Clubs: Northampton Town, Crystal Palace, Luton Town, Crystal Palace, Aldershot

Albert Dawes was signed from Northampton Town just before Christmas Day 1933 and in two periods at the club before World War Two (interrupted only be a 15 month spell at Luton Town) he became one of the club's most prolific strikers.

Without question Albert was a brilliant marksman. His powerful shooting, sometimes from long range, was spectacular and effective and we do well to remember that this was during the time of leather ball, which grew heavier as it soaked up moisture from the pitch.

There are several reasons why Albert would earn himself a permanent place in the Palace hall of fame. On 1^st September 1934 he hit five goals against Cardiff City ad only Peter Simpson has bettered that in a single match for the club. In 1935/36 Albert came within a single goal of achieving something that no other Palace player has yet managed - topping the Football League list of goalscorers - for he hit 38 goals and W.G Richardson of West Bromwich Albion scored 39. In the same season the FA honoured Albert when he was selected in the England squad for a game against Scotland at Wembley on 4^th April. Unfortunately Albert was named as 12^th man and with no substitutes allowed in those days he spent the match sitting on the bench.

During the Second World War Albert became a magnificent utility player turning out in any position. In fact in 1943/44 Albert played in every outfield position at least once and he still scored goals that set of fans' interest alight.

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