accrington Stanley, but he also played for Bury, Rochdale, Southport and Oldham Athletic.

Post-war

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Ainsworth re-registered with New Brighton after the war, and scored a further nine goals in 28 appearances. In December 1947, however, Ainsworth transferred to Congleton Town, where he would play until his retirement.

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