[1][3] Ratcliffe was born in Newcastle-under-Lyme and joined Stoke City in May 1953 after being recommended to the club by a local grocer who had seen him playing football in the street.
[3] He became the prankster of Stoke's dressing room and was a hugely popular figure amongst the players.
[3] Under Waddington he was a regular and played in every match in 1962–63 as Stoke won the Second Division title.
[3] Ratcliffe's time at "Boro" was not that good as he brands manager Raich Carter as 'a waste of space' which ended with Ratcliffe joining Darlington in February 1966 helping the club gain promotion in 1965–66 which was followed by an instant relegation.
[3] He moved on again to Crewe Alexandra and again gained promotion from the Fourth Division and he ended his career with non-league Northwich Victoria.